S. Jolly , R. K. Garg , K. J. Kaur , K. R. Yadav , R. K. Sharma , R. M. Kothari

Abstract

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.

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Anita Rajor , R. K Sharma , V. L. Maheshwari , R. M. Kothari

Abstract

While the analyses of Bamboo, Dendrocalamus strictus revealed 55 ± 2% cellulose, 11 ± l% hemicelluloses and 24 ± 1% lignin, that of Bamboo dust generated as a result of borer infestation revealed no loss of cellulose, about 66% loss of hemicelluloses and 75% loss of lignin. HPLC profiles of an aqueous extract of Bamboo dust revealed the presence of glucose, fructose and glucose 6-phosphate (G 6-P) and total absence of xylose and arabinose, indicating that the borers selectively utilized lignin and hemicellulose for their survival and progeny propagation. The absence of highly potent and thermostable xylanase and ligninase in the borer extract confirmed this. Thus, a specific inhibitor to these enzymes should enable biological control of borers in an eco-friendly manner.

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Ramesh K. Garg , Rajesh K. Sharma , R. M. Kothari

Abstract

After the vegetative growth from rhizomes for a period of 50-80 years, clumps of bamboo, D. strictus, in a particular area undergo flowering, setting free enormous quantities of seeds and die synchronmisly. Changes in major constituents of bamboo (α-cellulose, hemicellulose, reducing sugars, starch, lignin, moisture and ash) at different stages of the above process are monitored in the light of supporting evidence form literature, some light is thrown relating to bamboo death. It seems that bamboo death may have been caused by excessive deprivation of reducing sugars and moisture content, leading to loss in vitality and osmotic shock along with toxicity generated due to enormous increase in lignin content.

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