Quality Characteristics of Red Testa Peanuts Associated With Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Infected Plants1

Florunner peanuts with red, cracked testae commonly associated with tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) infected plants were examined for size, oil quality and flavor variation. Samples of visually normal and red testa peanuts (RTP) were collected randomly by electronic color sorting and hand-picking from three locations in Texas. Size distributions in the samples indicated higher percentages of RTP in smaller commercial sizes. Mean seed weight was lower for RTP except in the single largest screen size (9.5 mm). The oleic/linoleic acid ratio in oil from various commercial sizes was slightly but consistently higher in RTP and oven test stability of oil was correspondingly longer. Descriptive flavor analysis of roasted normal peanuts and RTP indicated no relevant flavor differences.