Advances in the application of Coix in perennial grass breeding

Most regions in southwest China experience a subtropical humid climate, which is advantageous for growing perennial forage grass. As a native plant species of China, Coix is a rich germplasm resource with various ecotypes, especially wild Coix, which has a high nutritive value and biomass, excellent abiotic stress resistance, and perennial habit. It can be used as a promising forage germplasm. Here, we expound the prospect of developing perennial forage grass in southwest China, application of plant wild relatives in grass breeding, and advantage of wild Coix as forage germplasm, and its breeding. Furthermore, we propose future research directions in perennial forage Coix breeding and production.