Improving Oleic Acid Content in Groundnuts for Better Oil Quality

Jenn Hoskins
3rd August, 2024

Improving Oleic Acid Content in Groundnuts for Better Oil Quality

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University increased the oleic acid content in groundnut oil to improve its quality and shelf life
  • They used a technique called marker-assisted introgression to introduce a beneficial mutation from one groundnut variety into another
  • The new groundnut lines showed higher oleic acid levels, which enhance the oil's stability and nutritional value
The quality and shelf life of groundnut oil are critical factors in groundnut breeding programs. Researchers at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University have focused on improving these aspects by enhancing the oleic acid content in groundnut oil through a technique called marker-assisted introgression[1]. This method allows breeders to develop new plant varieties with desirable traits more efficiently and accurately. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid known for its health benefits and its role in extending the shelf life of oil products. In groundnut oil, the primary fatty acids are oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2), which together make up about 80% of the oil content. The remaining 20% consists of other fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and others[2]. High oleic acid content is particularly sought after because it improves the oil's stability and nutritional profile. In this study, the researchers aimed to increase the oleic acid content of an elite groundnut variety, TMV 7, by introducing a recessive mutation from another groundnut line, ICG 15419. This mutation is known to enhance oleic acid levels. The process involved hybridizing the donor (ICG 15419) and the recurrent parent (TMV 7) to develop several generations of plants: F1, BC1F1, BC2F1, and BC2F2. These generations represent the initial cross, the first backcross generation, the second backcross generation, and the second backcross generation's progeny, respectively. To identify the plants that had successfully inherited the high oleic acid trait, the researchers used specific molecular markers. These markers included allele-specific markers (F435-F, F435SUB-R) and a set of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. SSR markers are short, repeating sequences of DNA that can be used to track the inheritance of specific genetic traits. This approach allowed the researchers to efficiently identify plants that not only had increased oleic acid content but also retained the desirable characteristics of the TMV 7 variety. The importance of improving oleic acid content in groundnut oil is underscored by its health benefits and economic value. High oleic acid content is associated with reduced inflammation and improved heart health, as it is a monounsaturated fat that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Additionally, oils with higher oleic acid content are more resistant to oxidation, which means they have a longer shelf life and are less likely to become rancid over time[3]. Previous studies have also highlighted the benefits of high oleic acid content in groundnuts. For example, research has shown that breeding groundnuts for high oleic acid content can result in plants that are not only healthier but also more resistant to diseases such as rust and late leaf spot (LLS)[4]. These diseases can cause significant economic losses, so developing resistant varieties is a key objective in groundnut breeding programs. Furthermore, the use of marker-assisted selection has been demonstrated in other studies to be an effective method for developing high oleic acid groundnut lines. For instance, a study conducted in China used similar techniques to develop high oleic acid lines with desirable agronomic traits[5]. This approach has proven to be a valuable tool in enhancing the nutritional quality and economic value of groundnut crops. In summary, the study conducted by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University successfully used marker-assisted introgression to develop groundnut lines with increased oleic acid content in the TMV 7 variety. By employing allele-specific and SSR markers, the researchers were able to efficiently identify and select plants with the desired traits. This research builds on previous findings and demonstrates the potential of modern breeding techniques to improve the quality and shelf life of groundnut oil, benefiting both consumers and producers.

AgricultureGeneticsPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Marker-assisted introgression to improve the oleic acid content in the TMV 7 groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety suitable for the oil industry

Published 31st July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05387-9

Related Studies

2) Genetic mapping of QTLs controlling fatty acids provided insights into the genetic control of fatty acid synthesis pathway in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119454

3) Overconsumption of Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) versus Deficiency of Omega-3 PUFAs in Modern-Day Diets: The Disturbing Factor for Their "Balanced Antagonistic Metabolic Functions" in the Human Body.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8848161

4) Combining High Oleic Acid Trait and Resistance to Late Leaf Spot and Rust Diseases in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.00514

5) Marker-assisted backcrossing to improve seed oleic acid content in four elite and popular peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars with high oil content.

https://doi.org/10.1270/jsbbs.18107


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