Dendrocalamus Giganteus Research Articles

Hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic agro-forest based biomass residues

To increase the understanding of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of lignocellulosic biomass residues, four feedstocks: giant bamboo, coffee wood, eucalyptus, and coffee parchment, were studied. The effect of operating conditions on the products in terms of yield, composition and energy densification were quantified. Each feedstock was treated for 3 h at temperatures of 180, 200, 220 and 240 °C. For all samples, the higher heating value (HHV), fixed carbon content and energy density increased with increasing reaction severity, while volatile matter content and mass yield decreased. The HHV of hydrochar samples obtained at temperatures ≥220 °C were in the range of 24.6–29.2 MJ kg−1 and indicated the high potential of these materials for fuel applications. The mass yields varied in the range of 46.5–56.9%, with the exception for coffee parchment, where the lower values of 34.4–46.0% were obtained. The fixed carbon varied from 33.8% to 53.0%. The HTC liquor had pH values of 2.9–4.4 due to organic acids. The results were used to model and evaluate different industrial-scale HTC simulation cases. The overall efficiency was similar within all studied biomasses. The integration with a bio-fired power plant allows simplification of the process while also bringing efficiency gains. All studied biomasses appear to be suitable for energy and value-added products generation through HTC treatment. Coffee residues, which have received little research consideration previously, responded well.

Analyze the Significance of Age and Height on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Ethiopian Giant Timber Bamboo

This research aims to examine the properties of culm based on the factors of age and height for structural and industrial purposes. Aged from 1-3 years old of culm and the height was divided into 3 parts which bottom, middle and top. The properties of Giant Timber bamboo in Ethiopia were not investigated so far from the other research work using age and height factors. 3 Samples of the culm are harvested at each age in the Amhara region at Injibara town, Ethiopia and 6 specimens are prepared for each experimental work. New growth of the bamboo shoot has higher internodes length, internodes diameter, and culm thickness than the previous generates of bamboo shoot. Morphological characteristics of the culm are improved when the ages of culm younger. Moisture contents and shrinkage of culm decrease when the age of culm older, and along culm height goes from the bottom to top. However, oven-dry density, cellulose, and lignin contents increase when the age of culm older and along culm height goes from the bottom to top. Whereas hemicelluloses, extractive and ash contents decrease when the age of culm older and along culm height goes from the bottom to top. Higher moisture contents of culm used to easy extraction of fibers without damage, but it has higher shrinkage in the culm. Whereas higher basic density of culm used for structural and furniture making. Celluloses are used for the biofuel and pulp industry. The lignin used as a binder and improve the structural application of the culm. Whereas hemicelluloses are used in the paper industry.

Analysis of the copper removal kinetics of the Philippine giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) in hydroponics

Copper is the third most utilized metal and is a versatile resource with multiple beneficial uses, but it may also become toxic to aquatic life in excess amount. Thus, there is a need to develop methods to reduce the copper contamination in the environment, particularly in bodies of water. Phytoremediation using Dendrocalamus asper may offer an environment-benign and potentially effective method for copper removal though its effectiveness may take several years to materialize for this technology to become cost-effective. By growing D. asper in synthesized contaminated water and analyzing the change in the copper content of the substrate via atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the removal was found to be optimal at 20 ppm Cu and pH 5. The rate of removal was found to have an order of 2.71 and a kinetic constant of 0.0013 ppm−1.71 day−1. With this, it may be possible to estimate the treatment length of phytoremediation given an initial level of copper contamination and a target concentration.

Influence of dragon bamboo with different planting patterns on microbial community and physicochemical property of soil on sunny and shady slopes.

Dragon bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) is a giant sympodial bamboo species widely distributed in Asia. However, it remains unclear how dragon bamboo and soil microbes interact to affect soil properties. In this study, we investigated the planting patterns (semi-natural and artificial) on different slopes (sunny and shady) to determine the effects on soil properties and microbial community. The results showed that the soil in which dragon bamboo was grown was acidic, with a pH value of ∼5. Also, the soil organic matter content, nitrogen hydrolysate concentration, total nitrogen, available potassium, and total potassium of the dragon bamboo semi-natural forest significantly improved, especially on the sunny slope. In contrast, the available phosphorus level was higher in the artificial bamboo forest, probably owing to the phosphate fertilizer application. The bacterial and fungal diversity and the bacterial abundance were all higher on the sunny slope of the semi-natural forest than those in the other samples. The microbial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) shared between the shady and sunny slopes accounted for 47.8-62.2%, but the core OTUs of all samples were only 24.4-30.4% of each sample, suggesting that the slope type had a significant effect on the microbial community. Some acidophilic microbes, such as Acidobacteria groups, Streptomyces and Mortierella, became dominant in dragon bamboo forest soil. A PICRUSt analysis of the bacterial functional groups revealed that post-translational modification, cell division, and coenzyme transport and metabolism were abundant in the semi-natural forest. However, some microorganisms with strong stress resistance might be activated in the artificial forest. Taken together, these results illustrated the influence of dragon bamboo growth on soil physicochemical property and microbial community, which might help understand the growth status of dragon bamboo under different planting patterns.

Methods of preparing propagules for tropical woody bamboo species

The production of seminal bamboo seedlings is considered not viable, being this the biggest limiting factor. The tissue culture and minicutting are efficient, but very costly techniques, which makes it necessary to search for alternative techniques, such as propagation through culm sections. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of three methods of vegetative propagation with segments of the culm of the species Bambusa vulgaris, B. variabilis, B. tuldoides and Dendrocalamus giganteus. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, factorial scheme of four (4) species (Bambusa vulgaris, B. variabilis, B. tuldoides and Dendrocalamus giganteus) and three (3) methods of preparing the propagule (a single node, binodal propagule, and binodal propagule + H 2 O), with four replicates and plots of five propagules. The propagules were deposited in shallow pits kept in field conditions. At 45 days, the percentage of shoots was measured and analyzes of variance and Tukey were performed at 5% error probability. For D. giganteus, none of the methods of preparing the propagules proved to be efficient for their propagation. The species B. vulgaris, B. variabilis and B. tuldoides showed higher percentages of sprouting. The method of preparing propagules with a single node was more efficient for B. variabilis, B. vulgaris and B. tuldoides.

Population ecology size and habitat preference of the ghost orchid Didymoplexis pallens in Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia

Abstract. Zulkarnaen RN, Garvita RV, Wawangningrum, H, Tyas KN. 2020. Population ecology size and habitat preference of the ghost orchid Didymoplexis pallens in Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2056-2061. Didymoplexis pallens is a terrestrial orchid that has leafless characteristics. The population ecology of D. pallens is still not widely known because it only grows in certain areas and at certain times. This study aims to know the population ecology and habitat preference of D. pallens. The study was conducted in Bogor Botanic Gardens where D. pallens occurred naturally. The research method uses purposive sampling by establishing observation plots around bamboo collections in the garden. The results showed that D. pallens had a large population around specific bamboos, such as Gigantochloa verticillate, Gigantochloa atroviolacea and Dendrocalamus giganteus. In addition, the presence of D. pallens populations was strongly influenced by the presence of other plants that compete around it and light intensity. The Principal Component Analysis revealed there are two components of the abiotic factor that influenced the existence of D. pallens, i.e. the first component consisting of coverage, air humidity, temperature, and soil humidity. The second component consisting of litter thickness and soil pH.

Nutritional Evaluation of different Bamboo species in Kerala as a Sustainable food Source

The present study aims to evaluate the nutritional and anti-nutritional levels in ten bamboo species comprising industrially important as well as ornamental types grown in Kerala to judge their potential as a sustainable food source. The species evaluated include Bambusa balcooa Roxb., Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss, Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. (green and yellow), Bambusa wamin E.G.Camus (Budha bamboo), Cephalostachyum pergracile Munro, Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro, Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees, Gigantochloa atroviolacea Widjaja (Black bamboo) and Gigantochloa manggong Widjaja. Key nutritional parameters like moisture, ash, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, vitamin C and total cyanogen content (TCC) were analyzed. D.strictus and two ornamental species - B. vulgaris and G. atroviolacea -were found to be rich in protein, fiber and vitamin C which could be used as a good food source in terms of nutrition. In these species emerging shoots 14 days after emergence recorded maximum outturn (74%) and minimum wastage. The distribution of total cyanogen content (TCC) was found to vary within shoots itself. Among species studied, the highest content was found in the apex region and lowest at the basal portion of the fresh shoots. Appropriate selection of species and judicious harvest of emerging shoots at correct age can maximize outturn of edible portion in harvested shoots and help cultivators in making it a commercial venture.

Mechanical analysis of bamboo and agro-industrial residue one-layer particleboard

A high-density particleboard composed of peanut shells (Arachis hypogaea L.), an agro-industrial residue, and bamboo wastes of the species Dendrocalamus giganteus (branches and apical part), bonded with a two-component polyurethane resin based on castor oil (Ricinus communis L.) in the proportion of 12% of the particleboard mass, was produced. Four types of specimens were prepared according to the percentage of peanut shells: 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Mechanical characteristics were evaluated through the flexural strength tests for modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, perpendicular traction, and screw pull resistance. The particleboard reached an average density of 917.2 kg/m3, meaning that it could be classified as high-density particleboard. The results of the mechanical tests indicated that the specimens containing a mixture in the proportion of 90% bamboo and 10% peanut hull presented the best mechanical strength. The experiment produced particleboards with a satisfactory mechanical physical performance that met the standards ABNT NBR 14.810-2 and ANSI A208-1, supporting the use of the peanut shell residue in the manufacture of particleboards to be used in internal environments and allowing the applicability of this residue through additional value.

Biomass and phosphorus content in giant bamboo cuttings influenced by phosphate fertilization

Dendrocalamus asper, known as giant bamboo or bamboo-bucket, has been used as a substitute for wood and fiber, due mainly to its wide availability, rapid growth rate, short cycle and traditional use as construction material. In general, its cultivation is carried out on phosphorus-deficient soils, using vegetative propagation, mainly from cuttings. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertilization with phosphorus doses on the biomass allocation in roots, leaves and stems and on the level and content of P in leaves and roots of bamboo cuttings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using soil with low P content (2.4 mg dm-3). The treatments consisted of six doses of phosphorus (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 e 320 kg ha-1 of P2O5). The experimental design was a randomized block design, with five replications. After 90 days, the seedlings were collected and evaluated the following variables: dry mass of roots, leaves, stems and total dry mass, level and P content in leaves and roots. Phosphate fertilization promoted greater development of the cuttings and resulted in higher content of P. In general, the species D. asper responds positively to phosphate fertilization.

Evaluation of sembilang bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) charcoal for potential utilization

Potential application of Sembilang bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) as a fuel source or an adsorbent was investigated, due to its large diameter, fast growth speed, and growth type. Samples of D. giganteus were carbonized at various temperatures, and then their physicochemical, fuel, and adsorption properties were analyzed and compared to the properties of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), which is widely used as a raw material for charcoal in Northeast Asia. The volume, weight, and density of the D. giganteus samples were greatly reduced between carbonization temperatures of 200 °C and 400 °C. It is possible that the high levels of SiO2 and K in D. giganteus may cause a high electric conductivity value in Dendrocalamus giganteus charcoal, which is a poor fuel source because of its high ash content and low calorific value. The acidity of D. giganteus disappeared at a carbonization temperature of 400 °C and the pH of D. giganteus increased up to 10.3. The adsorption power of D. giganteus, in terms of iodine and methylene blue, was higher than that of P. edulis. Based on the results of this experiment, the proper utilization of Sembilang bamboo charcoal was suggested as a chemical adsorbent.

Effect of Five Types Inert Dust to Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in Stored Rice Seeds

Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) is one of the primary pests in stored rice. Generally, pest control in the storage was done by spraying and fumigation using synthetic insecticide. The application of chemical insecticide using phosphine can cause resistant to insect pests and toxic to humans. Regarding the negative effect of insecticide application, the alternative control by using natural resources like inert dust is expected to be a good solution to control pests of stored products. This research was aimed to study the effectiveness of five inert dusts, which are: rice husks ash, volcanic ash, giant bamboo leaves ash, corncobs ash, coconut shells ash to adult mortality and the inhibition of population growth of R. dominica on stored rice seeds. The results showed that giant bamboo leaves at 8 g kg -1 caused 100% of mortality and faster than other inert dusts tested. Giant bamboo leaves and rice husks were more effective to suppress the number of eggs, larvae, pupae, and new adults (F1). Inert dust could decrease the hatchability of eggs, inhibit population growth, and decrease the weight of new adults (F1). The damage to the treated rice seeds was significantly lower than untreated rice seeds. Keywords: ash, control, inert dust, silica, stored product pest

Riparian forest recovery following a decade of cattle exclusion in the Colombian Andes

To meet their large-scale forest and landscape restoration targets, countries must find ways to accommodate areas for conservation alongside agricultural production. In some pasture-dominated regions of Latin America, intensive silvopastoral systems (SPS) are being promoted to increase cattle productivity on certain lands while facilitating the removal of cattle from marginal areas for forest restoration. However, the recovery of these forests and their contribution to the overall conservation value of the landscape has not been assessed rigorously. We evaluated forest structure and composition in 20 sites in a region of the Colombian Andes where a decade ago farmers transitioned to SPS and fenced off riparian areas to enable forest recovery. We compared these restored forests to a reference model based on the remaining riparian forest across the region, all of which has been subjected to human management. We found that woody species richness was higher in restored than in reference forests, and the proportion of large-seeded, later successional, animal-dispersed species were similar in both forest types. Whereas we found a similar suite of dominant tree species in restored and reference forest, Guadua angustifolia, a native giant bamboo was more abundant in the reference forests due to human management. Total tree basal area was higher in restored forests due to a small number of very large trees likely present in the pastures at the time of site protection. These findings highlight (1) the potential for recovery of diverse forests in riparian sites despite previous grazing use and (2) the role of remnant trees in facilitating natural succession. Overall, rapid forest recovery with minimal intervention in previously farmed lands is good news for conservation in a region that still harbors significant biodiversity despite high levels of fragmentation and the influence of human management.

Socio-ecological perspective of local bio-resources based production system of palm sugar and palm flour from aren (Arenga pinnata): Case study of Sukaresmi Village, West Bandung, Indonesia

Abstract. Withaningsih S, Parikesit, Iskandar J, Putri R. 2019. Socio-ecological perspective of local bio-resources based production system of palm sugar and palm flour from aren (Arenga pinnata): Case study of Sukaresmi Village, West Bandung, Indonesia. Biodiversitas. 20: 1990-1997. The heterogeneity of landscapes, from a socio-ecology viewpoint, has resulted in the emergence of various systems of production for the same end products, which have developed with wide variations and distinctiveness and are based on the local availability of bio-resources. Even on landscapes with extreme biophysical and social conditions, various systems of production can still be encountered. Bio-resource-based systems generally exist on a small scale and in poorly-resourced communities. This study aimed to determine the use of local bio-resources and palm management techniques in different systems used for the production of palm sugar and palm flour. This study utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviews, observations, and participants’ observations. The results showed that palm sugar was processed by peeling the midrib, passing, tapping, and making the midrib into sugar, whereas palm flour was processed by cutting down trees, grating, squeezing, and precipitating the end product. The local bio-resources used in the production of both included Chinese albizia (Albizia chinensis), giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), tali bamboo (Gigantochloa apus), kemang (Mangifera kemanga), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and sobsi (Maesopsis eminii). Local knowledge regarding the processing of palm sugar was passed from generation to generation, whereas the knowledge regarding the processing of palm flour was achieved through independent learning and asking questions.

Structural performance analysis of cross-laminated timber-bamboo (CLTB)

Construction systems based on cross-laminated timber (CLT) have versatility in material development and are an interesting alternative for construction. This study evaluated the structural performance of cross-laminated timber-bamboo produced from wood (Pinus spp.) and bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus). Panels were produced by strips (wood and bamboo) assorted, under non-destructive structural grading, to support a better panel configuration. Small-length pine pieces were also included in the study, considering their low added-value and underutilization in sawmills from Telêmaco Borba, Brazil. Gluing tests of small specimens were performed to evaluate the bonding quality of three adhesives: melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF), isocyanate polymeric emulsion (IPE), and castor oil-based resin (COR). Shear stress strength parallel to grain between bamboo and wood showed the best performance for MUF resin. After preliminary gluing testing, eight cross-laminated panels were produced with MUF adhesive in a three-layered configuration, with transversal orientation: two external bamboo layers and a central layer of pine wood. Stiffness and rupture strength values were above those specified by the ANSI/APA PGR 320 (2012) standard. Elasticity and rupture moduli were 13,310 MPa and 65 MPa, respectively, showing good potential of this composite for structural uses.

A regioselective coating onto microarray channels of bamboo with chitosan-based silver nanoparticles

In this investigation, bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro) timbers were coated selectively into vascular vessel bundles with a potential antimicrobial colloidal solution of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). Electric charge and size of Ag-NPs, with different charged organic ligands (trisodium citrate and chitosan), affect their self-sorting in different anatomical structures of bamboo when submitted up to 20 impregnation cycles through a vacuum system. Physicochemical characterization of Ag-NPs was performed by spectroscopic techniques and electron microscopy. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to characterize natural bamboo. Qualitative and quantitative determination of the metal coating in bamboo specimens was performed with X-ray microtomography (μCT), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. μCT revealed a gradient deposition of citrate-capped Ag-NPs into the parenchyma tissue with the higher concentration at the outer part of the bamboo. On the other hand, the chitosan-capped Ag-NPs were deposited mainly in the vessel bundles.

Characterization of bamboo species and other biomasses with potential for thermal energy generation>

ABSTRACT Biomass quality is important to strengthen the use of species as reliable energy sources. This study aimed to characterize the energy quality attributes of bamboo species (Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa tuldoides, Dendrocalamus giganteus and Guadua angustifolia) biomass, when compared to other raw materials of residual origin with a high potential for use in thermal energy generation processes (rice husk, eucalyptus chips, coconut husk and fiber). The basic density, higher calorific value and fiber, lignin and ash contents were evaluated. All the evaluated bamboo species present energy quality characteristics equivalent to those of biomasses traditionally used in thermal energy generation, such as high energy density (2,415-2,967 Mcal m-3), high calorific power (4,359-4,568 kcal kg-1), high basic density (0.537-0.653 g cm-3) and low ash content (1.41-2.41 %). The bamboo biomasses of the four evaluated species present adequate characteristics as fuel for thermal energy generation processes, with potential for use in several industrial sectors.

Zoning for edaphoclimatic aptitude of Bambusa vulgaris and Dendrocalamus giganteus in Brazil

ABSTRACT The use of renewable materials and more sustainable processes are essential to minimize the negative impacts of population growth. Bamboo is a viable alternative, because it is a product with potential properties for wood replacement. However, to achieve a good yield, it is necessary to identify suitable sites for the forestry of the species. This study aimed to forecast favorable areas for the best establishment and development of Bambusa vulgaris and Dendrocalamus giganteus in the Brazilian territory, functioning as a zoning for edaphoclimatic aptitude that can support decision-making. It was performed using georeferenced points of natural occurrence for the species, collected from a virtual herbarium. The environmental variables were extracted from the WorldClim, MOD16 and SoilGrids databases. In order to select the set of variables to be used for modeling each species, a correlation test was performed. From this result, ten environmental variables were used for each species, and non-correlated variables were chosen. A principal component analyses was applied to select the variables that better explained variability. For the distribution map, the Maxent algorithm was used, based on the principle of maximum entropy, evaluated by the AUC and TSS metrics. Bambusa vulgaris presents a large area for adaptation in the Brazilian territory, unlike the Dendrocalamus giganteus species, which showed a limited aptitude area.

First Report of Clonostachys rhizophaga as a Pathogen of Water Chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) in Anhui Province of China

HomePlant DiseaseVol. 103, No. 1First Report of Clonostachys rhizophaga as a Pathogen of Water Chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) in Anhui Province of China PreviousNext DISEASE NOTES OPENOpen Access licenseFirst Report of Clonostachys rhizophaga as a Pathogen of Water Chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) in Anhui Province of ChinaX. Yang, A.-F. Zhang, C.-Y. Gu, H.-Y. Zang, and Y. ChenX. YangSearch for more papers by this author, A.-F. ZhangSearch for more papers by this author, C.-Y. GuSearch for more papers by this author, H.-Y. ZangSearch for more papers by this author, and Y. Chen†Corresponding author: Y. Chen; E-mail: E-mail Address: chenyu66891@sina.comhttp://orcid.org/0000-0001-9767-5255Search for more papers by this authorAffiliationsAuthors and Affiliations X. Yang A.-F. Zhang C.-Y. Gu H.-Y. Zang Y. Chen † , Institute of Plant Protection and Agro-products Safety, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Hefei, Ministry of Agriculture, China; Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products, Hefei, Ministry of Agriculture, China; and Key Laboratory of Anhui Agricultural Sciences (18S1103), Hefei 230031, China. Published Online:26 Oct 2018https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-05-18-0840-PDNAboutSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailWechat Water chestnut, Eleocharis dulcis (Burm. f.) Trin., is a sedge native to China and is widely grown in the world, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions. In September 2017, black spots were observed on about 80% of the water chestnuts in several villages of Wuwei County, Anhui Province. The diseased water chestnuts showed longitudinal chlorosis streaks with black spots on the stem surface and internal vascular necrosis. To isolate the pathogen, the diseased stem segments (2 mm in length) were surface sterilized with 1% NaClO for 1min, rinsed twice for 30 s with sterile deionized water, and then incubated on water agar medium at 25°C in a growth chamber for 3 days. Then a mycelial plug was transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and incubated for 2 weeks in the growth chamber at 25°C. Representative isolates formed off-white mycelia, dimorphic, Verticillium-like (primary) or penicillate (secondary) conidiophores, and ovoidal to elongated, slightly curved or asymmetrical, hyaline conidia about 5 to 8.8 μm long and 2.5 to 3.9 μm wide (more than 50 conidia were measured),with laterally displaced hilum. To identify the eight isolates, partial fragments of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin (tub2) gene were amplified according to the method of Abang et al. (2009). A 525-bp ITS fragment (GenBank accession no. MG872331) was amplified from the ITS for all eight isolates with universal primers ITS1/ITS4, showing 100% similarity to the Clonostachys rhizophaga strain CML2312 (GenBank accession no. KC806275) and CML2310 (GenBank accession no. KC806272). A 592-bp fragment of tub2 (GenBank accession no. MH325937) was amplified with the primers bt2a (5′-AACATGCGTGAGATTGTAAGT-3′) and bt2b (5′-TCTGGATGTTGTTGGGAATCC-3′) and showed 100% similarity to the C. rhizophaga strain 1019 (GenBank accession no. FJ593883). To verify the pathogenicity of these isolates, a 5-mm-diameter mycelial plug was cut from 2-week-old colonies grown on PDA for each of the isolates and inoculated on the punctured stem of healthy water chestnuts. The inoculation site was covered with wet cotton and wrapped with Parafilm. The control plants were treated by the same method but using sterile PDA plugs of the same size. All the treatments were incubated in a plant growth chamber at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod. Two weeks after inoculation, symptoms on all inoculated stems were identical to those described above with a dark area surrounded by a yellow halo on the stem surface and internal browning, whereas the control plants did not show any symptoms. Furthermore, the fungus was reisolated from all the inoculated stems and identified to be C. rhizophaga as described above, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. This pathogen has been reported to infect other plants, such as chickpea (Abang et al. 2009), giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) (Zazzerini and Quaglia 2010), and Canary lsland pine (Pinus canariensis) (Piontelli and Giusiano 2003); however, to our knowledge, this is the first report of C. rhizophaga infecting water chestnut plants in China. This disease is an emerging problem in Anhui Province, and it is necessary to develop new disease management practices to sustain commercial production in this region.

Bio-coal production with agroforestry biomasses in Brazil

Pyrolysis is a promising technology for thermal conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into a higher added value fuel. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential of four agroforestry biomass to produce energy as a raw material or as a bio-coal. In this study, slow pyrolysis was conducted in three final temperatures to evaluate the bio-coal production of four agroforestry biomasses widely available in Brazil. The biomass used was sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum sp.), bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), straw bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and eucalypts wood chips (Eucalyptus sp.). In the first part was presented the raw biomasses proprieties, such as lignin, carbon, hydrogen and ash content. In the second part was showed the bio-coal proprieties, such as, gravimetric and fixed carbon yield, fixed carbon and ash content. These bio-coal results were showed as a function of final temperature of pyrolysis. The best energy indicators for bio-coal production, such as fixed carbon yield, high heating value, was found in the bamboo and eucalypts. The bagasse and straw bean biomasses possess high concentrations of ash and low lignin content when compared with the other biomasses assessed and are less suitable to produce bio-coal.

Copper uptake potential of Philippine giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) under varied initial copper concentration, water hardness and pH

Copper is a commonly used metal in construction, engineering, agriculture and water treatment. Consequently, increased copper concentrations resulting in adverse environmental effects is inevitable. Phytoremediation using Dendrocalamus asper or Philippine giant bamboo (PGB) is a viable option for treatment of copper-contaminated media, but their copper uptake potential remains largely unexplored. As such, the copper uptake of PGB was evaluated under varying environmental conditions, namely initial copper concentration, water hardness and pH.Six-month old propagules were planted in artificially contaminated water in order to determine the copper uptake after 16 days of treatment. Using a Box-Behnken design of experiment, it was found that both initial copper concentration and pH have significant and proportional effects on copper uptake. However, due to possible speciation and/or competition, the optimum copper uptake occurred at 20 ppm Cu and pH 5 (as opposed to 7). A mathematical equation, bearing an R2 = 0.7097, was constructed as a possible model for copper uptake of PGB to understand when PGB phytoremediation is most effective. At copper concentrations lower than 3.81 ppm, higher pH is beneficial to copper uptake and vice versa. Overall, phytoremediation using D. asper or PGB is effective especially at low pH and elevated copper concentrations.