This book presents the current state of the art in peanut genomics focusing particularly on
the latest genomic findings tools and strategies employed in genome sequencing transcriptomes
and analysis availability of public and private genomic resources and ways to maximize the
use of this information in peanut breeding programs. Further it demonstrates how advances in
plant genomics can be used to improve crop breeding. The peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea
L. Millsp) is a globally important grain legume and oilseed crop cultivated in over 100
countries and consumed in the form of roasted seeds oil and confectionary in nearly every
country on Earth. The peanut contributes towards achieving food and nutritional security in
addition to financial security through income generation as such it is also vital to the
livelihood of the poor in the developing world. There have been significant advances in peanut
research especially in the last five years including sequencing the genome of both diploid
progenitors and the availability of tremendous transcriptome resources large-scale genomic
variations that can be used as genetic markers genetic populations (bi- and multiparent
populations and germplasm sets) marker-trait associations and molecular breeding products. The
immediate availability of the genome sequence for tetraploid cultivated peanuts is the most
essential genomic resource for achieving a deeper understanding of peanut traits and their use
in breeding programs.
