Bamboo Guadua Research Articles

Pyroligneous Acid Obtained From Guadua Bamboo (Angustifolia Kunth) in the Management of Stink Bug and Borer of CCN-51 Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) at The Latitud Cero Research Center

Objective: The research aimed to establish the effect of pyroligneous acid extracted from guadua bamboo (Angustifolia kunth) for controlling the cacao mirid bug (Monalonion dissimulatum Dist.) and the cacao borer "mazorquero del cacao" Carmenta foraseminis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in CCN-51 cacao cultivation. Theoretical Framework: This section presents the main concepts and theories supporting the research. Pyroligneous acid or "wood vinegar" is prominently highlighted, providing a solid foundation for understanding the context of the research. Method: The research was conducted at the Latitud 0 Experimental Station of Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, located in Parroquia Cojimíes, Cantón Pedernales, Manabí province, geographically situated between the coordinates Latitude, South 0°04’12” and Longitude West 80°03’0” at an altitude of 6 meters above sea level. A Randomized Complete Block Design in a Factorial Arrangement A x B (3x2+1) was used with the factors: 30%, 40%, and 50% doses of pyroligneous acid and times 0 and 30 days, plus a control without applications. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the best dose was 50% PA with 21.33 dead mirid bugs affecting the pods. For borers, the 0-day period produced the highest control with 10.75 borers after the first application with a 50% PA dose. For the times, the 30-day period resulted in 5.94 mortality in the first application. The 40% PA dose and the 30-day period produced 9.50 dead larvae. Borer mortality after the second application achieved the highest efficacy with the 40% PA dose, recording a mortality of 2.62 larvae compared to 1.11 live ones. When these factors interacted, the 50% PA dose with the 30-day period responded favorably with 4.25 dead borers compared to 1.01 dead ones. Implications of the Research: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing information on how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of various agricultural crops. These implications could encompass not only cacao crops but related crops as well. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by establishing a management strategy for the cacao mirid bug and borer. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the effect of pyroligneous acid on the cacao mirid bug and borer.

Joints with bamboo slats for shear wall frames

Bamboo is a rapid-growing plant that is a sustainable candidate to replace highly contaminating materials in housing projects. Bamboo slats are a promising alternative to using bamboo culms, as they have a higher bulk density, can be easily extracted from defective culms, and have a geometry that can be more easily controlled to standard dimensions. This study proposes joints for bamboo slats to be used in the frameworks of shear walls. To this end, three connections for Guadua bamboo slats were proposed and tested under monotonic loading to determine their moment-rotation behavior. A first joint to connect two slats was composed of two platens that compressed the slats along their wall thickness by tightening bolts. Monotonic tests of this joint showed its high ductility (range 9.5 – 38.8) and results dependent on bolt grade since the rotational stiffness and the ductility for grade-2 bolts were about 1.3 and 2.0 times significantly different than those for the specimens with grade-5. Two other proposed joints for multiple-slat members were composed of bamboo pins, platens, bolts, wood wedges, stainless steel sheets, and self-tapping screws. Significant differences were not found in the ductility and rotational stiffness of these two joints, which were in the range of 1.7–4.2, and 4954–8984 N-m/rad, respectively. However, the maximum moment (range 1172–1362 N-m) for the joint with a cedar wedge was around 1.5 times significantly higher than that (range 782–942 N-m) with a steel clamp. The multiple-slat joints displayed a relatively high ductility, while other mechanical parameters were similar to those reported in the literature for joints connecting members of substantially higher cross sections. The use of moment-resistant joints may improve the mechanical performance of shear-wall frameworks under seismic loading, enhancing the versatility of the system and providing alternatives to extend the application of bamboo for housing.

ASSESSING MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR STRUCTURAL UTILIZATION OF GUADUA ANGUSTIFOLIA KUNT

This research focuses on guadua cane, one of the most representative bamboo species in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Its importance lies in the physical-mechanical characteristics of each cluster, which will be presented in the development of this research. The study includes results for different structural solicitations, such as compression, flexural, and tensile strength, characterizing it as a suitable material for use in construction, distinguishing itself from wood due to its rapid growth. This research work outlines the criteria used for the experimental analysis of the material. Laboratory tests are employed to determine the physical-mechanical characteristics of guadua bamboo, including compressive strength, flexural strength, material elasticity modulus, and natural moisture content. The resulting experimental values obtained through laboratory tests will be compared with the permissible values indicated by the Ecuadorian Construction Standard NEC–SE–GUADÚA. If the values are lower than the permissible ones, the permissible value is considered. This process allows the use of these results in the structural design of houses with guadua bamboo.

Graphene nanostructures functionalization: Hydrogen bonds and oxide coverage effect

Density functional theory is the most used tool to predict the fundamental properties of crystalline and molecular systems. Here we present a study on the passivated oxidized graphene structures with hydrogen atoms at the edges (GO). A stability analysis was performed using the ground-state energies and first-principles thermodynamics. Initially, two stability pseudo-mappings were made on the GO structures, the first varying the position of an epoxide functional group and the second varying the position of a hydroxyl functional group. It was found that the adsorption of a hydroxyl group could occur at any position on the GO structure. The epoxy group has greater stability towards the nanostructure edges. Oxygen adsorption strengthens in Stone-Wales and C vacancy defects. Vacancies dominate the adsorption process. The O/C ratios were increased to 5%, 9%, 13%, and 16% with 27, 20, 19, and 4 oxidation configurations, respectively. All constructed GO structures are thermodynamically stable. For each selected coverage, the calculated bandgap follows the experimental trend. In addition, hydrogen bonds were observed at all coverages. At 13% and 16% O/C ratios, H2O formation happens without energy barriers, leaving epoxy and carbonyl groups as by-products. Our calculations suggest that hydroxyl groups can spontaneously promote the generation of water molecules together with epoxy and/or carbonyl groups. Hydrogen bridge interactions between the ligands in the hydroxyl group induce such an effect. The mechanism described here helps to understand the reactivity observed in experimental studies of GO nanostructures obtained from the bamboo Guadua Angustifolia ‘Kunth’.

Rivers as corridors for gene flow of the neotropical bamboo Guadua velutina

River network connectivity is the transfer of matter, energy, and organisms along the river and it can influence the pattern of genetic diversity and the population differentiation of riparian species. Riparian bamboo species are unknown about the levels of genetic diversity and the landscape drivers of gene flow. Guadua velutina is a riparian woody bamboo native to northeastern Mexico. It is distributed in the Huasteca Potosina (HP) San Luis Potosí and grows in agricultural landscapes where sugarcane and citrus crops are grown. This study aimed to 1) characterize the genetic diversity of G. velutina in the HP, and 2) evaluate the relative importance of network river connectivity, topography (elevation), geographic distance, and the environment (isothermalty, temperature and precipitation) on gene flow among populations. We sampled 11 riparian populations from four main rivers in the HP and genotyped 169 individuals from eight nuclear microsatellites. Our results reveal similar genetic diversity (HE = 0.322) compared to other bamboo species such as G. amplexifolia, G. inermis and G. tuxtlensis (HE = 0.38) and a moderate genetic differentiation (FST = 0.150) compared to the highest value reported in Guadua inermis (FST = 0.47). Landscape resistance analysis revealed that river network connectivity was the main factor explaining genetic differentiation, while elevation, and the environment variables did not provide enough information. The geographic distances between populations also influenced genetic differentiation. However, our study shows that rivers and watersheds are the main corridors of gene flow in Guadua velutina.

The Role of Guadua Bamboo in Land Management and Indigenous Perspectives on Bamboo Ecosystems in Southwestern Amazonia

We examine the Indigenous uses, oral histories, and knowledge of native Guadua bamboo species in southwestern Amazonia. Two Guadua species form dense stands in which individual plants die en masse at regular intervals of about 28 years. Scholars suggested that pre-colonial earth builders took advantage of these die-off events as a natural aid in removing the forest to construct geometric earthworks. Our results show that Guadua species have a significant position in Indigenous socio-cosmologies, land use, and as a protector of diverse resources. Indigenous ontological understandings cannot be separated from discussions of the abundance and geographical distribution of Guadua as a critical controlling factor in the vegetation structure and function of southwestern Amazonian rain forests. Furthermore, oral histories point to the connection between land management and bamboo, as well as bamboo and the use of fire, conforming to the suggestion of opening ceremonial spaces in bamboo patches in pre-colonial earthwork societies.

Adaptation of a wood theoretical fracture model for predicting splitting capacity of dowelled connections in bamboo

A theoretical fracture model for predicting the splitting capacity of transversely loaded dowelled connections in timber was adapted to suit round bamboo. Existing experimental data obtained from a bespoke dowelled connection test for G. angustifolia (Guadua) bamboo was used to validate the model. It was found that the proposed theoretical model corresponds well with the experimental results. In addition, a simple numerical model was implemented using the Finite Element method to model the splitting capacity of the studied connection. The numerical results were found to correlate well with the experimental data. The study confirmed that the splitting capacity of transversely loaded dowelled connections in natural, unfilled bamboo internode can be effectively predicted with a theoretical timber fracture model as well as with the Finite Element analysis. The main outcome of the study is the characteristic equation for splitting capacity of a dowelled connection loaded perpendicular to fibre in round, unfilled Guadua bamboo.

Characterization of long bamboo Guadua Angustifolia fibre composite extracted via rotary–peeling method

Characterization of long bamboo Guadua Angustifolia fibre composite extracted via rotary–peeling method

Foliar element distributions in Guadua bamboo, a major forest dominant in southwestern Amazonia

Silica is the best-known component filling the spaces that form phytoliths in many plants, but phytoliths may also contain other elements. We used scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) to map element distributions in the leaves of Guadua bamboo, which is a successful competitor in southwestern Amazonian forests. We emphasize immobile elements that can be mineralized (silicon and calcium) as well as potassium, an abundant mobile nutrient with many vital functions. We discovered high silicon (Si) content with little or no calcium (Ca) or potassium (K) in bulliform cells, bilobate shaped short cells and stomata, all of which can form phytoliths, and moderately high Si content in the bundle sheet, prickle tips and papillae. K often surrounded Si-loaded cells, Si and K had overlapping distributions in the intercostal areas near vein margins, and Ca showed abundant spotted distribution in the intercostal areas. The dark inside content of the costal zones of some samples in light microscopy showed no mineralization but prominently contained sulfur. Adjacent fusoid cells showed different Si, K and Ca combinations, which may suggest potentially variable functions of these cells. Widespread Si deposition strengthens Guadua bamboo leaves and may help it to outcompete tree species during periods of drought.

NOTES ON THE NEST AND BREEDING OF GOELDI’S ANTBIRD (AKLETOS GOELDII), A BAMBOO SPECIALIST, FROM UCAYALI, PERU

Abstract: On 02 September 2018 we found a nest of Goeldi’s Antbird (Akletos goeldii) in a patch of Guadua bamboo. During the next week, we made regular observations of this nest, obtaining video and photographs of the nest structure, eggs, nestlings, and parental care behaviors. These data clarify previous discrepancies in reports of nest architecture for A. goeldii and deepen our knowledge of the breeding biology of this species.

Structural analysis of a Guadua bamboo bridge in Colombia

In recent years, scientists have focused their attention in developing sustainable materials that can boost the construction industry without causing damage to the environment. In South and Central American forests grows a tropical species of bamboo known as Guadua angustifolia Kunth, which has been widely used for construction purposes since ancient times. Offering advantages such as: environmental friendliness, fast-growing and high strength-to-weight ratio. This paper analyzes the structural behavior of an existing multi-culm Guadua bamboo truss type footbridge located in Colombia, according to national regulations NSR-10. A model of the structure is implemented using a commercial finite element software, details for an accurate description of the structure’s behavior through the proposed model are offered. Furthermore, an exhaustive description of the structure’s load transfer and its materials mechanical properties is performed, as well as a review on connections and immunization process. Finally, improvement opportunities for the building codes used for the analysis and investigation opportunities are identified. The purpose of this paper is stepping into the right direction thus, one day Guadua angustifolia Kunth and bamboo in general can be fully exploited in the construction industry.

Bearing capacity of bolted-mortar infill connections in bamboo and yield model formulation

Bolted-mortar infill connections in bamboo structures are one of the most challenging aspects of the design and construction of these structures, due to the uncertainty in the evaluation of the connection strength. The shape of bamboo cross-sections (round, hollow and tapered) and the interaction between bamboo, mortar infill, and steel bolts or dowels are not clearly understood. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to develop an analytical method to estimate the strength of Bolted mortar infill (BMI) bamboo connections, based on the modified yield model theory (EYM). The proposed model consists of 5 controlling yield modes used to predict a BMI bamboo connection behaviour under load applied parallel and perpendicular to the fiber direction, based on the strength and geometry of materials. To validate the proposed model, a comprehensive experimental program that consisted of 112 tests for evaluating dowel-bearing strength on the Guadua bamboo, 126 test for determining bearing strength of the mortar filling, 61 test for evaluating bolt bending yield strength and 70 BMI connections were performed for 10 different configurations of dowel diameter and load angle direction. After calibration procedures, the model adequately predicted the connection strength for the different connection configurations with an average difference between the predicted and tested and Colombian National Code (NSR-10) values of 15.7% and 11.6%, respectively. In general, the predicted values of the proposed model, underestimate the connections capacity. This research aims to improve the design procedures and national regulations for BMI connections of Guadua Angustifolia Kunth and other bamboo species.

Structure and Home Range Size of Mixed-Species Bird Flocks in a Bamboo Forest in Southwestern Amazonia

Mixed-species flocks of birds are cohesive groups of two or more different species that are kept in formation by systematic behavioral interactions among the members of the flocks. Typically, mixed-species flocks form themselves around a nuclear species, which presents a specific pattern of movement during foraging, and a song that is recognized by the other species. In the understory of Neotropical forests, representatives of the family Thamnophilidae, in particular species of the genus Thamnomanes, have become adapted for the role of nuclear species in mixed-species flocks. In the present study, we describe the mixed-species flocks led by individuals of Bluish-slate Antshrike Thamnomanes schistogynus in a forest dominated by bamboo Guadua sp. in southwestern Brazilian Amazonia. We collected data within a 600 × 600 m grid subdivided into 36 1-ha plots, with a total area of 36 ha. Within this grid, we delimited the home ranges and core areas of the resident mixed-species flocks. We also identified the composition of each flocks, frequency, fidelity of its members and determined the relationship between mixed-species flocks and vegetation structure within the grid. We delimited the home ranges of eight mixed-species flocks. The mean home range, estimated using the Minimum Convex Polygon method, was 3.45 ± 0.17 ha, and estimated using the autocorrelated kernel density estimation method was 3.65 ± 0.15 ha, and the mean core area, 1.14 ± 0.03 ha. The home ranges of the mixed-species flocks led by T. schistogynus in southwestern Amazonia are among the smallest recorded in species of the genus Thamnomanes. We identified 71 different bird species in the mixed-species flocks with a mean of 41.1 ± 2.1. While the geographic distribution of the lead species T. schistogynus coincides almost exactly with that of the bamboo forests of southwestern Amazonia, our results did not indicate any systematic relationship or fidelity between the mixed-species flocks led by this species and the bamboo forest.

Identification of the Active Principle Conferring Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Properties in Bamboo Plant.

Early plants began colonizing earth about 450 million years ago. During the process of coevolution, their metabolic cellular pathways produced a myriad of natural chemicals, many of which remain uncharacterized biologically. Popular preparations containing some of these molecules have been used medicinally for thousands of years. In Brazilian folk medicine, plant extracts from the bamboo plant Guadua paniculata Munro have been used for the treatment of infections and pain. However, the chemical basis of these therapeutic effects has not yet been identified. Here, we performed protein biochemistry and downstream pharmacological assays to determine the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of an aqueous extract of the G. paniculata rhizome, which we termed AqGP. The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of AqGP were assessed in mice. We identified and purified a protein (AgGP), with an amino acid sequence similar to that of thaumatins (~20 kDa), capable of repressing inflammation through downregulation of neutrophil recruitment and of decreasing hyperalgesia in mice. In conclusion, we have identified the molecule and the molecular mechanism responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of a plant commonly used in Brazilian folk medicine.

Structure-property relations of a natural composite: Bamboo guadua angustifolia, under impact and flexural loads

In this work a natural fiber composite material, the Guadua Angustifolia Kunth from the family of Bamboo is investigated as a suitable alternative for solutions for impact applications, load-bearing, and other structural applications. Since this type of Bamboo grows faster than wood and requires less water and area to reach maturity and be able to crop, it is a competitive, economically, and environmentally solution when is compared to other construction materials. The Bamboo species of interest is a natural one from Colombia and will be evaluated in flexural behavior and under impact response to understand the material subjected under fast loading. Flexural samples were cut parallel to bamboo axial fibers to obtain the highest impact strength. The flexural tests and scanning electron microscopy characterization were included for microstructure analysis. Additionally, compression at high strain rates was characterized by a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Results show flexural strength of about 70 MPa. The impact analysis showed a tough material with very similar values to Charpy notched and dynamic instrumented impact tests.

남미에서 ‘과두아’ 대나무의 역할 -버내큘러 건축에서 지속가능한 건축 자재로-

남미에서 ‘과두아’ 대나무의 역할 -버내큘러 건축에서 지속가능한 건축 자재로-

Valuation of ecosystem services of guadua bamboo (<i>Guadua angustifolia</i>) forest in the southwestern of Pereira, Colombia

Agriculture and urban expansion have caused fragmentation of the remaining forests located along the Otún and Consotá river watershed in the municipality of Pereira, Department of Risaralda, Colombia. These forests are dominated by the guadua bamboo species Guadua angustifolia Kunth, which provided raw material for different purposes and additionally fulfills important ecological functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate ecosystems services associated with these forests such as carbon storage, soil water storing capacity, and the financial feasibility related to guadua culms commercialization. The carbon storage was estimated from the aboveground biomass and soil organic matter; soil water storing capacity was associated with physical soil properties. Whereas the provisioning ecosystem service was assessed through a cost-benefit analysis performed with different production scenarios. The carbon stock was found to be 672.3 t C / ha (22 % in biomass and 78 % in the soil at a depth of 45 cm). The average soil water storing capacity was 292.4 m3 / ha. The cost-benefit analysis evidenced the financial feasibility for the scenarios when projected sales are more than 3 % than current. Bamboo forests provide ecosystem services that are yet another justification for better economic compensation and a medium to promote balance between ecosystem services and the financial situation of producers, who derive their incomes from its production.

Experimental study on buckling resistance of Guadua angustifolia bamboo column

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the buckling behavior of 190 Guadua bamboo culms of various lengths. These were subjected to an axial compressive load until failure. The geometrical and physical properties of each culm were measured, as well as its compressive strength and load carrying capacity. The buckling reduction factor (ψ) – which is the ratio of the ultimate buckling load (Fcr) to the ultimate compressive load (Fu) or the ratio of the ultimate buckling stress (σcr) to the ultimate compressive stress (σu) – was determined for each specimen. Several formulas were investigated by means of linear and non-linear regression in order to find the best fit for ψ. Separate models for intermediate and long members, as well as models combining the whole range of the slenderness ratios (λ) were proposed. Rankine-Gordon’s and Ylinen’s buckling formulas proved to be suitable to determine the buckling reduction factor for the whole range of slenderness ratios for the Guadua bamboo specimens studied, whilst Euler’s formula is more appropriate for longer columns. For the intermediate columns, the Newlin-Gahagan’s buckling formula was initially evaluated; however it was deemed unsuitable due to its unsatisfactory statistical performance. As a replacement, the Johnson buckling formula was derived. Ylinen’s buckling formula appears to provide the best fit and it is therefore recommended for Guadua column design. A maximum slenderness ratio was calculated at the ψ = 0.057, which resulted in a slenderness ratios of 139, 214, and 161, when calculated by Rankine-Gordon’s, Ylinen’s, and Euler’s buckling formula, respectively. Those ratios are approximately equivalent to 43, 67, and 50 length to diameter ratios (L/D). Since Ylinen’s equation is the best fit buckling formula among others, it is recommended that the length does not exceed 67 times the diameter (L/D < 67). When the buckling reduction factor is used in combination with characteristic value, the load carrying capacity of a column of any length can be safely used in design of Guadua bamboo culms.

Characterization of Steam Gasification Biochars from Lignocellulosic Agrowaste Towards Soil Applications

The main objective of this work was to analyze the physico-chemicals properties of biochars produced from the steam gasification of different lignocellulosic agrowastes, and determine the suitability of these materials to be used in soil amendment and remediation applications. Steam gasification biochars from three lignocellulosic agrowastes were extensively characterized. Coconut shells (CS), bamboo guadua (BG), and oil palm shells (OPS) were chosen as raw materials, considering their different macromolecular structure and inorganic composition. The biochars composition, morphology, pH, acid neutralization (ANC) and cation exchange (CEC) capacities, as well as their mineral release at different conditions were evaluated and compared. The experimental results showed that the inorganic content and composition of the biochars have a stronger impact on their properties for soil applications, in comparison to their organic composition and morphology. In particular, BG biochar, the sample with the highest mineral content, exhibited the most notable cation exchange (45 cmolc/kg) and acid neutralization capacities (125 cmol H+/kg), together with the greatest release of plant micro and macro-nutrients. In the case of biochars with low mineral content, higher CEC and ANC were most related to the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups in their surface. Considering that agricultural residues come from numerous sources and activities, the presented results usefully contribute to the comprehension of the relationship between the raw biomass characteristics, the physico-chemical properties of steam gasification biochars, and their expected performance in soil applications, opening a new promising valorization pathway for these materials.

Assessing the fine-scale effects of bamboo dominance on litter dynamics in an Amazonian forest

Bamboo dominance drives changes in vegetation structure and plant biodiversity in many tropical forests worldwide. However, the effects of bamboos on ecosystem functions have received less attention or have been investigated in degraded forests. Here, we assessed the effects of the dominance of the native bamboo Guadua weberbaueri on litterfall, litter layer and decay of leaf litter in an Amazonian forest free from major disturbances. We aimed to understand whether bamboo dominance changes the litter dynamics on a fine spatial scale. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that bamboo-dominated (BD) forest areas have (i) less litterfall, (ii) greater litter layer thickness and (iii) less decay of leaf litter necromass compared to adjacent bamboo-free (BF) forest areas. Over a year, the BD forest area produced less litterfall and accumulated a thicker litter layer compared to the adjacent BF forest area; however, the decay of leaf litter necromass did not differ between the BD and BF environments. Our results suggest that the bamboo dominance in Neotropical forests decreases litterfall and increases the litter layer thickness, which should deplete the nutritional return in these systems over time. Furthermore, we show that these effects also occur in forests that are not subject to major disturbances and that they can be seen even at small spatial scales.