Research progress of forage grass seed shattering

Seed shattering is an adaption mechanism to harsh environment for reproduction. It is a heritable trait influenced by gene regulation and environment factors, and can reduce seed yield seriously during forage maturation. This paper presented the research progress of forage grass seed shattering in terms of the influence to seed production, measurement methods, genetic mechanisms, cultivation and field management. The existing problems and development tendency were also summarized in order to provide necessary information for improving the research in future.