Guadua text change - National Bamboo Mission

IWST Technical Bulletin No. 9
A Publication of Institute of Wood Science & Technology, Bangalore
Guadua angustifolia Kunth:
POTENTIAL BAMBOO SPECIES FOR HUMID TROPICS OF
PENINSULAR INDIA
S.Viswanath, Geeta Joshi, P.V. Somasekhar, M.R.Jagadish, S.C.Joshi
INSTITUTE OF WOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(Indian Council for Forestry Research & Education)
Bangalore
2012
DEDICATED TO
Late N.S. Adkoli
(founder President Bamboo Society of India)
in recognition for his pioneering efforts in popularising
Guadua angustifolia in India
Regd. No. 790/1988-89
BAMBOO SOCIETY OF INDIA
Vanavikas Ground Floor, 18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560 003.
Telefax : 080 23469153 E-mail: bamboo_society@dataone.in
PREFACE
Guadua angustifolia is a large spectacular, sympodial bamboo species with its culms
attaining a maximum height of 30m and over 20cm in diameter. New culms which are dark green
with white bands at nodal region have a startling resemblance to young arecanut palm and present
a pleasing appearance and hence can be used for landscaping. It is one of the most valuable
multipurpose bamboo used for scaffolding, building material, furniture making. G.angustifolia is
considered to be outstanding in its physical and mechanical properties as well as highly durable
and hence aptly referred to as ‘Vegetable Steel’. It is also one of the fastest growing bamboo since
its shoots are also edible making it a truly multipurpose bamboo species. Though it has been
introduced in India a decade back as part of the initiative taken by Shri N.S. Adkoli, IFS (Retd)
Founder President, Bamboo Society of India, however its growth performance has neither been
scientifically documented nor its immense potential tapped to any degree of satisfaction by
stakeholders.
IWST has been working on this species since the past decade and has standardized its
macro and micropropagation protocol which will go a long way in popularizing this species. IWST
has also established this species in on-farm trials in Kerala and Karnataka. Trials of Guadua
angustifolia in humid tropical zones of these two states have revealed that this species grows best
in riverine areas, low lying paddy fields and similar wetlands where the growth and establishment
of this species was found to be exceedingly good. This species can tolerate waterlogging to a great
extent as compared to other native bamboo species. Information on propagation aspects,
plantation management, biomass production, pest and disease management as well as economics
of raising plantations have been meticulously compiled and it gives me immense satisfaction to
note that this is among the first report on the species coming in from India since its introduction a
decade back.
It is hoped that the information in this booklet will be useful for various stakeholders like
farmers, plantation managers, forest department, entrepreneurs and other connoisseurs who have
plans to exploit this wonderful species.
U.T. Alva, IFS (Retd)
President,
Bamboo Society of India
Sl. No.
Contents
Page
1
Guadua angustifolia Kunth: Knowing the species
1
2
Distribution and Habitat
1
3
Morphology and Phenology
1
4
Propagation
2
5
Raising Plantations
14
6
Growth and Biomass production
14
7
Pests, diseases and their Management
16
8
Economics of raising Guadua angustifolia plantations
16
9
Utility and Potential
17
10
References
18
11
Annexures
19
1. Guadua angustifolia Kunth: KNOWING THE SPECIES
Among the 29 recognized species in Genus Guadua, sub-tribe: Guaduinae and Sub-family:
Bambusoidae, G angustifolia is considered to be one of the most important species in South
America in its native habitat (Grosser and Liese, 1973). G. angustifolia is a large spectacular,
sympodial bamboo wherein its culms attain a maximum height of 30m and over 20cm in diameter.
The culms are dark green with white bands at nodes with short internodes and thorny branches. It
is one of the most valuable multipurpose bamboos used for scaffolding, building material, as a
source of pulp for paper industry and furniture making. G.angustifolia is considered to be
outstanding in its physical and mechanical properties as well as highly durable and hence
perceived to boost local economy wherever it is grown. It is also one of the fastest growing
bamboos where its shoots are also edible. As of now, this species is extensively cultivated in Central
America, Phillipines and some south Asian countries. Though it has been introduced in India a
decade back, its growth performance has neither been scientifically documented nor its immense
potential tapped.
2. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Native to South America, it is commonly found in well-watered, fertile regions at elevations below
1,500 m.asl particularly in Colombia and Ecuador (Plate 1) Grows best in high rainfall humid tropics
and prefers loamy rich soils. Gregarious growth of G.angustifolia are found along rivers and creeks
and also in patches away from waterlogged areas. In its native habitat, it is found from sea level to
elevations upto 1800 m. asl, in small forests along creeks and on fields and inclinations. In India,
this species has been successfully introduced in tropical humid zones in Kerala and Karnataka.
On-farm trials of Guadua in humid tropical zones in these two states have revealed that this species
grows best in riverine areas, low lying rice paddies and similar wetlands. This species can tolerate
waterlogging to a great extent as compared to other native bamboo species. In the spice belt along
alluvial banks of river Periyar in Aluva, Ernakulam district and in abandoned paddy fields in valleys
of forested landscapes and coffee estates in Coorg, Karnataka, the growth and establishment of
this species was found to be exceedingly good.
3. MORPHOLOGY AND PHENOLOGY CHARACTERISTICS
a. Culm
Culms are erect with short internodes at base and longer from mid-section upwards. Reaches a
height of about 20-25 m and a diameter up to 10 -15cm. Culm diameter is consistent for the first 15
meters and becomes elegantly tapered at the top. The loosely spaced culms in open clumps, are
also durable and pest resistant. New culms are dark green with white band at nodal region. Nodes
are with a rather prominent sheath scar, especially at the base of the culm,and the lower ones are
marked by a dense band of cream or buff-colored hairs extending about 10 mm below and 15 mm
above the sheath scar which gradually disappears.
b. Culm sheath
Culm sheaths are deciduous in the upper part of the culm, but more or less persistent at the lower
nodes. Culm sheath blade is roughly triangular, 20-25 cm long and about as broad as the base.
Culm sheath is densely and minutely tomentose towards the base, with small brown persistent
1
hairs and usually densely fringed on the margins with brown cilia. Auricles and oral setae are
usually lacking entirely in the lower sheaths. Ligule is very variable, more or less strongly convex,
ciliate on the margin, densely strigose on the inner surface with fine, light-brown hairs in narrow,
vertical bands separated by glabrous bands of similar width on the outer surface, fringed on the
margins with brown cilia. (Plate 2)
c. Leaf and Branching habit
Leaf blades are extremely variable in size and shape.Those on young growth are ovate-lanceolate,
up to 17 cm x 50 mm, while those on older culms are up to 21 cm x 24 mm, oblong- to linearlanceolate, glabrous on the lower surface, sometimes glabrous on both surfaces.Midrib and
numerous secondary veins are prominent on the lower surface, the latter is scarcely
distinguishable from the tertiary veins on the upper surface. Transverse ridges are often visible here
and there on the lower surface.Branches in large culms are suppressed throughout the lower half or
two-thirds of the height except at the basal portion of culm. Solitary and very thorny at the basal
nodes and progressively more fasiculate developing numerous supplementary branches. The
twigs abscises ultimately as age progresses.
d. Flowering and fruiting
Infloresence is borne on leafless or leafy twigs, 6-7cm long, linear, solitary and fasciculate.
Spikelets curved with 14-14 florets with apical 4-6 florets more or less tabescent. Spikelets also
absciss on maturity. Rachis segments are upto 3-4mm long, tomentose with 1-2 gemmiparous
bracts which are triangular in shape. Not much information is available on flowering cycle. In its
native habitat, it is described as a non gregarious flowering species like Dendrocalamus stocksii in
India. Fruit may best be described as globular caryopsis.
4. PROPAGATION
G.angustifolia can be propagated by seed, cuttings, as well as 'Chusquines' (rhizome with new stalk
from basal region) and by the culm cuttings (McClure, 1966). Leafy stem cuttings (apical shoot and
nodal branch segment ) have also yielded good success. Nodal stem cuttings treated with IBA
2500ppm for 30 minutes resulted in > 80 % rooting within six-weeks in sand medium in IWST
(Somasekhar et al, 2004).
A. Macropropagation
Guadua angustifolia can be propagated with a fair degree of success through simple
macropropagation techniques. Rather than culm cuttings or rhizomatous shoots, leafy branch
cuttings and apical shoot cuttings may also yield results. To save expenditure and time, cost
effective techniques have been developed in IWST which basically involves maintaining the clumps
in big polybags or gunny bags in nursery and maintaining it in bushy form to maximize side
branches and apical shoot production which can be used for propagation. (Plate 3)
a. Selection, collection and transportation of cuttings
Leafy branch cuttings and apical shoot cuttings are best for mass propagation of Guadua
angustifoila. Cuttings are collected from healthy culm of 1-2 year old plants. Presence of dormant
buds in nodes of leafy branch cuttings have to be ensured for success. In order to avoid water loss,
branches are collected , wrapped in moist gunny bags while transporting from field.
2
b. Preparation of cutting and processing
Apical cuttings: Branch cuttings with axillary shoot apex of 10-12cm in length and 1.5- 2.0mm
diameter are used. Leaves are trimmed 3/4th and basal leaves upto 5-6cm are removed.
Leafy nodal segment cuttings: Branch cuttings 5-6 cm in length and 2-3mm in diameter with
dormant bud at nodal region selected and leaves trimmed upto 3/4th to reduce transpiration
loss.Cuttings are be dipped in 0.25% Bavistin or any other systemic fungicide for 10-15 minutes as
a prophylactic measure to avoid chances of rotting.The cuttings dipped in 2500ppm IBA liquid
medium for 15 min gives > 80% rooting success.Highest rooting (84.45%) observed from cuttings
collected in the month of April (summer season).
c. Preparation of auxin (IBA) for treatment of cuttings
Preparation of IBA solution (2500ppm): To prepare one litre of IBA solution for treatment of cuttings,
2500mg of IBA is dissolved in 5-10ml ethanol and made up to one litre. If solution precipitates then,
1 or 2 pellets of sodium hydroxide can be added to the solution to remove turbidity.
Preparation of auxin (IBA) powder: 99grams of talcum powder taken in a beaker and 750mg of
Bavistin and 250 mg of IBA added. Also add acetone to mix IBA and Bavistin in talcum powder and
stir it. The beaker is kept at room temperature to evaporate acetone. This is made into fine powder
and stored in wide mouthed plastic/ glass bottles.
d. Treatment of cuttings and rooting in sand beds
The basal portion upto 2-3cm of leafy apical and nodal branch cuttings are dipped in auxin solution
for 20 minutes. These treated cuttings are vertically placed in sand beds with basal portion upto 23cm in sand. 90% rooting of cuttings takes place within 40 to 45 days. Though cuttings can be
used for vegetative propagation from February to October, the best period for sprouting is February
to July. This may be due to more stored energy and presence of dormant buds at nodal regions.
During winter, low temperature coupled with lack of dormant buds may result in poor response in
terms of sprouting and rooting. In a year, 5 to 6 cycles of rooted cuttings can be obtained.
e. Infrastructure requirement
Cuttings are incubated in polytunnels (1m x 3m) which consists of a metal frame over which a white
polythene sheet can be draped. The frame can be fabricated with iron rods or bamboo.Fine river
sand germination media gives maximum rooting (>90%) within a 30 day period. For preparing sand
bed of 1x1.5m, soil is removed upto a depth of 10-12cm. The basal portion upto 3-4cm is filled with
gravel and remaining 16-17cm filled with sieved sand to cover the sand bed. Water channels made
around the polyglobule upto a depth of 5cm and filled with sand can be effective for draining away
excess moisture from the beds.
f. Watering and Maintenance
Inside the polyglobule, humidity is maintained around 90% and temperature 30+3oC for ensuring
good results. Watering using rose can is recommended twice a day. Nodal segmented cuttings give
better rooting % than apical shoot cuttings under such conditions. At the end of 30 days, good root
formation with small miniature rhizome buds can be noticed which is an indication of good survival
and success in later stages of field planting. However constant watering must be ensured since
water retention by sand media is minimal.To maintain proper humidity in sand beds, it is watered
3
twice a day in summer and once in winter. The surrounding channel is filled with water to maintain
adequate humidity in the polyglobule. The beds are treated with 0.25% Bavastin (systemic
fungicide) and 0.25% Ekalux (insecticide) as a prophylactic measure before planting of cuttings.
g. Hardening
The rooted cuttings are transferred to 1000cc or 1500cc polybags with sieved potting medium
consisting of compost or FYM 40%, sand 50% and soil 10% enriched with neem cake 10kg/m3, SSP
2.5kg/ m3 and Bavistin 250g/ m3. Sand, soil and compost in the ratio of 4:2:4 is used. For 2 to 3
weeks the rooted cuttings transplanted in polybags are retained in agroshed net house to avoid
transplanting shock and water loss. Once new root and shoot growth is initiated, plants can be taken
out and kept in open nursery. Plants with 2-3 tillers and miniature rhizome are ready for planting
after 4-5 months of hardening.
B. Micropropagation
a. Collection and treatment of Explants
Nodal shoot segments 2.0-2.5 cm in length are collected from the new branches of Guadua
angustifolia clumps. These nodal shoot segments used as explants are then surface sterilized
with 70% ethanol for 30-45 seconds, followed by 0.075-0.1% mercuric chloride for 4-5 minutes
depending on the size. Explants are washed 6-7 times with sterile distilled water. Culture tubes of 25
x 50 mm are used for the shoot initiation. Each culture tube consists of a single explant.
b. Shoot initiation
MS liquid medium and agar gelled with additives, ascorbic acid (50 mg/l), citric acid (25 mg/l)
cysteine (25 mg/l) auxins (IBA and NAA 0.1-0.25 mg/l) and cytokinins (BAP 1.0-5.0 mg/l and TDZ
0.1-1.0 mg/l) gives maximum shoot initiation results. Cultures are then incubated at 28 + 2oC
temperature and 2500 lux light intensity for 12/12 hr photo period.
c. Shoot multiplication
In vitro differentiated shoots subcultured on fresh MS liquid medium with additives, NAA (0.1-0.25
mg/l), Kn (1.0-5.0 mg/l), BAP (1.0-5.0 mg/l) and TDZ (0.1-0.5 mg/l) either alone or in combination
yield best shoot multiplication rates. Further shoot multiplication is also found to be good in MS
liquid media + additives and produces 10-12 shoots/clump within a 3 week period. Sub culturing for
further shoot multiplication is carried out within 2 weeks on fresh MS liquid medium. Shoot
multiplication cultures are incubated at 28 + 2oC temperature with 2500 lux light intensity for 12/12hr
photo period.
d. Rooting
Shoot clumps (2-3 shoots/clump) are used for in vitro rooting. MS/4 medium fortified with
NAA1.0mg/l induces 100% rooting with maximum root numbers (16.55).Initially for 2-3 days,
cultures are kept in alternate light and dark conditions, at 28 + 2oC temperature and 2500 lux
intensity of light for 12/12hr photoperiod which gives early rooting. (Plate 4)
e. Hardening
In vitro regenerated plantlets of G. angustifolia are transplanted in containers (polybags of 600 cc)
consisting of sand, soil and compost in the ratio of 4:2:4 and kept in polyglobules for 3 weeks
duration for hardening. Inside the polyglobule, relative humidity at around 90% and temperature
4
A
B
C
D
E
F
PLATE 1. Knowing the species in its native habitat in Columbia, S.America. A: In its natural
riverine habitat. B; Flowering in Guadua clumps. C: Close up of florets on spikelet. D: Close up of
fleshy caryopsis E: Natural regeneration F: Pavilion structure out of Guadua angustifolia
culms. Photo courtesy : Dr. Ximena Londono
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
G
H
H
PLATE 2. Knowing the species. A: Overview of G. angustifolia clumps in Kodagu, B & C : Close
up of a single clump, D: View of loosely spaced culms in a clump, E: Dark green culm internode
with white band at nodal region, F: Culm sheath outer view, G: Branching pattern at top of culm,
H: Newly emerging shoots.
6
2
1
7
6
2
3
6
5
4
PLATE 3. Macropropagation. 1: Potted plants of Guadua maintained for obtaining cuttings, 2:
Branch cuttings and apical shoot cuttings, 3: IBA 2500ppm for 30 min, 4: Cuttings in sand media
for rooting 5: Low cost poly tunnels used for rooting, 6: Rooted cuttings after 30 days, 7: QPM
stock in polybags in open nursery
7
2
1
3
4
PLATE 4. Different stages in micro propagation of G. angustifolia (Top L to R) 1. Shoot
initiation; 2. Shoot multiplication; 3&4. In vitro rooted shoots; 5. Ex vitro rooted shoots
8
5
Growth of five year old Guadua
plantation at 5x5m spacing in semiarid
conditions of Hoskote , Bangalore
Growth of three year old Guadua
plantation at 5x5m spacing in tropical
humid conditions of Coorg, Karnataka
Growth of 2 year old Guadua at 5 x5 m
spacing in tropical humid lowland (L) and
periyar river bank (R) in Aluva, Ernakulam
Kerala
PLATE 5. Growth performance of Guadua angustifolia in different agroclimatic zones across
Peninsular India
9
Maturity marking of culms in
individual clump
Separation into different
components: Rhizomes, culm,
branchlets and leaves
Below ground rhizome portion of
an individual clump of 5yrs
PLATE 6. Biomass studies in 5 year old clump of Guadua angustifolia in Thithimathi, Coorg
10
A
B
C
D
PLATE 7. Susceptibility to termite attack in semiarid zones. A: Plants infested by termite
showing stunted growth. B: Collar region attacked. C: Odontotermes obesus.
D: Odontotermes feae
11
Table3. Biometric observations in Guadua angustifolia plantations upto five years afeter
planting under tropical humid conditions of Thithimathi. Coorg, Karnataka.
Observations at 5th internode
Year
4.93
7.07
9.57
14.10
14.77
1
2
3
4
5
16.67
16.67
17.50
18.27
20.17
24.11
34.19
53.70
62.82
65.80
0.00
12.50
13.59
13.14
14.95
28.00
40.33
51.00
58.00
59.33
20.00
18.00
16.00
TWIG LITTER
LEAF LITTER
Mg ha-1
14.00
12.00
10.00
8.00
6.00
4.00
2.00
0.00
08
20
ril:
Ap
08
0
Y:2
MA
08
:20
J
E
UN
08
:20
LY
JU
08
08
:20
G
AU
0
T:2
P
SE
08
20
O:
CT
O
08
08
0
V:2
NO
:20
C
DE
09
20
N:
JA
9
00
B:2
FE
M
09
20
H:
C
AR
09
20
IL:
R
AP
months
Fig 1. Annual litterfall pattern in 3yr old Guadua angustifolia in humid tropics of Kodagu,
Karnataka (April 2008 - 09) (Plate 8)
12
25.00
20.00
LEAF LITTER
Mg ha-1
15.00
TWIG LITTER
10.00
5.00
0.00
10
20
IL:
R
AP
10
0
Y:2
MA
0
10
01
E:2
N
JU
:20
LY
JU
:20
P
SE
10
10
10
10
:20
G
AU
0
T:2
OC
0
V:2
NO
10
:20
C
DE
10
0
01
20
N:
JA
B:2
FE
10
20
R:
MA
months
Fig 2. Annual litterfall pattern in 5 yr old Guadua angustifolia in semiarid tropics of Hoskote,
Karnataka (April 2010 - 2011)
Fig 3. Litter decomposition patterns of Guadua angustifolia in tropical humid zones of
Coorg, Karnataka under two placement methods (a) surface (b) subsurface (Plate 9).
13
30+3oC needs to be maintained. The plants also have to be kept in shade for 2 weeks before
keeping in open nursery.
C. Macroproliferation
Guadua angustifolia responds well to macroproliferation. Both in vitro raised plants and those
raised from cuttings after 4-5 months in polybags produce well developed root system with
primodial/miniature rhizomes and 4-5 tillers/shoots. Macroproliferation is most successful in 3 to 4
months old rooted cuttings with 2-3 tillers with atleast a miniature rhizome. Macroproliferation work
may be carried out under shade, during morning and evening hours to minimise moisture loss due
to transpiration and thus avoid chances of wilting of shoots and drying of roots. Potting mixture may
be removed without damaging roots and rhizome. After removal of potting mixture, 1-2 tiller with
roots and miniature rhizome may be separated using secateur. About 2 to 3 complete plantlets can
be made from one six month old rooted cutting. Macroproliferated plants must be replanted in fresh
potting medium preferably 1000/1500 cc polybags and kept in shade/shade house for 2-3 weeks or
till new root and leaf development takes place, after which they may be kept in open nursery. After 3
months, to boost growth of the plants, NPK solution or slow release nutrients may be provided at
monthly intervals. Again after six months, macroproliferation can be carried out by adopting this
procedure. About 10-12 fold multiplication can be achieved in one year from 3 month old single
rooted cutting.This process can help in cutting down cost of production and help in producing
additional plantlets at minimal cost.
5. RAISING PLANTATIONS
The quality of the planting stock for outplanting in field should not be compromised. Experience in
field planting at IWST field station and on- farm sites have shown that a well developed root system
with rhizome primodials and 3-4 tillers of 75-100cm gives best results in growth and survival.
Spacing of 5x5 m and pit size of one cu.m is essential since rhizomes need good space to
accommodate the spreading nature of the clump. Best time for planting is during June with the
onset of monsoon. If there is a lull in monsoon activity, the plants need to be frequently irrigated at
least in the initial 6-8 months in tropical humid zones. In the pits, application of an initial dose of 5 kg
of compost/FYM + 100gm VAM+15gm phosporous solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + 5 gm Azospirillum
gives good results in terms of growth and survival. In sub-humid zones, with intensive irrigation the
plants may establish, but during hot dry spells in summer, symptoms of moisture stress and
increased susceptibility to termite infestation is noticed. This species is not recommended for
semiarid and arid areas.
6. GROWTH AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION
Under ideal conditions in tropical humid conditions of peninsular India, Guadua angustifolia
performed best in riverine conditions of Aluva, Kerala and in low lying paddy fields of Coorg,
Karnataka in conditions most similar to its native habitat in riverine areas of Columbia, South
America. Growth performance of G. angustifolia at six locations in southern India after 36 months of
planting shows that clumps attained a height > 13m and culm diameter > 5.5cm in Coorg and >
11.0m and 4.0cm respectively in Aluva, Kerala (Table 1). (Plate 5) The survival is also maximum in
these two locations. In semiarid conditions at Hyderabad and Mysore the survival and growth was
found to be extremely poor and plants succumbed to termite attack. The hot summer and long dry
spell experienced in upland regions of Palakkad (Kerala), even though falling in tropical humid
zone, was found to be detrimental to the growth and establishment of Guadua angustifolia.
14
Table 1. Performance of Guadua angustifolia in Multilocational field trials in peninsular
India at 36 months (3yrs)
Culm
diameter
(mm)
Location
Survival
%
Height
(m)
Culm no.
Bangalore
55.00
2.79
11.4
14.8
Mysore
10.00
1.25
8.0
9.0
Hyderabad
41.00
0.43
3.3
7.9
Kodagu
100.00
13.89
27.3
56.1
Alwaye
90.00
7.70
11.3
40.4
Palakkad
15.00
2.10
11.7
15.9
SEM±
10.32
0.15
0.98
1.81
The observation on biomass production from first year to five years after planting of Guadua
angustifolia in tropical humid conditions of Coorg, Karnataka shows that the total biomass
production tends to increase progressively upto fifth year and thereafter it tends to stabilize. Among
the different above ground and below ground components, the maximum biomass was allocated to
culm production in the fourth year. The mean AGB of the five year old clump was 161.18 kg/clump
and BGB 7.27 kg/clump while it was 152.65 kg and 6.0 kg respectively for a four yr old clump at
5x5m spacing (Table 2).On an average 16-18 new culms were produced in fourth year and in fifth
year nearly 20 new culms/clump recorded. The mean culm height of culms produced in fourth year
was around 14 m and mean culm diameter 6.2cm while in fifth year, the mean culm diameter was
6.6 cm and culm height > 14m and mean wall thickness 1.5cm(Table 3) (Plate 8).
Table 2.Total biomass production (kg/clump) from first year to five years after planting in
Guadua angustifolia plantations (5x5m) under tropical humid conditions of Thithimathi,
Coorg, Karnataka.
Year
after
planting
Rhizome
Dry
Fresh
wt
wt
Culm
Dry
Fresh
wt
wt
Branches
Dry
Fresh
wt
wt
leaflets
Dry
Fresh
wt
wt
1 year
0.45
0.18
8.72
4.64
2.63
1.71
1.26
0.
0.93
2 year
3 year
4 year
2.58
6.06
1.32
3.35
26.66
93.33
12.45
51.99
5.36
17.39
3.30
10.96
1.62
8.42
1.29
5.98
10.49
6.00
218.17
127.06
12.32
8.49
19.95
17.16
5 year
22.20
7.27
306.67
142.83
23.19
11.07
21.03
7.90
15
The litter fall pattern in Guadua angustifolia plantations (400 plants/ha) varies with the growth and
agroclimatic region. In the humid tropics of Coorg, Karnataka, the annual litter fall (twigs, leaves and
culm sheath) accounts for 68.37 Mg ha -1 whereas it was 44.79 Mg ha -1 for a 5 year old plantation at
the same density when grown in a semiarid region of Hoskote, Bangalore (Fig 1 & 2). In humid
tropics, the litter fall period extends for nearly 6 months from September to February while in
semiarid areas the period is much narrower and the peak is observed in January–February. The
quantum of litter was also much lower in semiarid areas even in 5 year plantations due to the lesser
growth rate and lesser number of culms produced under such conditions.
The decomposition of leaf and twigs under of Guadua angustifolia in tropical humid zones of
Kodagu, Karnataka under surface and subsurface methods showed that 4-5 months period was
sufficient for most of the litter to decompose irrespective of the placement method (Fig 3). The litter
placed in subsurface decomposed faster than surface placement probably due to better contact
with decomposing agents. Considering that, nearly 68.37Mg ha -1 of litter is available annually from
Guadua angustifolia plantations grown at a density of 400 plants/ha which provides ample scope for
site enrichment and improvement of soil properties. (Plate 6)
7. PESTS, DISEASES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT
Surveys of plantations in humid and semiarid areas have revealed that G. angustifolia is fairly
susceptible to the termite attack in the young plantation stage itself as compared to other native
bamboo species like B.bambos or D.strictus. Two species of termites Odontotermes feae and O.
obesus were found attacking rhizomes of G. angustifolia especially in the dry month of March-April.
Due to comparatively less soil moisture availability in the soil, subterranean termites also
experience moisture stress and to overcome this, succulent roots of plants are infested. In tropical
humid conditions with high rainfall as in Kerala and western parts of Karnataka,this species is not
susceptible to termite attack. Under semiarid conditions, Guadua was found to be susceptible to
termite Odontotermes spp infestation and its growth as well as survival was found to be adversely
affected (Plate 7).
Very few diseases have been reported so far in Guadua angustifolia in peninsular India. Under semi
arid conditions of Hoskote, Bangalore, symptoms of bamboo mosaic disease was reported
(Remadevi et al, 2011). The symptoms are characterized by appearance of yellow coloured mosaic
like lesions on mature leaves which was found to spread to young and emerging leaves. However
this is not considered serious to warrant chemical control or prophylactic measures.Control of
subterranean termites is rather difficult. Drenching with Chloropyriphos 0-5% at weekly intervals in
planted pits is useful to some extent in sub humid conditions in the initial stages of planting.
Quarantine measures like restriction in movement of infected materials to new areas are suggested
for management of Bamboo mosaic disease rather than chemical measures.
8. ECONOMICS OF RAISING GUADUA ANGUSTIFOLIA PLANTATIONS
In tropical humid zones, commercial plantations of this species may be viable if it can be raised in
appropriate locations like vacant or abandoned paddy lands as indicated by financial indicators like
NPV, B/C ratio, IRR and EAI at 10,12 and 15% discount rates (Table 4). Spacing of 5x5 m is
appropriate and an initial expenditure of around 1.0 lakhs may be incurred per hectare for site
preparation, pitting, soil working, fertilization, cost of planting material, transport, irrigation, fencing,
watch and ward etc.(Annexure I & II). Costs in subsequent years upto fourth year will include the
16
rental value of land, soil working, weeding, clump management, protective irrigation, watch and
ward. Returns can be expected from fifth year onwards from selective harvesting of mature culms
following maturity marking. Observations in Coorg have indicated that Guadua has the potential to
produce 16-18 new culms in fourth year and 20 new culms/clump in fifth year. However an average
of 12 extractable culms/clump/year from fourth year onwards have been taken for the financial
analysis. These culms can be sold at a minimum rate of Rs 50/culm at farm gate prices. A potential
revenue of Rs 2.16 lakhs/year can be expected from fourth year onwards from 4320 culms after
accounting for 10% mortality of clumps. Over a 40 year period of the plantation, an annual net
income of 0.88 to 1.16 lakhs can be reasonably expected. Post harvest treatment of harvested
culms in green condition at site using water soluble preservatives like Copper Chromium Borax
(CCB) by sap displacement method or motorized Boucherie method can enhance the service life by
ten fold (15-20yrs). The value per culm can be increased four fold (Rs 200/culm) at an investment
cost of Rs 25/culm for treating the culms.
Table 4. Financial indicators of Guadua angustifolia plantations in tropical humid conditions at
different discount rates (Rs in lakhs)
Discount
rates
Net Present
Value (NPV)
(Rs in lakhs)
Benefit Cost
Ratio (B/C)
10%
11.36
3.60
23%
1.16
12%
8.62
3.16
21%
1.04
15%
5.84
2.64
18%
0.88
Internal Rate of Equivalent Annual
Income (EAI)
Return (IRR)
(Rs in lakhs)
9. UTILITY & POTENTIAL
Guadua angustifolia, is considered as a bamboo species with a high economic and conservation
potential. It is considered outstanding in stature, mechanical properties and durability. It is the most
preferred bamboo for scaffolding, building material and making furniture.Guadua is the favorite of
architects among all bamboo species. This species also appears to be one of the most useful
bamboo species for afforestation in tropical humid zones especially in riverine areas. However, its
scope in agroforestry practices appear limited and may be more successful in monoculture
plantations at a spacing of 5x5m, if managed scientifically. Due to the loosely spaced culm habit,
the canopy may quickly cover up in 2-3 years and light penetration is hampered. This does not
favour inter-cultivation practices as seen from various agroforestry trials conducted by IWST in
humid tropics.
Based on the overall performance of Guadua angustifolia in multilocational experiments conducted
across peninsular India, the advantages and disadvantages of Guadua are as follows;
17
9. a) Advantages:
1. Best growth performance in good alluvial soils in humid tropics with high rainfall and short
dry periods
2. Good survival even in water logged conditions
3. Exploitable culms ready by fourth year in humid tropics
4. Straight culm habit offer better commercial prospects
5. Widely spaced culms offers easiness in clump management
6. High utility value when culms used for structural purposes due to high load bearing capacity
and uniform strength properties of culm
b) Disadvantages:
1. Not suited in semi arid and tropical humid areas where long dry period and high temperature
(> 40oC) during summer months.
2. Thorny nature especially in initial years (1-3 yrs) can be a hindrance in clump management in
tended plantations and periodical trimming of side branches needs to be done.
3. Poor survival in semiarid and sub humid regions even with good irrigation.
Acknowledgement
The assistance rendered by various staff and research scholars of Tree Improvement &
Propagation Division, IWST is gratefully acknowledged. Gratitude is expressed to Dr.T.S.Rathore,
Director, AFRI, Jodhpur, Shri.A.C.Lakshmana, IFS (Retd.), and Bamboo Society of India for
encouraging the work on Guadua angustifolia. Funding for the project on Guadua angustifolia by
National Mission on Bamboo Application (NMBA) is gratefully acknowledged.
REFERENCES :
Grosser, D. and Liese, W., 1973. Present status and problems of bamboo classification. J.
Arnold Arboretum, 54:293-308.
McClure, F.A., 1966. The bamboos- a fresh perspective. Harvard University Press, Cambridge,
Massachusetts, USA. P-347.
Remadevi, O.K., Nagaveni, H.C.,Revathi, T. G. and Sharada, P., 2011. Pest and disease problems
in cultivated bamboos of Karnataka. (eds) Ombir Singh and V.R.R. Singh.In Proceedings of
the IV National Forestry Conference held at Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, 9-11 Nov,
2009. pp 281-289.
Somasekhar, P.V., Lakshmikanth, R.N., Rathore, T.S., Reddy, K.S. and Lakshman, A.C., 2004,
Macro-propagation of Guadua angustifolia Kunth. – An exotic and fast growing bamboo
species, Indian Forester, 130: 655-662.
18
Annexure I : Cost of Guadua angustifolia cultivation in humid tropical lowlands
ESPACEMENT : 5X5m
NO.OF CLUMPS/HA.: 400
SL.
No.
1
2
3
PARTICULARS
OF WORKS
SURVIVAL/HA.: 360 Wage rate (Rs./manday) : Rs.150/Casualty replacement (%) : 10%
UNIT
MD
MD
Cum
Cum
Rs./ton.
Rs./Kg
8
Cost of FYM @5 Kg/pit
Cost of fertiliser @100
Gm/plant for 2 years.
Cost of insecticides (2 Yrs.)
Cost of plants including
transport(400)
Planting & replanting
9
Weeding (3,2)
10
Soil working, saucer pit
enlargement,heaping
earth(1 working in 1st
year & 2 workings
thereafter)
Tending,cleaning&
harvesting of culms per
year
6
7
11
Cost
COST (Rs.) PER YEAR
1
2
3
0
Site preparation
Alignment & staking
Digging of pits (60 cm3 )
and refilling of pits after
mixing FYM,Fertiliser and
insecticide @ Rs.50/Cum
4
5
Qnty
100
3
86.4
8.64
150
150
50
50
2
40
3000
10
400
15
15000
450
4320
432
0
0
0
6000
400
0
0
6000
10
1
21
14
16
32
32
32
150
150
150
1500
150
3150
2100
150
2400
4800
4800
4800
MD(3 yr.)
MD(4 yr.)
10
15
150
150
0
0
1500
2250
1000
1000
1000
4000
1000
54000
98802
4940.1
103742
54000
64532
3226.6
67759
LS
Rs./Plant
MD
MD
7 MD per
weeding
16 MD per
working
12
Irrigation(5 times a year)
RS./irrgn.
200
13
Fencing(CPT/Live hedge)
@Rs./Rmt
400
100
14
15
16
17
Watch and ward upto 4th yr
SUB TOTAL
CONTINGENCY 05 %
GRAND TOTAL
150
Rs.
Rs.
RS.
10
4
TOTAL
(Rs.)
15000
450
4320
864
432
400
200
600
22500
3000
5000
54000
61300
3065
64365
54000
61050
3052.5
64103
22500
1125
23625
NB : *Cost is indicative only and may have to be revised as per actual site condition.
NB : **Costs include rental value of land (@10%,12% and 15% respectively) for 40 years
19
6000
800
0
200
6600
0
1500
150
5250
0
16800
0
0
0
0
26250
216000
308184
15409.2
323593
Annexure II: Discounted costs and benefits worked out for 40 years
Discounted
costs(at
Year
Costs
15%)
Benefits
0 103742.1
103742.10
0
1
67758.6
58920.52
0
2
64365
48669.19
0
3
64102.5
42148.43
0
4
23625
13507.67
216000
5
23625
11745.80
216000
6
23625
10213.74
216000
7
23625
8881.51
216000
8
23625
7723.05
216000
9
23625
6715.70
216000
10
23625
5839.74
216000
11
23625
5078.03
216000
12
23625
4415.68
216000
13
23625
3839.72
216000
14
23625
3338.89
216000
15
23625
2903.38
216000
16
23625
2524.68
216000
17
23625
2195.37
216000
18
23625
1909.02
216000
19
23625
1660.02
216000
20
23625
1443.49
216000
21
23625
1255.21
216000
22
23625
1091.49
216000
23
23625
949.12
216000
24
23625
825.32
216000
25
23625
717.67
216000
26
23625
624.06
216000
27
23625
542.66
216000
28
23625
471.88
216000
29
23625
410.33
216000
30
23625
356.81
216000
31
23625
310.27
216000
32
23625
269.80
216000
33
23625
234.61
216000
34
23625
204.01
216000
35
23625
177.40
216000
36
23625
154.26
216000
37
23625
134.14
216000
38
23625
116.64
216000
39
23625
101.43
216000
40
23625
88.20
216000
TOTAL 11,74,093 3,56,451.06 31,57,000
*watch and ward for 4 years @ Rs.54000/year
**land rent – Rs.15000
20
Discounted
benefits(at
15%)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
123498.70
107390.17
93382.76
81202.40
70610.78
61400.68
53391.90
46427.74
40371.94
35106.04
30526.99
26545.21
23082.79
20071.99
17453.91
15177.31
13197.66
11476.23
9979.33
8677.68
7545.81
6561.57
5705.71
4961.49
4314.34
3751.60
3262.26
2836.75
2466.74
2144.99
1865.21
1621.92
1410.36
1226.40
1066.44
927.34
806.38
9,41,447.50
Discounted
net
benefits
-103742.10
-58920.52
-48669.19
-42148.43
109991.03
95644.37
83169.02
72320.89
62887.73
54684.98
47552.16
41349.70
35956.26
31266.32
27188.10
23641.83
20558.11
17876.62
15544.88
13517.29
11754.17
10221.01
8887.84
7728.56
6720.48
5843.90
5081.65
4418.83
3842.46
3341.27
2905.45
2526.48
2196.94
1910.38
1661.20
1444.52
1256.11
1092.27
949.80
825.91
718.18
5,84,996.44
DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS
Defining Characteristics
?
Large thorny open clumps with thick rhizomes
tapering at neck.
?
Culms erect upto 15m and elegantly tapering at
top and hollow internodes
?
New culms dark green with white bands at nodal
region with a startling resemblance to young
arecanut palms.
?
Culm sheath blade roughly triangular, persistent
at base and less so towards the top.
?
Culm sheath margins densely and minutely
tomentose on back side.
?
Auricles and oral setae lacking entirely in the
lower culm sheaths
?
Ligule very variable, convex sometimes
truncated or humped with ciliate margin
?
Lower internodes very short (7-10 cm) while mid
culm internodes are much longer (upto 35 cm)
INSTITUTE OF WOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Bangalore
The Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Bangalore, one of the Institutes of Indian
Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) was formed in 1988 on reorganizations of
Forestry Research in the Country. IWST is mandated to conduct research on Wood Science and
Technology as a national objective and focuses its research activities to important forestry research
needs of the States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Goa
at a regional level. Taking into
consideration the expertise available and contribution made by the Institute, the ICFRE has
recognized IWST as Centre of Advanced Studies in the area of a) Improved Utilization of Wood, b)
Mangrove and Coastal Ecology and c) Research on Sandal. The Institute maintains three field
stations for Forestry Research in Karnataka State and two outstations centres at Hyderabad and
Vishakhapatnam. The thrust areas of the Institute are wood properties and uses, wood seasoning and
preservation, chemistry of forest products, wood biodegradation, tree improvement and wood energy
Institute of Wood Science and Technology
(Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education)
18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560 003.
Phone : +91-80 - 22190100, Fax : +91-80 - 23340529
E-mail : dir_iwst@icfre.org, extension_iwst@icfre.org,
Web : http:\\iwst.icfre.gov.in
Published by : Head, Publication on behalf of Director, IWST, Bangalore.