Sewan Grass: A Potential Forage Grass in Arid Environments

Abstract

Sewan grass (Lasiurus scindicus), a popular pastoral species, is getting some much-needed attention as mechanization, modernity in agriculture, and illicit grazing pose severe risks to biodiversity conservation in arid and semi-arid areas. It is found mainly in wastelands, dunes, hammocks, and sandy plains but less popular for cultivation in farmer’s fields. Sewan grass has many features like good nutritional value, soil binder, tolerance to high temperature, high digestibility and palatability, and prolonged drought conditions contributed greatly towards its success as a potential forage species in arid environments. It contains significant quantities of crude fibres, lignin, minerals and crude protein, and varies in the proportion of their tissue that can be digested by ruminants. Most research focuses on the species as a forage plant and agronomical practices and is largely published in agricultural and grey literature. Meanwhile, there is a lack of information about breeding strategies and seed production technologies. Therefore, here we present a comprehensive review about agronomic management, breeding, and seed production strategies systematically that will aid in the management of sewan grass now and into the future.