Abstract
Peanuts are a vital oilseed and legume crop, playing a significant role in global food security. The genetic variability of peanuts is crucial for enhancing cultivars through genetic improvement. However, rapid advancements in genomics over the past decade have transformed the status of peanuts in agricultural research. As a result, peanut research groups worldwide now bear the responsibility to adopt a holistic and integrated approach, one that leverages genomics data alongside traditional crop breeding programs. Incorporating cutting-edge genomics and biotechnology tools is essential to complement conventional breeding strategies. Without these modern advancements, achieving future breeding objectives efficiently will be highly challenging. In this context, this book offers updated insights into the latest progress in peanut genomics and biotechnology, focusing on the developments of the last 5 years. Key topics include modern genome sequencing technologies, significant genomic discoveries, and advancements in biotechnology tools that are crucial for peanut breeding programs. Specifically, this chapter provides an overview of the book's content, offering a comprehensive analysis of the current state of peanut genomics and biotechnology. It highlights how these fields are being applied in both current and future innovative breeding programs, which are vital for meeting global agricultural and food demands.
