Tropical Bamboo Research Articles

Molecular phylogeny of 21 tropical bamboo species reconstructed by integrating non-coding internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and 2) sequences and their consensus secondary structure.

The unavailability of the reproductive structure and unpredictability of vegetative characters for the identification and phylogenetic study of bamboo prompted the application of molecular techniques for greater resolution and consensus. We first employed internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, 5.8S rRNA and ITS2) sequences to construct the phylogenetic tree of 21 tropical bamboo species. While the sequence alone could grossly reconstruct the traditional phylogeny amongst the 21-tropical species studied, some anomalies were encountered that prompted a further refinement of the phylogenetic analyses. Therefore, we integrated the secondary structure of the ITS sequences to derive individual sequence-structure matrix to gain more resolution on the phylogenetic reconstruction. The results showed that ITS sequence-structure is the reliable alternative to the conventional phenotypic method for the identification of bamboo species. The best-fit topology obtained by the sequence-structure based phylogeny over the sole sequence based one underscores closer clustering of all the studied Bambusa species (Sub-tribe Bambusinae), while Melocannabaccifera, which belongs to Sub-Tribe Melocanneae, disjointedly clustered as an out-group within the consensus phylogenetic tree. In this study, we demonstrated the dependability of the combined (ITS sequence+structure-based) approach over the only sequence-based analysis for phylogenetic relationship assessment of bamboo.

Exploring Bamboo Leaf Nutrient Value in the USNPGS Germplasm Collection

Bamboo shoots and leaves are nutritious, providing food for human and animal consumption. However their nutrient value depends on a number of factors including the bamboo species (e.g. taxon), harvesting season and growing location. Leaf crude protein content, amino acid composition and mineral element concentration were quantified from leaf samples collected from 222 accessions representing two bamboo types (temperate/tropical), two growing seasons (dry/wet) and three locations (PGRCU-Byron, GA; TARSMayaguez, PR; and Govardhan Gardens-Mayaguez, PR). Significant variability in leaf nutrient value was identified among accessions, types, growing locations and harvesting seasons. On average, bamboo leaf tissue contained 12.92% protein with relatively high percentages of leucine (Leu, 8.97%) and proline (Pro, 7.98%) and low percentages of tryptophan (Trp, 1.69%) and histidine (His, 2.01%). Bamboo leaves also contained relatively high concentrations of the macro-mineral elements potassium (K, 12.17mg/g) and calcium (Ca, 5.37mg/g), high concentrations of the micro-mineral elements manganese (Mn, 388.76 μg/g) and iron (Fe, 123.19 μg/g), and low concentrations of boron (B, 7.8 μg/g) and zinc (Zn, 28.56 μg/g). PI 647932 and TARS 182857 contained the highest and lowest protein content (21.69% and 5.78%), respectively. Temperate bamboos contained a significantly higher percentage of protein (13.02%) than tropical bamboos (12.71%). Leaf samples harvested from the dry season contained a significantly higher percentage of protein (13.12%) than leaf samples harvested from the wet season (12.70%). The leaf samples harvested from Govardhan Garden location contained a higher percentage of protein (13.40%) than from Byron (12.65%) and TARS (12.89%) locations. The leaf samples harvested from Govardhan Garden contained a significantly higher iron concentration (151.22 μg/g) than from the other two locations (118.19 μg/g, 111.52 μg/g), whereas the leaf samples collected from Byron contained a significantly higher zinc concentration (36.03 μg/g) than what was observed from the other two locations (27.83 μg/g, 22.11 μg/g). There was no significant difference in iron and zinc concentrations between leaf samples collected from dry or wet seasons. Tropical bamboo leaves contained a higher iron concentration (131.74 μg/g) than temperate bamboo leaves (118.95 μg/g), whereas temperate bamboo leaves contained a significantly higher zinc concentration (29.82 μg/g) than tropical bamboo leaves (26.01 μg/g). The information on the bamboo leaf nutrient value related to bamboo accessions, types, growing location and harvesting season will be very useful for bamboo growers, processors and consumers.

Seed Set and Natural Regeneration of Dendrocalamus membranaceus Munro after Mass and Sporadic Flowering in Yunnan, China.

The flowering periods of woody bamboos, seed set, natural regeneration and death after flowering have been rarely observed and evaluated in the field. Dendrocalamus membranaceus Munro, a tropical woody bamboo mainly distributed in the Yunnan, displayed both sporadic as well as gregarious (mass) flowering and fruited from 2006 to 2013 following severe droughts. The aim of this study is to examine potential differences in seed set and natural regeneration between the two flowering patterns in natural D. membranaceus forests. We investigated and analyzed seed set, seed germination, seedling growth and mortality in both mass and sporadic flowering populations. Observations were made over a period of three years to record changes in bamboo seedling density, height and culm diameter. We observed a low natural seed set ranging from 1.76% to 7.49%, and a relatively high seed germination rate in the nursery from 59.6% to 71.0% for both types of flowering populations. Seeds germinated in 5–7 days after sowing and the germination period lasted 10–15 days. Seed set and germination rates in mass-flowering populations were significantly higher than those of sporadically flowering stands. The seedlings within sporadically flowering populations died within two years. In comparison, seedling mortality in the mass flowering population increased over two periods of observation from 64.92% to 98.89%, yet there was good seedling establishment left over, which showed mean height and mean culm diameter increasing by 1053.25% and 410.71%, respectively, in the second year of observations, and 137.10%, and 217.48%, respectively, in the third year. There are significant differences in seed set, natural regeneration ability and sustainability of bamboo populations between the mass flowering and sporadically flowering populations of D. membranaceus. Sporadic flowering populations failed to produce effective regeneration, while mass flowering populations were able to regenerate successfully. This study provides useful insights for conservation and natural forest management of D. membranaceus. We consider the merits of introducing other genetic provenances towards long-term maintenance of the stand features at sporadically flowering sites; meanwhile, the most economic option for mass flowering stands is to allow natural regeneration to take place through protecting such sites from further disturbance.

Deficit in digestive capabilities of bamboo shark early stages under climate change

Little empirical information is currently available on the potential effects of acidification and/or warming in sharks, but none exist about digestive capabilities under such future conditions. Here, we investigated the impact of both acidification (ΔpH = 0.5) and warming (+4; 30 °C) on the digestive enzyme levels of recently hatched tropical bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum). Thirty days post-hatching, juvenile sharks revealed a significant increase in pancreatic trypsin levels under warming, but also a significant decrease under acidification, namely a 42 % drop under present-day temperature and 44 % drop under the warming condition. A similar trend was recorded for the alkaline phosphatase activity in shark’s intestine, i.e. the impact of environmental hypercapnia was also quite notorious—a 50 % drop under present-day temperature and 49 % drop under the warming condition. Thus, our present findings suggest that acidification and warming acted antagonistically, leading to similar enzyme activities under present and future conditions. Future directions on this topic of research should point towards the study of other types of sharks, namely pelagic ones with quite higher energetic demands.

Water Use Patterns of Four Tropical Bamboo Species Assessed with Sap Flux Measurements.

Bamboos are grasses (Poaceae) that are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. We aimed at exploring water use patterns of four tropical bamboo species (Bambusa vulgaris, Dendrocalamus asper, Gigantochloa atroviolacea, and G. apus) with sap flux measurement techniques. Our approach included three experimental steps: (1) a pot experiment with a comparison of thermal dissipation probes (TDPs), the stem heat balance (SHB) method and gravimetric readings using potted B. vulgaris culms, (2) an in situ calibration of TDPs with the SHB method for the four bamboo species, and (3) field monitoring of sap flux of the four bamboo species along with three tropical tree species (Gmelina arborea, Shorea leprosula, and Hevea brasiliensis) during a dry and a wet period. In the pot experiment, it was confirmed that the SHB method is well suited for bamboos but that TDPs need to be calibrated. In situ, species-specific parameters for such calibration formulas were derived. During field monitoring we found that some bamboo species reached high maximum sap flux densities. Across bamboo species, maximal sap flux density increased with decreasing culm diameter. In the diurnal course, sap flux densities in bamboos peaked much earlier than radiation and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and also much earlier than sap flux densities in trees. There was a pronounced hysteresis between sap flux density and VPD in bamboos, which was less pronounced in trees. Three of the four bamboo species showed reduced sap flux densities at high VPD values during the dry period, which was associated with a decrease in soil moisture content. Possible roles of internal water storage, root pressure and stomatal sensitivity are discussed.

Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki revisited: Domestication study and antioxidant properties of its basidiocarps and mycelia.

Mushroom cultivation benefits humankind as it deliberately encourages wild mushrooms to be commercially propagated while recycling agricultural wastes. Ganoderma neo-japonicum is a rare polypore mushroom found growing on decaying Schizostachyum brachycladium (a tropical bamboo) clumps in Malaysia. The Malaysian indigenous tribes including the Temuans and Temiars use the basidiocarps of G. neo-japonicum to treat various ailments including diabetes. In this study, the domestication of G. neo-japonicum in artificial logs of different agricultural residues was investigated. Sawdust promoted the mycelia spawn colonisation in the shortest period of 38 ± 0.5 days. However, only sawdust and bamboo dust supported the primodia formation. Complex medium supported mycelium growth in submerged cultures and 27.11 ± 0.43 g/L of mycelia was obtained after 2 weeks of cultivation at 28 °C and 200 rpm. Antioxidant potential in mushroom may be influenced by different cultivation and extraction methods. The different extracts from the wild and cultivated basidiocarps as well as mycelia were then tested for their antioxidant properties. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of mycelia and basidiocarps tested had varying levels of antioxidant activities. To conclude, domestication of wild G. neo-japonicum using agroresidues may ensure a continuous supply of G. neo-japonicum for its medicinal use while ensuring the conservation of this rare species.

Atmospheric CO2 enrichment markedly increases photosynthesis and growth in a woody tropical bamboo from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Bamboo is one of the most easily available resources found in forests. Due to their long periods of vegetative growth and rapid biomass gains, bamboo species could show a significant potential for responding to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an increased CO2 concentration on selected physiological and biochemical parameters of the bamboo Aulonemia aristulata. After 7 weeks, plants grown under an elevated CO2 concentration showed an increase of 77% in photosynthesis, 56% in tillering, 104% in leaf area, 92% in height and 91% in total biomass. These plants also had a lower stomatal conductance (−40%) and higher water use efficiency (62%). Physiological responses such as adjustment in the photosynthetic rates, carbon gain and water relations shown by A. aristulata in response to increased CO2 concentration could promote a higher dominance of this bamboo species in a global change scenario. This dominance could affect the species composition, structure and function of tropical forests.

Extractives, Holocellulose, a-Cellulose, Lignin and Ash Contents in Cultivated Tropical Bamboo <em>Gigantochloa brang</em>, <em>G. levis</em>, <em>G. scortechinii</em> and <em>G. wrayi</em>

This paper studied the chemical composition of cultivated 3 year-old tropical bamboo Gigantochloa brang, G. levis, G. scortechinii and G. wrayi especially in the extractives, holocellulose, α-cellulose, lignin and ash contents. The comprehensive knowledge of the chemical components in the bamboo species will facilitate the use of the materials in the forestry industrial sector and help to enhance their utilization in the chemical and bio-chemical related industry. The chemical compositions in cultivated 3 year-old bamboo culms of these species were studied. The chemical compositions of bamboo were determined in accordance with the standards outlined in TAPPI test methods. The culms exhibited different chemical composition in the contents of extractives, holocellulose, α- cellulose, lignin and ash between the bamboo species, location in the culms and position at the nodes and internodes. The extractives content of G. brang, G. levis, G. scortechinii and G. wrayi were 8.30, 9.23, 8.00 and 8.62%, respectively. The holocellulose content for G. levis were 85.08%, G. wrayi 84.53%, G. brang 79.94% and G. scortechinii 74.62%. The α-cellulose were higher in G. brang (51.58%), followed by G. scortechinii (46.87%), G. wrayi (37.66%) and G. levis (33.80%). The lignin contents were higher in G. scortechinii (32.55%), G. wrayi (30.04%), G. levis (26.50%) and lowest in G. brang (24.83%). The ash content were 2.83% in G. scortechinii, 2.83% in G. levis, 1.29% in G. brang (1.25%) and 0.88% in G. wrayi.

Chemical Composition of Four Cultivated Tropical Bamboo in Genus Gigantochloa

The chemical compositions of cultivated 3 year-old bamboo culms of Gigantochloa brang, G. levis, G. scortechinii and G. wrayi were studied. The culms exhibited different chemical composition in extractives, α-cellulose, lignin and ash contents between the bamboo species, location in the culms and position at the nodes and internodes. The extractive content in four species ranged from 8.30 to 9.23%. The extractive content of G.brang, G.levis, G.scortechinii and G.wrayi were 8.30%, 9:23%, 8:00% and 8.62% respectively. The holocellulose content for G. levis were 85.08%, G. wrayi 84.53%, G. brang 79.94% and G. scortechinii 74.62%. The holocellulose content for the cultivated bamboo genus Gigantochloa were 74% to 85%. The α- cellulose is the chemical constituents in the holocellulose. The highest was G.brang (51.58%) followed by G. scortechinii (46.87%), G. wrayi (37.66%) and G. levis (33.80%). The lignin content ranged between 24.84 to 32.65%. The highest were obtained in G. scortechinii (32.55%), G. wrayi (30.04%), G. levis (26.50%) and lowest in G. brang (24.83%). The ash content in four species of Gigantochloa bamboo ranged between 0.88 to 2.86%. The ash content is the highest in G. scortechinii (2.83%) follow by G. levis (1.29%), G. brang (1.25%) and the lowest in G. wrayi (0.88%).

English

Food selection by herbivores depends on the dietary composition of plant parts. However, the nutritional properties of tropical bamboo leaves, which could be a viable supplement of traditional fodder are hardly examined. Proximate composition of Bambusa ventricosa McClure, Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro and two varieties of Bambusa vulgaris (B. vulgaris Schrad. ex J. C. Wendl. var. vulgaris Hort. and B. vulgaris Schrad. ex J. C. Wendl. var. vittata Rivière) leaves were determined. B. ventricosa proximately comprised 10.34% moisture, 1.38% crude fat, 11.56% ash, 19.02% crude protein, 27.20% crude fibre and 30.40% carbohydrate. O. abyssinica leaves contained 10.34% moisture, 1.38% crude fat, 12.56% ash, 19.39% crude protein, 26.78% crude fibre and 29.55% carbohydrate. B. vulgaris vulgaris had 10.34% moisture, 1.49% crude fat, 12.53% ash, 18.39% crude protein, 25.88% crude fibre and 31.38% carbohydrate, while B. vulgaris vittata contained 10.71% moisture, 1.58% crude fat, 8.73% ash, 18.75% crude protein, 33.19% crude fibre and 27.04% carbohydrate. Moisture content of bamboos is important, as it determines their susceptibility to microbial infection. The low moisture of the bamboo leaves is an index of the great shelf-life of their meal. These leaves are also a good amino-acid source (especially for O.abyssinica), while their carbohydrate and great fibre contents (as in B. vulgarisvarieties) are a rich roughage supply. They are highly nutritious and could be used as alternative local feed resources suitably as fodder for livestock or wildlife and alongside other feed sources containing proteins and minerals to ensure food security in the tropics.   Key words: Bamboo leaves, crude protein, fodder, food energy, proximate analysis, shelf-life.

Population status and regeneration of a tropical clumping bamboo Schizostachyum dullooa under two management regimes

Schizostachyum dullooa (Gamble) Majumder ‘dolu bamboo’ is a thin walled sympodial moderate sized to large tufted bamboo, dominant in the successional fallows of northeast India. The impact of resource management on productivity and sustainability of the species was evaluated by investigating the population status and regeneration in Cachar tropical semi evergreen forest under private property resource management (PPRM) and common property resource management (CPRM) regimes. Population status revealed current-year, one-year, two-year and three-year-old culms contribute 54%, 24%, 16% and 6% of the total culms per clump, respectively, under PPRM. Three-year-old culms were absent in CPRM and population status was thus represented by current year (83%), one-year (16%) and two-year (1%) old culms. Net change, rate of change and % gain in population for different age classes showed the prevalence of management practices under CPRM was unscientific. Efficiency of new culm production per clump used as an index of regeneration was 69.7% in PPRM and 59.88% in CPRM. New culms produced under CPRM were small and thin. We conclude that CPRM is inappropriate for a long term economic and ecological sustainability of the species and alternative management protocols are needed for conservation of the species.

Performance of Polyvinyl Acetate and Phenol Resorcinol Formaldehyde as Binding Materials for Laminated Bamboo and Composite-ply from Tropical Bamboo Species*

Performance of Polyvinyl Acetate and Phenol Resorcinol Formaldehyde as Binding Materials for Laminated Bamboo and Composite-ply from Tropical Bamboo Species*

Chemical Constituents of Oil-Cured Tropical Bamboo Gigantochloa scortechinii

The chemical constituents of oil-cured 3 years-old tropical bamboo Gigantochloa scortechinii were investigated in this study. The bamboo splits were oil-cured using organic palm oil at temperature of 140, 180 and 220°C for duration of 30 and 60 min. The bamboo splits were then grinded into small particles and air-dried prior to the chemical analysis to obtain the compositions: holocellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin and starch. Untreated samples were used as control for comparison. The results obtained showed an overall reduction in the chemicals constituents after treatments compared to the control. Significant changes were however noted after the bamboo samples underwent treatment at temperature above 180°C. The holocellulose content decreased slightly from 81.4 to 79.7% for treatment conditions at 220°C for 30 min. On the other hand holocellulose content diminished significantly when the sample was treated at 180°C for 30 min and further treatment resulted in 72.7% holocellulose content at 220°C for 60 min treatment. The hemicellulose content of bamboo ranged from 24.1 to 27.8% when treated at 140 and 220°C for 30 to 60 min, respectively. The cellulose content of heat-treated samples ranged 47.4 to 55.2%. Starch contents were largely reduced from 4.1 to 1.9% for control to oil-cured samples at 220°C for 60 min. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

Fate of Culm Shoots in Wild Stands of a Tropical Clumping Bamboo

ABSTRACT Bamboo culm shoots provide food for humans and wildlife and are the basis for vegetative recruitment by bamboo genets, a potential three-way competition with implications for sustainability. The fate of 605 culm shoots from three wild stands of Bambusa arnhemica F.Muell., a riparian bamboo from northern Australia, were identified. Shoots emerged over a four to five month period, but shoots that emerged in the first month were rarely successful. Recruitment rates were similar at about 38% in an unmanaged and a protected stand, with losses due to harvesters and animals four times higher at the former and losses due to culms rotting almost three times higher at the latter. Harvesters and feral animals preferentially removed shoots close to or beyond the periphery of clumps. It is proposed that culm rot is not pathogenic but rather a compensation mechanism in which shoots in excess of recruitment potential are produced, held in abeyance and nutrients withdrawn from them if they are not needed as replacements. If correct, this offers potential for sustainability in the harvest of shoots from unmanaged wild bamboo stands, but issues relating to clump expansion and culm size remain to be addressed.

Variability in fibre and parenchyma cell walls of temperate and tropical bamboo culms of different ages

This study tries to clarify the conflicting results from previous studies on cell wall thickening in bamboo culms by applying light and transmission electron microscopy in combination with image analysis. It focused on both fibre and parenchyma wall thickness of both temperate (Phyllostachys spp.) and tropical (Gigantochloa levis and Dendrocalamus asper) bamboo species of different ages in the light of their suitability for the wood industry. The observations indicated a great heterogeneity in cell wall thickness and cell wall layering pattern of fibres within one culm. Nested design ANOVA’s revealed a rising trend in wall thickness of late maturing fibres and parenchyma cells during the first year but significant wall thickening during later years could not be demonstrated. The high variability within one culm and between culms of the same age from 1 year on is partly masking a clear increased cell wall thickening at higher age. Nevertheless, the highest mean values for fibre wall thickness were recorded in culms of 44 months old or older, suggesting that some kind of late cell wall maturing can take place within one culm.

Performance of Polyvinyl Acetate and Phenol Resorcinol Formaldehyde as Binding Materials for Laminated Bamboo and Composite-ply from Tropical Bamboo Species

Performance of Polyvinyl Acetate and Phenol Resorcinol Formaldehyde as Binding Materials for Laminated Bamboo and Composite-ply from Tropical Bamboo Species

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis on Preservatives Treated Tropical Bamboo Species

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis on Preservatives Treated Tropical Bamboo Species

Fungal Colonisation and Decay in Tropical Bamboo Species

The development of fungal colonization and decay in the culms of a tropical bamboo Gigantochloa scortechinii, through ground contact tests in a tropical soil were described. Observations were made using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Both untreated and samples treated with either Borax-Boric Acid mixture (BBA) Ammoniacal Copper Quaternary (ACQ) ammonium compound or Copper-Chrome-arsenic (CCA) were investigated. Over 24-months of exposure, untreated and ineffectively treated culms exhibited extensive degradation and colonisation of all tissues (ground tissue parenchyma, fibers and vascular elements) by fungi. Fungal colonists were observed in the cell lumina, the degraded cell walls and in the intercellular spaces. The morphology of decay was a characteristic of degradation by white and soft rot fungi and occasionally, was accompanied by bacterial attack. In contrast, the tissues of culms that had received effective preservative treatments had restricted hyphal colonisation with infrequent hypal invasion into cell via pits; or without cell wall degradation.

Lignin Distribution in the Tropical Bamboo Species Gigantochloa Levis

The lignin distribution within the cell walls of Gigantochloa levis was studied topochemically by means of TEM and cellular UV microspectrophotometry. The distribution of lignin structural units in different anatomical regions is described and lignification of the tropical bamboo species Gigantochloa levis is compared with that of the temperate bamboo species Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens. Considerable differences were found in cell wall structure between fibres adjacent to the vascular tissue, fibres of free fibre strands and parenchyma cells. The S2 fibre wall in general has a lamellar structure with an increasing lignin content from the centre towards the compound middle lamella. P-coumaric and ferulic acids are more widely distributed in G. levis and their content depends on the anatomical location. The early maturing fibres adjacent to the vascular tissue and at the outer culm wall reveal a maximum absorbance at 280 nm (guaiacyl peak) whereas the late maturing fibres display a shoulder at 310–320 nm. This is in contrast to P. viridiglaucescens where the late maturing fibres also show a maximum peak at 280 nm. The compound middle lamellae show higher absorbance values and are richer in p-coumaric and ferulic acid esters in comparison to the S2 wall layers. The vessel walls have a lower lignin content. A difference in lignin content between the various ages and between flowering and non-flowering culms could not be observed.

Persistent Organochlorines in the Effluents from a Chlorine-Bleached Kraft Integrated Pulp and Paper Mill in Southeast Asia

A bleached sulfate integrated pulp and paper mill producing printing and writing paper from mixed tropical hardwood and bamboo was studied. The mill uses a "conventional bleaching sequence," C-E-H1-H2, with an average molecular chlorine consumption of 50 kg per ton of air-dried pulp (ADP). The content of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) in the bleaching filtrate in terms of the nordic toxicity equivalent (N-TEQ) was 33.5, 1.15, 0.56, and 0.014 pg/L for the E, C, H1, and H2 bleaching stages, respectively. The corresponding PCDFs and PCDDs loads in ng/t ADP were in the same ranking, i.e., 670, 69, 11.2, and 0.28, respectively. The congener and isomeric pattern of PCDFs and PCDDs of the bleaching filtrate and the bleached pulp was found to be typical for the chlorine bleaching plant effluent. The obtained dioxin load formed in the mill is in agreement with Western studies for the given multiple chlorine of 0.21-0.23. The load is, however, lower than reported discharges from Scandinavian mills using 1980s bleaching technologies, but substantially higher than the discharges from mills with modern bleaching technologies. Modifications in the bleaching plant to reduce molecular chlorine use are necessary to reduce dioxin formation.http://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00244/bibs/37n3p303.html