Molecular marker studies in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Historical background: Despite being named a 'nut', groundnut or peanut, is actually more a 'pea' than a 'nut' since it is a legume i.e. it bears fruit in the form of pods, though below the ground. Groundnut has acquired prominence because of its economic importance as well as its nutritional value. Today it is grown in all the six continents as an important oil and food crop in approximately 32 million hectares in over 100 countries (Ianra.anthro.uga.edu). It is the third major oilseed crop of the world next to soybean and cotton. The botanical name of groundnut, Arachis hypogaea L., is derived from two Greek words, Arachis (arachos) meaning a weed and hypogaea meaning below ground.