Seed Protein Percentage and Mineral Concentration Variability and Their Correlation with Other Seed Quality Traits in the U.S. Peanut Mini-Core Collection

ABSTRACT Protein percentage and mineral concentrations are important parameters for determining the seed nutrition quality. Although the U.S. peanut mini-core collection is the important genetic resources for peanut breeding programs, the variability in protein percentage and mineral concentrations for this mini-core has not been well evaluated. The lack of information may hinder its optimum utilization. The seeds from this mini-core were collected from two field seasons. Their protein percentage and mineral concentrations of 95 accessions were determined by nitrogen analysis and inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry, respectively. Significant variability in the seed protein percentage among accessions was revealed, ranging from 20.6 to 30.4%, with an average of 26.2%. Significantly higher variability in plant micronutrient mineral concentrations (more than two-fold for B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, and Zn) than in macronutrient mineral concentrations (less than two-fold for K, Mg, P, an...