Bamboo Species Research Articles

Effects of retaining different number of mother bamboo on the growth and NSCs allocation of new-born seedlings in Phyllostachys edulis at different age

BackgroundNon-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) are key substances for metabolic processes in plants, providing energy for growth, development, and responses to environmental stress. Pruning mother bamboo in a clump can significantly affect the NSCs allocation of new shoots, thereby affecting their growth. Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) is an important economic bamboo species with a highest planting area in China. However, it remains unclear how many mother bamboo left maximize the influence in moso bamboo seedlings at different age.ResultsThis study investigated the effects of retaining different number of mother bamboo on the morphological characterization and NSCs allocation of new-born seedlings in moso bamboo at two-year-old and three-year-old, respectively. Retaining more mother bamboo significantly promoted the plant height and diameter of new shoots, particularly in the two-year-old clumps. The growth rate of new shoots increased with the number of mother bamboo in the two-year-old clumps, while it remained relatively stable in the three-year-old clumps. The allocation strategy of NSCs also showed significant differences when retaining different number of mother bamboo across growth stages. NSCs content continuously increased with the growth of new shoots during the rapid growth phase, which reached peak in all parts at the end of the rhizome elongation stage. In two-year-old bamboo seedlings, the NSCs content increased with the number of retained mother plants. Significant differences were found between different treatments, particularly between those with one and four mother bamboos left. It was similar in the three-year-old clumps. However, there were no significant differences in NSCs content among the treatments.ConclusionReducing the number of mother bamboo appropriately can promote the growth of new shoots in moso bamboo. The two-year-old clumps were more dependent on the number of mother bamboo, while it was less pronounced for three-year-old clumps. In production practice, it is recommended that three mother bamboos are retained for two-year-old clumps and two to three mother bamboos for three-year-old clumps. This approach can expand the afforestation area while ensuring the survival rate of new seedlings in moso bamboo.

Development and Applications of Bambusa stenostachya Leaf Extract in Personal Care Products

Concerns about the safety of traditional preservatives in personal care products are driving interest toward self-preserving alternatives. This study explores the potential of B. stenostachya leaf extracts, a natural and biodegradable material, for use in cosmetics. B. stenostachya, a fast-growing bamboo species native to Taiwan, is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids with antimicrobial properties. Leaves were obtained from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Tainan, Taiwan, and extracted using ultrasonic and Soxhlet methods with water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol. The highest yield was achieved with 50% ethanol at 100 °C. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line, with no toxicity observed at dilutions between 1/3200 and 1/400, indicating the extract’s safety for cosmetic use. Antimicrobial activity was tested in accordance with ISO 11930:2019 standards. The extract effectively inhibited Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens, meeting preservative efficacy Standards A and B for long-term microbial control. Bamboo is a sustainable resource with lower environmental impacts, and its products show promising biodegradability and reduced environmental footprints. This research indicates that the B. stenostachya leaf extract offers a sustainable alternative to chemical preservatives, promoting both environmental sustainability and public health, with the potential for expanded use in natural personal care formulations.

Multidimensional Environmental Drivers of Bamboo Species Richness on Subtropical Islands

Understanding the distribution patterns and driving mechanisms of bamboo species diversity on islands is essential for advancing knowledge of island ecosystem processes and informing strategies for bamboo resource conservation and management. This study utilized standardized major axis regression (SMA) to assess the effects of island area and isolation on bamboo species across 30 islands in Fujian, China. Furthermore, a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was constructed to explore the driving mechanisms underlying bamboo species richness. This analysis incorporated six key environmental factors—island size, isolation, shape, climate, development intensity, and habitat heterogeneity—spanning a total of 12 variables. The primary findings were as follows: (1) Eight genera and twenty-nine bamboo species were identified on Fujian islands. Species richness increased significantly with island area, consistent with the theory of area effects, while isolation had no significant impact on richness. (2) Different reproductive types exhibited distinct responses to environmental conditions. This was evident in the species–area relationship slopes (z-values): SR = 2.07; monopodial = 0.94; sympodial = 0.82; and polycyclic = 0.44. These variations highlight the ecological adaptability and functional traits of different reproductive strategies within island ecosystems. (3) Among the six environmental factors, island area exerted the greatest influence on species richness, underscoring its role as the primary driver of bamboo diversity and reproductive strategies. (4) Island area and isolation also impacted species richness indirectly through their effects on development intensity. In conclusion, the bamboo species richness and reproductive types on Fujian islands are primarily shaped by island area, followed by development intensity and habitat heterogeneity. In contrast, climate, island shape, and isolation play relatively minor roles. This study provides critical insights into the interplay of island area, isolation, shape, climate, development intensity, and habitat heterogeneity in shaping bamboo diversity. The findings offer a valuable foundation for bamboo resource conservation, island ecosystem management, and sustainable development.

Taxonomic revision of the bamboo genus Schizostachyum (Bambusoideae: Melocanninae) in Thailand, with two new species and five new records, lectotypifications and nomenclatural corrections

There is ongoing discovery of new bamboo species and records in the Thai–Indo-Chinese region. As part of this work, the taxonomic documentation of the bamboo genus Schizostachyum requires improvement in its native distribution ranges, especially in Thailand. This study, for the first time, delivered a taxonomic revision of Thai Schizostachyum to provide an updated account of its species diversity. The circumscription of the genus Schizostachyum was interpreted in a broad sense includes Neohouzeaua, Teinostachyum and some species of Cephalostachyum, based on previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Species enumeration of Schizostachyum in Thailand is updated to include 15 species, of which, two are new species (S. kohchangense and S. nigrum) and four are official new records (S. cambodianum, S. chinense, S. helferi and S. strictum) for Thailand. Merely five species were previously reported from Thailand, which is only a third of the number of Thai Schizostachyum species documented in this study, of a global total of approximately 60 species. The taxonomic revision of Schizostachyum presented here provides a new key to species. Lectotypifications were made for species S. brachycladum, S. chinensis, S. grande, and S. zollingeri. An epitype was chosen to supplement the holotype of S. helferi. Morphological and nomenclatural notes are included to elucidate range of variation useful for more precise species identification and increase taxonomic stability, respectively. The analyses of conservation status assessments were performed to fulfill global-scale IUCN Redlist scheme.

Analysis of the bamboo SWEET gene family reveals that Dendrocalamus farinosus SWEET14 is involved in source-sink carbohydrate partitioning.

In higher plants, SWEET genes play a crucial role in source-sink carbohydrate partitioning. Dendrocalamus farinosus is an economic bamboo species because of its high fiber content and rapid growth. The transportation of photosynthetic products is essential for bamboo growth. Here, we identified 50 major SWEET genes in D. farinosus. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that DfSWEET14 and DfSWEET44 were homologs of OsSWEET11 and OsSWEET4, respectively. DfSWEET5, DfSWEET14 and DfSWEET44 were highly expressed in leaf veins, stems and roots, respectively, and their expression was responsive to glucose and sucrose. DfSWEET9 and DfSWEET28 were involved in photosynthetic product distribution, ABA/MeJA signaling and pathogen responses. DfSWEET14 was localized to the plasma membrane, and was highly expressed in lateral buds and young shoots only. The overexpression of DfSWEET14 in wheat resulted in higher root/shoot biomass ratio under drought stress and increases in grain-filling duration, seed yield, net photosynthetic capacity, soluble sugar content, seed size and grain weight. This suggests that DfSWEET14 is involved in sucrose partitioning from leaves to grains. These results provide new insights into genetic improvement of bamboo and into the breeding of other economic crops for high yield by manipulation of source-sink carbohydrate partitioning and drought responses.

Moso Bamboo’s Survival Strategy Against Chilling Stress in Signaling Dynamics

Phyllostachys edulis, an economically and ecologically significant bamboo species, has substantial research value in applications as a bamboo substitute for plastic and in forest carbon sequestration. However, frequent seasonal low-temperature events due to global climate change affect the growth, development, and productivity of P. edulis. Calcium signaling, serving as a versatile second messenger, is involved in various stress responses and nitrogen metabolism. In this study, we analyzed the calcium signaling dynamics and regulatory strategies in P. edulis under chilling stress. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the CBF families, AMT families, NRT families, and Ca2+ sensor families, including CaM, CDPK, and CBL, were identified using transcriptomics. Additionally, we explored the law of Ca2+ flux and distribution in the roots of P. edulis under chilling stress and validated these findings by assessing the content or activity of Ca2+ sensor proteins and nitrogen transport proteins in the roots. The results indicated that the Ca2+ sensor families of CaM, CDPK, and CBL in P. edulis exhibited significant transcriptional changes under chilling stress. Notably, PH02Gene03957, PH02Gene42787, and PH02Gene19300 were significantly upregulated, while the expressions of PH02Gene08456, PH02Gene01209, and PH02Gene37879 were suppressed. In particular, the expression levels of the CBF family gene PH02Gene14168, a downstream target gene of the calcium channels, increased significantly. P. edulis exhibited an influx of Ca2+ at the root, accompanied by oscillating negative peaks under chilling stress. Spatially, the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) within the root cells increased. The CIPK family genes, interacting with Ca2+-CBL in downstream signaling pathways, showed significant differential expressions. In addition, the expressions of the NRT and AMT family genes changed correspondingly. Our study demonstrates that Ca2+ signaling is involved in the regulatory network of P. edulis under chilling stress. [Ca2+]cyt fluctuations in the roots of P. edulis are induced by chilling stress, reflecting an influx of extracellular Ca2+. Upon binding to Ca2+, downstream target genes from the CBF family are activated. Within the Ca2+–CBL–CIPK signaling network, the CIPK family plays a crucial role in nitrogen metabolism pathways.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) of the industrial production of structural glued laminated bamboo

Bamboo is a promising bio-based construction material for achieving China’s carbon neutrality goal. This study developed methodological approaches for life cycle assessment (cradle to gate) of structural glued laminated bamboo (SGLB) produced from moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), including measuring and calculating biogenic carbon storage and emissions during the manufacturing process. Primary data was collected through experiments and field investigation resulting in development of world’s first life cycle inventory (LCI) of SGLB; background data from Ecoinvent 3.10 was used, and the analysis was performed using OpenLCA 2.1: IPCC 2021 method AR6. Uncertainty analysis was conducted using Monte Carlo Simulation. The results illustrate that SGLB can store 1140 kgCO2e/m3, which is more than twice biogenic CO2 emitted (467 ± 9.1 kgCO2e/m3) during its production. Electricity, adhesive, and transportation are the top three emission sources, among which electricity contributed to 71% of the final emission and was mainly consumed at the fine-planed bamboo strip processing factories. The production process generates around 60% of bamboo co-products, which can be effectively used for heat and power co-generation that can drastically reduce the carbon emissions to 156 kgCO2e/m3. In addition, maximal use of sea transportation between factory gate and consumer can further mitigate carbon emission. Further research on the end-of-life scenarios of SGLB in structures, and research on SGLB produced from other bamboo species in Africa, Latin America, and Southeastern Asia need to be undertaken.

Expert panel opinions on carbon sequestration through bamboo utilisation in Malaysia: Rehabilitation of tin mines

Abstract Tin mining was once crucial to Malaysia’s economy, but its decline left large areas of land severely degraded with poor soils and minimal vegetation. Bamboo has become a promising alternative for ecological restoration in these areas, but the understanding of carbon sequestration using bamboo remains limited. The study has two main objectives: (1) to evaluate the existing practices of carbon sequestration using bamboo in Malaysia, and (2) to assess the benefits of bamboo cultivation for its ecological functions and economic viability. This study investigates the perspectives of experts on the use of bamboo for carbon sequestration, particularly in the rehabilitation of tin mines in Malaysia, through panel expert interviews. The results showed that carbon sequestration in Malaysia is still in its early stages. Understanding of bamboo’s capacity to absorb CO2 and release oxygen varies among stakeholders. The experts recommended two bamboo-based benefit models: (1) using bamboo for carbon sequestration on degraded tin mining land, and (2) producing high-value downstream bamboo products such as bamboo biochar, bamboo panels, bamboo-based food, and handicrafts. The panel identified major challenges to bamboo utilisation in Malaysia, including land use competition, the need for specialised knowledge in bamboo cultivation, effective regulations, funding, and the willingness of the industry to engage with relevant stakeholders. Bamboo’s key characteristics include rapid growth, high carbon absorption capacity, and its ability to stabilise soil. Recommendations for improving the use of bamboo in tin mine rehabilitation include enhanced training programs for local farmers, revisions to government incentives and policies, and further research into suitable bamboo species for rehabilitating tin mines or degraded land.

The Morphology, Standing Stock and Habitat Distribution of Several Bamboo Species in the Reok Sub-District, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

Bamboo plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion and conserving water. In East Nusa Tenggara Province, many communities rely on bamboo species, making its cultivation a priority due to the region’s favorable biophysical conditions and available support from Non-Governmental Orgabization as facilitators. Approximately 387 villages have undergone assessment and socialization processes aimed at developing bamboo villages, including the Reok sub-district. One of the next steps in this process is conducting an inventory of bamboo standing stock in the area.This study aims to assess the species diversity and standing stock of bamboo in Reok sub-district. Research was carried out at 11 randomly selected sampling points across six villages, using the single circular plot method (radius of 17.9 m), with a total of 55 plots. Each plot was surveyed to identify and quantify clumps and culms, categorized by age (young, medium, and old). Four bamboo species were identified: Bambusa spinosa, Bambusa vulgaris, Gigantochloa atter, and Dendrocalamus asper. Gigantochloa atter was the most prevalent species, found at nearly all survey points, and had the highest number of clumps and culms. The estimated standing stock of bamboo in the Reok sub-district is 57,496 clumps, with a total of 3,692,890 culms. Gigantochloa atter accounted for the majority, with 35,526 clumps and 1,815,593 culms. This standing stock holds significant potential for further development, as bamboo is a key non-timber forest product (NTFP) in the region, with the potential to enhance the local economy.

Allelochemicals from Moso Bamboo: Identification and Their Effects on Neighbor Species

Moso bamboo, which is essential to China’s economy, is currently facing significant threats due to declining profits. Inadequate management of moso bamboo can negatively impact the surrounding ecosystems. This study investigated allelopathy in moso bamboo forests by identifying potential allelochemicals and their effects on coexisting plants. Fresh leaves and litter from moso bamboo were collected to examine allelochemicals released through natural processes such as rainwater leaching and litter decomposition. Seven substances with potential allelopathic effects were identified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Four of these substances—DBP, PHBA, citric acid, and CGA—were selected for a detailed analysis of their effects on the photosynthetic and antioxidant systems of two naturally coexisting plants, Phoebe chekiangensis and Castanopsis sclerophylla. The results indicated that the four chemicals influenced P. chekiangensis and C. sclerophylla through different patterns of interference. DBP, PHBA, and citric acid negatively impacted the transfer of electrons during photosynthesis in both plants but had a lesser effect on the antioxidant system-related indicators in P. chekiangensis. In C. sclerophylla, these four chemicals led to a significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and catalase (CAT) activity to varying degrees. Furthermore, the relative abundance of fungi and bacteria in the soil was also affected by the DBP treatment. The identification of allelochemicals from moso bamboo, along with the investigation of their mechanisms, provides valuable insights into competitive interactions among plant species, particularly between moso bamboo and other species, along with the expansion of moso bamboo forests.

Comparative RNA profiling identifies stage-specific phasiRNAs and coexpressed Argonaute genes in Bambusoideae and Pooideae species.

Phased, small interfering RNAs (PhasiRNAs) play a crucial role in supporting male fertility in grasses. Earlier work in maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa)-and subsequently many other plant species-identified premeiotic 21-nucleotide (nt) and meiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs. More recently, a group of premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs was discovered in the anthers of 2 Pooideae species, barley (Hordeum vulgare) and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). Whether premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs and other classes of reproductive phasiRNAs are conserved across Pooideae species remains unclear. We conducted comparative RNA profiling of 3 anther stages in 6 Pooideae species and 1 Bambusoideae species. We observed complex temporal accumulation patterns of 21-nt and 24-nt phasiRNAs in Pooideae and Bambusoideae grasses. In Bambusoideae, 21-nt phasiRNAs accumulated during meiosis, whereas 24-nt phasiRNAs were present in both premeiotic and postmeiotic stages. We identified premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs in all 7 species examined. These phasiRNAs exhibit distinct biogenesis mechanisms and potential Argonaute effectors compared to meiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs. We show that specific Argonaute genes coexpressed with stage-specific phasiRNAs are conserved across Bambusoideae and Pooideae species. Our degradome analysis identified a set of conserved miRNA target genes across species, while 21-nt phasiRNA targets were species-specific. Cleavage of few targets was observed for 24-nt phasiRNAs. In summary, this study demonstrates that premeiotic 24-nt phasiRNAs are present across Bambusoideae and Pooideae families, and the temporal accumulation of other classes of 21-nt and 24-nt phasiRNA differs between bamboo and Pooideae species. Furthermore, targets of the 3 classes of phasiRNAs may be rapidly evolving or undetectable.

Effects of species, adhesive, and structural configurations on compression parallel to the grain of laminated bamboo

This study investigated the compressive performance of 24 three-layered laminated bamboo specimens made with four different parameters, primarily bamboo species, adhesive type, lay-up pattern, and arrangement of laminated bamboo. The goal for this study was to investigate the compression parallel to the grain performance of laminated bamboo. A total of 288 laminated bamboo specimens were tested. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) and compressive strength were conducted to simulate the utilization of this material into construction material. The laminated bamboo produced were comparable to wood strength group A to B for vertical and horizontal arrangements and SG D for mixed arrangements. Laminated bamboo was produced based on Gigantochloa scortechinii and Gigantochloa levis and bonded with phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF) and one-component polyurethane (PUR) adhesive. Four failure types were classified. All specimens experienced the elastic stage at the beginning of the loading process and then changed to elastic-plastic stage. There was a significant difference in the parallel and perpendicular lay-up for vertical, horizontal, and mixed arrangements.

Antibacterial activity of the biogenic volatile organic compounds from three species of bamboo.

Plant biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) possess ecological functions in antimicrobial benefits and air purification. The objectives of the study were to determine the differences in antimicrobial capacity of bamboo forests at different sampling sites. Three common bamboo species-Phyllostachys edulis, Bambusa emeiensis, and Phyllostachys violascens-were selected to determinate the antimicrobial activity of bamboo forests as well as under ex vivo conditions. Natural sedimentation method was used to determine the microbe counts in bamboo forests, and the microbe counts in grassland in the same area was measured as control treatment. The results showed that except for the P. violascens in Ya'an, the airborne microbial content of the sampling sites in bamboo forests was significantly lower relative to that of grassland in the same area, and inhibition rate reached 74.14% in the P. violascens forest in Dujiangyan. P. edulis forest and P. violascens forest in Ya'an had significantly lower inhibition rates than the other sampling sites, and there was no significant difference in the inhibition rates among the rest of the bamboo forest. The bacterial inhibition rate of bamboo leaves under ex vivo conditions varied with bamboo species and bacterial strains, with higher antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria overall. Escherichia coli was sensitive to B. emeiensis leaves, while Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were sensitive to P. violascens leaves. Moreover, Candida albicans, S. cremoris, and Shigella Castellani were sensitive to P. edulis leaves. An analysis of the BVOCs composition from P. edulis collected in Changning by SPME-GC/MS revealed that the relative content of ocimene was obviously higher than other components. This study showed that P. edulis BVOCs have strong inhibitory ability to the tested microorganisms, and its main constituent, ocimene, has health benefit. P. edulis has the potential to become a forest recreation bamboo species.

Effect of Provenance Variation on Growth Performance of Indigenous Highland Bamboo Species (Arundinaria alpina), in Bore District, Southern Ethiopia

Bamboo is widely recognized as a highly renewable, fast-growing, economic raw material. Moreover, bamboo has the capability of mitigating climate change as it restores degraded land , act as carbon sequesters and protects from soil erosion. The study evaluated the effects of provenance variation on growth performance of indigenous highland bamboo species (Arundinaria alpina) in Bore District, Southern Ethiopia. Three provenances of indigenous highland bamboo species (Arundinaria alpina) such as Dimtu Hambela, Injibara and Shanan were collected from different parts of the country. Those collected provenances were planted in Bore Agricultural Research Center, on station in a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications. Dimtu Hambela provenance had higher survival rate (85.1%) followed by Shanan (65.6%) and Injibara (64.8%) provenances. The maximum number of new emerged shoots (21.3) and number of nodes (29.9) were recorded in Dimtu Hambela provenance. In terms of root collar diameter and diameter at breast height, Dimtu Hambela provenance had (3.01cm) and (3.56cm) respectively. However, root collar diameter (2.23cm) and (2.12cm) and diameter at breast height (1.72cm) and (2.36cm) were recorded from Injibara and Shanan provenances respectively. Moreover, the highest internode length (32cm) and culm height growth (5.7cm) was recorded from Dimtu Hambela provenance followed by Shanan and Injibara provenances. Therefore, based on their growth performances Dimtu Hambela and Shanan provenances of indigenous highland bamboo species (Arundinaria alpina) were recommended and they could be demonstrated and popularized around Bore district and in similar climatic condition. Furthermore, vegetative propagation study of the recommended provenances should be mandatory in order to expand the indigenous highland bamboo resources.

The role of highland bamboo species (Oldeania alpina) non-timber forest products in household income and house construction in Masha district, Southern Ethiopia

The role of highland bamboo species (Oldeania alpina) non-timber forest products in household income and house construction in Masha district, Southern Ethiopia

F-box protein PeFKF1 promotes flowering by cooperating with PeID1 and PeHd1 in Phyllostachys edulis

Woody bamboo is a perennial flowering plant with a unique characteristic. Most woody bamboo species have no apparent signs before flowering, and large areas typically die after flowering, thus resulting in significant economic losses. However, most bamboo flowering gene functions and molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, F-box protein FLAVIN-BINDING KELCH REPEAT F-BOX 1 (FKF1) was identified in Phyllostachys edulis (moso bamboo) and named PeFKF1. PeFKF1 exhibited a clear circadian rhythm and was highly expressed during the early flowering stage of moso bamboo. Overexpression of PeFKF1 caused early flowering in rice by increasing the expression of Hd1, RID1, Ehd1 and Hd3a. The expression pattern of RID1 homologous gene (PeID1) in bamboo was similar to that of PeFKF1 during both flowering and photoperiod regulation. In addition, PeFKF1 could bind to the promoter of PeID1 and enhance its expression. Furthermore, PeFKF1 could interact with PeID1 and PeHd1 proteins, creating protein complexes with them. Hence, PeFKF1 could recruit PeID1 and PeHd1 and enhance the expression of PeID1, thereby promoting flowering in moso bamboo. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of bamboo flowering.

Risk assessment of mold growth on engineered bamboo and its application

Engineered bamboo, as a low-carbon biomass building material, is more prone to mold growth than traditional building materials. Mold not only threatens the structural integrity of buildings but also poses health risks to occupants. Current mold prediction models cannot accurately assess the risk of mold growth on engineered bamboo. This research first examined mold growth on three commonly used types of engineered bamboo under 20 different operational conditions. A prediction model was then developed and validated specifically for engineered bamboo. Results showed that bamboo surfaces became fully covered in mold at high relative humidity (RH ≥ 85 %). When RH was reduced from 95 % to 75 %, mold germination was delayed by about 70 days. A relative humidity of 60 % at temperatures between 15 °C and 35 °C was identified as a safe range for all engineered bamboo types. Additionally, the prediction model demonstrated high accuracy in forecasting mold risk. The findings also indicated that raising the air conditioning heating setpoint from 18 °C to 20 °C is more effective in reducing mold risk than lowering the cooling setpoint from 28 °C to 26 °C. This research offers a method to quantify indoor mold growth risks in engineered bamboo buildings under various climates, helping to optimize their design and operation.

Mitochondrial Genome Comparison and Phylogenetic Variety of Four Morphologically Similar Bamboo Pests.

Bamboo snout moths (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) comprise the four species: Eumorphobotys obscuralis, Circobotys aurealis, Demobotys pervulgalis, and Crypsiptya coclesalis. These economically important insect pests of bamboo are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The lack of precise mitochondrial genetic data has impeded the development of effective identification techniques, accurate classification strategies, and targeted prevention and treatment strategies. In this study, we obtained the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of four bamboo snout moth species using high-throughput sequencing. The mitogenomes were 15,103-15,349 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and a noncoding region (A + T rich element), consistent with previously studied Crambidae mitogenomes. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships among the four species using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. The moths that fed on bamboo were well clustered in a single clade. Crypsiptya coclesalis was most closely related to D. pervulgalis, while E. obscuralis was most closely related to C. aurealis. The divergence among the main lineages of 97 Lepidoptera species was reconstructed using an uncorrelated relaxed molecular clock. Analyses of the phylogenetic relationships and divergence times showed that the evolution of lepidopteran species has been closely related to that of their hosts. The data support the development of molecular identification techniques for the four species of bamboo snout moth, and our results provide a basis for targeted control strategies.

Integrated Analysis of microRNAs and Transcription Factor Targets in Floral Transition of Pleioblastus pygmaeus.

Bamboo plants have erratic flowering habits with a long vegetative growth and an uncertain flowering cycle. The process of floral transition has always been one of the hot and intriguing topics in bamboo developmental biology. As master modulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating reproductive growth, especially in floral transition of flowering plants. Pleioblastus pygmaeus is a kind of excellent ground cover ornamental bamboo species. In this study, we performed miRNA expression profiling of the shoot buds and flower buds from the bamboo species, to investigate flowering-related miRNAs in bamboo plants. A total of 179 mature miRNAs were identified from P. pygmaeus, including 120 known miRNAs and 59 novel miRNAs, of which 96 (61 known miRNAs and 35 novel miRNAs) were differentially expressed in the shoots at different growth stages. Based on target gene (TG) prediction, a total of 2099 transcription factors (TFs) were annotated to be TGs of the 96 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), corresponding to 839 recordings of DEM-TF pairs. In addition, we identified 23 known DEMs involved in flowering and six known miRNAs related to floral organ development based on previous reports. Among these, there were 11 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs, with 124 TF targets corresponding to 132 DEM-TF pairs in P. pygmaeus. In particular, we focused on the identification of miR156a-SPL (SQUAMOSA Promoter-Binding protein-Like) modules in the age pathway, which are well-known to regulate the vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition in flowering plants. A total of 36 TF targets of miR156a were identified, among which there were 11 SPLs. The Dual-Luciferase transient expression assay indicated miR156a mediated the repression of the PpSPL targets in P. pygmaeus. The integrated analysis of miRNAs and TGs at genome scale in this study provides insight into the essential roles of individual miRNAs in modulating flowering transition through regulating TF targets in bamboo plants.

Effects of Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Ratio on Leaf Physiology and Soil Characteristics of Bambusa tuldoides ‘Swolleninternode’

As one of the main bamboo species in coastal sandy land protection forests, Bambusa tuldoides ‘Swolleninternode’ can effectively improve the structure of forest tree species, increase the diversity of tree species and enhance the protection efficiency. However, research on the cultivation and utilization of B. tuldoides is still relatively scarce. Therefore, in this study, B. tuldoides was used as the research object. By applying biochar and nitrogen fertilizer, the effects of different biochar and nitrogen fertilizer ratios on the physiology and soil characteristics of bamboo were analyzed, and the optimal ratio scheme was identified. The results showed that the ratio of the T5 (A2B2C3) treatment had the best effect on the total chlorophyll, non-structural carbohydrate and nutrient contents of B. tuldoides leaves, and the contents under treatments was generally higher than under the control, CK. The activities of soil invertase, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase were significantly increased under biochar treatment, and the effects of the T5 treatment were the best. The results of principal component analysis showed that the absolute values of the coefficient of leaf potassium, phosphorus content and soil total nitrogen were larger and more important, and the comprehensive evaluation of the T5 treatment was the highest.