Abstract: A diverse germplasm of the genus Poa exists in China, and some species of the genus are known worldwide as good, cool-season turf grass, which thus attracts wide attention, both domestically and abroad, for their potential utilization.This paper reviews in depth the general aspects of Poa germplasm introduction, germplasm resource evaluation and utilization, biological characteristics, genetic improvements of germplasm, and applications of biotechnology in plant breeding; it also proposes some strategies to be used in dealing with some problems encountered. Poa pratensis L. is the most widely used turf grass, with American varieties dominating the world seed market; P. compressa L., P. trivialis L. and P. annus L. each can be potentially used as grass species for soil conservation and slope protection. Past researches in China focused on resistances to biotic stresses, ecological adaptations, and ornamental evaluation of those introductions; and on the basis, criteria of selective breeding for new varieties for China domestic uses have been compiled as references. At present, major research interests of Poa are its peculiar facultative apomixes - its mechanisms and biotechnological improvements. Polyploidy apomixes are reported to be controlled by multi-pairs of dominant genes. Some achievements have been made on genetic improvements of regenerated plants derived from tissue cultures and transgenic approaches. It is viewed, however, that applied researches on transgenic plants and basic researches on domestic germplasm resources be emphasized.

Key words: Poa, germplasm resource, resource evaluation, genetic improvement, biotechnolog