A two step method for accelerated mass propagation of Dendrocalamus asper and their evaluation in field

Abstract

An accelerated protocol for large-scale propagation of Dendrocalamus asper, an edible bamboo, has been described. Seven axillary shoots were induced in vitro from each excised tender node (15-20mm in length) containing single axillary bud when nodal segments were inoculated in semisolid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 5mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Maximum multiple shoot formation (14) was observed when in vitro generated axillary shoots were transferred to liquid MS medium containing 5mg/l BAP and 40mg/l adenine sulphate. A maximum of 93.33% shoots were effectively rooted when transferred to liquid MS medium supplemented with 1mg/l indole-3-biutyric acid (IBA). A simple acclimatization procedure of 55days, primarily in cocopeat for 20days and finally in a blend of sand, soil and farm yard manure (1:1:1 v/v), ensured a very high survival rate within next 35days. After acclimatization, rooted plantlets were further multiplied by splitting of rhizomes, formed in vivo within 90days of growth. After 90 and 180days of acclimatization, plants were successfully transferred to the field and maintained in an unirrigated condition with the initial supplementation of farm yard manure @ 10kg/pit; where around 85% survivability with 25 culms per bush attaining an average height of 4.5m was recorded up to four years.