Ensuring Genetic Purity in Groundnut Seed Certification Through Molecular Marker-Based Approaches

In the current era of global food security challenges exacerbated by climate change, ensuring the genetic purity of crop varieties is essential for sustainable agriculture. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plays a pivotal role in the diets and economies of several countries, particularly in semi-arid regions. However, traditional phenotypic seed certification methods often fall short due to morphological similarities among varieties, leading to potential genetic admixtures. This study underscores the necessity of integrating molecular marker-based DNA fingerprinting techniques to enhance the precision of varietal identification and seed certification. Our findings demonstrate the importance of adopting optimized molecular diagnostics within regulatory frameworks to strengthen seed certification processes. Such advancements are essential for safeguarding food security and accelerating the development of climate-resilient groundnut cultivars. Future research will focus on improving marker efficiency and establishing standardized protocols to facilitate large-scale implementation, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices in the face of evolving climatic conditions.