Panicoideae

Panicoideae is a subfamily of the grasses (Poaceae) that encompasses a diverse group of species adapted to warm climates. It includes several tribes, notably Andropogoneae and Paniceae, and contains many genera that are economically important for food, forage, and bioenergy. Notable crops in the subfamily are maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), along with forage and grain grasses such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Miscanthus species, and Setaria species (including foxtail millet).

Many Panicoideae grasses use the C4 photosynthetic pathway, which supports high productivity in hot, sunny environments. They exhibit a range of growth habits from annual herbaceous species to clonal perennials, and their inflorescences are typically arranged as panicles or dense spikes.

Geographically, Panicoideae is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with representation in temperate zones by several perennial species. The subfamily has been shaped by molecular phylogenetics, which has clarified relationships among tribes and genera within this lineage of grasses.

In addition to their role in agriculture and pasture, Panicoideae members contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem function in grassland communities. Their importance to food security, industry, and sustainable energy continues to motivate research on yield, stress tolerance, and domestication in crops and forage grasses.