Auburn University Professor Charles Chen was recently recognized for outstanding contributions to his field of peanut breeding and genetics.
At the 57th annual meeting of the American Peanut Research & Education Society (APRES) July 15-17 in Richmond, Virginia, Chen was awarded the APRES Fellow award. APRES Fellows are active members of the society who have made outstanding contributions in an area of specialization, whether in research, extension or administration.
Chen has worked in the Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences in the Auburn College of Agriculture since 2012. His primary research responsibilities are in peanut breeding, genetics and genomics. The major objectives of the research are to develop cultivars with desirable improved traits adapted to all U.S. peanut producing regions and enhance elite peanut germplasm through conventional and genomic approaches. The targeted traits are high yield, resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus and leaf spot, maturity, seed characteristics (size, split, and taste etc.), high oil content, high oleic and low linoleic fatty acids, and drought tolerance.
He was selected as a fellow because of his contributions to peanut breeding, genetics and crop science, according to Fellow Award Committee member Barry Tillman, professor of plant breeding, agriculture and plant genetics at the University of Florida. Chen has more than two decades of experience spanning academic and government research and is responsible for elevating peanut breeding with the development of AU-NPL 17, a runner variety with high yields and impressive disease resistance. He has secured more than $15 million in funding, with over $4 million directly supporting his innovative research. His program has provided essential insights into drought tolerance mechanisms that have been instrumental to international breeding efforts, all of which contributed to his selection as a fellow of the society.
Chen said the recognition is not just a reflection of his work but also that of his many colleagues, students and collaborators, especially Auburn’s peanut team; his colleagues at the Auburn Plant Science Research Center, at the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station research centers in Headland, Tallassee and Brewton, and those at the USDA-ARS; and his technician Sam Hilton.
“Peanut science is more than just a profession — it’s a community,” Chen said. “And I’m grateful to be a part of this dynamic, passionate, and impactful network of researchers, educators, producers, shellers and manufactories. Together, we’ve faced challenges, shared discoveries, and built a foundation for future generations. I look forward to continuing this journey as we strive to enhance sustainability, productivity and innovation in agricultural research.”
