Genome-Wide Association Study and Genomic Selection for Plant Growth Habit in Peanuts Using the USDA Public Data

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production is valued at $1.28 billion annually in the USA. Plant growth habit can be used to determine plant population density and cultivation practices a given farmer uses. Erect plants are generally more compact and can be more densely planted unlike plants with more prostrate growth. The objectives of this study were to analyze publicly available datasets to identify single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with plant growth habit in peanuts and to conduct genomic selection. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was used to identify SNPs for growth habit type among 775 USDA peanut accessions. A total of 13,306 SNPs were used to conduct GWAS using five statistical models. The models used were single-marker regression, generalized linear model (PCA), generalized linear model (Q), mixed linear model (PCA), and mixed linear model (Q) and a total of 181, 1, 108, 1, and 10 SNPs were found associated with growth habit respectively. Based on this dataset, results showed that genomic selection can achieve up to 61% accuracy, depending on the training population size being used for the prediction. SNP AX-176821681 was found in all models. Gene ontology for this location shows an annotated gene, Araip.0F3YM, found 2485 bp upstream of this SNP and encodes for a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report identifying molecular markers linked to plant growth habit type in peanuts. This finding suggests that a molecular marker can be developed to identify specific plant growth habits in peanuts, enabling early generation selection by peanut breeders.

Use of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Phenotyping to Predict Pod and Seed Yield in Organic Peanuts

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a highly nutritious food that is an excellent source of protein and is associated with increased coronary health, lower risk of type-2 diabetes, lower risk of breast cancer and a healthy profile of inflammatory biomarkers. The domestic demand for organic peanuts has significantly increased, requiring new breeding efforts to develop peanut varieties adapted to the organic farming system. The use of unmanned aerial system (UAS) has gained scientific attention because of the ability to generate high-throughput phenotypic data. However, it has not been fully investigated for phenotyping agronomic traits of organic peanuts. Peanuts are beneficial for cardio system protection and are widely used. Within the U.S., peanuts are grown in 11 states on roughly 600,000 hectares and averaging 4500 kg/ha. This study’s objective was to test the accuracy of UAS data in the phenotyping pod and seed yield of organic peanuts. UAS data was collected from a field plot with 20 Spanish peanut breeding lines on July 07, 2021 and September 27, 2021. The study was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 blocks. Twenty-five vegetation indices (VIs) were calculated. The analysis of variance showed significant genotypic effects on all 25 vegetation indices for both flights (p < 0.05). The vegetation index Red edge (RE) from the first flight was the most significantly correlated with both pod (r = 0.44) and seed yield (r = 0.64). These results can be used to further advance organic peanut breeding efforts with high-throughput data collection.

Estimation of Peanut Maturity Using Color Image Analysis

Peanuts pods grow underground and mature unevenly, resulting that choosing the correct time to harvest is more complicated than other crops. Pod maturity can be determined by blasting with a pressure washer to remove outer skin of the pod (exocarp) to expose the color of the middle layer (mesocarp). The mesocarp color changes with maturity from white to yellow, orange, brown and finally black. The sum of percentage from orange, brown, and black mesocarp (OBB) color and black color (BL) represents the kernels that are mature enough to harvest. The goal of this research is to identify methodologies to estimate OBB and BL of the pods using RGB images taken in the field and validate the proposed model using other pod images. The Mahalanobis distance classification method was used to process sets of images and calculate pod area (number of pixels) corresponding to two classes (mesocarp and background) with nine different color groups. The results showed a performance of 94% effectiveness for mesocarp using Mahalanobis distance classification. Statistical regression for OBB and BL was developed based on 315 images of peanut pods taken from the field. The R2 and root mean square error of predicted and actual OBB were 0.93 and 4.1%, respectively. The R2 and root mean square error of predicted and actual BL were 0.88 and 1.8%, respectively. The validation of OBB using other images provided reasonable estimation (R2 = 0.98 and RMSE = 2.73%). This study introduces a novel, cost-effective, and non-destructive method for estimating peanut maturity using RGB imagery and Mahalanobis distance classification in the field. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of traditional methods and offers a robust alternative for real-time maturity assessment.

Alternate cotton-peanut intercropping:a new approach to increasing productivity and minimizing environmental impact

Recent publications have highlighted the development of an alternate cotton-peanut intercropping as a novel strat-egy to enhance agricultural productivity.In this article,we provide an overview of the progress made in the alternate cotton-peanut intercropping,specifically focusing on its yield benefits,environmental impacts,and the underlying mechanisms.In addition,we advocate for future investigations into the selection or development of appropriate crop varieties and agricultural equipment,pest management options,and the mechanisms of root-canopy interactions.This review is intended to provide a valuable reference for understanding and adopting an alternate intercropping system for sustainable cotton production.

Magnesium fertilizer application increases peanut growth and pod yield under reduced nitrogen application in southern China

This study investigated the effect of magnesium application on peanut growth and yield under two nitrogen(N)application rates in acidic soil in southern China.The chlorophyll content,net photosynthetic rate and dry matter accumulation of the N-sensitive cultivar decreased under reduced N treatments,whereas no effect was observed on the relevant indicators in the N-insensitive variety GH1026.Mg application increased the net photosynthetic rate by increasing the expression of genes involved in chlorophyll synthesis and Rubisco activity in the leaves during the pegging stage under 50%N treatment,while no effect on the net photosynthetic rate was observed under the 100%N treatment.The rate of dry matter accumulation at the early growth stage,total dry matter accumulation and pod yield at harvest increased after Mg application under 50%N treatment by increasing the transportation of assimilates from stems and leaves to pods in both peanut varieties,whereas no effect was found under 100%N treatment.Moreover,Mg application increased the NUE under 50%N treatment.No improvement of NUE in either peanut variety was found under 100%N treatment,while Mg application under the 50%N treatment can obtain a higher economic benefit than the 100%N treatment.In acidic soil,application of 307.5 kg ha^(-1)of Mg sulfate fertilizer under 50%reduced nitrogen application is a suitable fertilizer management measure for improving carbon assimilation,NUE and achieve high peanut yields in southern China.

Profile of Peanut Sensitization in Children Attending a Pneumo-Allergology Consultation at the Teaching Hospital Campus of Lomé, Togo

Introduction: Food allergies are on the constant increase worldwide. Among them is peanut allergy, which also affects children. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of peanut sensitization in children attending a pneumo-allergology consultation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which ran from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, on children sensitized to peanuts seen in pneumo-allergology consultations at the Teaching Hospital Campus of Lomé. Results: The sample included 137 children aged 3 months to 18 years. The frequency of peanut sensitization was 25.3%. The mean age of patients was 6.3 ± 4.3 years (minimum 6 months and maximum 18 years). The 6 months to 5 years age group was the most represented (43.1%). The sex ratio was 1.3. The main reasons for consultation were rhinorrhea (67.9%), sneezing (36.5%) and cough (35.8%). Allergic rhinitis was identified as a personal history in 75.2% of patients. Peanut allergy was manifested as rhinorrhea (62.5%), asthma (26.8%) and eczema (8.9%). The risk of onset of symptoms within 15 - 30 minutes was 1.87 times (p = 0.001, CI = [1.2 - 2.1]) for peanuts consumed in roasted form with shell. Severe clinical signs such as Quincke’s Edema and anaphylactic shock were found in 1.4% of cases. Conclusion: Peanut allergy was common in children. Severe clinical signs were rare.

Contribution to the Study of Fungal Strains Contaminating Peanut Pastes in Bangui (Central African Republic)

Introduction: Peanut pastes are food products resulting from artisanal or industrial processing, used in cooking in Africa in general and in Central African Republic in particular. These peanut pastes are often contaminated by molds and filamentous fungi involved in the degradation of hygienic and organoleptic or even toxicological quality. This study aims to determine the epidemiological profile of molds contaminating peanut pastes sold on the Central African market. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from June to September 2023. Samples of peanut pastes sold on Central African market were taken and analyzed at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health using the conventional microbiology method according to ISO 7954 standards. The data obtained were collected in the ODK 2023.3.1 application and analyzed with the Epi Info 7 software. A multivariate analysis by logistic regression, Ficher’s exact test, and chi2 at the 5% threshold (p Penicillium sp.;11.25% of Mucor sp.;10.63% of Aspergillus terrei;3.13% of Aspergillus niger;1.25% of Aspergillus medullans;28.13% of Aspergillus flavus;2.50% of Aspergillus fumigatus. Peanut pastes stored beyond three days were more contaminated (94.19%). Conclusion: The results of this study made it possible to highlight strains of mold that impact the hygienic and organoleptic quality of peanut pastes sold at the Central African market. Most of the isolated strains were the Aspergillus flavus species which is recognized by its toxigenic effects. This species is much more incriminated in the contamination of foodstuffs with the production of the toxin which causes underlying pulmonary pathologies in humans.

Mass transfer process of peanut protein extracted by bis(2-ethylhexyl)sodium sulfosuccinate reverse micelles

The liquid-liquid extraction method using reverse micelles can simultaneously extract lipid and protein of oilseeds,which have become increasingly popular in recent years.However,there are few studies on mass transfer processes and models,which are helpful to better control the extraction process of oils and proteins.In this paper,mass transfer process of peanut protein extracted by bis(2-ethylhexyl)sodium sulfosuccinate(AOT)/isooctane reverse micelles was investigated.The effects of stirring speed(0,70,140,and 210 r/min),temperature of extraction(30,35,40,45,and 50℃),peanut flour particle size(0.355,0.450,0.600,and 0.900 mm)and solidliquid ratio(0.010,0.0125,0.015,0.0175,and 0.020 g/mL)on extraction rate were examined.The results showed that extraction rate increased with temperature rising,particle size reduction as well as solid-liquid ratio increase respectively,while little effect of stirring speed(P>0.05)was observed.The apparent activation energy of extraction process was calculated as 10.02 kJ/mol and Arrhenius constant(A)was 1.91 by Arrhenius equation.There was a linear relationship between reaction rate constant and the square of the inverse of initial particle radius(1/r_(0)^(2))(P<0.05).This phenomenon and this shrinking core model were anastomosed.In brief,the extraction process was controlled by the diffusion of protein from the virgin zone interface of particle through the reacted zone and it was in line with the first order reaction.Mass transfer kinetics of peanut protein extracted by reverse micelles was established and it was verified by experimental results.The results provide an important theoretical guidance for industrial production of peanut protein separation and purification.

Low-fat microwaved peanut snacks production:Effect of defatting treatment on structural characteristics,texture,color,and nutrition

This study develops low-fat microwaved peanut snacks(LMPS)using partially defatted peanuts(PDP)with different defatting ratios,catering to people’s pursuit of healthy,low-fat cuisine.The effects of defatting treatment on the structural characteristics,texture,color,and nutrient composition of LMPS were comprehensively explored.The structural characteristics of LMPS were characterized using X-ray micro-computed tomography(Micro-CT)and scanning electron microscope(SEM).The results demonstrated that the porosity,pore number,pore volume,brightness,brittleness,protein content,and total sugar content of LMPS all significantly increased(P<0.05)with the increase in the defatting ratio.At the micro level,porous structure,cell wall rupture,and loss of intracellular material could be observed in LMPS after defatting treatments.LMPS made from PDP with a defatting ratio of 64.44%had the highest internal pore structural parameters(porosity 59%,pore number 85.3×10^(5),pore volume 68.23 mm3),the brightest color(L^(*) 78.39±0.39),the best brittleness(3.64±0.21)mm^(–1)),and the best nutrition(high protein content,(34.02±0.38)%;high total sugar content,(17.45±0.59)%;low-fat content,(27.58±0.85)%).The study provides a theoretical basis for the quality improvement of LMPS.

Peanuts and Their Nutritional Aspects—A Review

Peanut is a legume crop that belongs to the family of Fabaceae, genus Arachis, and botanically named as Arachis hypogaea. Peanuts are consumed in many forms such as boiled peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, roasted peanuts, and added peanut meal in snack food, energy bars and candies. Peanuts are considered as a vital source of nutrients. Nutrition plays an important role in growth and energy gain of living organisms. Peanuts are rich in calories and contain many nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. All these biomolecules are essential for pumping vital nutrients into the human body for sustaining normal health. This paper presents an overview of the peanut composition in terms of the constituent biomolecules, and their biological functions. This paper also discusses about the relationship between consumption of peanuts and their effect on human metabolism and physiology. It highlights the usefulness of considering peanuts as an essential component in human diet considering its nutritional values.

Sensing of Moisture Content of In-Shell Peanuts by NIR Reflectance Spectroscopy

It was found earlier that moisture content (MC) of intact kernels of grain and nuts could be determined by Near Infra Red (NIR) reflectance spectrometry. However, if the MC values can be determined while the nuts are in their shells, it would save lot of labor and money spent in shelling and cleaning the nuts. Grain and nuts absorb low levels of NIR, and when NIR radiation is incident on them, a substantial portion of the radiation is reflected back. Thus, studying the NIR reflectance spectra emanating from in-shell peanuts, an attempt is made for the first time to determine the MC of in-shell peanuts. In-shell peanuts of two different market types, Virginia and Valencia, were conditioned to different moisture levels between 6% and 26% (wet basis), and separated into calibration and validation groups. NIR absorption spectral data from 1000 nm to 2500 nm in 1 nm intervals were collected from both groups. Measurements were obtained on 30 replicates within each moisture level. Reference MC values for each moisture level in these groups were obtained using standard air-oven method. Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis was performed on the calibration data, and prediction models were developed. The Standard Error of Calibration (SEC), and R2 of the calibration models were computed to select the best calibration model. The selected models were used to predict the moisture content of peanuts in the validation sets. Predicted MC values of the validation samples were compared with their standard air-oven moisture values. Goodness of fit was determined based on the lowest Standard Error of Prediction (SEP) and highest R2 value obtained for the prediction models. The model, with reflectance plus normalization spectral data with an SEP of 0.74 for Valencia and 1.57 for Virginia type in-shell peanuts was selected as the best model. The corresponding R2 values were 0.98 for both peanut types. This work establishes the possibility of sensing MC of intact in-shell peanuts by NIR reflectance method, and would be useful for the peanut and allied industries.

Health aspects of peanuts as an outcome of its chemical composition

Peanut is an energy dense food item and it contains a substantial amount of fat,proteins,carbohydrate,both fat soluble and water soluble vitamins,minerals and phytochemicals.Peanuts are consumed worldwide due to its high nutritional value and pleasant or unique flavor after roasting or boiling.The lipid,protein and carbohydrate not only provide energy,but also provide essential nutrients for normal body functions such as body fat and muscle buildup.Vitamins are needed for normal cell function,growth,development,disease prevention and act as coenzymes during the production of energy.Due to the high nutrient contents of peanuts,they have been used to combat malnutrition in most developing countries.Epidemiologic studies have associated nut consumption with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular heart diseases and gallstones in both genders and diabetes in women.Limited evidence also suggests beneficial effects on hypertension,cancer,and inflammation.The health risk associated with peanut consumption is allergy in developed countries.The review discusses the health aspects,including allergy,of peanut consumption as they related to the chemical composition of peanuts using literatures published in past two decades with exceptions of a few older articles.

Nitrogen Dioxide Fumigation for Microbial Control on Unshelled Peanuts*

Stored peanuts often need treatments to control microbial infections as well as insects to maintain postharvest quality. Nitric oxide (NO) is a recently discovered fumigant for postharvest pest control. NO fumigation must be conducted under ultralow oxygen condition to preserve NO and always contains NO2 due to NO reaction with oxygen and NO2 has antimicrobial property. Therefore, NO fumigation has potential to control both pests and pathogens. In this study, we evaluated antimicrobial effects of NO2 fumigation on unpasteurized unshelled peanuts. Peanuts were fumigated with 0.3%, 1.0%, and 3.0% NO2 for three days at 25˚C by injecting NO gas into glass jars to react with O2 in the atmosphere. After fumigation, wash-off microbial samples were collected from intact peanut samples and, then, cracked open peanut samples with non-selective tryptic soy broth medium. The wash-off samples were then diluted with both the non-selective medium and a fungal-selective potato dextrose broth medium and were tested on GreenLight™ rapid enumeration test based on oxygen depletion on culture medium. All three NO2 fumigation treatments showed significant antibacterial and antifungal effects on intact peanuts as well as on cracked peanuts with complete inhibition with 3.0% NO2. Fumigation did not have obvious effects on appearance of skinned peanut kernels. These results suggested that NO2 fumigation has potential to control microbes on stored products, and NO fumigation with the combination of NO and NO2 has potential to control both insects and microbes on stored products.

Influencing Factors and Biological Control of Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts

Peanut is an important economic crop and oil crop in China.It is vulnerable to infection by Aspergillus flavus during production,storage,transportation and processing,causing aflatoxin(AFT)contamination.This paper introduced the status and characteristics of AFT contamination in China,analyzed the infection pathways and influencing factors of A.flavus,and discussed the prevention and control technology of AFT contamination in peanuts from the view of the use of beneficial microorganisms.

Population structure and association mapping to detect QTL controlling tomato spotted wilt virus resistance in cultivated peanuts

Tomato spotted wilt(TSW)is a serious virus disease of peanut in the United States.Breeding for TSWV resistance would be facilitated by the implementation of marker-assisted selection in breeding programs;however,genes associated with resistance have not been identified.Association mapping is a type of genetic mapping that can exploit relationships between markers and traits in many lineages.The objectives of this study were to examine genetic diversity and population structure in the U.S.peanut mini-core collection using simple sequence repeat(SSR)markers,and to conduct association mapping between SSR markers and TSWV resistance in cultivated peanuts.One hundred and thirty-three SSR markers were used for genotyping 104 accessions.Four subpopulations,generally corresponding to botanical varieties,were classified by population structure analysis.Association mapping analysis indicated that five markers:pP GPseq5D5,GM1135,GM1991,TC23C08,and TC24C06,were consistently associated with TSW resistance by the Q,PCA,Q+K,and PCA+K models.These markers together explained 36.4%of the phenotypic variance.Moreover,pP GPseq5D5 and GM1991 were associated with both visual symptoms of TSWV and ELISA values with a high R^2.The potential of these markers for use in a marker-assisted selection program to breed peanut for resistance to TSWV is discussed.

Correlation of Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts with Rhizosphere Microorganisms and Its Comprehensive Control

Aflatoxin contamination is an important hazard factor affecting the quality safety and food safety of peanut production, which seriously threatens people's health and safety. In this paper, the background and harmful causes of aflatoxin contamination were analyzed in detail, with attention focusing on its control measures, which has certain guiding significance for the comprehensive control of aflatoxin contamination.

Study on Key Techniques for Precise and Quantitative, Stable and High Yield Cultivation of Peanuts in Eastern Henan Region

Peanut is a main industrial crop in the eastern Henan region. Its benefits directly affect the economic income of local farmers. Therefore, scientific cultivation of peanuts is an important way to increase farmers' income in the eastern Henan region. This paper firstly introduced the key techniques for precise and quantitative, stable and high yield cultivation of peanuts in the eastern Henan region. From the field selection, scientific seed selection, precise quantitative sowing, fertilizer and water management, chemical control technologies, prevention and control of pests and diseases, and timely harvesting, it made an in-depth analysis. It is expected to provide data references for further improvement of stale and high yield cultivation technical system, and provide technical guidance for raising the peanut planting level of peanut growers.

Occurrence of <i>Aspergillus</i>Species and Aflatoxin Contamination in Raw and Roasted Peanuts from Formal and Informal Markets in Eldoret and Kericho Towns, Kenya

The population and diversity of fungal species and levels of aflatoxin contamination were investigated in 228 marketed peanut samples;140 from formal and 88 from informal markets, in Kericho and Eldoret towns of Kenya. Ground peanut samples were cultured on Modified Dichloran Rose Bengal (MDRB) agar while aflatoxin level was quantified based on indirect competitive ELISA. Correlation between the incidence of major aflatoxin-producing fungal species and aflatoxin levels was also established. Fungal species commonly isolated from the peanut samples included Aspergillus flavus L strain, A. flavus S strain, A. parasiticus, A. tamarii, A. caelatus, A. alliaceus (all of Aspergillus section Flavi) and A. niger. Fungi isolated in low frequency included Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Mucor spp. and Rhizopus spp. Aflatoxin levels in peanut products ranged from 0 to 2345 μg/kg in raw peanuts, 0 to 382 μg/kg in roasted coated peanuts, and 0 to 201 μg/kg in roasted de-coated peanuts. Overall, levels of total aflatoxin were higher in samples from informal (mean = 97.1 μg/kg) than formal (mean = 55.5 μg/kg) market outlets. There was a positive and significant correlation (R2 = 0.63;p ≤ 0.05) between aflatoxin levels and the major aflatoxin producing fungi in raw peanuts from formal markets in Eldoret town. Additionally, total aflatoxin in raw peanut samples from informal markets in Kericho was positively and significantly correlated (R2 = 0.81;p ≤ 0.05) to the population of A. flavus (L and S strains). In roasted coated peanuts sampled from formal market outlets in Eldoret, aflatoxin levels correlated positively and significantly (R2 = 0.37;p ≤ 0.05) with A. flavus S strain. There is need to create awareness among peanut traders and consumers on proper handling of peanuts and health risks associated with consumption of unsafe peanut products.

Development of Oligo-GISH kits for efficient detection of chromosomal variants in peanut

Oligo probe staining is a low-cost and efficient chromosome identification technique.In this study,oligo genomic in situ hybridization(Oligo-GISH)technology was established in peanut.Peanut A and B subgenome-specific interspersed repeat(IR)oligo probe sets were developed based on clustering and electronic localization of tandem repeat sequences in the reference genome of Tifrunner.The OligoGISH kit was then used to perform staining of 15 Arachis species.The A-subgenome probe set stained the chromosomes of A-and E-genome Arachis species,the B-subgenome probe set stained those of B-,F-,K-,and E-genome species,and neither set stained those of H-genome species.These results indicate the relationships among the genomes of these Arachis species.The Oligo-GISH kit was also used for batch staining of the chromosomes of 389 seedlings from the irradiated M1generation,allowing 67 translocation and deletion lines to be identified.Subsequent Oligo-FISH karyotyping,FISH using single-copy probe libraries,and trait investigation identified seven homozygous chromosomal variants from the M3generation and suggested that there may be genes on chromosome 4B controlling seed number per pod.These findings demonstrate that the IR probe sets and method developed in this study can facilitate research on distant hybridization and genetic improvement in peanut.

Incidence, Types and Levels of Aflatoxin in Different Peanuts Varieties Produced in Busia and Kisii Central Districts, Kenya

Busia and Kisii Central districts are areas in western Kenya that have repeatedly reported high levels of stunting growth in children and an increase in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC);an aspect often positively associated with chronic exposure to aflatoxins especially through consumption of foods such as peanuts. The objectives of the study were to determine the incidence, types and levels of aflatoxin in different varieties of peanuts produced in Busia and Kisii Central districts. One hundred and two (102) peanuts samples were collected from farmers’ in each district. Aflatoxin types and levels of aflatoxins were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. All the peanuts samples from Kisii Central and 97.06% samples from Busia were contaminated with aflatoxins. However, aflatoxin was not detected in 2.94% of samples from Busia district. The levels of total aflatoxin ranges were 0.1 to 268 μg/kg and 1.63 to 591.1 μg/kg in peanuts from Busia and Kisii Central respectively. Majority of peanuts samples had levels within Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and European Union (EU) regulatory limits for total aflatoxins. Improved variety (Valencia red) had significantly lower aflatoxin contamination compared to local varieties (Uganda local red, Homabay local and Local red). Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 were found in peanuts;B1 was the most predominant in both districts (t = 12.4, df = 3, P = 0.034). The levels of aflatoxins especially in peanuts from Kisii Central district were high (591.1 μg/kg) where 44.6% of samples analyzed were unfit for even animal feed (USFDA regulatory limit). An assessment on the levels of aflatoxins should be done by the relevant stakeholders in other key foods in the areas for example maize. The most lethal aflatoxin type B1 was found to be the most predominant peanuts from both districts of study. This calls for frequent aflatoxin screening of peanuts from the districts particularly aflatoxin type B.