Effect of growth forms of bamboo on the mycorrhizal and fluorescent pseudomonas population

Bamboo, also called as the poor man’s timber, is one of the fastest growing giant grass species. Having shallow root system and fast growth rate, the dependability of the plant on the rhizospheric microbial web cannot be denied. The study was conducted to explore the population and seasonal variations of indigenous mycorrhizal fungi as well as the functional diversity of plant growth promoting bacteria, especially fluorescent pseudomonas from the different growth forms of Dendrocalamus strictus, the most commonly present bamboo species in Indian sub-continent. In a past study, it was established that the growth forms of D. strictus which developed over time in their respective locations, were genetically varied. The present research further explores the variations in their respective rhizospheric microbes and looks for the role of plant selection phenomenon. Considerable variation in mycorrhizal structures and in the functional diversity of fluorescent pseudomonas was registered. It seems probable that selection pressure of nutrient deficient condition has created a condition that promoted occurrence of high numbers of P solubilisers which, in turn, boosted the mycorrhizal as well as bamboo growth.

VIABILIDADE DE COMPÓSITOS POLIMÉRICOS DE POLIPROPILENO REFORÇADOS COM FIBRA DE BAMBU

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o reforço de fibras de bambu em compósitos poliméricos. Para tanto, o bambu da espécie (DENDROCALAMUS STRICTUS) foi processado em moinho de martelos e peneirado. Após a caracterização "in natura", os corpos de prova foram conformados em prensa a partir de dois tratamentos, 100% polipropileno e 80% polipropileno / 20% fibras de bambu, e testados mecanicamente por dobra em máquina de ensaio universal. Os resultados da caracterização das fibras indicaram propriedades químicas compatíveis com os valores publicados na literatura, além de resultados de densidade consideravelmente superiores. Por outro lado, os valores do módulo de elasticidade e de ruptura decorrentes dos ensaios mecânicos dos compósitos não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os tratamentos analisados.

Rapid in-vitro micropropagation of Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) and its genetic fidelity testing using ISSR markers

Bamboo is a versatile, arborescent, perennial and non-wood forest tree with tremendous commercial importance. For mass scale propagation of bamboo, the micropropagation is an effective way for producing elite, infection free and true-to-type planting material. Here, the nodal explants of Dendrocalamus strictus used to develop an effective protocol for micropropagation based on tissue culture technique. In this study, the sterilization treatment of 70% ethanol + Tween 20 + Bavistin + Hgcl2 + PPM was successfully controlled the contamination up to 90 % as compared to other treatments. The shoots were initiated from nodal segments in MS medium supplemented with BAP (4 mg/l) and PPM (500µl/l). Shoot multiplication was found best with BAP (4 mg/l) and kinetin (2 mg/l) by using liquid MS medium. Whereas, rooting in solid MS medium has shown good results when supplemented with NAA (4mg/l). Healthy and disease-free plants were obtained after hardening under greenhouse conditions. Genetic fidelity testing by using ISSR markers reported that there was no variation in plantlets developed through micropropagation.

Gregarious flowering in Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees in Mussoorie Hills, Uttarakhand, India

Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees has started flowering and synchronous flowering can be observed in the hillslopes and roadside of Mussoorie and vicinity areas. The synchronous flowering of D. strictus was observed in few locations along hillslopes of Mussoorie – Dehradun roadway. The GPS locations of the site are 30024’55’ N and 7804’41’E, 30024’52” N and 7804’43” E and 30024’49” and 7804’43” E at an elevation of around 1130 msl. The bamboo clumps were overladen with flowers showing synchronous flowering.

Morphological Analysis of Several Bamboo Species with Potential Structural Applications

Bamboo constitutes a family of plants that are very promising and interesting as renewable materials for both large and small structure construction. To be used as an alternative to traditional materials; the understanding of its morphology and mechanical behavior is of crucial importance. As the distribution of fibers and vascular bundles differs for each type of bamboo; several bamboo types have been characterized: Phyllostachys aurea (PA), Arundinaria amabilis (AA) and Dendrocalamus strictus (DS). Morphological analysis has been performed by optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differences in density; surface morphology and wall thickness have been found. In fact; PA and AA have shown a great morphological regularity; while DS presents the greatest thickness; to the point that it can be considered full culm. The plant’s own ducts constitute a very important factor for future impregnations and the optimization of mechanical properties for structure construction.

Dendrocalamus strictus (male bamboo).

D. strictus occurs widely in drier deciduous and semi-deciduous forest throughout the plains and lowest hills of India and Burma. Managed on a large scale and widely planted, it is a major resource for paper pulp and board products.