Identification of PCR-based DNA markers linked with resistance to rust in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)T SVarmaauthorGroundnut (Arochis hypogueu L.) is one of the most important oilseeds crops in the world, grown throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions in an area of about 24 m hectares with the total production of 33.5 ni tonnes (1998-2000 average, FA0 data). It occupies 31.3 percent of the total cropped area under oilseeds and accounts for 36.1 percent of total oilseeds production in the world. Groundnut, the 'king' of oilseeds in India, occupies an area of about 7.8 m ha with a production of 9.0 111 t. Groundnut production in the last three decades in India has increased considerably from 4.6 m t in 1968-69 to 9.0 m t. However, there has been marginal increase in groundnut area. A major driving force for increased production and productivity of groundnut has been the commissioning of technology mission on oil seeds In India....Groundnut2002University of Agricultural Sciences;Department of Genetics and Plant BreedingThesis