Effect of nodal cutting position and plant growth regulator on bud sprouting of Dendrocalamus giganteus Wall. Ex Munro in Uganda

Abstract

Dendrocalamus giganteus Wall. Ex Munro (giant bamboo) is one of the most economically important bamboo species globally. However, propagation of Dendrocalamus giganteus from seed is hampered by the duration it takes to flower – making the large-scale production of planting stock for this valuable species untenable. This study was conducted under greenhouse conditions to determine the optimal doses of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and culm cutting position to propagate D. giganteus. Cuttings from the top, middle and basal culm positions were treated with different concentrations of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (0.6 %, 0.8 % and 1.0 %) and a control with distilled water. A mixture of top forest soil and sand in a ratio of 2:1 was used as a growth medium. The experiment was set up in a Complete Randomized Factorial Design (CRFD). Cuttings were monitored for the number of bud sprouts over 18 weeks. Results indicated that cuttings’ position and concentration of IBA greatly influenced the sprouting of D. giganteus. The highest bud sprouts were obtained for 0.6 % IBA and cuttings from the basal position. Bud sprouting was lowest in the control and cuttings from the top position. We conclude that while propagating D. giganteus by culm cuttings, basal cuttings and 0.6 % IBA should be encouraged.