ABSTRACT
South America is the center of origin for almost all species of Arachis. Arachis species are traceable in the region encompassing Bolivia, Southern Peru, North-west Argentina and Paraguay. Primary center of origin of peanuts encompasses humid zones of Southern Bolivia and North-west Argentina. Archeological analysis of tombs, prehistoric dwellings and plant remains; especially pod/kernels indicate that, both wild and domesticated species of Arachis were spread all across Andes, its slopes and adjoining tropical zones (Fig. 1; [1]). Greatest diversity of Arachis species, both wild and domesticated types is available in Eastern and Central Bolivia as well as Guarani region of Paraguay. Matto Grosso region around Cuiba and Campo Grande in Brazil as well as Serra Gerral in North-east are among the hot spots for diversity of genus Arachis. The genus Arachis contains 69 described species. There might be several more, at least 15 to 20 species yet undiscovered [2, 3]. Based on archeological reports, it is believed that prehistorically, peanuts were cultivated in the Peruvian oases, beginning around 2500 B.C. [4-6].
