2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): To evaluate peanut germplasm and cultivars to develop cultivars with improved agronomic traits to enhance peanut production and efficiency. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): Existing peanut germplasm and cultivars will be planted for evaluation on experiment stations and research farms in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas. Evaluations will be made to select for improved agronomic characteristics including pests resistance, water use efficiency, and acceptable post-harvest characteristics. Also, crosses will be made to continually provide new germplasm for evaluation. All resulting commercial peanut cultivars will be offered as joint releases between USDA/ARS and Auburn University. 3.Progress Report: This project is related to objective 1 of the inhouse project: Compare the impact of multiple irrigation methods at varying application amounts on profitability, yield, and quality of peanuts and selected crops grown in rotation with peanut. 2012 evaluation of peanut breeding lines was conducted in Headland and Fairhope, Alabama: Dawson, Georgia: and Poplarville, Mississippi on multiple generation lines. Selections were made from these lines that demonstrate high yield potential, acceptable post-harvest quality, and resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus. Parental crosses are made annually in greenhouses for inclusion at these locations in 2012. Based on prior performance and 2012 performance, it is anticipated that 2 lines will be proposed for release to the U.S. peanut industry after the 2012 are completed.