Guidelines for Establishment and Management of High-Tech

Bamboo Nurseries

(for raising high quality planting material from

seeds, culm and branch cuttings, rhizome transplants and micropropagation)

Bamboo Technical Support Group – Kerala

National Bamboo Mission

January 2014

Contents

1. Background

2. Scope

3. Criteria for selection of Nursery sites

4. Nursery Layout and design:

A. Sector-1

B. Sector-2

C. Sector-3

5. Nursery records to be maintained

6. Compliance with Certification Process

7. Management Mechanism

8. Nursery Accreditation Procedure

9. Training of Staff

10. Memorandum of Understanding

Guidelines for Establishment and Management of High-Tech

Bamboo Nurseries

(for raising high quality bamboo planting stock from seeds, culm and branch cuttings, rhizome transplants

and micropropagation)

1. Background

The National Bamboo Mission, (NBM) which has the mandate of holistic development of

the bamboo sector in the country, focuses on forestry and non-forestry sectors with a major

thrust on increasing productivity through plantations of selected priority species. To achieve

this, use of high quality planting stock having potential for higher yield as well as adopting

scientific management practices in all future plantation programmes are factors of

paramount importance. The production of quality planting stock can only be achieved

through a regulated network of nurseries set up for production of certified planting material.

This document will help in the process of establishment of Accredited High-tech Bamboo

Nurseries planned to be spread over the country. The nurseries will also be under the

monitoring of a National Accreditation Authority proposed to be formulated shortly by

NBM. The nurseries will have to undergo an accreditation process involving application to

the Authority for approval based on certain essential and desirable criteria and granting of

Accreditation for a year based on inspection by the Regional Accreditation Agencies. The

Guideline for Establishment of High Tech Bamboo Nurseries being brought out by NBM is

the result of the scientific interaction by the Bamboo Technical Support Group (BTSG-

KFRI) with the experts in different research institutions of ICFRE and will pave the way for

bamboo growers and forest managers to achieve the target of NBM.

2. Scope :

The objective of the present Guideline is to facilitate the aspiring nursery manager to

obtain accreditation for a High Tech Bamboo Nursery. It gives an overview of the essential

as well as desirable infrastructure and the management regime to be adopted for large scale

production of quality bamboo planting material through seeds, culm/branch cuttings,

rhizome/offset propagules and hardened of micro propagated plantlets.

3. Criteria for selection of Nursery sites

High-tech nursery site should have the following features.

- Nursery site should be well drained

- Easy Accessibility with good motorable roads.

- Availability of adequate labor force from the vicinity of the nursery

- Round the year availability of good quality water

- Availability of good quality top soil preferably of alluvial type, sand.

- Site free from legal encumbrances.

- Protection from human interventions and wild animals.

4. Nursery Layout and design:

It is desirable to have the whole nursery site divided into smaller sectors so as to facilitate

planning and implementation of various nursery activities in pre-designated areas which will

impart a modular design for the high-tech nursery.

A. Sector-1

Infrastructural facilities like the nursery office building, laboratory,

implement/fertilizer/vehicle shed, mist chamber/poly tunnel, compost/ potting shed, etc will

be accommodated in this sector. All future infrastructural developments/additions should

only be planned and implemented in this sector.

a. Office: An office building, best located near the main entrance, with a reception, an

office room for the nursery manager, hall for the administrative/technical and skilled

staff and storage area for the nursery records are basic requirements. Adequate parking

area for the visitors vehicle and accessibility for vehicles for transporting propagules/

nursery material in to and from the nursery should also be clearly planned.

In High-tech nurseries, office automation at least at a basic level should be planned and

implemented right from the inception of the nursery so that all the nursery data gathered

over time will be easily stored, verified and retrieved whenever required.

Essential Desirable

Office building with toilet

facility.

Chain link/barbed wire fencing

Raised beds/cubicles/hardening

area

Mist chamber/Poly tunnel

Shade net Nursery beds

Drip/Sprinkler irrigation system

Overhead water storage tanks

Potting shed and media-

Mini laboratory (Electronic balance,

Refrigerator, Oven, Seed Purity Board

etc.)

Jeep/Trailer ;Vehicle shed

Composting unit.

Seed storage facility

Fertigation unit.

Water purification unit.

Steam sterilization/fumigation

unit.

sterilization facility.

Parking space

Rhizome/Clonal Bank

Bar- coding system for labelling

b. Laboratory: Though optional, all High-tech Nurseries should plan to have a mini

laboratory attached, for use by the technical/skilled staff for observing/recording the

growth and stages of developmental irregularities if any, disease/pest problems, and

nutritional deficiencies/imbalances during the nursery stage of the planting material.

Facilities for storage of seeds under desiccation and low temperature should be

provided. Plant growth hormones and allied chemicals will require cold storage

facilities and will have to be envisaged. A deep freezer/refrigerator would serve both

the above requirements. All the above data are to be recorded and documented for

future reference especially at the time of certification of the propagule. A computer and

essential accessories like printer, scanner etc would therefore be essential.

High-tech nurseries should also have facilities for water purification plant, steam

sterilizing/fumigation units and will have to be provided especially if the water quality

is not suitable and particularly if it interferes with the irrigation system. The availability

of a Jeep with trailer/mini truck is also desirable to facilitate transfer of planting

material, fertilizers etc.

c. Composting unit: Setting up a composting unit attached to the nursery is

recommended as it will be beneficial in the long run. The unit will consist of a roofed

shed with partially open side walls for encouraging good air- circulation, a shredder

machine to chop the weed material, and sieves to clean the composted material to make

the final product.

A portion of the composting shed can also be earmarked for developing a vermin-

composting unit as vermin compost also has many growth promoting

d. Media Sterilization: Facilities for steam sterilization/fumigation of the potting media

will be advantageous to bring down the nursery expenditure and hence will be essential.

e. Potting shed: To carry out the potting work, preparing the containers, mixing the

potting mix, filling the bags and potting the planting stock, a spacious shed will be

required in the high-tech nursery. The potting shed should be near the transplant bed

with shade net so that potted planting stock can be transferred soon after potting to

these transplant beds.

Mechanized container filling should be considered in case labour availability/costs are

too high.

f. Shade net nursery: A portion of the nursery should have shade nets made of Plastic-

nets that can cut the light intensity by 50%. These shade nets are to be stretched and

spread over GI pipe fabricated structures. Mechanized shade regulation units with roller

facility to roll up the shade net when not required can be easily installed in high-tech

nurseries.

g. Mist chambers that are used for vegetative propagation are found useful for propagation

of some bamboo species. Standard mist chambers with automated misting equipments

and temperature control mechanism are desirable but low cost poly-tunnels will be an

alternative. Poly-tunnels are fabricated structures which can be set above the raised beds

with the dome covered with UV resistant polythene sheets and sprinklers/misting units

fitted inside to maintain desired humidity to encourage sprouting of buds.

h. Irrigation Systems: In order to reduce the labour costs and to avoid wastage of water

and to ensure higher survival with faster establishment and growth of bamboo planting

stock, modern mechanized irrigation systems with sprinklers, misting units, high

pressure pumps and filtering equipments for fertigation are essential components to be

installed and used in high-tech nurseries.

e. Overhead Water Storage tanks: Pumping water from a dug well or flowing river to an

over head water tank will ensure continuous water availability in the nursery. Such an

un-interrupted supply of water will enable the operation of sprinkler/drip/mist irrigation

system in a most effective manner. To save space over head water tanks can be installed

above the RCC buildings in the nursery.

B. Sector-2

This sector of the nursery will accommodate the section for planting stock production.

Different type of bamboo propagules (seedlings/branch/culm/rhizome/offset cuttings) are

raised in different type of beds specially made for the purpose, as the management

procedures are different. Raised beds for rooting the culm/branch cuttings,raised cubicles

for propagating the offset/rhizome cuttings, transplant beds for the potted seedlings and

open space for the rooted cuttings should be separately positioned in this sector of the

nursery.

Essential Desirable

Container beds

Raised ferro - cement slab beds for

rooting of culm cuttings

Raised ferro - cement slab ‘cubicles’

for rooting the rhizome cuttings

Transplant beds for seedlings.

Open area for hardening the

planting material/stock.

Dispatch area for stocking

the graded planting material.

Grading and propagule

dispatch area

C. Sector-3

It is suggested to have a portion of the nursery (Sector-3) developed as a Rhizome/clonal

bank with selected high performing mother clumps of the priority species so that it will

serve as a source of genetically superior parent material for vegetative propagation. This will

enable the production of identified superior planting stock which can be sold by a high-tech

nursery accredited by the National Bamboo Certification Authority with an authentic

certificate. The Rhizome /clone bank can be established either as a block plantation or as a

belt plantation along the periphery of the nursery as per the availability of space in the

nursery.

It should be ensured that the physiological age of the mother clumps is such that the

flowering age does not interfere with a profitable commercial plantation due to gregarious

flowering and death immediately after establishment. The spacing in the Rhizome/clonal

bank depends on the species but can be lower than that adopted for plantations since full

clump size and canopy is not attained as vegetative material is constantly removed for

propagation. To keep the Rhizome bank in active growth phase proper irrigation or

fertigation, preferably by providing drip irrigation, is desirable.

In regions, for example in the northern and NE states, where the planting season is such that

plants have to be maintained in the nursery for a longer period (15-18 months), the shade

net nursery area will be double of that required otherwise. In such situations, the area

presently set aside for the rhizome/clonal bank would be limited and additional space will

have to be found.

5. Nursery records to be maintained in high-tech nurseries.

i. Nursery Journal

The nursery journal is a record to be kept in the nursery and produced at the time of

inspection by an NBM authorized team. The journal should contain the following details.

a. A plot chart showing the location of different sectors and purpose for which they are

being used.

b. A list of different bamboo planting stock being produced and maintained in the

nursery with details of its origin of the parent material.

c. Annual production target for each type of planting stock from the nursery.

d. Propagation protocol/method used for each batch of planting stock with details such

as date of collection of propagaules/hormone application/potting in containers and

after care provided.etc.

e. Whether macro-proliferation was carried out, if yes age at which it was carried

out/potting mix used/size of bag to which potting was carried out.

f. Dates when grading was carried out.

g. Date of dispatch of each batch of the planting stock.

ii. Instrument/Equipment Log Book

iii. Staff /Mazdoor attendance registers

iv. Stock Register

The Register should record all details pertaining to the production and sales of planting

stock raised in the nursery so as to assist in the nursery evaluation in meeting its annual

targets.

6. Compliance with Certification Process

High Tech Nurseries are envisaged as part of a system leading to production of certified

high quality bamboo planting material for future plantations under NBM schemes. The

management system should therefore be compliant with the certification process

developed by NBM. A batch tracking system should be implemented with proper

documentation through certificates, records, labeling/tags to ensure traceability of the

chain of custody of each and every uniform batch of planting material from the original

mother clumps to the Clonal bank, propagation system and point of sale nursery. Ideally

an automated system with bar-coding & printed labels should come in to existence and

should accompany every item dispatched from the nursery.

7. Management mechanism

The sale price of bamboo planting stock will depend on the production cost but a

rational pricing scheme should be instituted subject to evaluation by NBM. The nursery

is expected to meet all the running and maintenance cost from the sale of planting

material thus becoming a self sustaining venture. The funds thus made available and the

NBM contribution will be maintained as a ‘revolving fund’ for meeting the expenditure

in operating the Nursery in the long-term. Such a fund could be managed by the

Nursery Manager who can operate a dedicated bank account for the purpose

8. Nursery Accreditation procedures

The Application Form for Accreditation of High-Tech Nurseries may be downloaded

from the NBM website.

Fill up the Form, provide copies of the essential documents and send to NBM with the

prescribed fee either electronically or as Demand Draft.

After the preliminary screening, all eligible nurseries will be inspected by a team

deputed by the Accreditation Agency. The Inspection team comprising of a forest officer

not below the rank of CCF and a scientist from any of the research institutions of

ICFRE/ Sate Governments (KFRI). In case the nursery meets with all the norms of

NBM, Accreditation will be awarded which will be valid for one year and can be

renewed on application with prescribed fee.

9. Training of staff

Since many of the procedures involved in bamboo propagation are substantially

different from the standard procedures for horticultural or ornamental crops, personnel

involved in operations in the Hi-Tech Nursery should be trained adequately. Such

training can be arranged at one of the research institutes involved in bamboo

propagation and with the help of the manuals and publications available on the subject.

10. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

NBM support to the cost-intensive venture of establishing High Tech Nurseres implies a

binding regarding the utilization of the facilities exclusively for the specified species of

bamboo and a minimum production per year. An MOU is to be executed to this effect

before accreditation is granted/renewed.

National Bamboo Mission Department of Agriculture and Co- operation

Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION OF HIGH – TECH BAMBOO NURSERIES

1. Name of the Applicant :

2. Telephone Numbers :

3. Email :

4. Name and location of High – Tech Bamboo Nursery (If deferent from address above)

:

5. Signature of Applicant :

6. Name & designation :

7. Date of Submission :

Application Form complete in all respects with a processing fee of Rs.1000/- should be submitted to

the following address:

Deputy Director General(NBM), National Bamboo Mission, Dept. of Agriculture & Cooperation Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India Shashtri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001

Proforma providing details of proposed High-Tech Nursery Facilities

Sl.No. Particulars

Short descriptions (strike off if not applicable)

Remarks

1. Extend of Nursery (provide a layout diagram and copy of documents to show the ownership of the land

2. Fencing provided Chain link/ Barbed wire/ Brush wood

3. Availability of water source (specify the type of water source)

River/ Tank/ Well/ Bore well

4. Water storage facility

< 1000ltr/ 1000 -5000Itr/ >5000ltr

5. Casual labour currently engaged/ day

<10/ 10-20/ >20

6. Availability of personnel trained in propagation techniques

Yes/No

7. Number of propagules produced under each category/ year (specify the number under each category

Seedlings/Culm cuttings/Rhizome or Offset cutting/Branch cutting/Tissue

culture Ramets

8. Type of propagules produced Seedling/CC/RC/BC/TC*

9. Methods of propagation adopted

10. Chemical storage facility and mini lab available

Yes/No

11. Manures/fertilizers used in nursery and dosage

12. Prophylactic treatments being administered for the control of diseases and pests

13. Whether Grading procedures followed in the nursery: if yes size and range of grading

14. Average number of tillers/height of propagules at the time of sale

15. Age at which propagules are sold

16. Cost of per unit of planting materials

*CC – Culm cutting/ RC – Rhizome cutting/ BC – Branch cutting/ TC – Tissue culture ramets

Date: Signature : Place: Name & Designation : Seal of Nursery

17. No. of propagules produced and sold in the previous year

18. Production capacity of the nursery

19. List of species and types of propagules being produced

National Bamboo Mission Department of Agriculture and Co- operation

Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India

CERTIFICATE OF ACCREDITATION OF HIGH – TECH BAMBOO NURSERY

This is to certify that M/s………………………………….. located at ……………………………………………having

compiled with the minimum requirements of the production standards as prescribed by NBM

Guidelines qualifies to be an Accredited High – Tech Nursery for production of certified quality

planting stock eligible for the NBM plantation programmes. The accreditation is for a period of

one year starting from……………..to………………. and is subject to review if the standards are not met.

Authorised Signatory Authorised Signatory Accredited Certifying Agency National Bamboo Accreditation Authority Date: Date: Seal Seal

MANUAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF BAMBOO

PLANTATIONS

BTSG- KFRI

National Bamboo Mission

February 2014

INTRODUCTION

The diversity of species and capacity for adaptation makes bamboo suitable for growing in different

sites. Natural distribution is mainly dependent on rainfall, temperature and soil type. The

topography, however, does not play a serious role in bamboo growth. Different species of bamboos

grow in areas, which receive an annual rainfall of 1200 to 4000 mm and where mean annual

temperature ranges from 8 to 36°C. Bamboos grow well in different types of soils. Bamboos grow

well in different types of soils. Bamboo is an ideal crop for commercial cultivation as there is scope

for regular income from well managed plantations.

SPECIES SUITABLE FOR CULTIVATION

Although about 18 genera and 134 species of bamboos are reported from India, only less than 20

species are commercially important. This includes native species as well as exotic which have been

in cultivation for a long time. Others are rare or restricted in occurrence and only of academic value

for the present. Only the clump forming bamboo species are included in this manual since they are

more widely grown in India than the running bamboo species. Information on selected species that

can be cultivated on a large-scale is given in Appendix -1

PLANTATION SITES

Most of the bamboo species can be grown in a wide range of agro-climatic zones in the country but

a suitable matching of the species with the site is important. Based on the natural range of the

species and the past experience with the exotics, some species have been identified that perform

better under specific conditions. Many other species have not yet been tested for their suitability in

a different climate and therefore the potential is not yet ascertained. Under intensive management

the performance of many of the species could be much better than under the typical unmanaged

plantations in forest areas or homesteads. Thus Bambusa vulgaris var. striata is tolerant of salinity

in coastal soils. Dendrocalamus strictus is hardy and withstands arid climate well but productivity

is improved under good management.. The exotic species Guadua angustifolia recently introduced

from South America is found to grow well in the early years of planting in areas with good rainfall

and therefore might be a good candidate for plantations. The bamboo reed ( Ochlandra species)

form Kerala has performed quite well in introductions to the North Eastern States and Melocanna

which is native to the area has performed well in Kerala. B. balcooa is a very successful species

that is now widely grown in most parts of India.

It should be borne in mind that the bamboo shoots are a favorite food for wild animals like

elephants and wild boar and therefore when plantations are considered in the areas where wild life

could be attracted to the young crop adequate precautions should be taken

Bamboo comes up in a variety of soils however productivity will be the best if the soils are of

alluvial type of soil which is well drained. Care should be taken to see that a minimum soil depth of

45cm is available. This is mainly because bamboo is a surface feeder with a shallow but sturdy root

system. At times bamboo can be invasive and can compete with adjacent crops for moisture and

nutrition hence care should be taken to see that site selection is done meticulously keeping in mind

the active spreading habit of the plant. Bamboo requires open sunshine and hence planting bamboo

under other trees may lead to failures in plantation establishment. Optimium temperature range is

between 20 to 38 degree Celsius and rain fall between 900 to 4000 mm for luxuriant growth of

bamboo. The altitudinal range in which bamboo can be grown economically is 500 to 4000 MSL.

Water logged areas are to be avoided for planting bamboo as the rhizome growth will be affected

due to poor air circulation in the soil. However if the objective is only to stabilize the water logged

area, soil can be made in to mounts and clumps planted above the mount. It is not advisable to plant

bamboo in steep slopes as the chances of its toppling down during windy days is high.

PREPARATION OF PLANTING SITE

The area to be planted is first leveled with the help of earth movers if needed so that it is clear of

obstructions or depressions or tree stumps that could interfere with proper establishment. This also

ensures that weeds are also removed. It is preferred that no trees are present except those that come

outside the planting area. The planting is normally done in 45 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm pits. This

activity can also be efficiently done with mechanization if found economical. The application of

anti-termite insecticides is found essential in termite prone areas (Appendix -5).

Addition of 10kg of dried and powdered farm yard manures and 5kg of vermicompost/mixed weed

compost in the pit prior to planting will ensure better survival and initial growth after planting.

PLANTING

Best time for planting is during the pre-monsoon showers so that establishment during the monsoon

is successful and requires less watering. The seedling/cutting is placed in the pit and the polybag is

removed with a sharp blade taking care not to disturb the roots and rhizome of the plant. Soil

around the plants should be consolidated tightly by pressing with feet. The surface of the pit, after

filling should be slightly sloped to one side so as to promote moisture retention. Generally, three

weedings in the first year, two in the second and one in the third year has to be carried out.

According to the clump size, species can be classified to small (5-15 m tall with a clump diameter

of 1-3 m), medium (15-20 m tall with a clump diameter of 3-5 m) and large (20-30 m tall

with a clump diameter of 5-8 m) clumps. Higher densities (closer spacing) are appropriate

for small-sized bamboos,and lower densities (more spaced ) are appropriate for larger

bamboos. Depending on the parent clump size, 3-4 m, 5-6 m and 8-10 m. spacing can be

provided in the range of 4 X 4m, 5 X 5m, (Bambusa tulda) 7 m X 7m (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii)

or even 10 X10 m (Dendrocalamus giganteus).

PLANTATION MANAGEMENT

Since extensive cultivation of bamboo is limited to two species Dendrocalamus strictus and

Bambusa bambos, most of the management practices suggested are based on the observations on

these species however it should be borne in mind that the general principles being the same the

practices are same for all species except for regional variations in a few aspects..

Weeding: Regular weeding in the initial two to three years is very important for quicker

establishment and faster growth of bamboo clumps. Soon after the rainy season clear knife weeding

will have to be carried out depending on the site condition and amount of weed present in the plot.

By the third/fourth year when usually the clump gets established, bamboo starts shedding its own

leaf thus preventing the growth of other weeds under the clump.

Soil working and moisture conservation methods: The soil around the plant should be loosened

twice every year for better rhizome growth and shoot production. Soil working also improves the

water retention capacity and fertility of the soil; adjusts temperature and air permeability, improves

soil physical and chemical composition and decreases weed competition for water and nutrients.

Spreading rice husk and other mulching materials like leaf litter in plantations will help in

increasing the moisture retention.

Mulching: Mulching reduces loss of moisture due to evaporation from the planting pits and checks

weed growth. Degradation of the mulch by the natural decay process releases nutrients in to the soil

and improves the texture through addition of organic carbon. Fallen bamboo leaves serve as good

mulching material thus the requirement of silica gel of the growing clumps can be met from the

plantation itself.

Mounding: The tendency of rhizomes in sympodial bamboo is to grow horizontally and as and

when new sprouts are to be produced it starts growing upwards. However if the upwardly growing

portion happens to get exposed to sun shine there is a likely hood of retarded growth. Inorder to

prevent this it is better to loosen the soil and make mounds beneath the clump just prior to culm

production ie; during the pre monsoon season.

Protection from fire, pests and grazing: For initial two years, the planted area should be protected

from fire and grazing. Fencing of the plantation with protection against rodents, wild boar and

grazing animals may therefore be needed in some areas. When the seedlings are established,

especially with proper rhizome formation, fire mainly affects only the above ground portion of the

plant. However, new sprouts will be produced during the forthcoming monsoon. Burning due to fire

affects the growth of bamboo but with an intact rhizome and root system the plant survives.

Similarly severe grazing is deleterious for the proper establishment of bamboo clumps. In many

parts of the country elephants could turn out to be a menace since bamboo is a favoured food.

Electric fencing or trenches are the solution.

Irrigation: During the first year of planting watering helps obtain higher survival rates especially in

areas where the dry period is longer than two months. Irrigation generally helps to increase the

productivity at least by three times. Natural water conservation methods like ditches or crescent

shaped trenches and use of mulch help in moisture conservation. Reports from Karnataka show that

yield was increased to three fold when plantations of Dendrocalamus strictus were irrigated.

However the requirement of irrigation will vary with the local climatic conditions and micro-

environment. In water scarce areas drip irrigation has been found cost-effective, but that requires

technology and investment during site preparation.

Pruning: Some of the bamboo species like Bambusa bambos, B. balcooa and Dendrocalamus

hamiltonii has a tendency to produce large number of branches at the base of the clump thus

producing a congested situation at the base. This indirectly can affect the development of new

sprouts. In order to prevent the congestion it is advisable to prune these branches when the clump is

two to three years old and continue every year preferably during the months of November to

February. The thorns provide supplementary income for the farmer since it can be used for fencing.

Cleaning of the clump is done by removing the dead and dying culms from the clump and thinning

the clump by removal of weaker culms and this will facilitate proper growth of new shoots.

Removal of the upper part of the culm is also recommended in areas prone to heavy wind and frost.

Cleaning: The clump takes about one year for establishment and by the third year production of

new culms starts regularly. Pruning and clump management should start from the third year

onwards, otherwise congestion will set in. Usually new sprouts- the younger ones, are produced

towards the outer side and those seen towards the inner portion are the older ones. The older culms

will have to be cut and removed when the clump is around five years of age. All the dead and

malformed culms seen towards the inner side will have to be removed and the clump should be left

clean all the time.

Fertilizer application:

Intensively managed plantations requires application of fertilizers as bamboo is a heavy feeder and

respond well to fertilizers. Fertilizer application is important to ensure high yield and overall

profitability from plantations. In general bamboo needs a complete range of fertilization ,including

phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen and often a higher range of nitrogen. It is a good idea

,however to carry out soil analysis prior to establishment of the plantation, and at annual intervals

thereafter to fix and confirm the fertilizer dosages. While planting one-year-old seedlings,

ammonium phosphate (300 g), potash (150 g) and cow-dung (10 kg) per plant can be added in the

pits. One and half times of the above doses can be added during the second year. Then there is no

need to add any fertilizers till harvesting. After first harvesting, 1.5 kg of ammonium phosphate and

750 g of potash and 45 kg of cow dung can be added annually. The fertilizer is added in the trench

made (about 15 cm deep) around the clump.

Fertilizers should be applied in ditches around the clump when the soil has enough moisture,and

then covered with soil. If the stands are situated in steep slopes, it is better that the fertilizer is

directly applied at the base of the clump. Organic fertilizers are best applied during the onset of

monsoon.

Organic manure and compost are established sources of nutrients, and simple to prepare and use.

There are many other sources of organic and naturally occurring fertilizers. Organic fertilizers can

provide a range of nutrients to the soil. They encourage microbial activity, which allows the

fertilizer to provide nutrients over a longer period of time. Unlike chemical fertilizers, the nutrients

in organic fertilizers are less likely to leach away in rainwater.

Intercropping: As bamboo is planted at a wider spacing the inter space can be made use of for

planting short rotation crops. Various agricultural crops have been found successful like tomato,

ginger and turmeric. Some of the shrubby medicinal plants can also be introduced as an under crop

in bamboo plantations. In the north eastern states some of the crops being cultivated include soya

bean and maize. The duration of intercropping depends on the spacing provided in bamboo

plantations. As soon as the canopy closes the shade prevents many crops from coming up well.

Trimming of the culms beyond the marketable pole length could be considered as a means of

improving the light ability and thereby permit intercrops to be cultivated for a longer duration and

improve the profitability of the farmer.

DISEASES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

Bamboo is a robust species and no serious disease problems are observed in plantations. Of the

various diseases that affect bamboo plantations, rot of emerging and growing culms, bamboo blight

and thread blight are the economically important ones.

Rot of culms

Rot of emerging culms occurs in Bambusa bambos, B. balcooa, B. polymorpha B. vulgaris, D.

longispathus, D. strictus and Thyrsostachys oliveri. The infection causes rot of the tender, succulent

emerging shoot, which becomes discoloured, and gives off a strong smell of molasses. Severe

infection and culm mortality were reported in plantations situated in high rainfall areas. The disease

affects further development of the culm and causes total decay. Heavy rainfall during and after the

emergence of culm, water logging around the clump, mining insect activity and poor stand

management are the factors favouring the infection.

Cultural control measures such as removal of debris around the clumps before the onset of

monsoon, light burning of the debris over the ground, loosening the soil around the clump before

culm emergence, and pruning and removal of branches from the basal part of the older culms during

March-April are suggested to minimize the disease incidence.

Rot of growing culms of various species of bamboos has been recorded and B. bambos, B.

polymorpha and D.strictus are the severely affected ones. The disease appears as water-soaked

brown lesions at the base of culm sheaths. The disease control can be achieved by taking preventive

measures (spraying insecticide, Monocrotophos 0.05 % a.i.) against build-up of Purohita cervina

population during the culm elongation phase and by application of fungicide Carbendazim

(Bavistin) or Mancozeb (Dithane M 45) at 0.2 % a.i. on the infected culms.

Bamboo blight

Bamboo blight affects Bambusa nutans, B. vulgaris, B. tulda, B. balcooa, and B. bambos. The

disease results in a sequential die-back of culms in their first season of growth. Symptoms appear

when culms are nearing full growth or shortly . The initial symptoms of blight are premature death of

culm sheaths and partial collapse of the fragile apical region, later necrotic patches develop on the

internodes, which spreads quickly resulting in die-back. Silvicultural measures recommended for

controlling the disease includes: cutting and removing blighted culms, burning the debris of

clumps in situ and addition of new soil around clumps. Light surface fire (control burning) before the

onset of monsoon is suggested for reducing the disease incidence.

Application of Carbendazim (Bavistin) combined with Mancozeb (Carbenclazim. 0.15% a.i. +

Mancozeb 0.3% a. i.) or Fytolan combined with Carbendazim (Carbendazim 0.25 % a.i. + Fytolan 3% a.

i.) is suggested for controlling the disease. Drenching the soil around the bamboo clumps with

Copper oxychloride (0.2% a. i.) is also desirable to check the disease.

Thread blight

Thread blight affecting culms, branches and foliage of different bamboo species has been reported.

Most bamboo species are affected and disease appears during monsoons, subsides and almost

disappears during the dry period. Large water-soaked grayish lesions occur on leaves, which advance

towards the leaf tip. Pruning the diseased branches from the affected clumps and cleaning

and burning the debris from the ground around the clumps can minimize the disease incidence.

HARVESTING

A systematic harvesting of culms every year will induce the emergence of new shoots and will ensure

regular and healthy culm production. Generally in plantations, depending on the species, harvesting

starts between six and eight years. In natural forest areas, harvesting plans need to be based on the

knowledge of culm age distribution, so that the harvest can be restricted to culms of the appropriate

age. If the clumps are scientifically managed by pruning and fertilizer applications, harvesting can

be done annually on a culm selection system. For easy harvesting, the culms in a clump should be

thinned from the early stages and culms spaced in a manner to facilitate harvesting of selected

culms. Some important general rules to be followed while managing (while working in) bamboo

stands are given below.

Harvesting of mature bamboo culm (usually culms above three years of age) should be

carried out on a 70 % felling intensity i.e., a certain proportion of the older culms are to be retained

to protect the new culms in order to ensure their proper growth. The mature culms are usually

found in the middle of the clump and they are to be harvested during the initial years. Harvesting

should not be carried out during the growth phase of the new shoots which is generally the

monsoon season.

Culms should be cut at a height as low as possible leaving only one internode above the ground. If

they are cut leaving more than one internode, this will result in production of more bushy branches

from the nodes, ultimately affecting the growth and extraction of culms during the subsequent

years.

Clearfelling of clumps will lead to their degeneration in to a bushy form, resulting in a gap of 5 – 6

years to produce extractable culms. Hence it should be avoided as far as possible. The area around

the clump should be kept clean after removing the cut debris to minimize fire and attack by fungi

and insects.

TREATMENT OF CONGESTED CLUMPS

If the clumps are not managed from the beginning (first three to five years) it is likely that

congestion of the clump will occur as in thorny bamboos (Bambusa bambos). Two methods for

the initial cutting and extraction of selected clumps from a congested clump are suggested. In

the first method, two tunnels are made through the centre of the clump dividing the clump into four

sections. Now culms are to be removed selectively from all the four sections in such a way that

there is enough space between the two retained culms.

In the second method, the clump is worked in a horse-shoe pattern or inverted “V” shape to

facilitate easy working. For this, an opening of the clump is made opposite to where the maximum

production of new culm is noticed. All old culms including dry and rotten stumps from the interior

of the clump are removed leaving only one-year old straight and vigorously growing culms along

with an equal number of straight and evenly spaced older culms. The culms towards the

periphery are thinned retaining all one-year old culms unless they are crooked – and the old

culms subject to a maximum of five and spacing them evenly. Although these methods will

incur high cost initially and removal of some immature culms, it will prevent congestion,

provide space for future easy working of the clumps and will allow proper growth of new

shoots without deformation.

Another approach to harvesting of bamboo is of high density plantations where clear felling of

biomass through mechanized extraction is done and the next rotation or cycle is either through

fresh planting or through coppicing i.e. permitting new shoots to emerge from the rhizomes

left underground. There are some claims that this is feasible but required confirmation and

experimentation in the different species since the ability of clear cut clump to regenerate is

dependent on the health and vigour of the rhizomes retained underground and the ability of the

new culms to support itself. Extraction of the underground rhizome and root s ystem in the

second option requires effort and expense.

of the one which is of potential when bamboo is considered as a energy crop and the very fast

growth of bamboo shoots is taken advantage of through

MANAGEMENT OF GREGARIOUS FLOWERING

Gregarious flowering of bamboo, a phenomenon which is very common in species like

Bambusa bamboos and Dendrocalamus strictus requires special attention. This gives an

opportunity to check the taxonomic ident i ty of the species. Flowering should be

reported to the concerned Bamboo Mission Directors, NBM,ICFRE/KFRI and all NBM

associated institutions for proper recording and documentation. Unexpected gregarious

flowering in bamboo plantations is the result of using planting material of uncertain origin.

Usually most gregarious flowering events occur over a period of three or more years with

the peak in the second or third year. When several clumps in the plantations show

widespread signs of flowering and new growth of culms reduces drastically it is safe to

assume that flowering is gregarious and countinue into the coming years with death of the

clumps. To minimize the loss it would be desirable to begin harvesting of the bulk of the

remaining clumps at the earliest. Culms that have already undergone flowering are poor i n

their strength and pulping quality and cannot be used for any of the applications and are

best left to decompose back into the soil. Precautions against occurrence of fire should be

taken once the culms start drying.

Measures should be taken for collect ion of sufficient seeds since there is always a

surplus of seedling population of which only a proportion survive. The seedlings form a source

of propagules with a known age and carries an assurance of the number of years left to the next

flowering. The seeded clumps may be clear felled and removed only after the seeds have been

collected for nursery use. After seed set the dead bamboo culms should be removed as quickly

as possible. If seed set has occurred, a carpet of green seedlings can be seen in flowered areas.

The area should be protected from fire and grazing to ensure proper survival and growth.

Thinning of excess seedlings and removal of weeds is necessary; otherwise weeds suppress the

growth of young seedlings. Sometimes physical barriers such as trenches and mounds will have to

be created around groups of bamboo seedlings to facilitate rehabilitation of the forest.

A P P E N D I X - 1

BAMBOO SPECIES SUITABLE FOR CULTIVATION IN DIFFERENT STATES OF

INDIA

The list of end uses to which bamboo is put to is a long one. Besides the numerous uses that

bamboo poles find in the traditional rural building construction, it is also used as fencing, as props

for agricultural crops and numerous household articles. It is now widely used in furniture making.

The species suitable for such uses are mainly decided based on the culm diameter, wall thickness,

straightness and durability. There is fortunately sufficient diversity of bamboo species that can be

grown in different parts of India that for almost any end use there is a suitable species that can be

grown in plantations. Most of the species have multiple end uses. The NBM has prioritized the

species taking in to consideration their potential to be grown as plantations. The species also offers

possibility for production of planting stock through either seeds or vegetative methods and

tissue culture. The species listed below have been in cultivation in various parts of the country

and some information of the suitability has been available, but it should be borne in mind that under

good management practices the bamboo species will perform differently from those that are grown

in forest plantations or untended clumps in homesteads. When results of coordinated

multilocational field trials of different species that are under way become available in a few years

time, it will be clear which species perform well in specific situations and how they can be

integrated in to traditional or modern agricultural practices so as to give the farmer maximum

returns through a good mixture of bamboo and intercropping.

1. Bambusa affinis Munro

It is found in Northeast India and cultivated in commercial scale in Tripura. It is a medium sized

tufted shrubby, bamboo culm reaching a height of 5-7 m with a diameter of 2.5-5 cm and internodal

length of 30-60 cm. Culms are pale green, or striped green and white, striate and nodes marked with

black hairs. It is used for fishing rods and javelins.

2. Bambusa balcooa Roxb

Common names: Assamese - Baluka; Bengali- Balku bans; Duars - Borobans; Garo- Wamnah,

Beru; Tripura - Barak

It is indigenous to the Northeastern India and distributed in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam,

West Bengal and Bihar up to an altitude of 600 m. B.balcooa prefers heavy textured soil with good

drainage. It is a clump forming species with culms 12 to 20 m tall, internodes 20 to 40 cm

long and 8 to 15 cm in diameter and nodes thick with a whitish ring above. Young shoots are

blackish green with acute tip. Culms are coarse, stout, dull greyish-green with pointed re-

curved branches towards the base.

Flowering cycle is about 35- 45 years and the flowered clumps dry without any seed set.

Gregarious flowering had occurred in India during 1986-1988. It is cultivated in villages of

Northeastern region. The species is planted at an average of 400 clumps/ha at a spacing of 5 m x 5

m and mature culms can be harvested within a period of 5 to 6 years.

Annual production of 1200 to 1600 culms/ha has been reported. Observations from KFRI

Bamboosetum indicated that one mature (about 4 to 5 years old) bamboo culm weighed 150 kg.

It is used for scaffolding, agarbathi sticks, wood chip industry, banana props, agricultural

implements, handicrafts and for the paper Pulp.

3. Bambusa bambos Voss

Common names: English - Thorny bamboo; Assamese - Kotoha Kata, Koto; Bengali -Baroowa,

Behor; Manipuri - Saneibo; Oriya -Daba; Tamil - Mungil; Malayalam - Mula, Illi, Pattil.

This species is widely distributed in moist deciduous forests, occupies 15 per cent of bamboo area

of India and one of the most common species in homesteads in southern India. It prefers rich, moist,

alluvial soil and grows along perennial rivers and valleys up to an altitude of 1000 m receiving a

rainfall of 2000 to 2500 mm. B. bambos is highly productive with strong rhizome.

It produces dense tufted clumps; culms are strong, cylindrical, erect, hollow dark-green colored, up

to 30 m tall with 15 to 18 cm diameter. Walls are 3 cm thick at the base. Branching is observed at

all the node, central dominant branch is produced first, with one or two laterals. Branches bear

spines. Because of the strong thorny lateral branches the base of the clumps gets congested making

it difficult to extract if it is not properly managed.

Different flowering cycles like 30-34 years and 44-49 years have been reported. In homesteads of

Palakkad District of Kerala flowering occurred in 1951-52 and then in 1996-1997 indicating a

flowering cycle of 45 years in this area. A single clump produces about 50 to 100 kg of seeds with a

total production of 50-100 quintals of seeds/ha. About 70,000 to 85,000 seeds weigh one kg; initial

viability is 90 to 100 %. Seeds are viable under normal conditions for about 6 to 8 months and

viability can be extended up to five years by proper storage methods by controlling humidity and

temperature. Clonal propagation is possible through offsets, rooted Culm cuttings, branch cuttings

and micro-propagation.

A plantation with 250 clumps/ha produced 4250 culms/ha within six years after planting and an

annual harvest of about 2000 culms per ha is possible thereafter. Intensive management like soil

working, fertilization and irrigation can improve the productivity by 3 to 5 times in B. bambos.

There are several uses and some of them are pulp and panel products, handicrafts, scaffolding,

thatching, roofing, baskets, mats, bows and arrows, furniture, floating timber and rafting, cooking

utensils, fencing, fodder, medicine, etc. Young shoots are edible.

4. Bambusa nutans Wall. ex. Munro

Common names: Assamese- Bidhuli, Mukial; Lepecha - Mallo, Mahi bans; Oriya - Badia bansa;

Tripura- Kali; Bengali- Makla

A medium sized bamboo with culms reaching a height of 5 to 10 m with a diameter of 5-10 cm and

an internode length of 25-45 cm. It is loose clump forming, usually unbranched below and much

branched above, culms straight, green smooth, not shining, white-ringed below the nodes, node

slightly thickened often hairy and lower nodes bear rootlets. It naturally occurs in Sub-Himalayan

region from Yamuna eastwards to Arunachal Pradesh and common in Brahmaputra valley.

It is commonly cultivated in Northwest India, especially in and around Dehra Dun, and in Orissa

and West Bengal. It grows in moist hill slopes and flat uplands in well-drained sandy loam to

clayey loam at an elevation between 600 and 1500 m.

Flowering cycle is about 35 years. Rooting of Culm cuttings and offset planting are used for

establishment of planting stock.

It is commonly used as poles, construction work and for paper pulp.

5. Bambusa pallida Munro

Common names: Assamese – Bijili, Jowa, Makal, Walkthar, Burwal; Khasi - Sesken, Skhen,

Tneng; Uskew ; Naga - Walathai; Tesero, Watoi; Tripura - Wathai , Wago, Makal

A clump forming bamboo growing in thick clumps with culms reaching a height of 13-20 m with a

diameter of 5-8 cm and intenode length 45-70 cm. Culms are smooth, olive green in colour and

covered with white powder and nodes are not prominent. It is naturally, found in Arunachal

Pradesh, Assam, Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura at an altitude of 700-

2000 m.

It is cultivated in plains mostly in Northeastern India. Flowering cycle is about 30-35 years. No

information is available on using seeds for production of planting stock. But rooting of cuttings was

found successful. This species is grown in Northeast India in homesteads using offset planting.

There are four cultural varieties for this species. The different types are recognized based on the

morphological variations at the basal part of the clump.

It is mainly used for construction, handicraft, wall plates, screens, wall hangers and pulp.

6. Bambusa polymorpha Munro

Common names: Assamese -Jama betwa, Betwa; Bengali- Betua, Jaibaroowa, Jama; Hindi-

Narangi bhas; Tripura - Bari

It is a large evergreen, densely tufted bamboo growing up to a height of 16-25 m with an internodal

length of 40 to 60 cm and a diameter of 8-15 cm. Culms are gray to grayish green, white scurfy

when young, nodes thick and lower one with rootlets. It is naturally in Northeast India and Madhya

Pradesh, introduced to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and cultivated in Bengal and most of

Northeastern states. It prefers low hill slopes along the valleys with deep fertile, well-drained, loam

and riverine alluvial soil. B. polymorpha can be grown in association with teak.

Flowering cycle is 55-60 years. Number of seeds per kilogram is about 21000 to 40000 and

germination percentage is about 40. Seedlings are raised in nursery beds. It can be propagated by

pre-rooted and pre-rhizomed branch cuttings with 45-50% rooting. Plantations mature within 8

years.

It is used for pulp, construction (in Myanmar considered best for walls, floor and roof of houses),

agarbathi sticks, fibreboards, edible shoots (with a distinctly sweet taste) and for landscaping. It is a

graceful species of bamboo for landscaping.

7. Bambusa tulda Roxb.

Common names: Assamese - Wamunna, Wagi, Nal bans; Bengali - tulda, Jowa; Garo - Bijuli,Jati,

Jao; Tripura - Mitringa

Tufted gregarious bamboo culms reaching a height of 7 -23 m with an internodal length 40 - 70 cm

and diameter 5-10 cm. Culms are glabrous (without hair), green when young, grey-green on

maturity, sometimes streaked with yellow. Found in Northeast India, Bihar, and introduced to Uttar

Pradesh, Karnataka and Bengal. It occurs in moist alluvial flat land along water course up to an

altitude of 1500 m. It prefers finer textured soils in the semi-evergreen forest in relatively low

rainfall areas. Soil under this species contained organic matter, nitrogen, calcium, potassium and

phosphorus in higher quantity.

Flowering cycle is between 30-60 years. One kilogram contains about 13900 to 14000 seeds. Under

natural conditions seeds are viable for 35 days only and can be stored for 18 months using

desiccants. Vegetative propagation using NAA is possible.

It is used for construction, scaffolding and reinforcement in cement concrete, pulp, toys, mats,

screen, handicraft, basket, food grain containers, edible shoots, and medicine.

8. Bambusa vulgaris Schrad.ex. Wendl

Common names: Bengali and Manipuri -Bakal; Oriya - Sunderkania bansa

A moderate sized bamboo with a height of 8-20 m and diameter 5-10 cm and internodal length of

40-45 cm. It has three varieties with yellow culm and green stripes, with green culm and yellow

stripes and the third with green culm and without stripes. It is a common bamboo grown in

homesteads and gardens. The suitable site for the species is moist soil periphery of the cultivated

lands, creeks and at the foothills. It grows up to an altitude of 1200 m and exhibits salt and frost

tolerance.

Although flowering is reported no seed setting has been observed. It is easy to propagate

vegetatively using culm and branch cuttings and about 90-100'%, rooting is obtained.

An yield of 10 tonnes/ha/year is reported when planted at a spacing of 12 m x 12 m. But it can be

planted at a closer spacing of 8 m x 8 m. Propagation by pre-rooted and prerhizomed cuttings are

also possible.

It is used for building construction, pulp, poles, handicrafts, fencing and landscaping. The leaves

are medicinal.

9. Dendrocalamus asper (Schultes f.) Backer ex Heyne

It is densely tufted bamboo with large foliage leaves. The culms are up to about 20 m tall, with a

diameter of 8-12 cm and internodal length of 40-50 cm. It is dark green, non-waxy the lower part is

thickly covered with brown velvety hairs with a band of silvery brown hairs above and below each

node in upper culm. The lower nodes bear numerous young roots.

It is largely cultivated in Southeast Asia for its shoots. The culms are large and strong. It is suitable

for building and structural uses.

10. Dendrocalamus brandisii (Munro) Kurz.

Common names; Bengali - Bulka; Manipuri - Wanan

Very large evergreen tufted bamboo with a height of 19-33 m and a diameter of 13-20 cm

and internodal length of 30 -38 cm. Culms are ashy gray to greenish gray in colour and nodes

slightly swollen, lower one with rootlets. It is naturally found in Manipur and the Andamans. It

was introduced in to Kerala and Karnataka. The species is found growing in tropical forests

chiefly on calcareous rocks and found up to an altitude of 1300 m.

Although flowering is reported no information about flowering cycle is available. It can be

propagated easily by rooting culm cuttings and using NAA.

It is used for house building, baskets and handicrafts. Young shoots are edible.

11. Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro

Common names: Assamese - Worra; Manipuri - Maroobob; Sikkimese - Bhaloo bans;

Malayalam- Anamula , Paramula

It is the largest clump forming bamboo species with slender branches. The culms reach a

height 24 - 30 m, internodal length of 35-40 cm and a diameter of 20-30 cm. Walls are thick with 2-

2.5 cm. Cums are dull green, covered with white waxy crust when young and lower nodes show

root scars and rootlets. It is a native of Myanmar cultivated in Northeast and occasionally in other

parts of the country. It is found in moist hill slopes and flat lands with rich loam soil. It is found

growing to an altitude of 1200 m. Also, it is found associated with teak.

Flowering cycle is about 40 years. About 20000 seeds weigh one kilogram. Seed set is very poor

and sometimes, vegetative growth is observed from flowered clumps. Vegetative propagation using

culm cuttings and NAA can be done. Rooting is about 60% and basal one-third part of the culm is

not suitable for root induction. It can be planted at a spacing of 10 m x 10 m. Annual yield is about

20-30 tonnes/ha.

It is used for building purposes, boat masts, handicrafts, vases, buckets and water pitchers. It is one

of the good species for pulp. Young shoots are edible.

12. Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees and Arn.ex.Munro

Common names: Assamese -Kakua or Kako banh; Tripura - Pecha; Manipuri- Unep; Mizo -

Phulrua

It is a large clump forming bamboo sometime, growing tall and erect often culms at an angle or

curved downwards. Culms reach a height of 12 to 25 m with an internodal length of 30-50 cm and a

diameter of 10 to 18.5 cm. Branching is found on top parts of the culm, culms are grayish-white

when young and dull green when old. Lower nodes are marked with root scars. It is naturally found

in Northwest Himalayas and Northeast India. It is generally cultivated in many parts of the country.

It occurs in finer textured soil in semi-evergreen forest in lesser rainfall area. It is known as light

demanding, early successional species after shifting cultivation and known to conserve Potassium.

Flowering cycle is reported as 30-40 years Flowering occurred during 1998-99 in Arunachal

Pradesh. Vegetative propagation by rooting of culm cuttings is easy and 76% rooting was found. It

is found suitable for growing in wastelands in Himachal Pradesh.

It is used for walls of huts, construction, basket making, mats, water and milk vessels, fuel, and

floats. Young shoots are extensively used as food. The outer slivers are used in cottage industry for

binding and caning of chairs.

13. Dendrocalamus longispathus Kurz.

Common names: Assamese - Bulka, Khang; Mizo - Rawnal; Manipuri - Unal; Tripura - Rupai.

It is a large clump forming elegant bamboo. Culms reach a height of 10-18 m, with an internodal

length 25 to 60 cm and diameter of 6 to 10 cm. Walls are 1.2 cm thick. Young culm is glaucous,

green and turns to grayish-green when mature. This species is naturally distributed in Mizoram and

Tripura and found in villages of Bihar. It was introduced into Orissa and Kerala.

Flowering cycle is about 30-35 years. About 134880 -135320 seeds weigh one kilogram with a

germination percentage of about 50. Plantig stock can be prepared by rooting culm cuttings with a

treatment of NAA 100ppm.

Planting is done in 45 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm pits at a spacing of 5 in x 5 m. Offset planting and

vegetative propagation by rooting culm cutting is possible with 50-75%, rooting. It is used for

landscaping, manufacture of paper, basket food grain containers and tooth-picks.

14. Dendrocalamus membranaceus Munro

It is a moderate sized strong bamboo forming dense clumps. Culms reach a height of 20-24 m with

a diameter of 6-10 cm and internodal length of 22-38 cm. The young culms are covered with white

powdery surf and nodes strongly ringed, basal ones with rootlets, upper branches slender leafy and

drooping. It occurs in moist forests and lowlands and is found below 1000 m altitude. Preferred

soils me laterite, black and limestone and also it can tolerate, arid and barren conditions.

Although flowering was reported in 1992-94 from Thailand, no information is available on

flowering cycle. Vegetative propagation using cum cuttings is found successful.

It is used for construction, chopsticks, shreds and paper. Young shoots are edible and smooth and

easy to process.

15. Dendrocalamus stocksii (Pseuoxytenanthera stocksii )

Common names: Marati -- Chivari, Mes; Kannada - Konda, Oor-Shema; Malayalam - Uyi

It is found in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Goa. It is a medium sized bamboo, culms

reaching a height of 9m with a diameter of 2.5- 4 cm and an internodal length of 15-30 cm. Culms

covered with white or gray deciduous hairs when young and few branches are seen from the nodes.

It is mostly confined to banks of streams and requires well drained deep loamy soil.

Although flowering was observed during 2000 onwards in Konkan area, Karnataka no seed set was

observed. Vegetative propagation by rooting culm cuttings is very successful and rooting upto 90%

can be obtained. Cuttings need to be taken from culms more than one-year- old.

It is cultivated in the homesteads of northern Kerala, Karnataka and Goa. Plantation can be raised

with a spacing of 5m x 5 m.

The culms are strong and used for household items, constructions and basket making. The culms

are straight and uniform without prominent nodes and has an almost solid basal part which is ideal

for furniture making.

16. Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees

Common names: Bengali – Karal; Gujarati- Nakur bans, Kiri bridiru; Marati– Narvel; Oriya –

Salia; Tamil – Kalmungil; Telugu– Sadanapa, Veduru; Tripura, North India – Lathi bans;

Malayalam– Kallan imula; Manipuri- Unan; Mizo - Tursing

This is a densely tufted bamboo. The culms reach a height of 8 -16 m, with an internodal length of

30 - 45 cm and diameter 2.5 - 8 cm. The culms are hollow in wet and solid in dry zones. The culms

are pale blue green when young turning to dull green or yellow on maturity; much curved above

half of its height and nodes somewhat swollen. Basal nodes often show rooting and lower nodes are

often with branches.

D. strictus is widely distributed in India in semi dry and dry zone along plains and hilly tracts

usually up to an altitude of 1000 m and occupies 53% of bamboo area. It is widely adaptable to

temperature - 5 to 45°C. It prefers well-drained, poor, coarse-grained and stony soils and can be

grown as mixed plantations and along with teak.

Flowering cycle is about 47-55 years. One kilogram contains 25000 to 30000 seeds. Germination

varies from 25 to 70%, based on the sample lots. The seed viability in natural conditions is about 6-

8 months and the seeds can be stored for about four years. Different methods of vegetative

propagation like offset planting and rooting of cuttings are possible. About 40-70% rooting is

observed for culm cuttings treated with NAA.

Planting can he done at spacing 5 m x 5 m or 4 m x 4 m based on the management. An annual

harvest of 750 to 1000 culms/ha is expected.

It is extensively used for paper and also for construction, agricultural implements, musical

instruments and furniture. Young shoots are edible. Decoction of leaves and nodes is used in

traditional medicines.

17. Melocannd baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz.

Common names: Assamese- Tarai banh, Muli banh; Bengali - Muli; Cachar - Wati; Garo - Watrai;

Manipuri - Moubi; Naga- Turiah; Sylhet -Bajail

It is a loose clump forming species. Culms reach about 10-20 m height with a diameter of 3-7 cm

and an internode length of 30-50 cm. The culms are green when young and straw coloured when

old; nodes marked by a thin ring, internodes smooth. The species is found mainly in Northeast

India and West Bengal and other parts of eastern India. It is cultivated in Maharashtra and

Karnataka. It grows almost equally in well-watered, sandy clay loam, alluvial soil and on the

well drained residual soils consisting of all most pure sand and even at the summits of the

low sandstone hills. It springs up in practically pure patches where natural forests have

been cleared for 'jhume' cultivation.

Flowering cycle is about 30-40 years and gregarious flowering has started in Northeast

I n d i a i n 2 0 0 2 . D u r i n g f l o w e r i n g o n e c l u m p produces about 5-7 kg of seeds. This

species produces largest seed among bamboos and weight per seed varies from '35 to 150 g.

Seeds are viable only for a short period, up to one month and germination occurs under

storage. Germination of fresh seeds is about 80%.

Planting can be done at a spacing of 4 m x 4 m. In the absence of seeds it is easy to regenerate

from rhizome. Rooting of cuttings is not very promising.

It is used for construction, handicrafts, floats for transporting timber, paper and pulp and

woven ware. Young shoots are edible.

18. Ochlandra travancorica Benth.

Common names: Malayalam - Etta, Kar-eeta, Oda; Tamil - Eeral, Eerakalli, Iral, lta-kalli,

Nanal, odai.

It is an erect shrubby reed like gregarious bamboo. Culms reach a height 2-6 m with an

average internode length of 45 - 60 cm and sometimes up to 150 cm in ideal growing

conditions with a diameter of 2.5 - 5 cm. Culms are grayish green, nodes somewhat swollen with

marks of fallen culm sheaths. It is distributed throughout the Western Ghats and occurs widely as

an undergrowth in the low-level evergreen and semi evergreen forests. It prefers diffused light,

requires a rainfall of more than 1500 mm and good drainage. Soil under this bamboo is dark brown,

acidic, sandy loam with granular structure, high porosity, good aggregate stability and high water

holding capacity.

Reported flowering cycle is 7 years and recently it has flowered in southern Kerala. About 45-57

seeds weigh one kilogram. Seeds are viable only for short period of 45 days and no storage method

is available. It can be propagated through seeds and vegetative methods. Seeds are sown soon after

collection in nursery beds filled with sand and soil mixture in partial shaded initially for two

months. One-year-old seedlings can be transplanted. Spacing is about 4 m x 4 m. Vegetative

propagation using cuttings are possible and 50%rooting is obtained with NAA treatment.

It is an ideal raw material for paper manufacture. Culms are used for mat and basket making,

umbrella handles, fishing rods and handicrafts. The mats made out of this species are used for

making bambooply. Leaves are used for thatching. Fruits are used as cattle feed.

19. Schizostachyum pergracile (Murno) Majumdar

Common names: Hindi- Bhalan bans; Assamese – Madang; Manipuri- Wootang; Naga - Latang,

Oria - Dangi

It is found in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. It is

an arborescent clump forming bamboo, the culms are about 10- 30 m tall, with a diameter of 5-7.5

cm and internodal length of 15-20 cm, erect, glaucous green, somewhat whitish. Moderately moist

soil and profuse watering in summer and responds readily to fertilizers.

It flowers sporadically and occasionally gregariously over extensive areas. The latest flowering is

reported in 1976.

It is used for paper pulp, building, mat and basket making, handicrafts, fishing rods, landscaping

and best species for lacquerware.

20. Thyrsostachys oliveri Gamble

Common names: Tripura - Kanak Kai Manipur: Keirakwa, Malayalam- Rangoon mula, Korana.

It is a large tufted elegant bamboo, culms growing to a height of 15 to 25 in and highly suitable for

growing in homesteads due to the absence of low branches and the dense clumps with a small

footprint. Internodal length is about 40 to 60 cm and diameter about 5 cm. The mature culms are

solid at the base. The culms are bright green with whitish silky surface when young and dull green

or yellowish on maturity, nodes hardly thickened. It is a native of Myanmar and introduced into

India. It is cultivated in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It grows in all

types of soils.

Reported flowering cycle is about 48-50 years. .Vegetative propagation by rooting of culm cutting

is possible. Rooting occurs in basal half of the culm and treatment with NAA enhances rooting

response. Offset planting is also found successful. Spacing suggested is 4 m x 4 m

The culms are in good demand for construction purpose, pluckers and banana props. Due ot the

near solid culms the species is ideal for furniture making like D.stocksii. Shoots are edible.

Manual

for

Establishment and Management of

High-Tech Bamboo Nurseries.

( for raising high quality planting materials from seeds, culm and branch cuttings, rhizome/offset

cuttings and through micropropagation)

BTSG-South

National Bamboo Mission

February 2014

The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Government of India, has a centrally sponsored

scheme of the National Bamboo Mission (NBM) which aims at the holistic development of bamboo

sector in the country. The activities of NBM are focused on forest as well as non-forest sectors

with a major objective of increasing the productivity of bamboo through species selection, use of

quality planting material and scientific management of the plantations. The establishment of

bamboo plantations on a large scale is a relatively recent development in most parts of India and

scientific management was never practiced in the natural bamboo forests like in the other forest

trees. The unique nature of bamboo growth and flowering has been one reason for the difficulties

faced in proper identification of species, artificial propagation and genetic improvement of bamboo.

A systematic approach to overcoming the problems is now ongoing across the country.

The importance of quality planting stock in ensuring higher productivity of bamboo plantations

cannot be overemphasized. The basic principles that are accepted in agricultural and forestry crops

are applicable here too. In practice there are problems such as wrong identification of species, non

availability of sufficient planting material, lack of genetically superior planting material, hurdles in

large-scale multiplication and lack of guidelines and package of practices in establishing and

managing plantations. Some of these issues are being resolved through the process of certification

of planting material, selection and testing of superior clones of the different priority species and

developing procedures and guidelines for production of quality planting material and raising of

plantations in a scientific manner. NBM is bringing out a series of guidelines and manuals for

helping farmers and entrepreneurs for achieving this target. The present manual throws light on

essential requirements of a high tech-nursery for raising quality planting stock of bamboo.

Selection of Nursery site, demarcation and fencing

A model high tech nursery site should ideally be in a flat terrain with adequate drainage

An open area with a mild slope can also be identified as an ideal nursery site.

The nursery should have easy accessibility with good road net works.

Availability of labor force from the vicinity of the nursery should be ensured.

Round the year availability of good quality water is a prerequisite. In case not available, water

purification systems are to be installed which will escalate the nursery establishment cost.

Availability of good quality top soil preferably of alluvial type.

Fig.1. A view of an ideal nursery site

Site having all the above attributes, can be developed as an ideal High- Tech Bamboo Nursery.

NBM will fund Rs. 40 lakh for the development of a high-tech nursery in an area of 2 ha and Rs. 20

lakh for 1 ha. Once all the legal documents pertaining to the land to be developed as the high-tech

nursery is critically examined and found satisfactory, the area will have to be demarcated after

proper surveying and then fenced preferably with chain link or barbed wire fencing using concrete

posts. A height of 1.5 meters is recommended. Use of chain links will be advantageous as it will

prevent the entry of porcupines and wild pigs in to the nursery but putting a separate barrier at the

bottom of a barbed wire fence is also sufficient.

Division in to smaller units (sectors)

The demarcated and fenced nursery site will have to be divided in to smaller

units/compartments/sectors so that different nursery activities can be planned and implemented

from time to time at the pre set areas. This will help in cutting down the nursery expenditure

considerably, as specific activities are to be planned and implemented at the specified area/sector

only.

Sector-1

The high tech nursery should have certain basic infrastructure facilities in order to meet the NBM

standards and productivity targets. All the essential infrastructural facilities like the nursery office

building, laboratory, implement/fertilizer/vehicle shed, compost shed, potting shed, etc should be

accommodated in this sector. All future infrastructural developments/additions are to be planned

and implemented only at this sector.

The basic nursery infrastructure

Office building

The office building is best located by the side of the main entrance so that visitors can get first hand

information about the availability, price and procedures for obtaining certified Bamboo planting

stock from the high-tech nursery. The office building with an office room for the officer in charge, a

spacious hall for the clerical, technical and skilled staff with sufficient space for the storage of all

nursery records are basic requirements in a high-tech nursery. A front room with a reception desk

and display boards indicating the nursery accreditation (whether & since when NBM accredited)

species available for sale, rate etc, current stock (seedling/planting stock) position, visitors lounge,

drinking water/ toilet facilities are other infrastructure facilities to be provided.

Facilities like computers, printers, photocopying/fax machines, digital camera, scanners and

storage racks are essential in the office so that all nursery data can be safely and systematically

compiled, stored, and easily retrieved when ever required.

Laboratory

A laboratory equipped with an electronic balance, oven, refrigerator, seed purity board, water

distillation unit, glassware, chemicals and growth hormones is essential in a high-tech nursery. The

lab is for use by the technical/skilled staff for preparing hormone solutions, recording/ observing

the growth, development, disease/pest infestations and nutritional deficiencies/imbalances that may

crop up during the nursery stage of the bamboo propagules. All such details are to be recorded and

documented. The laboratory benches with a suitable surface cement/laminate or ceramic tiles

should be such that it facilitates the work being undertaken. During the production stage the

planting stock should be under close observation and any abnormalities are to be documented and

timely remedial measures taken. Only with all these details a true certification process for the

planting stock will be possible. These data will be useful in monitoring the functioning of the

nursery that will be deciding factors for the renewal of the accreditation. Safety instructions/first

aid information should be displayed prominently in the lab.

Stores

Secure rooms with wall mounted shelves will be required for safe keeping of nursery implements;

machineries like weed cutter, branch pruner, hedge cutter and chain saw, mechanical/hand sprayers.

Separate store rooms are required for fertilizers (urea/di- ammonium phosphate etc.), sieved soil,

sand, insecticides/pesticides etc. Clear signboards and safety instructions should be displayed in the

stores

Vehicle

The facility of a trailer jeep/mini truck will be of use in the nursery for the transportation of the

planting stock to distant planting areas, for which hire charges can be levied from the customers so

as to make the arrangement self sustainable. Vehicle will be also useful for transporting nursery

items to and from the nursery. A vehicle shed attached to the nursery will ensure safe keeping of the

vehicle and some thought should be given when designing the layout of the nursery to ensure

smooth unhindered movement of the vehicle within the premises for loading and unloading of

material.

Composting unit

It is always better to reduce the quantity of soil being used in potting mixture and the best substitute

will be the mixed weed compost. Mixed weed compost is a rich source of organic matter and hence

can be an active ingredient in a potting mixture. Mixed weed compost can be produced in the

nursery itself economically by the process of aerobic composting which will involve only a minor

initial investment. The unit for aerobic composting consists of a well ventilated hall (Fig.1) of

convenient size with roof so as to prevent the rain spoiling the composting process. The partially

open side walls are for promoting plenty of air circulation for the heaps. A separate section for the

storage of the clean, sieved compost will ensure its availability round the year in the nursery. A

weed chopping machine is one of the equipment required in the shed and may cost less than

Rs.50,000/- in the market. As monitoring and controlling the temperature of the heaps is an

important activity, a set of digital thermometers, locally available in the market will be useful,

though manual checking of the temperature by introducing the hand in to the heap for sensing the

temperature is also equally reliable.

The procedure for aerobic composting is available in a number of standard text books.

Fig.1. Composting unit showing the well ventilated hall and the weed chopping machine.

Soil sterilization

Soil and other media used for propagation and potting should not only be free from extraneous

matter like stones, roots and plant debris, but also be sterile to a great degree. This partial

disinfection that destroys harmful seeds, fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and pests is achieved

efficiently by soil steam sterilization equipment or through the traditional method of solarization.

Solarization utilizes solar energy for heating the soil and is typically carried out by covering soil

outdoors for several weeks with transparent plastic sheets with the edges buried to trap the heat.

Potting shed

Another essential requirement in a high-tech nursery is the potting shed. Potting shed should be a

partially open shed where there is lot of free air circulation. Easy access for vehicles and storage

space for soil, sand, polybags, trays etc should be available. The potting shed should essentially

have protection from rain and sun and provision for work benches. Though the side walls are

partially open in a potting shed, there should be adequate protection from rodents and stray animals.

The layout and facilities in the potting shed should be such that efficiency is encouraged and the

routine work is facilitated and ergonomic. This would mean deviating from the traditional way of

working squatting on the floor and shifting the work to elevated work benches and workers

standing or seated on high stools. Some degree of mechanization will be ideal for sieving,

preparation of the soil mixture and the filling of bags. Soil filling hoppers are available which saves

time and labour costs and brings some uniformity. Proper blending and mixing of different

ingredients in potting mix and while mixing a combination of fertilizers, growth regulatory

substances etc. is also to be ensured.

Shade netting

Bamboo seedlings/planting material requires partial shade initially soon after potting in to poly bags

or larger containers. Plastic woven shade-nets are available in different colors (Fig.2) in the market

and are capable of cutting the light intensity in different levels (shade percentage of 25%, 50%,

75% etc.). The installation of the shade nets will require fabricated structures with angle iron and GI

pipes for support. These structures, though costly during the establishment phase are reusable,

hygienic and will last a minimum of eight to ten years without any interim investments. The

recommended color for shade net to be used in a bamboo high-tech nursery is preferably black,

otherwise green and the light intensity to be cut is 50%. Mechanical devices are available for rolling

on and off of the nets as and when required, the use of which will enhance the life span of the

plastic shade nets considerably. Planting material is placed under the shade net nursery in batches

labeled clearly and in a manner that avoids any inadvertent mixing during handling. Sufficient

space should be left between rows of plants to permit removal of containers without damaging

the adjacent plants.

Fig.2. Shade nets available in different colors and shade percentage.

Irrigation Systems

Developing seedlings/propagules of bamboo requires intermittent watering to ensure higher

survival rate, faster establishment. An effective and water saving irrigation system is desirable in

the High Tech Nursery. A modern irrigation system consisting of sprinklers, drip systems and

fogging equipment, polyethene hose/ pipes, valves and nozzles are available from various

manufacturers for dispensing water in desired volume and frequency exactly at the root zone/aerial

part of the propagule. Modern agricultural nurseries administer fertilizers along with the irrigation

water and the process is called “Fertigation” and specially designed equipment is available. The

same system can be used to dispense some of the plant protection chemicals too. Since the plant

gets the nutrition and water exactly at the root zone the survival and growth with efficient

utilization of nutrients and plant protection chemicals can be ensured.

Fig. 3. Sprinkler irrigation system in shade net nursery.

Over head Water Storage

Ready availability of fresh water round the year and at any given point of time is very much

important in a high tech nursery. Pumping water from a dug well or flowing river to an over head

tank will ensure continuous water availability in the nursery. A water purification system attached

to the pumping process will make available pure water round the year. Such an un interrupted

supply of quality water is essential when sprinklers/drip/misting units are used. Over head water

tanks can be installed above one of the RCC buildings so that extra space need not be provided for

accommodating the tanks.

Sector-2

Mass production of planting stock/seedlings will be carried out in this area and hence will

accommodate the germination beds, container beds, raised beds and cubicles.

Quality planting stock of bamboo can be raised either through seeds or through vegetative methods

in a high tech nursery. Since the management procedures are different for each type of propagule

different kinds of beds specially suited for the purpose are required. Raised beds for rooting the

culm/branch cuttings, cubicles for propagating the offset/rhizome cuttings, open space for periodic

grading of the planting stock etc. are to be earmarked in this sector of the nursery. The final product

of the Nursery -the planting material will be dispatched from the nursery from this area.

Germination beds

Seeds can be sown in germination beds which are raised nursery beds if large quantity of seedlings

is to be produced, otherwise in plastic crates. Conventional nursery beds for bamboo should have a

size of 12mX1.2mX0.15m will accommodate approximately 3 to 4 kg seeds (Bambusa bamboos)

and is species dependent according to their seed size. Seeds do not require any special pretreatment,

however water soaking for 24 hours enhances the germination percentage and ensures uniform

germination. The best potting mixture to be filled in the raised germination beds is a potting

mixture in the ratio 2:2:1 fine sieved soil, sand and mixed weed compost. Well digested and dried

cow dung can be used if sufficient quantity of compost is not available in the nursery.

Plastic crates for germinating Bamboo seeds

In order to save space in the nursery and to cut down expenditure, bamboo seeds of common

species can be germinated in plastic crates (Fig.4 and 5) of size 55 X 35 X 30 cm/plastic trays of 30

X 20 X 06 cm filled up to about 20cm height. Potting mixture as mentioned in the earlier cases can

be used for partially filling the crate/tray. Good quality, fresh seeds, after 24 hours water soaking,

gives high germination and seedlings ready for transplant will be ready in about a week’s time.

Potting can be initiated by the second week of germination or at the most after a month depending

on the seedling growth. The crates are to be arranged in shade preferably in the potting shed where

it will have to be protected from rain and rodents.

Fig.4. Seed germination in plastic crates. Fig.5. Seed germination in plastic trays

Production through vegetative propagation.

When seeds are not available, vegetative propagation methods are used for the production of

planting stock. Two major types viz; macro and micro propagation methods are available in

vegetative propagation of bamboos. In macro-propagation, conventional methods of rhizome/offset

planting, rooting of culm/branch cuttings are used while in micro-propagation tissue culture

techniques are being used.

Macro-proliferation

Bamboo seedlings start producing tillers right from the third month of germination and the number

will increase with better management practices. These tillers can be separated from each other from

the 6th month of potting in a process termed as macro-proliferation. This process enables the

production of a large number of propagules from a single lot of seedlings and also ensures the

availability of planting stock beyond what is normally available after the seed viability goes down.

The process of macro proliferation can be continued every two months depending on the species,

provided tiller formation is profuse as in the case of Bambusa balcooa, B.tulda, B.bambos,

Dendrocalamus hamiltonii and D. strictus.

While carrying out macro proliferation, 50 % of the stock can be used for field planting and the

remaining can be kept in the nursery as parent material for further proliferation. However beyond a

certain extend (3 times in a year) there are chances of the propagules becoming weaker and less

vigorous with poorer survival rate in the field. Macro proliferation is also possible in culm/branch

cuttings and rhizome/offset cuttings but compared to seedlings only a lower level of multiplication

can be expected.

Rooting of culm/branch cuttings

Though a standard forest nursery bed is 12 m long, 1.2 m broad and 0.30 m elevated from the

ground level, these dimensions need not be closely adhered to in bamboo nurseries. The height of

raised beds can be reduced to 15 cm as the bamboo propagules will have to be transplanted into

poly bags or larger containers in about 6 months. However, it is better to keep to the standard

length and breadth of forest nurseries as this will help in calculating the dosages of prophylactic

treatments and fertilization on a per bed basis. The raised beds is to be filled with 3:2:1 clean

sieved soil, sand and powdered compost/dried cow dung (Fig.7). However in the North eastern

region of India, sand is considered to be the best medium (Fig.8) to get maximum rooting from

culm/branch cuttings.Side wall partitions of the raised beds can be of ferro-cement slabs held in

position with iron/cement pegs. In case ferro-cement slabs are not available good quality bricks or

tiles can be used for the purpose.

While many of the bamboo species are easy to propagate using culm and branch cuttings many of

the other important species require treatment with plant hormones to encourage rooting. In species

like B. vulgaris and B. balcooa rooting can be induced in single or double noded culm cuttings or

branch cuttings placed in moist soil or sand beds. Treatment with rooting hormones Indole Butyric

Acid (IBA) or Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) promotes rooting in the difficult to root species.

The treatment is given either as a dip in an aqueous solution or in the case of the large diameter

species, by pouring it into the culm cavity ( Figures 9 and 10). After the nodes sprout and root

formation the plants are seperated and transferred to polybags for maintainance in the nursery (

Figures 11 and 12)

Raised cubicle beds for rooting of rhizome/offset cuttings

The rhizome/offset cuttings are best raised in square cubicles of the dimension 1.2 or 1 m sq m. The

height of the cubicle will be 30cm from the ground level, filled with the same combination of

potting mixture as in the previous case. The side partitions can be of ferro-cement slabs, bricks or

tiles. Each of the cubicles can be made use of for accommodating at least 4 pieces of rhizome/offset

cuttings which ultimately will be utilizing approximately 0.50 sq cm spaces for their root growth

(Fig. 13). The inside partition of the cubicles are made by smaller ferro-cement slabs/bricks/tiles

thus separating a cubicle in to 4 sub units. Since the side partition walls are removable, the rooted

offset/rhizome cuttings can be taken out without causing any injury to the delicate developing

rhizome system (Fig. 14) raised cubicles are preferred for rooting of offset/rhizome cuttings.

Figure. 7. Raised bed with sieved soil, sand

and FYM for vegetative propagation

Figure.8. Beds filled with sand for

propagation

Figure 9. Preparation of cuttings for pouring

hormone solution into culm cavity.

Figure10. Culm cutting after hormone

treatment placed in nursery bed for rooting

Figure 11. Sprouts from nodal cuttings in

nursery bed

Figure 12. Rooted culm cuttings transplanted

into polybags

Figure 13.Raised cubicles with a sprouted Figure14. Extraction of the sprouted

offset/ Rhizome cutting. Rhizome cutting

Sector-3

High-tech Bamboo nursery should use only parent material from known source so as to ascertain

the species, quality and growth behavior (like disease resistance, flowering cycle etc.) of the

resultant propagule. In order to ensure this it is suggested to have a rhizome/clone bank in the

nursery itself. Hence a portion of the nursery area will have to be set aside for establishing a

rhizome/clonal bank of superior mother clumps. This will enable the production of known superior

planting stock which can be sold with an authentic quality/species assurance certification by any

NBM accredited high tech nursery. The clone bank will have to be developed ultimately in to a

production center of superior clonal planting stock of Bamboo from identified parent clumps. The

clone bank can be developed either in the form of a block plantation or designed as a boundary

plantation all along the periphery of the nursery, and the decision can be on the basis of space

availability. Ultimately the clonal bank will contain selected, established, superior mother clumps

of different Bamboo species having superior traits of the mother plus clump, of known

parentage/flowering cycle. It will be only through these mother clumps, certified planting stocks

will be produced for all future NBM plantation activities.

When bamboo is planted all along the boundary, care should be taken to see that clumps are spaced

at 5 X 5 m spacing so as to facilitate periodic cutting and cleaning of the mother clumps as part of

the clump management. A minimum of 2 m space is required between the bamboo clump of the

inner row and the buildings/nursery beds that will come up in future inside the nursery area.

In the Clonal Bank, if it is to be established as a block plantation, the spacing to be maintained is 5

X 5 m for reasons mentioned earlier.

Records to be maintained in the Nursery

Nursery Journal

The nursery journal is a record to be maintained in every high-tech nursery and available for

inspection by the NBM. The journal should essentially contain details listed below.

The first page of the journal should mention owner ship details like full address, contact

number and e mail ID

A plot chart showing the location of different sectors and purpose for which they are being

used.

Types of bamboo planting stock being produced in the nursery.

Annual target for production of each type of planting stock in the nursery

Certificates concerning the origin of all plant material used for propagation.

Passport data of all plant material used for propagation.

Month and date of culm collection and hormone treatment.

Name of the hormone used / concentration and details of application.

Date of sprouting and details of prophylactic treatments administered during raising of the

planting stock.

Date and method of potting (container size & potting mix used) and shifting of the planting

stock to larger containers.

Whether macro - proliferation was carried out, if yes age at which it was done/potting mix

used/size of bag to which potting was done.

Dates of grading, carried out.

Date of dispatch of each batch of seedlings.

Number of seedlings/propagules dispatched under each species

Income generated through seedlings/propagule sale

Instrument/equipment log book

NBM High-tech nurseries should maintain separate log book for all the instruments/equipments to

show details such as the date/person/purpose for which it has been used, details of the service

personal and the type and periodicity of service being carried out.

Vehicle log book/maintenance book

Details like the purpose for which the vehicle was used /km run/fuel filled/rate of consumption

/repairs carried out etc are to be recorded in the log book.

Attendance registers (Electronic punching facility)

The monitoring of the nursery/office staff on duty is essential for proper accounting of the funds

allocated for running the nursery. Use of electronic punching machine is recommended.

Mazdoor attendance register

The register is essential to monitor the number of mazdoor attending to different works in the

nursery. The register will be useful in finding out the employment potential of the nursery.

Stock Register

The register should record all details regarding the production and sales of planting stock raised in

the nursery so as to assist in the evaluation of the nursery regarding its achievements in meeting its

annual targets.

Purchase Register

The register will be helpful in monitoring the asset of the nursery and its running cost.

Instruments/equipments required in the laboratory

Electronic balance/ weighing balance/ seed purity board/ pH meter/ distillation unit/

oven/refrigerator

Growth hormones required in the nursery

Methyl alcohol/ Naphthyl acetic acid (NAA)/ Indole butyric acid(IBA).

Fertilizers/Pesticides/insecticides

Bavastin-Carbendazim 50%/ WP (Broad spectrum systemic fungicide)

Chlorpyriphos 20 % EC (Insecticide/termiticide)

Thimet 109 for white grub infestation.

Sumicidin 5 % (Insecticide)

Malathion 0.25 % (Pesticide)

Other essential items:

Nursery implements like bill hooks, crow bar, shovels, scoops, secateurs, plastic buckets, plastic

mugs, water sprayers.

Soil sieve, trays

First aid box.

SECTOR-I

INFRASTRUCTURE

FACILITY

SECTOR-II

PROPAGATION BEDS

(CUBICLES)

SECTOR-II

PROPAGATION BEDS

GRADING & DISTRIBUTION

AREA

SECTOR-III

CLONAL BANK (BOUNDARY PLANTING)

R

O

A

D

General Layout – NBM High tech Nursery -1

ENTRANCE

Annexure II

Planting stock disposal area

Planting stock hardening area

1216 sq m

96m

96 m

40m

80 m

40 m

54.80 M

5260.8 sq m

176

M

1056

sq m

6 M

15.2

2192 sq m

12M

ENTRANCE

200

m

2000

0 sq

m (

100

* 20

0)

1337

6 sq

m (

76 *

176

)

2192 sq m

76 M

1459.2 sq m

100 M

12M

5 beds

300beds

60 b

eds

60 c

ub

icle

s

9 cubicles

540

cubicles

SECTOR I

INFRASTRUCTURE

FACILITY

DISPOSING AREA

HARDENING AREA

SECTOR II

SECTOR II

PROPAGATION

BEDS

12M

5M

5M

2M

Annexure III

General layout of High-tech NBM Nursery -2

Size of the raised bed 10m X 1m

Distance between adjoining beds 60cm

Distance at the far end of the raised beds 1.2m

Size of the cubicle 1 m sq

Distance between adjoining cubicles 60cm

1216 sq m

96

m

96

m

40

m

80

m

40

m

54.80 M

5260.8 sq m

17

6

M

1056

sq m

6 M 15.2

2192 sq m 12M

ENTRANCE

20

0 m

2

00

00

sq

m (

10

0 *

20

0)

13

37

6 s

q m

(7

6 *

17

6)

2192 sq m

76 M

1459.2 sq m

100 M

12M

5 beds

300beds

60

be

ds

60

cu

bic

les

9 cubicles

540

cubicles

OFFICE

STORE

COMPOST &

POTTING SHEDS

Planting stock sales area

Planting stock hardening area

Annexure IV

Foot Notes

Area allocation for a 2 ha nursery

6624 sq m Boundary planting

1216 sq m Sector I (Space for Office /Store/Compost & Potting sheds)

1459.2 sq m Sector II (Cubicles for offset/Rhizome propagation)

2192 sq m Planting stock disposal area

2192 sq m Planting stock hardening area

5260.8 sq m Raised nursery beds for vegetative propagation of culms/branches

1056 sq m Nursery road

Road map for propagation using seeds

Foot note

*Macro proliferation is a process of splitting the bamboo (seedling) clump, depending on the number of tillers

produced by the clump. The clump is gently uprooted from the container/medium, washed thoroughly in

running water so as to clean the root system and the rhizome. Tillers along with a rhizomatus portion attached

to the root system are separated out using a sharp knife and is potted in a larger container/polybag. By macro

proliferation a single clump can be splitted into more number of individuals thus multiplying the number of

planting stock in the nursery.

Seed Collection

Sedd

Cleaning / Drying / Winnowing

Soak seeds in water for 24 hours

Store Seeds

Germinate seeds in plastic crates of size 65 X 45 X

20 cm or plastic trays, 27 X 22 X 5 cm

After macro- proliferation* pot each

tillers with rhizomatous portion in large

poly bags (21X 27 cm). Apply mixed

weed compost after 2 weeks of potting.

After macro- proliferation pot each

tillers with rhizomatous portion in

larger bags (21X 27 cm). Applying

dried, powdered FYM after 2 weeks of

potting

When seedlings attain a height of 10 to 15 cm, in about

10 to 15 days, shift to polybags of size 15X 21cm.

Apply mixed weed compost after 2 weeks of potting

After six months of potting, if more than 5

tillers are formed, macro- proliferation* is

possible. If only less number of tillers are

formed, pot in bigger bags (21 X27 cm)

.Apply mixed weed compost after 2 weeks of

potting

Use one year old seedlings for transplanting in

the field

Use in one year old seedlings for out

planting to field

Annexure V

Road map for propagation using offset/rhizome cuttings

Locate mature, healthy candidate plus clumps

Remove soil from the base of the Identified culm

Identify culms older than one year up to 2 years, but not more than two years

Check rhizome for intact nodal buds. If present proceed to the next step. If not replace the

soil and leave the clump undisturbed.

Cut top portion of culm with a sharp axe/ chain saw

Cut the attached rhizome at the bottom without causing injury to nearby rhizomes

Transport to high tech nursery after wrapping with a moist gunny bag

Plant immediately to the cubicle

Gently remove rhizome along with the cut out offset/culms

After six months, if tillers are more than 3 in number, try macro proliferation

Repot back to the cubicles

Use one year old offset/rhizome cutting for planting

Annexure VI

Road map for propagation using culm cuttings

.

Prune the branches

Prepare two noded culm cuttings

When one year old use planting stock for out

planting in the field

Treat the cuttings with *hormonal solution

Plant the branch cutting in raised beds

in nursery

After 6 months loosen soil in bed, pull

out the sprouted culm piece, chip off the

sides of the sprouted culms and pot the

sprouted portion in poly bags (21

X27cm)

Nursery beds to be treated with termiticide-

chlorpyrifos 20 % EC, 50 ml in 10 litre of water &

drench the raised beds.

After 12 hours of termiticidal treatment, drench

the same bed with fungicide - * 10 gm of Bavastin

powder dissolved in 10 litre water

Locate mature, healthy candidate plus

clumps

Identify culms older than one year and up to

2 years, but not older than two years

Cut culm at base with a sharp knife / Chain

saw

Remove and discard top portion of the culm

Annexure VII

*10 gm of Naphthyl acetic acid (NAA) powder in 100ml of 90% Ethyl alcohol very slowly avoiding any coagulation The solution is then made up to 100 litre by adding the above solution to water. The solution should be stirred while adding water to avoid precipitation.

Road map for propagation using branch cuttings

.

Locate mature, healthy candidate plus clumps

Cut the branch at base with a sharp knife/ Chain

saw

Trim the branches

Treat with hormonal solution*

Seal cut ends with paraffin

Plant the branch cuttings in raised nursery beds

Select branch with rhizomatous swelling

After 6 months loosen soil in bed, pull out the

sprouted branch cutting-try macro proliferation;

pot it in bags of 18 X 22 cm

Nursery beds to be treated with termiticide-

chlorpyrifos 20 % EC, 50 ml in 10 litre of

water & drench the raised beds

After 12 hours of termiticidal treatment,

drench the same bed with fungicide - * 10 gm

of Bavastin powder dissolved in 10 litre water

When one year old use for out planting in the

field

Annexure VIII

Locate mature, healthy candidate plus clumps

Cut the branch at base with a sharp knife/ Chain

saw

Select branch with rhizomatous swelling

*10 gm of Naphthyl acetic acid (NAA)

powder in 100ml of 90% Ethyl alcohol

very slowly avoiding any coagulation

.The solution is then made up to

100litre by adding the above solution

to water. The solution should be

stirred while adding water to avoid

precipitation

Annexure IX

A number of suppliers and manufacturers of nursery infrastructure and supplies are

available in India who could be contacted to arrange for the setting up of the high tech

nurseries. Enquiries can begin with a local large nursery and by ascertaining their source of

supplies. Several firms operate on a turnkey basis and can source all the requirements.

While we cannot endorse any dealer or manufacturer in particular the potential entrepreneur

would benefit by looking at the following categories of firms.

i. Greenhouse fabricators who also have expertise in irrigations systems

ii. Drip irrigation and precision farming companies

iii. Shade net manufacturers

iv. Plastic crate and polythene bag manufacturers

v. Supplies of soilless media e.g. Vermiculite, Perlite, coir pith, vermicompost

vi. Suppliers of farming equipment and garden tools.