Abstract
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is an important legume crop worldwide, prized for its nutritional value and economic significance. However, its production faces challenges from biotic and abiotic stresses, including diseases, drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind peanut growth, development, and stress responses is essential for enhancing crop resilience and productivity. This chapter delves into key molecular pathways, highlighting the roles of hormones such as auxins, gibberellins, and abscisic acid (ABA) in regulating root architecture, flowering, and seed development. It also examines signal transduction pathways like the MAPK cascade and calcium-mediated signaling, which aid peanuts in adapting to environmental stress. Epigenetic regulation, involving DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, further modulates gene expression, allowing dynamic responses to developmental and environmental stimuli. Additionally, the chapter discusses disease resistance mechanisms, including the activation of pathogen recognition receptors and stress-responsive transcription factors, as well as strategies for abiotic stress tolerance involving drought and salinity signaling pathways. Advances in modern breeding techniques, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, are also highlighted as tools for developing high-yielding, stress-tolerant peanut varieties. By integrating molecular insights with advanced breeding technologies, this chapter offers a comprehensive framework for improving peanut production amidst global challenges.
