As to the culture and utilization of tropical grasses in Japan, there are many problems caused by the unsuitable climatic condition of Japan located at middle latitudes and the cropping system specific to Japan in which tropical grasses are grown as annual summer forage crops for hay and silage making. To overcome difficulties in getting high yields, good feeding value and silage making, and efficient seed production, many studies, basic or practical, have been carried out on the production and utilization of tropical grasses growing in Japan. Some of the major research results which can be applied practically to improve the production of tropical grasses are briefly presented in this paper.
Exploration and introduction of new species more adaptable to this region, as well as the varietal improvement are also very much needed.