Isolation of Cellulose-rich Elite Clones of Dendrocalamus strictus

Analyses of reducing sugars (RS), starch, cellulose and moisture content from 137 samples of Bamhoo, Dendrocalamus strictus, were carried out during October, 1995 and January, 1996. On dry weight basis, these analyses revealed reducing sugars in 0.2-6.5% range, starch in zero - 15.2% range and cellulose in 44-58% range, except in ten samples, it ranged 60-65%. Analysis of such data qualified sample from Kothi area to be an elite by virtue of its (i) 61% cellulose content, about 10% over the average value and (ii) meager reducing sugars and poor starch content in contrast to a general trend found in the population. The correlation profiles in the population indicated what when high amount of starch was detected, amount of RS too was high, so also cellulose. Conversely, when low amount of starch was detected, amount of RS too was low, so also cellulose. Based on regression analysis, it is hypothesized that starch was probably mobilised to RS which in turn enhanced cellulose synthesis; conversely, meager amount of starch reflected lower levels of RS and in turn lower level of cellulose.