By: Josh Clevenger, PhD
Ten years ago, I began my journey into peanut research. The field was bursting with excitement, as scientists were on the brink of unlocking the genetic code for peanuts. I was fortunate to be part of a groundbreaking international effort, the International Peanut Genome Initiative (PGI) as a graduate student at the University of Georgia.
The PGI aimed to create a comprehensive map of the peanut genome, providing invaluable tools for breeders to develop improved peanut varieties. This international group of scientists discussed the plans for the initiative with stakeholders (peanut growers, shellers, and manufacturers) to ensure the end results would best benefit them. It was an ambitious undertaking, but one that held immense promise for the future of peanut production.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible progress made by the PGI and the wider peanut research community over the years. We developed new genetic tools, identified key genes associated with important traits, and made significant strides in understanding the biology of the peanut plant. Every new development had a major impact, propelling us toward our goal of feeding the world.
However, as with any scientific endeavor, challenges arose. Funding became scarce, and the initial momentum of the PGI’s success began to wane. It seemed that we were in danger of not capitalizing on the generous support from the industry and the hard work we put into the PGI to develop the genomic tools we were all so excited about.
But I was determined to continue building on the work that had been started. In 2020, I moved my family to Huntsville, Alabama, and started a lab focused on peanut genomics at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. My goal was to leverage the knowledge and tools gained from the PGI to make a tangible impact on the peanut industry.
This summer, I stood in front of a group of fellow peanut researchers at the American Peanut Research and Education Society (APRES) meeting in Oklahoma City and told them about my team’s new initiatives. We will supply genomics support for the entire peanut breeding community across the United States. We will leverage the peanut genome and the tools we created to deliver on the promise of the PGI and make an impact on generations of peanut producers, shellers, and manufacturers.
Our work is not just about science; it is about improving people’s lives. Peanuts are a vital crop for millions around the world, and by developing better varieties, we can help farmers increase their yields and incomes. When I say we, I include the people of the Wiregrass. The Wiregrass community has embraced us and partnered with us to help create something special.
When the Wiregrass Innovation Center opens in 2026, we’ll continue to develop new peanut varieties. For two years, we’ve used genetics to develop peanuts that can resist diseases and survive drought. We’ve been working in lockstep with you, your young scientists, and the educators who took a chance and came on this journey with us.
Inside the lab on the second floor of the Innovation Center, we will provide genomics data for almost every peanut breeder, geneticist, and genomicist in the United States, on the continent of Africa, South America, and even Australia. And it won’t stop with peanuts: we will be helping deliver solutions for dozens of important crops all over the world. Downtown Dothan will be the new hub of genotyping for crop improvement.
With your foresight, support, and trust, we have begun the journey of realizing the vision of leaders like Howard Shapiro and Victor Nwosu (Mars), Howard Valentine (American Peanut Council), and Bob Parker (National Peanut Board), dozens of eminent scientists in the United States and abroad, and one naïve young scientist who came from the north and fell in love with the mighty peanut.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Wiregrass. I am immeasurably excited about the future, and the role we’re playing together in using genomics to revolutionize peanut production.