VENUS

History 

Venus (experimental designation ARSOK-V30B) is the result of a cross between the cultivar Jupiter (OAES, 2000) and the advanced breeding line ARSOK-R2 (a high-oleic sister line to Red River Runner) made by the peanut breeding program at the USDA-ARS in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 2006. In breeding line evaluations at the Caddo Research Station, Ft. Cobb, OK, from 2010-2012 (F5-F6), ARSOK-V30B emerged as the clear leader in agronomic performance and disease resistance and was further evaluated in state-wide variety trials, advanced line disease trials and the Uniform Peanut Performance Test (UPPT) from 2012-2014. Seed increases were also conducted at the Puerto Rico Winter Nursery. Venus was released as a high oleic replacement for Jupiter in 2015 by the USDA-ARS and Oklahoma State University. 

Performance 
Venus was entered into advanced, managed peanut variety trials conducted in three Oklahoma counties (Beckham, Caddo and Custer/Blaine) from 2012-2014). Three-year averages are not significantly different among entries for yield, regardless of location, but Venus had a significantly higher grade than Jupiter. Numerically, Venus would average a $50 - $74 more per acre than Jupiter in Beckham and Custer/Blaine Counties without considering pest management input costs. That profit margin increases if disease management costs are considered. Management costs will be reduced by production of Venus which has enhanced resistance to both Sclerotina blight and pod rot compared to Jupiter. In disease trials conducted at the OAES Caddo Research station from 2012-2014, Venus averaged 17.8% incidence of Sclerotinia blight which is 61% less than Jupiter (43.6%). This enhanced Sclerotina blight resistance will save producers at least $100/acre in fungicide application. Peanut pod rot occurrence is erratic but can be devastating to production when present. Percent pod rot was measured in the Beckham county peanut variety trial, where Venus exhibited significantly less disease(16.8%) when compared to Jupiter (55%). This 70% increase in pod rot resistance will translate into additional profit for producers by reducing penalties paid at buying points. 

Oil Chemistry/Flavor
Venus is high oleic with an average O/L ratio of 26:1 which means OLé seed will have an increased shelf life and health benefits. Total fat content of Venus averaged 45.0 % , sugar content of averaged 5.2% and flavor roasting score of OLé averaged 4.7, which are all similar to Jupiter and other Virginia peanut varieties. 

Plant/Pod Description
Venus plants have a typical Virginia-type growth habit and mature at 130 DAP. Pods of Venus are typically 2 seeded and have a pod brightness (L score) of 51, similar to Jupiter. Venus shells at 76% and produces 88% total fancy pods with a jumbo/fancy ratio of 2.8, more than twice that of Jupiter. Seed of Venus are tan in color with a seed weight of 90g/100, significantly higher than that of Jupiter at 75g/100. 

The release of Venus peanut offers producers a high oleic replacement for Jupiter with an excellent fungal disease package that will lower management costs and increase producer profits.