Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), a perennial forage crop, ranks among the world’s largest sources of livestock feed, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In Brazil alone, over 20 million hectares are dedicated to this resilient crop, which can thrive across diverse environmental conditions. This adaptability makes Guinea grass indispensable for livestock farmers in need of reliable forage.
But despite its global value, Guinea grass remains a semi-domesticated “orphan crop,” receiving limited investment. This creates an even greater need for public breeding initiatives to unlock its potential.
In this context and as part of its tropical forage crop breeding program, the Alliance focuses on developing improved Guinea grass varieties with enhanced resilience to challenges like drought, waterlogging, and low temperatures.
