The interrelations between biochemical and agronomic descriptors were investigated in peanut genotypes in order to identify selection indicators for tolerance to stored grain pests, based on the inhibitory capacity for trypsin and chymotrypsin. Ten genotypes were grown in field, in 2011/2012, and their seeds were further used for biochemical assays. Four agronomic traits were used in order to compose the correlation analysis. Seven genotypes showed high inhibitory capacity for trypsin with more than 80% inhibition; however, chymotrypsin inhibition was low in all genotypes, varying between 4 and 12%. No significant interrelationships between inhibitors and the other variables were seen in correlation analysis, except trypsin inhibitor x leaves protein, which revealed a negative correlation with high magnitude, indicating that a high protein content in the leaves can reduce the level of trypsin inhibitor in the seeds. This descriptor could be used as a selection indicator for tolerance to stored grain pests, adding the benefit of saving the seed.
Arachis hypogaea; trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor; breeding; pest control
