Bamboo Species In China Research Articles

Silicon reduces cadmium accumulation in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) cell sap of root by sequestering cadmium in hemicellulose 1

Moso bamboo is one of the most important economic bamboo species in China, but cadmium (Cd) pollution has become a potential threat of its sustainable development. Silicon (Si) reduces Cd accumulation in many plant species, however, the exact mechanisms of this effect in Moso bamboo are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of Si on Cd accumulation in Moso bamboo in terms of Cd concentration in roots, Cd cellular and subcellular distribution, root cell morphology and genes expression. The effect of Si on alleviation of Cd-induced inhibition of root elongation was not obvious, but Si could significantly reduce Cd accumulation in roots at all tested Cd concentrations. Cd was localized in all cells of roots but Si treatment alter Cd distribution from all cells to distal side of exodermis cells in roots. Semi-quantitative determination of Cd by energy-dispersive X-rays revealed higher Cd concentrations in exodermis but lower concentrations in the stele when Si was present. However, Si increased Cd accumulation in root cell walls but decreased Cd concentrations in cell sap. Moreover, more than 70% of Cd and Si was found in hemicellulose 1 fraction of the cell wall. These results suggested that Si reduces Cd accumulation by sequestering Cd in hemicellulose 1 in the cell wall at the subcellular level and retaining most of the Cd in the root exodermis at the cellular level in Moso bamboo when short-term Si was applied.

Dendrocalamus latiflorus and its component rutin exhibit glucose-lowering activities by inhibiting hepatic glucose production via AKT activation

The potential medicinal value of Ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus), one of the most popular and economically important bamboo species in China, has been underestimated. In the present study, we found that D. latiflorus leaf extract (DLE) reduced fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with low liver toxicity in db/db mice. In addition, gene expression profiling was performed and pathway enrichment analysis showed that DLE affected metabolic pathways. Importantly, DLE activated the AKT signaling pathway and reduced glucose production by downregulating glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) expression. Moreover, network pharmacology analysis identified rutin as an active component in DLE through targeting insulin growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), an upstream signaling transducer of AKT. Due to its hypoglycemic effects and low toxicity, DLE may be considered an adjuvant treatment option for type 2 diabetes patients.

The Bamboo Rhizome Evolution in China Is Driven by Geographical Isolation and Trait Differentiation

Plant endemic species are the result of continuous evolution under the combined action of long-term climatic and geological conditions. There are 534 bamboo species in China, and 371 endemic species account for about 70% of all bamboo species. However, little is known about the differences in the rhizome evolution rate between endemic and non-endemic bamboos. Here, we collected morphological traits (height and leaf length) and environmental variables (including climate, space, and soil) of all 534 Chinese bamboo species to determine the relative contribution of environmental factors and traits of bamboo rhizome evolution with different endemism by structural equation modeling. We found that endemic bamboo had a higher speciation rate than non-endemic bamboo. The distribution centers of sympodial bamboos are mainly located in the mountain range of southwest China, while amphipodial and monopodial bamboos are distributed with higher latitude farther east in China. The height of non-endemic sympodial and monopodial bamboos was significantly higher than endemic sympodial and monopodial bamboos. The leaf length of non-endemic sympodial bamboos was significantly higher than endemic sympodial bamboo, while the leaf length of non-endemic amphipodial bamboo was significantly lower than endemic amphipodial bamboo. Environmental factors and traits explain 47% of the evolutionary variation of non-endemic bamboo species, while they explain 17% of that of endemic bamboo species. Longitude, latitude, and leaf length were the critical factors in the rhizome evolution of non-endemic bamboo, while longitude and height were the critical factors in the rhizome evolution of endemic bamboo. Our results imply that for higher species formation rates, endemic bamboo should be more concerned than non-endemic bamboo in the process of bamboo rhizome evolution. It will likely appear that new non-endemic bamboo species have a short leaf length in higher latitude and farther east in China (the lower Yangtze plain), as well as new endemic bamboo species with a low height farther east in China (the Wuyi Mountains). Meanwhile, ancient non-endemic bamboo with a long leaf length in Yunnan Province and ancient endemic bamboo with a high height in the Hengduan Mountains may be more likely to become extinct. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding the difference in the rhizome evolution of endemic and non-endemic bamboos, which provides new insights into the conservation of Chinese bamboo biodiversity.

Characterization and identification of the major flavonoids in Phyllostachys edulis leaf extract by UPLC–QTOF–MS/MS

Phyllostachys edulis(PES), the most important bamboo species in China, is widely distributed in East Asia. Flavonoids, which are important bioactive natural compounds, often have similar structures, making their structural elucidation difficult. The aim of this study was to represent valuable, reliable mass spectral data for the identification of flavonoids in plant leaves. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–Q-TOF-MS/MS) method was established for characterization and identification of the major flavonoids in PES leaf extract. A total of 13 flavonoids were simultaneously characterized, and their proposed characteristic product ions and fragmentation pathways were investigated. Thirteen compounds were separated on an Agilent Zorbax RRHD SB-C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). On the basis of comparing with the 4 reference standards and the literature data, the other 9 flavonoids were identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Eight compounds (compounds 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12) were found in PES leaves for the first time. An efficient UPLC–QTOF-MS/MS method was successfully applied for the structural identification of flavonoids in PES leaves. These results have practical applications for the rapid identification and structural characterization of these compounds in crude bioactive extracts or mixtures.

Spring Leafing Phenology Favors Younger Culms of Moso Bamboo: Aspects From Water Use Relations.

As the most widely distributed giant running bamboo species in China, Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) can accomplish both development of newly sprouted culms and leaf renewal of odd-year-old culms within a few months in spring. The two phenological events in spring may together change water distribution among culms in different age categories within a stand, which may differ from our conventional understanding of the negative age effect on bamboo water use. Therefore, to explore the effect of spring shooting and leaf phenology on age-specific water use of Moso bamboo and potential water redistribution, we monitored water use of four culm age categories (newly sprouted, 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old; namely A0, A1, A2, A3) in spring from March to June 2018. For newly sprouting culms, the spring phenological period was classified into five stages (incubation, culm-elongation, branch-development, leafing, established). Over these phenological stages, age-specific accumulated sap flux density showed different patterns. The oldest culms, A3, were not influenced by leaf renewal and kept nearly constant and less water use than the other aged culms. However, A2, which did not renew their leaves, had the most water use at the two initial stages (incubation, culm-elongation) but consumed less water than A0 and A1 after the fourth stage (leafing). At the end of June, water use of the four age categories sorted in order of A0 > A1 > A2 > A3, which confirms the conventional thought and observations, i.e., a negative age effect. The results indicate that new leaf flushing may benefit younger culms (A1 and A0) more than older culms (A2 and A3), i.e., increasing their transpiration response to radiation and share of the stand transpiration. With the underground connected rhizome system, the bamboo stand as an integration seems to balance its water use among culms of different ages to support the water use of freshly sprouted culms during their developing period.

Effects of thinning intensity and growth parameters on Dendrocalamus brandisii (Munro) Kurz shoot production in Simao District, Yunnan Province, southwestern China

Bamboo shoots have been used by Chinese people as a popular and delicious dish up to 3000 years. Out of 534 bamboo species in China, about 50 species are used as source of edible shoot. However, little or almost no intensive management intervention has been applied for optimum shoot production of clump forming bamboo forest, especially for Dendrocalamus brandisii (Munro) Kurz. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (1) investigate the effects of thinning intensity on D. brandisii shoot production, (2) assess the effects of growth parameters on D. brandisii shoot production, and (3) develop a model to predict shoot production from a 5-year-old D. brandisii plantation. In February, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) five thinning intensity treatments (1–0, 1-1, 2–1, 2-2 standing culm density (SCD) and control) were established in three blocks along an altitudinal gradient that covered an area of about 0.072 ha. Data collection (number of shoots and shoot yield) was conducted from mid-July to mid-October. A total of 130 edible shoots weighing 278.5 kg were harvested from 0.072 ha. This accounted for 2.89 harvested shoots clump−1 with 3.87 ton ha−1 shoot yield. On average, the largest shoot yield (2.74 kg or 5.84 ton ha−1) was harvested from a 2-2 standing culm density (SCD) (T4). The developed model illustrated that shoot yield was positively and significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with thinning intensity. The model further demonstrated that all culm DBH classes in T4 and/or T3 had the largest shoot yield compared to the control treatment (T5). Despite fewer numbers of shoots in T4 compared to T3, the larger shoot size in T4 made more attractive and promising for D. brandisii shoot production. Future studies should be considered on the combined effect of SCD, fertilizer regime and irrigation scheme for a better understanding about optimum shoot production.

Comparative Analyses of Anatomical Structure, Phytohormone Levels, and Gene Expression Profiles Reveal Potential Dwarfing Mechanisms in Shengyin Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis f. tubaeformis).

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) is one of the most important bamboo species in China and the third most important plant species for timber production. However, the dwarf variant of moso bamboo, P. edulis f. tubaeformis (shengyin bamboo), which has shortened internodes, is not well studied. We used anatomical, hormonal, and transcriptomic approaches to study internode shortening and shoot growth in dwarf shengyin and wild moso bamboo. Phenotypic and anatomical observations showed that dwarfing in shengyin bamboo is due to reduced internode length, and the culm fibers in shengyin bamboo are significantly shorter and thicker than in wild moso bamboo. We measured the levels of endogenous hormones in the internodes and found that shengyin bamboo had lower levels of four hormones while two others were higher in wild moso bamboo. Comparative transcriptome analyses revealed a potential regulating mechanism for internode length involving genes for cell wall loosening-related enzymes and the cellulose and lignin biosynthesis pathways. Genes involved in hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction, especially those that showed significant differential expression in the internodes between shengyin and wild moso bamboo, may be important in determining the shortened internode phenotype. A hypothesis involving possible cross-talk between phytohormone signaling cues and cell wall expansion leading to dwarfism in shengyin bamboo is proposed. The results presented here provide a comprehensive exploration of the biological mechanisms that determine internode shortening in moso bamboo.

Spatial distribution and variability of carbon storage in different sympodial bamboo species in China

Selection of tree species is potentially an important management decision for increasing carbon storage in forest ecosystems. This study investigated and compared spatial distribution and variability of carbon storage in 8 sympodial bamboo species in China. The results of this study showed that average carbon densities (CDs) in the different organs decreased in the order: culms (0.4754 g g−1) > below-ground (0.4701 g g−1) > branches (0.4662 g g−1) > leaves (0.4420 g g−1). Spatial distribution of carbon storage (CS) on an area basis in the biomass of 8 sympodial bamboo species was in the order: culms (17.4–77.1%) > below-ground (10.6–71.7%) > branches (3.8–11.6%) > leaves (0.9–5.1%). Total CSs in the sympodial bamboo ecosystems ranged from 103.6 Mg C ha−1 in Bambusa textilis McClure stand to 194.2 Mg C ha−1 in Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro stand. Spatial distribution of CSs in 8 sympodial bamboo ecosystems decreased in the order: soil (68.0–83.5%) > vegetation (16.8–31.1%) > litter (0.3–1.7%). Total current CS and biomass carbon sequestration rate in the sympodial bamboo stands studied in China is 93.184 × 106 Mg C ha−1 and 8.573 × 106 Mg C yr−1, respectively. The sympodial bamboos had a greater CSs and higher carbon sequestration rates relative to other bamboo species. Sympodial bamboos can play an important role in improving climate and economy in the widely cultivated areas of the world.

Current and potential carbon stocks in Moso bamboo forests in China

Bamboo forests provide important ecosystem services and play an important role in terrestrial carbon cycling. Of the approximately 500 bamboo species in China, Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is the most important one in terms of distribution, timber value, and other economic values. In this study, we estimated current and potential carbon stocks in China's Moso bamboo forests and in their products. The results showed that Moso bamboo forests in China stored about 611.15 ± 142.31 Tg C, 75% of which was in the top 60 cm soil, 22% in the biomass of Moso bamboos, and 3% in the ground layer (i.e., bamboo litter, shrub, and herb layers). Moso bamboo products store 10.19 ± 2.54 Tg C per year. The potential carbon stocks reach 1331.4 ± 325.1 Tg C, while the potential C stored in products is 29.22 ± 7.31 Tg C a−1. Our results indicate that Moso bamboo forests and products play a critical role in C sequestration. The information gained in this study will facilitate policy decisions concerning carbon sequestration and management of Moso bamboo forests in China.

Endogenous hormonal equilibrium linked to bamboo culm development.

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla) is the most important bamboo species in China and is famous for its fast-growing culms. To investigate the possible relationship between internode development and endogenous hormones, the concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), zeatin riboside (ZR), gibberellins (GA3), and abscisic acid (ABA) were analyzed in culm samples from plants at different developmental stages during a single growing season and, at the same time, anatomical structure was closely monitored. Cell division was the dominant process in internode development during early development, while cell elongation predominated at later stages. There was a negative correlation between the rates of cell division and cell elongation. The four endogenous hormones (IAA, ZR, GA3, and ABA) displayed fluctuations in their levels at different developmental stages but their peak activities were not synchronous. Cell division rate had a significant positive correlation with ZR concentration. Cell elongation had a significant positive correlation with the ratio of promoting hormones (IAA, GA3, and ZR) to inhibitory hormone (ABA) concentrations. We conclude that hormonal equilibrium might regulate the division and elongation of bamboo culms.

PLANTATION MANAGEMENT AND BAMBOO RESOURCE ECONOMICS IN CHINA

Bamboos constitute a very important and versatile resource worldwide. A lot of Asian, African and South American people rely on bamboo products for their housing and farming tools. Meanwhile, the shoots of these plants are regarded as vegetables in East and South-East Asian nations. China has the greatest bamboo forest area (extension) and the largest number of bamboo species (more than 590 species), many of them with significant economic importance, being Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), the most important bamboo species in China, due to its usage not only as timber but also for food. China has paid unprecedented attention in recent decades to bamboo forest management. The vast economic profits derived from silviculture have contributed much to rural development and poverty alleviation. Bamboo industry has become the pillar of economy in mountainous areas. Besides being a tool for poverty alleviation in rural areas, bamboo plantations are also a significant carbon sink and a key option to mitigate land degradation. This paper highlights such aspects as bamboo silviculture (fertilization, pruning, thinning, irrigation, shoot and timber harvesting) its domestic and international applications (timber, plywood, food, paper, fuel, housing, etc.) in daily life, and its current role in Chinese industry and economy, without particular reference to any of its species.

PLANTATION MANAGEMENT AND BAMBOO RESOURCE ECONOMICS IN CHINA

Bamboos constitute a very important and versatile resource worldwide. A lot of Asian, African and South American people rely on bamboo products for their housing and farming tools. Meanwhile, the shoots of these plants are regarded as vegetables in East and South-East Asian nations. China has the greatest bamboo forest area (extension) and the largest number of bamboo species (more than 590 species), many of them with significant economic importance, being Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), the most important bamboo species in China, due to its usage not only as timber but also for food. China has paid unprecedented attention in recent decades to bamboo forest management. The vast economic profits derived from silviculture have contributed much to rural development and poverty alleviation. Bamboo industry has become the pillar of economy in mountainous areas. Besides being a tool for poverty alleviation in rural areas, bamboo plantations are also a significant carbon sink and a key option to mitigate land degradation. This paper highlights such aspects as bamboo silviculture (fertilization, pruning, thinning, irrigation, shoot and timber harvesting) its domestic and international applications (timber, plywood, food, paper, fuel, housing, etc.) in daily life, and its current role in Chinese industry and economy, without particular reference to any of its species.

PLANTATION MANAGEMENT AND BAMBOO RESOURCE ECONOMICS IN CHINA

Bamboos constitute a very important and versatile resource worldwide. A lot of Asian, African and South American people rely on bamboo products for their housing and farming tools. Meanwhile, the shoots of these plants are regarded as vegetables in East and South-East Asian nations. China has the greatest bamboo forest area (extension) and the largest number of bamboo species (more than 590 species), many of them with significant economic importance, being Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), the most important bamboo species in China, due to its usage not only as timber but also for food. China has paid unprecedented attention in recent decades to bamboo forest management. The vast economic profits derived from silviculture have contributed much to rural development and poverty alleviation. Bamboo industry has become the pillar of economy in mountainous areas. Besides being a tool for poverty alleviation in rural areas, bamboo plantations are also a significant carbon sink and a key option to mitigate land degradation. This paper highlights such aspects as bamboo silviculture (fertilization, pruning, thinning, irrigation, shoot and timber harvesting) its domestic and international applications (timber, plywood, food, paper, fuel, housing, etc.) in daily life, and its current role in Chinese industry and economy, without particular reference to any of its species.

A Study on the Conservation and Development of &lt;i&gt;Dendrocalamus sinicus&lt;/i&gt; Form Yunnan, China

Dendrocalamus sinicus is an endemic species in southwestern Yunnan, China, and it is the the largest bamboo in the world. It can grow to more than 30m tall with 30cm in diameter. Its culms yield per unit area is 5-8 times as that of Phyllostachys pubscens that is now popularized as a major economic bamboo species in China. So it is one of the most excellent economic bamboo species in south China and in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Based On the investigation of the biological characteristics and present seed resources situation of Dendrocalamus sinicus, the paper discusses the limitations of its natural population distribution, its fragile growth and propagation, and its rich meaning in culture. The authors suggest that this species be included in the list of wild plants for priority protection in China, nature reserve of Dendrocalamus sinicus (ecological and cultural) be established in its main distribution areas and that its scientific protection and industrial development be carried out as soon as possible.

Bamboo fibers for composite applications: a mechanical and morphological investigation

Bamboo fibers are very promising reinforcements for polymer composites production due to its high aspect ratio and strong mechanical performances. In order to better understand their reinforcing potential, the mechanical properties of single bamboo fibers extracted from eleven commercial bamboo species in China were measured with a newly developed microtensile technique. For comparison, the mechanical properties of mature single Chinese Fir and Masson Pine wood fibers were measured. The results show that the average longitudinal tensile modulus of the eleven kinds of bamboo fibers ranges from 25.5 to 46.3 GPa with an average value of 36.7 GPa. For tensile strength, the value ranges from 1.20 to 1.93 GPa with an average value of 1.55 GPa. The tensile strength and modulus of bamboo fibers are nearly two times of that of single Chinese Fir and Masson Pine fibers, and significantly higher than most of the published data for other softwood fibers. The average elongation at break of bamboo fibers is about 4.84 %, only a little lower than the value 5.15 % of the tested mature softwood fibers. Additionally, bamboo fibers were found to have smaller diameters and larger aspect ratio than most documented wood fibers, which favored an improved reinforcing effect. These combined mechanical and morphological advantages highlight the potential of bamboo fibers as the reinforcing phase in polymer composites for structural purpose.

Variation of mechanical properties of single bamboo fibers (Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro) with respect to age and location in culms

Abstract There is a growing need to characterize the mechanical properties of single bamboo fibers with their high potential in commercial applications. In this paper, an improved microtensile technique has been applied to measure the tensile strength of fibers isolated from Ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro) as an important commercial bamboo species in China. The property variation with respect to the age and locations within a culm was in focus. Ma bamboo fibers had superior stiffness and strength data compared with those of softwood fibers. Four-year-old Ma bamboo fibers are stiffer and stronger than 1-year-old fibers. Their in-trunk variation is rather small both in radial and longitudinal directions. This is due to the relatively constant microfibrillar angle in bamboo culms. Accordingly, the large variations in the bulk mechanical properties of bamboo are mainly attributable to fiber distribution density in the culm rather than the fiber itself.

Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Phyllostachys edulis (Poaceae), an important bamboo species in China.

• Premise of the study: Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for Phyllostachys edulis (Poaceae), an ecologically and economically important bamboo species in China, to evaluate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of P. edulis and other Phyllostachys species.• Methods and Results: Twenty microsatellite markers were developed and their polymorphisms were tested on 71 samples from three geographically disparate populations. Each locus exhibited between two and 10 alleles with an average of five alleles. Excluding monomorphic loci, observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from zero to one and from 0.041 to 0.676, respectively.• Conclusions: These 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci will be useful for studies on the molecular ecology, population genetics, and conservation of P. edulis.

Genetic similarity among cultivars of Phyllostachys pubescens

Phyllostachys pubescens is the most important economic bamboo species in China, which grows widely in the South of China. There are more than ten cultivars in this species but their genetic relationship still remains unknown. We used both amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) techniques to determine genetic similarity among ten cultivars of P. pubescens and two related species. Eight hundred and twenty seven bands, in which 495 are polymorphic, were detected using 15 pairs of AFLP primers whereas total 231 bands, in which 154 bands are polymorphic, were scored using 16 ISSR primers. Statistic analysis showed that the genetic similarity matrices obtained from these two sets of molecular markers had a significant correlation (R = 0.959, P = 0.013). The dendrogram generated with AFLP and ISSR markers could clearly genetically identify ten cultivars of P. pubescens that had high similarity with genetic distances ranging from 0.023 to 0.108, and could be divided into three groups based on their genetic variation and similarity. Our results suggest that these molecular markers are useful to genetically classify cultivars or varieties of a species, particularly a bamboo species.

Plantation future of bamboo in China

In the past, utilization of bamboo resources in China has been traditionally dominated by direct consumption of local farmers as minor forest products with weak linkage with market. In recent years, the over-supply of grains and rapid degradation of agricultural environment call for alternative crops that can be developed through integrating the environmental plantation with the market demands. Closely associated with forestry and agriculture, bamboo is able to deal with the new challenges which China’s agriculture is facing. Of 534 documented bamboo species in China, 153 species produce edibleshoots and of which 56 species are recommended for agricultural plantation; 139 species provide timbers and of which 58 species recommended; 116 species can be splited as good strips for weaving and of which 22 species recommended; 88 species are considered as garden bamboos and of which 34 species recommended; 45 species are able to produce paper pulp and of which 18 species recommended.