The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has announced a breakthrough in groundnut genomics, mapping thirteen genomic regions and identifying 145 candidate genes linked to resistance against stem rot, one of the most destructive diseases afflicting the crop. The findings, published in The Plant Genome, provide breeders with powerful genetic markers to develop resilient groundnut varieties capable of saving farmers and national economies hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Stem rot, caused by the soil-borne fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, poses a severe threat to groundnut farmers, undermining both yields and livelihoods. Traditional reliance on fungicides has proven costly, only partially effective, and environmentally unsustainable. By pinpointing three key genes—AhSR001, AhSR002, and AhSR003—that explain nearly 60 percent of resistance, ICRISAT and its partners have created a genetic pathway to fast-track resistant varieties that reduce input costs, secure harvests, and stabilize rural incomes.
Groundnut is cultivated on more than 30 million hectares worldwide, producing around 50 million metric tons annually. As both a vital oilseed and a protein-rich staple, the crop is central to diets, farmer livelihoods, and trade in Asia and Africa. Countries such as India, Nigeria, and China dominate global production and stand to benefit most directly from resilient varieties that buffer farmers against catastrophic losses.
Speaking on the significance of the discovery, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICRISAT, said the advance underscores the economic value of agricultural research. “This breakthrough has the potential to save farmers and national economies hundreds of millions of dollars each year by reducing yield losses from stem rot,” he said. “It demonstrates how science can be converted into practical tools that strengthen food security and farmer resilience.”
The achievement reflects ICRISAT’s unique research ecosystem, which combines one of the world’s largest Genebanks with state-of-the-art genomics platforms and dedicated field disease screening facilities. “This study bridges the gap between gene discovery and resistance breeding,” noted Dr. Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General – Research & Innovation at ICRISAT. “It shows how institutional resources can accelerate the translation of science into solutions for smallholder farmers.”
Dr. Manish Pandey, Principal Scientist at ICRISAT, emphasized that the discovery also enhances climate resilience. “With these genetic markers, we can accelerate breeding programs and deliver resistant groundnut varieties that not only save farmers money but also strengthen their ability to withstand both disease pressures and climate shocks,” he said.
The study was conducted in partnership with the ICAR–Indian Institute of Groundnut Research in India, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, with funding support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
As groundnut remains a cornerstone of nutrition and trade across developing economies, this breakthrough positions genomics-led agriculture as both a sustainability strategy and an economic safeguard. By insulating farmers from one of the crop’s most damaging diseases, ICRISAT’s work underscores a larger truth: investments in agricultural science yield exponential returns for farmers, economies, and global food security.