Genetic roots of peanuts traced to Bolivia : IPGI researchers
Q. Which part of the world have peanut’s genetic roots been traced to, marking the first time a high quality sequencing of the crop genome being carried out?- Published on 24 Feb 16a. Cambodia
b. Bolivia
c. Serbia
d. Latvia
ANSWER: Bolivia
In a scientific breakthrough which will enhance accelerated gene discovery and development of improved peanut/groundnut cultivars, high quality sequencing of the ancestral genomes of the crop has been developed leading to peanut varsities with better pod and oil yield, higher disease as well as drought and heat resistance and better oil quality. Breakthrough was made by IPGI or International Peanut Genome Initiative led by the US University of Georgia researchers. Roots of the original wild genomes of, Arachis duranensis (V14167, A-genome ancestor) and A.ipaensis (K30076, B-genome ancestor) have been traced to a wild plant from Bolivia, which is a "living relic" of the prehistoric origins of the cultivated peanut species. Peanut grown today results from hybridisation of these 2 wild species and ancestors were two different species.
