Rapid and Mass Propagation of Economically Important Bamboo Dendrocalamus hamiltonii

An efficient and reproducible protocol for the large scale propagation of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii is described. To establish aseptic cultures, the seeds were disinfected with sodium hypochlorite (4%) for 20 min. For shoot induction, the seeds were further inoculated on MS medium supplemented with cytokinins. Multiple shoots were formed within 3-5 weeks of seed culture. 7-8 shoots were obtained when seeds were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 35 μM BAP. The initiated shoots were excised from mother explants and further multiplied on MS medium, supplemented with defined plant growth regulators. Best shoot multiplication was observed on MS medium supplemented with BAP (10 μM). A regular subculture in every 3-4 weeks increased the rate of multiplication. To initiate in- vitro ischolar_maining, pulse treatment was given in a 2- step procedure. Excised propagules of 3-5 shoots were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with high concentration of auxin (IBA) for 7 days, later on these in vitro shoots were transferred to half strength MS medium without auxin for 10-15 days to obtain well ischolar_mained plants. Plantlets were hardened, acclimatized and established in soil, where they exhibited normal growth. As Bamboo rapidly fixes atmospheric carbon into biomass, it can reverse the effect of fossil fuel emission by vehicular usage.