Clemson Research Opens New Path in Peanut Breeding

Peanuts are one of the Southeast's most important crops, and Clemson University scientists say they've identified peanut lines with naturally lower levels of the proteins most responsible for peanut allergies, a discovery that could help shape future breeding efforts.

The Clemson research team screened peanut varieties from around the world, looking at four major allergenic proteins known as Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3 and Ara h 6. They identified several peanut lines with lower levels of those proteins while still maintaining desirable characteristics like yield, oil content and disease resistance.

Researchers say the discovery could give breeders new options for developing peanut varieties with lower allergen levels while preserving the crop performance growers depend on. They emphasize these are not allergy-free peanuts, and additional testing will be needed before any commercial release. The research represents another step toward expanding the tools available to peanut breeders while supporting one of the Southeast's signature crops. Learn more at https://news.clemson.edu/clemson-scientists-identify-reduced-allergen-peanuts-that-could-lead-to-safer-foods-and-stronger-crops/