The characteristics of Festuca sinensis and its breeding potential

Festuca sinensis is an important perennial bunchgrass with strong tolerance to drought, cold and salinity in the alpine regions of China. The development and applications of F. sinensis plays an important role in establishment of grassland and restoration of degradation ecosystems. The present paper reviews the biology characters of F. sinensis and analysis the relationship between F. sinensis and endophyte. Key areas for further endophyte application should focus on identification and characterisation of novel F. sinensis endophytes for generation of endophyte safe and stress tolerance forage varieties to establish high value pasture.