Researchers in Malta and Turkey are studying a large international peanut collection to support future breeding of nutritious, high-yielding varieties.

Photo credits: ASMINUT project-team 

Exploring peanut diversity

Peanuts provide protein, healthy oils, minerals and antioxidant compounds. Yet varieties differ in their nutritional value, yield and adaptation to local conditions. ASMINUT explores this natural diversity to support future breeding of nutritious, productive peanuts suited to Mediterranean agriculture.

The project studies 523 traditional peanut varieties, or landraces, from 60 countries, together with six commercial Turkish varieties. Field trials in Malta and Adana, Turkey, compare the plants over two growing seasons. Researchers measure yield and analyse the seeds for ten mineral elements, including iron, zinc and selenium, as well as polyphenols and antioxidant activity.

Connecting useful traits with DNA

The team also examines small differences in the plants’ DNA. A method called genome-wide association study, or GWAS, links measured traits with specific DNA regions. Promising regions can then be developed into KASP markers: practical tests that may help breeders identify plants with useful traits more quickly. This work uses natural genetic variation and does not genetically modify peanuts.

ASMINUT also plans to create a core collection of at least 100 diverse peanut types, preserved in Malta and Turkey. The most promising markers will be tested in 47 additional landraces. Together, these resources will support future research and breeding while reducing the need to repeat full laboratory tests for every plant.

In the longer term, peanut types with high nutrient levels and good yield could be used as parents in breeding programmes or in future food projects using whole peanuts or peanut flour. Through cooperation between Malta and Turkey, ASMINUT aims to turn global peanut diversity into useful tools for healthier and more resilient Mediterranean food systems.

This project is supported by Xjenza Malta-TÜBİTAK 2024 Joint Call for R&I Proposals which fosters cooperation in science, technology and innovation between Malta and Turkey by supporting researchers and innovators in strengthening their scientific expertise and networks.