Propagation of Bambusa vulgaris-its Scope in Forestry

Bamboo plantations are being raised increasingly. In this context, Bambusa vulgaris is of prime importance, as it is thorn-less, capable of high productivity and could be relled on culmcuttings for raising plantations. On the basis of experimental evidence, the technique of raising B. vulgaris plantations through culm-cuttings is described. Two-noded cuttings are made from middle one-thirds of the culm, and three-noded cuttings from the rest of the culm. On the onset of the rains, they are planted at 45 cm × 45 cm spacement in nursery beds with heavy soil and flood irrigated at fortnightly intervals. By the middle of the following rainy season, they are well-established and fairly grown for planting out. They are planted out at 12 m × 12 m spacement. Choice of climatic and soil regions is indicated and role of irrigation in such plantations is emphasized.