Variation in Total Amino Acid Percentage in Different Portions of Peanut Cotyledons¹

Six peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties were analyzed for amino acid concentration among four consecutive sections across the two cotyledons. Significant differences were found among varieties (average 60% of total variation), among seeds (average 15% of total variation), and for some amino acids between sections (average 2.7% of total variation). With the exception of glutamic acid, proline, and histidine, varietal differences accounted for most of the variability found. Therefore, it appears that partial seed analysis for amino acids may be useful in genetic studies and for breeding selections.