Melocanna Baccifera Research Articles

Assessment of Bamboo resource in Chittagong region in Bangladesh by Sampling Technique

A sample survey was conducted on the homestead Bamboo plantation of the district of Chittagong in Bangladesh in 1992. A total of 14 rural thanes having a sample of 272 ha land area in the district were covered under the survey. The district has varieties of Bamboos among which Bambusa vulgaris, Melocanna baccifera and Bambusa tulda are most common species. The purpose of the survey was to estimate total Bamboo resource, its cultivated area, households with Bamboo cultivation, rate of cultivation, harvest and stocking per hectare and per clump. A Stratified Two Stage Sampling Design was followed for the survey. A sample of 900 households was considered for the purpose. The results showed that the area under Bamboo cultivation, number of clumps and number of culms were 3694 ha, 937764 and 48821592 respectively. About 42% households harvest Bamboos every year. The number of Bamboos per hectare and per clump were estimated to be 15331 and 69 respectively. A picture of overall Bamboo situation in the present homestead Agroforestry System of Bangladesh is shown on the basis of the survey results. The role of Bamboo as its contribution and economic importance is also mentioned. The necessity for assessment and monitoring of the resource is emphasized.

Potential of chemically activated and raw charcoals of Melocanna baccifera for removal of Ni(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions

Melocanna baccifera (Bamboo) is the most abundant and economically important non-timber product in the State of Mizoram, India. The community of the region is getting benefited by this bamboo enormously. The notable uses are: tender shoots are edible and delicious preparations are prepared out of bamboo shoots, a potential source of production construction and composite materials for domestic dwellings and an important source of raw material for charcoal production, which is required for a variety of industries. This paper highlights the utility of bamboo charcoal in wastewater treatment. It is known that activated and raw charcoals from different biomass sources have wide range of applications in water treatment. Therefore, activated charcoal was prepared from M. baccifera raw charcoal by chemical treatment and used in various experiments to test its functions for removal of heavy metals. To achieve this, batch mode experiments were conducted choosing specific parameters such as pH (2.0–7.0), adsorbent dose (0.1–0.5g), contact time (15–360min) and metal ion concentrations (0.03–0.07g/L). The surface characterization has been carried out using Autosorb-1 instrument (Quanta chrome), SEM and FTIR. From these studies, it is evident that charcoal could be used as adsorbents for removal of Ni(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solution.

A case of gregarious flowering in bamboo, dominated lowland forest of Assam, India: phenology, regeneration, impact on rural economy, and conservation

We recorded gregarious flowering of three bamboo species viz. Bambusa arundinacea, Bambusa tulda and Melocanna baccifera during rainy season from early March to late May, 2008 at lowland forest of Bajali area of Indo-Burma hotspot region. A regular method of field sampling of various forest types was used to map the bamboo species in Assam, India. Moreover, people’s perception on bamboo blooming was investigated at 17 sample plots covering 258 respondents inhabiting at the site at an average of 15 in each plots. A floral clump (inflorescence) emerged and developed into a giant panicle comprising of numerous florets. Two types of seeds viz. bacca and caryopsis were recorded in different species. Viviparous germination was noticed in few bacca seeds produced by M. baccifera and this has unusual occurrence in bamboo. Seed viability test shows that 75% caryopsis seeds were viable; these seeds had the potential of germination and can be used for mass regeneration. Most local respondents believe that bamboo flowering can result in population explosion of rodent, therefore, they think bamboo flowering is positively correlated with famine. This traditional belief results in massive destruction of bamboo clumps, which significantly impacts on rural economy.

Nutritional evaluation of bamboo cultivars in sub‐Himalayan region of India by chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation

AbstractBamboo leaves at similar maturity from 12 different species, namely Sasa auricoma, Bambusa nutans, Bambusa bambos, Phyllostachys aurea, Bambusa tulda, Dendrocalamus asper, Bambusa ventricosa, Dendrocalamus strictus, Melocanna baccifera, Dendrocalamus hookerii, Bambusa vulgaris and Dendrocalamus hamiltonii growing at the bamboo fields of Himachal Pradesh, India were selected for evaluation of their nutritive value based on their use as cattle feed at different places in India. The evaluation parameters were chemical composition, in vitro gas production (IVGP) and its kinetic parameters, in vitro dry matter (IVDMTD) and organic matter true degradability (IVOMTD), partitioning factor (PF), ammonia N production, methane and short chain fatty acids production. The compositional value (g kg−1 DM) of bamboo leaves with respect to crude protein from 146 (B. tulda) to 204 (D. hamiltonii), acid detergent lignin from 49 (M. baccifera) to 94 (B. ventricosa), acid insoluble ash from 44 (D. hookerii) to 110 (B. vulgaris) and other constituents and their correlation with various in vitro ruminal degradability parameters, suggested that M. baccifera, D. hookerii, D. hamiltonii and D. asper could be promising fodder species. Among the promising ones, Melocanna baccifera had higher μ (maximum rate of gas production at the point of inflection of the gas curve) and lower t1/2 (halfway time to the maximum gas volume), higher IVDMTD (482 g kg−1 DM), IVOMTD (548 g kg−1 OM), and microbial mass (19.6% of DM), and less contribution of substrate to ammonia N production and narrower acetate: propionate ratio with increased metabolizable energy concentration (7.92 MJ kg−1 DM). Thus, Melocanna baccifera may be ranked as the best cultivar. Above all the bamboo cultivars, M. baccifera, D. hookerii, D. hamiltonii and D. asper were considered as promising fodder for the ruminant livestock.

48年周期で一斉開花したタケ（Melocanna baccifera）群落のジェネット構造と親子解析

48年周期で一斉開花したタケ（Melocanna baccifera）群落のジェネット構造と親子解析

Helminth parasite spectrum in rodent hosts from bamboo growing areas of Mizoram, North-east India

In the northeastern state of Mizoram, India the rodent outbreak is periodic and coincides with bamboo (Melocanna baccifera) bloom causing a tremendous destruction to food crops that often results in famine. The present study was undertaken during the bamboo flowering period (2006-2008) to assess the parasite spectrum and load in the bourgeoning rodent population of the affected region. The survey results of the populations of 9 prevalent rodent species revealed that nematodes were the most dominant parasitic group followed by cestodes of the order Cyclophyllidea; however, the trematodes were found to be conspicuously missing. The nematodes harbored by the rodents belonged to the genera: Syphacia, Aspicularis, Trichuris, Rictularia, Capillaria, Trichosomoides, Nippostrongylus, Hepatojarakus and Heterakis, whereas the cestode genera included Hymenolepis, Raillietina and Taenia. Hymenolepis diminuta was the commonly encountered species. Only one acanthocephalan (Moniliformis sp.) could be collected during the entire study.

Twin seedlings in Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.), an important evergreen bamboo species of India

The paper describes the occurrence of the twin seedlings in Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.), an important evergreen bamboo species.

Lead(II) adsorption from aqueous solutions by raw and activated charcoals of Melocanna baccifera Roxburgh (bamboo)—A comparative study

Melocanna baccifera (Poaceae) is the most abundant and economically important non-timber product in state of Mizoram, India. The communities of the region use this potential resource in many ways, charcoal production is one of them. Bamboo charcoal has application in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Activated charcoal was prepared from M. baccifera charcoal by chemical pretreatment in order to make better use of this abundant biomass material. Batch experiments were conducted under varying range of pH (2.0–6.0), contact time (15–360 min) and metal ion concentrations (50–90 mg L −1). The optimum conditions for lead biosorption are almost same for M. baccifera raw charcoal (MBRC) and M. baccifera activated charcoal (MBAC)-pH 5.0, contact time 120 min, adsorption capacity q max 10.66 mg g −1 and 53.76 mg g −1, respectively. However, the biomass of MBAC was found to be more suitable than MBRC for the development of an efficient adsorbent for the removal of lead(II) from aqueous solutions. FTIR analysis revealed that –OH, C H bending, C O stretching vibration and carbonyl functional groups were mainly responsible for Pb(II) biosorption. Thus, this study demonstrated that both the charcoal biomass could be used as adsorbents for the treatment of Pb(II) from aqueous solution.

Study on biomass production and carbon storage in Meloccana baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz

During a study on biomass production and carbon storage in above ground woody biomass of the Bamboo (Melocanna baccifera) in Forest Research Institute campus, the culms showed both monopodial as well as sympodial characteristics and was thus categorized as amphipodial. The number of clumps was 200 ha-1 and average number of culms in a clump was 68 exluding dired, damaged ones and new shoots. The average clump diameter was 180.43 cm and average number of culms occurring as monopodial was 6502 ha-1. The biomass accumulation in above ground woody biomass is 52.45 Mg ha-1 and carbon storage 26.23 (tons/ha).

Influence of excessive biotic pressure and fire on culm diameter, density flux and seed production in Melocanna baccifera stands

A study was conducted to investigate culms density and size, seed size and production rate in Melocanna baccfera stands disturbed by biotic pressure and fire. Results revealed that culms density, number and size of seeds produced in the bamboo stands were significantly affected by frequent fire and excessive biotic pressure (collection of young shoots for vegetables and mature culms). The culm density and seed production rate decreased significantly in the stand subjected to excessive biotic pressure. An increasing exposure of culms to sun light was responsible for the above decrease. Seed production rate significantly increased in case of culms subjected to fire in comparison to the control. It indicated that fire stimulated the seed production in M. baccfera stand

A study on oxygen delignification of Melocanna baccifera (muli bamboo) kraft pulp

The response of kraft pulp of Melocanna baccifera (Muli bamboo) to different conditions of oxygen delignification and subsequent bleaching using CEHH sequence was studied. Oxygen delignification caused the kappa number of the pulp to drop between 40 and 75% over the range of temperature 70-100 °C, oxygen pressure 2-7 bar, alkali charge 2-4%, and reaction time 5-60 min. The oxygen-delignified pulp could be bleached to a brightness level of 86%. The conditions that favored greater kappa reduction also caused a greater reduction in the pulp viscosity, which called for an economic balance between the environmental benefits and the degradation of the pulp. Reaction temperature during oxygen delignification had an effect on the fiber curl and kink, while other variables such as oxygen pressure, alkali dose, and the reaction time had no significant effect on fiber deformation.

インド・ミゾラム州における竹類Melocanna bacciferaの開花について

インド・ミゾラム州における竹類Melocanna bacciferaの開花について

Preliminary observations on ecological and economical impacts of bamboo flowering in Mizoram (North East India)

Gregarious flowering of bamboo Melocanna baccifera, followed by famine, is locally known as 'Mautam' and appears to occur in an established cycle in Mizoram, North East India. This cycle has been reported to have occurred in 1815, 1863, 1911 and 1959, a regular interval of 48 years. Thus, it is predicted that the next cycle will occur in 2007. The gregarious bamboo flowering in the hilly areas of the state, expected for 2007, has caused panic among the tribal people who fear a possible food crisis and epidemic due to rodent outbreak during bamboo flowering. It has been suggested that famine following bamboo flowering is a result of a combination of two factors. First, it has been reported that the seeds of M. baccifera are eaten by the rodents which enhances the rodents' reproductive ability. Second, the outbreak of rodent populations causes severe losses to paddy crops. Famine is an extreme outcome and there is a need to conduct systematic investigation to determine if these factors are indeed contributing to the famine. The natural ecological phenomenon of flowering has significant ecological and economical impacts on the affected areas.

Soil properties influenced by some important edible bamboo species in the North Eastern Himalayan region, India

Soil profile samples collected from 11 different locations of edible bamboo growing areas in the Meghalaya and Manipur states of the North Eastern Himalayan (NEH) region of India were analysed to study the effect of different bamboo species on soil properties. The clump density was noticed highest in Teinostachyum wightii, followed by Melocanna baccifera. The highest number of culms per clump has also been recorded in M. baccifera. The highest average culm height and diameter, however, was recorded in Bambusa balcooa. All the bamboo species showed varying effects on soil properties. The highest increase in soil pH was observed in Dendrocalamus giganteus, followed by D. hookerii. Organic carbon increased in soils under all the species of bamboo. The highest increase of available N content was recorded in B. multiplex (126.5 kg/ha), followed by D. giganteus (94.0 kg/ha). The maximum build-up of exchangeable Ca + Mg was found in D. giganteus and D. hookerii. There was a reduction in available P in most of the species, the maximum being in D. hamiltonii (4.4 kg P/ha), followed by B. multiplex (3.9 kg/ha). The highest increase of available K was observed in D. hookerii (207.2 kg/ha), followed by B. multiplex. On average, D. giganteus, D. hookerii and B. nutans were found to be the better species for restoring soil fertility status in humid tropics of the NEH region, India.

Commercial edible bamboo species of the North-Eastern Himalayan Region, India. Part I: young shoot sales

This paper reports the results on some commercially available edible bamboo species of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura states of the North-Eastern Himalayan (NEH) region. On average, out of 349 market places, 141 markets covering 2081 primary and secondary vendors were surveyed and interviewed to understand the major edible bamboo species, their sales on markets and cost–benefit analysis of tender bamboo shoots. Bambusa balcooa Roxb., B. polymorpha Munro in Trans., B. tulda Roxb., Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro in Trans., D. hamiltonii Nees et. Arn, D. hookerii Munro in Trans., D. longispathus Kurz, D. membranaceus Munro in Trans., D. sikkimensis Gamble, Gigantochloa rostrata Wong in Malay., Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz, Phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb., Schizostachyum dullooa Gamble, Teinostachyum wightii Beddome and two unidentified spp., Chingwa and Khupri , have been found as commercial edible bamboo species in these tribal states. These edible species are also cultivated in home gardens in addition to their harvest from forests. Edible shoots are harvested from the first week of June to the third week of September every year for sales. However, market days varied from state to state and even from place to place within the state, with an average of 84, 84, 53, 81, 76 and 42 days/year, respectively, in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. On average, 1979, 2188, 442, 433, 442 and 201 tons of bamboo shoots are harvested for consumption annually, accordingly in the same states. The primary species harvested for young shoots was D. hamiltonii ( ca. 1859 ton/year), followed by D. giganteus ( ca. 1094 ton/year), D. sikkimensis ( ca. 1079 ton/year), M. baccifera ( ca. 647 ton/year), D. hookerii ( ca. 326 ton/year) and B. balcooa ( ca. 272 ton/year), irrespective of states surveyed. Significant ( P = 0.05) variations have been recorded for sales of edible species in different states. Genus Dendrocalamus accounted for 77% of the total sales of bamboo shoots in the region. In regards to diversity of edible species, a maximum of eight species have been observed in Manipur, followed by Tripura (6 spp.), and Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland (5 spp. in both states). Among species, D. hamiltonii and M. baccifera were the most common species sold, and were found in almost all the states. Significant ( P = 0.05) variations have been recorded for shoot length, basal diameter of young shoots and shoot weight among species. Shoot length and basal diameter was greatest for D. giganteus and lowest for T. wightii . Shoot weight was greatest for D. giganteus (1.8 kg/shoot) and lowest for S. dullooa (0.05 kg/shoot). Cost–benefit analysis for young bamboo shoots has also been estimated. The gross income was calculated to be (in million Rs. per year) ca. 11.95 (US$ 261 290), 8.56 (US$ 187 110), 2.56 (US$ 56 470), 1.97 (US$ 42 990), 1.61 (US$ 35 100) and 1.31 (US$ 28 700), respectively, in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Thus, accordingly rural communities could earn net revenues of (million Rs.) 8.86 (US$ 193 740), 5.69 (US$ 124 410), 1.78 (US$ 38 950), 1.14 (US$ 24 900), 0.58 (US$ 12 730) and 0.75 (US$ 16 940) in these states by selling young edible bamboo shoots. On average, D. hamiltonii , D. hookerii , D. sikkimensis , D. giganteus , M. baccifera , P. bambusoides and B. balcooa , contributed 33, 18, 16, 14, 8, 5 and 3% to total earned revenue, irrespective of the states. Genus Dendrocalamus alone supplemented 81% to total revenue and the remainder was contributed by other genera. In addition to their food value, these species also play very important role in the life of tribal folk, particularly in the provision of materials for various day-to-day needs, as well as for paper-pulp industries.

Leaf and culm sheath morphology of some important bamboo species of Assam

Eight species of bamboo, i. e. Bambusa nutans, B. tulda, B. balcooa, B. bambos, B. pallida, Melocanna baccifera, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii and D. giganteus, were studied for their leaf and culm sheath morphology with a view to make use of these characters in the field identification of these bamboos. The study revealed that both the plant parts are equally useful in field identification of the bamboo species studied so far. Keys to the species based on the characters studied have been formulated.

Observations on the culms of Melocanna baccifera in Kolasib Division, Mizoram, India

This paper compares the culms of Melocanna baccifera in forest and plantation sites, and reports about the effects on the number of culms, their health, the girth, the height, the internode length and the production of new culms.

Analysis of plant communities during secondary succession after “Jhum” at Karbi Anglong district of Assam, North-east India

The present study highlights the community diversity and dominance spectrum of species in four abandoned shifting cultivation fallows in Karbi Anglong (Assam) of north-east India. In the study area 51 species belonging to 24 families were recorded as a component of fallow lands. Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata showed their dominance in 5 and 10 years fallow with highest Importance Value Index (136.52 and 33.37 in 5 years, 18.97 and 53.52 in 10 years fallow, respectively). Gradual elimination of Imperata cylindrica from higher age fallows was noticed. Bamboo species, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii and Melocanna baccifera expressed their dominance in 15 to 20 years fallows. The fallow vegetation was replaced by shade intolerant broad-leaved species like Actinodaphne obovata, Artocarpus spp., Callicarpa arborea, Dysoxylum procerum, Erythrina stricta etc. during 10 to 20 years period as a form of secondary forest. Species diversity increased from 5 years fallow onward with maximum in 15 years fallow and declined later on. The highest similarity was observed in the fallow pair of 15-20 years.

Phenology and culm growth of Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurtz in Barak Valley, North-East India

The phenology and growth of culms of Muli bamboo ( Melocanna baccifera ) were studied in the Hailakandi district of Barak Valley in North-East India. The culms emerge during the months of August and September, and the growth curve is S-shaped. The growth continues for a period of 245 days with rapid growth attained after 45 days. The leae ng pattern is characterized by periodic growth leaf-exchange type. The adaptive strategy of this growth pattern is discussed in the context of restoration of degraded lands.

Flowering in a bamboo, Melocanna baccifera (Bambusoideae: Poaceae)

Melocanna baccifera (Roxburgh) Kurtz ex Skeels, a species of bamboo introduced to Sri Lanka from India, flowered and set fruit during 2001–2002. Culms that flowered and set fruit died. The incidence of flowering is significant in that flowering took place close to the predicted mast flowering in 2007. At the onset of flowering, inflorescences were predominantly staminate. But later in 2002, bisexual and pistilate flowers also developed leading to fruiting. Both protandry and protogyny were observed in the bisexual florets. Floral characters indicated that the species was mainly out-crossing. Although anther dehiscence released pollen and stigmas were exerted, pollination of stigmas was inefficient. The few stigmas that were naturally pollinated showed limited pollen tube growth. However, fruit set took place. Fruits were very rarely seen to germinate naturally. Many fruits were devoid of an embryo, indicating that parthenocarpy and/or apomixis may have taken place. Excised embryos germinated in vitro. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 143, 287–291.