Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis are rapid and efficient techniques for detecting large numbers of DNA markers in oil palm. Both AFLP and RFLP markers were used to generate a genetic linkage map for oil palm. A map was constructed from AFLP and RFLP analysis of the progeny derived from an interspecifc cross involving a Colombian Elaeis oleifera (UP 1026) and a Nigerian Elaeis guineensis (T128). This interspecific cross was analysed to map genes associated with oil quality. For this cross, over 4,000 loci were detected using 53 AFLP primer pairs, and 60 informative DNA probes as RFLP markers. Of these, 435 loci were informative and segregating in a 1:1 ratio, corresponding to DNA polymorphism heterozygous in one parent and null in the other. The results also showed that the male parent (Palm T128; a Nigerian E. guineensis) was more heterozygous than the female parent (Palm UP1026, Colombian E. oleifera) in the interspecific cross analysed. A framework map was generated for the male parent, T 128, using JoinMap™ ver. 2.0. In the paternal E. guineensis map, 297 markers were ordered in 20 linkage groups (866 cM). The E. guineensis map was also used in scanningfor quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling oil quality (measured in terms of carotene content and iodine value). QTLs associated with carotene content and iodine value (IV) were detected.