A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) map for the A genome of Avena has been developed using F3 families from the cross A. atlantica × A. hirtula. The main source of markers were an oat cDNA and a barley cDNA library. A total of 194 RFLP markers was used, 192 of which were mapped or assigned to linkage groups. Seven main linkage groups, presumably corresponding to the seven chromosomes of the haploid genome, were identified. The linkage groups varied in size from 30 to 118 cM for a total map length of 614 cM. This map provides a tool for the interpretation of genome organization in Avena and for marker selection in the development of a map of hexaploid oats.Key words: restriction fragment length polymorphism, Avena, mapping.