Grass and forage plant improvement in the tropics and sub-tropics

Key points 1. The majority of tropical and subtropical forage grass genera and/or species have not yet been collected, or need further collection to be representative of their natural distribution. 2. New biotechnological techniques will only result in the release of superior forage cultivars if supported by strong breeding programs. 3. More funding and investment in the formation of strong public research teams in forage conservation and improvement are needed to guarantee the sustainability of tropical and subtropical pasture-based livestock systems in the future. 4. The creation of a permanent international working group on tropical and subtropical forages is essential to assist the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) in prioritising collection, conservation, evaluation and adoption in the tropical/subtropical world for the benefit of mankind.