BAMBOO CULTIVATION MANUAL

GUIDELINES FOR CULTIVATING

ETHIOPIAN HIGHLAND BAMBOO
EASTERN AFRICA BAMBOO PROJECT
funded by

executed by

supervised by

ETHIOPIA

KENYA

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Kenya Forestry Research Institute

Federal Micro and Small Enterprises

Development Agency

BAMBOO CULTIVATION MANUAL

GUIDELINES FOR CULTIVATING
ETHIOPIAN HIGHLAND BAMBOO

This project is being financed by the Common Fund for Commodities, an

intergovernmental financial institution established within the framework
of the United Nations, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

EASTERN AFRICA BAMBOO PROJECT

funded by

executed by

supervised by

ETHIOPIA

KENYA

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Kenya Forestry Research Institute

Federal Micro and Small Enterprises

Development Agency

Copyright 2009 by the United Nations Industrial Development

Organization.
This manual is based on the work of Dr. Victor Brias and Mr. Tesfaye
Hunde, UNIDO Consultants, in cooperation with the project team and
under the supervision of UNIDO Project Manager: Mr. Juergen Hierold.

Designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication

do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the
Secretariat of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization
(UNIDO) concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area,
or of its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers and
boundaries. The opinions, figures and estimates set forth are the
responsibility of the authors and should not necessarily be considered as
reflecting the views or carrying the endorsement of UNIDO. The mention
of firm names or commercial products does not imply endorsement by
UNIDO.

This document has not been formally edited.

CONTENTS

Introduction.................................................................................1
General Remarks About Bamboo................................................4
Ethiopian Highland Bamboo........................................................7
Distribution..................................................................................11
Flowering and Seeds....................................................................13
Propagation .................................................................................14
Sexual Propagation .................................................................14
Asexual Propagation ...............................................................14
Propagation by means of Offsets............................................15
Setting up a Bamboo Nursery .....................................................17
Selection of a Nursery Site ......................................................17
Nursery Size and Layout..........................................................18
Temporary and Permanent Nurseries ....................................19
Nursery Infrastructure and Equipment...................................20
Preparation of the Open Nursery Field...................................21
Greenhouse Structures and Design ........................................22
Covered Work Space...............................................................23
Water Supply and Irrigation System .......................................23

Storage Room..........................................................................24
Potting Soil ..............................................................................24
Fences .....................................................................................25
Nursery Operations .....................................................................26
Potting Containers ..................................................................26
Preparation of Potting Soil......................................................27
Seed Propagation....................................................................27
Cultivation of Wildlings ...........................................................30
Potting.....................................................................................31
Fertilizer Applications .............................................................33
Macro-Proliferation ................................................................33
Irrigation .................................................................................35
Weeding..................................................................................35
Hardening................................................................................36
Quality Control At the Nursery....................................................37
General Maintenance .............................................................37
Quality of the Soil Mix.............................................................38
Quality Control During Repotting ...........................................38
Phytosanitary Treatments.......................................................39

Rodent Control........................................................................40
Planting Bamboo in the Field ......................................................41
Selection and Transport of Planting Material .........................41
Planting Procedure for Nursery Plants....................................42
Direct planting of offset cuttings ............................................43
Replanting ...............................................................................44
Intercropping ..........................................................................44
Plantation Maintenance..............................................................45
Soil Maintenance ....................................................................45
Weeding..................................................................................45
Pest Control ............................................................................45
Mulching .................................................................................46
Clump Management ...............................................................46
Reducing the Risk of Forest Fires ............................................47
Harvesting and Handling .............................................................48
Post-Harvest Treatment ..............................................................51
Drying and Seasoning..............................................................51
Mold prevention .....................................................................52
Preservation ............................................................................53

Non-chemical methods...........................................................53
Chemical Preservation Methods.............................................54
References...................................................................................55
Appendix 1: Data to be recorded Based on Phonological
Observations of bamboo.............................................................57
Appendix 2: Data to be gathered During Vegetative Phase
of highland bamboo....................................................58

INTRODUCTION

This manual provides basic information about Ethiopias highland bamboo

species, and thereby aims to increase public awareness about this
important natural resource. Practical guidelines for cultivating and
managing highland bamboo are offered herein to help growers establish
new plantations and manage existing bamboo stands.
The highland bamboo species is botanically known as Yushania alpina. This
species grows naturally in ecological zones of the country between 2200
3500 meters above sea level. The coverage of this species in Ethiopia was
roughly estimated in 1997 to be about 130,000 hectares. Over the last 10
years, the resource base has been significantly reduced because large
areas of indigenous bamboo forests have been cleared for conversion to
agriculture. This is the case in the highland areas of the country within a
200 km perimeter of Addis Ababa.
Alpine bamboo has traditionally been used as a material for making fences
and water pipes, as well as a variety of handicrafts. The culms are used by
cottage industries for woven and plaited products such as basketry, mats,
and other decorative items.
In recent years, Y. alpina has been used for manufacturing industrial
products such as parquet flooring, window blinds, and curtains. The plant
is also useful for bioenergy.

A stand of Yushania alpina at Injibara (Amhara Region)

Most of the bamboo raw material used in Ethiopia is extracted from
natural stands. Although bamboo is a renewable resource, the capacity of
this plant to regenerate is hindered by indiscriminate and destructive
harvesting methods. The uncontrolled extraction of natural bamboo
stands has resulted in reduced productivity and yields as well as
deterioration in quality. The resource base has been diminishing over the
years.
Plantations of highland bamboo are needed to meet the increasing
demand for raw material by industries, especially near Addis Ababa. There
is a shortage of bamboo raw materials in some urban cities such as in
Addis Ababa, Awassa and Bahir Dar. Raw materials from new plantations
can ensure the growth of the industrial sector while providing income to
farmers.

Bamboo farming can be a lucrative business. The current price of bamboo

poles of Y. alpina ranges from 7-12 Birr per piece. Given the growth of the
industrial bamboo sector in the country, farmers who take up the
challenge of bamboo cultivation can virtually be assured of an extra source
of income.
Hopefully, this manual will encourage local farmers to consider the
cultivation of bamboo as an option, which will be beneficial not only to
themselves but also to industry and the environment.

GENERAL REMARKS ABOUT BAMBOO

Technically, bamboo is a grass belonging to the subfamily Bambusoideae.

Over 1,200 different species grow worldwide. Various species can reach
heights of 30 m and more. About 18 million ha of bamboo are distributed
in world forest ecosystems in Asia, Africa, and America.
Unlike most timber, bamboo is a self-regenerating natural resource; new
shoots that appear annually ensure future raw material after mature
culms are harvested.
Bamboo provides considerable environmental benefits. In many countries,
it is used for ecological purposes such as soil stabilization and erosion
prevention on hill slopes and verges. It is a very important forestry plant
which is harvested from existing natural forests, plantations, and mixed
agroforestry systems. Bamboo silviculture is an option for conserving and
protecting tropical forests while creating enduring supplies for the wood
and cellulose industries.
Bamboo is a multipurpose plant with a myriad of applications ranging from
construction materials, furniture, fences, handicrafts, pulp and paper,
edible shoots, and animal fodder. In developing countries, it is a basic raw
material with numerous traditional uses. It is highly suitable for
handicrafts; it can be woven into numerous products including mats,
baskets, trays, hats, lampshades, caps, lanterns, etc. Many bamboo
products are functional while others serve decorative purposes.
Apart from its manifold uses in cottage industries, bamboo is also widely
used in modern wood and paper industries. Governments, research
institutions, and private enterprises around the world are taking increased
interest in the environmental and economic possibilities of bamboo. In the
last decade, there has been a boom of manufacturing industries utilizing
bamboo worldwide.
Bamboo is also a source of food. The cone-shaped sprouts that emerge
from the ground to form tall poles are edible vegetables when harvested

young. Bamboo shoots generally appear during spring or the early rainy
season. When harvested young, they are a crunchy and nutritious
vegetable. Young shoots contain up to 90% water and are rich in vitamins,
cellulose, and amino acids. They have a high nutritional value, are low in
fat and high in fiber content. Young shoots vary in size and weight
according to species; the edible content of a newly harvested shoot is
usually 30% of its weight. Bamboo shoots are sold fresh but are also
canned in brine. They are exported worldwide and constitute a multimillion dollar trade commodity.
For most products, bamboo processing does not require high capital
investments but is labor intensive and contributes significantly to
employment. Skilled labor as well as attractive designs and fine finishing
are very important in making bamboo products for commercial purposes.
The utilization of bamboo fences is widespread in tropical Africa.
Applications of bamboo for structural construction, walls, ceilings, room
partitions, windows, furniture, ladders, etc. that are common in Asia could
also be developed in Ethiopia and neighboring countries.
There has been a growing awareness in recent years that bamboo is a vital
component of development and an effective means to improve the
livelihoods of rural poor people. Over 600 million people around the world
generate income from bamboo. Hundreds of millions of people in the
world live in bamboo houses. Women and children, many of whom live
below subsistence levels in developing countries, harvest a great part of
the bamboo that is used.
Bamboo is a natural vehicle for development because rural people
generally have adequate access to it. It can be easily grown and harvested
in the perimeter of forest areas or under agroforestry schemes. Bamboo
agroforestry requires only a modest capital investment and generates
steady income to farmers. In many parts of the tropical world, the rural
poor are dependent on bamboo for their shelter and daily domestic uses.

Yushania alpina: Ethiopian Highland Bamboo

ETHIOPIAN HIGHLAND BAMBOO

The botanical name of Ethiopias highland bamboo is Yushania alpina (K.

Schum.) Lin. The species was formerly classified under the genus
Arundinaria, and older literature refers to this bamboo species using the
name Arundinaria alpina. The species is however commonly referred to as
Alpine bamboo. The local name of this species in Affan Oromo is Lemen,
while in Amharic, it is known as Kerkeha.
Y. alpina is a tufted, sympodial bamboo with erect green culms ranging
from 2 to 19.5 meters in height. The diameter of the culm ranges from 5 to
12.5 cm.

Highland bamboo stand with emerging culms (with milky white culm
sheaths) and older (green) culms

The culm sheaths are have a milky white color and are covered in reddish
brown bristly hairs. The culm sheaths have a linear acute blade and
fimbriate lateral auricles. Branches and foliage culms appear on the upper
nodes of the culm. The leaf-blades are glabrous and narrowly lanceolate,
and range from 5-20 cm in length and 6-15 mm width. The leaves have
conspicuous cross veins, narrowed to a fine bristle at the apex.

Left: Mr. Tesfaye Hunde examines new culms of Y. alpina

Right: Detail of sheaths still intact on a new culm
Like all bamboos, Y. alpina is made up of an underground axis and an
above-ground axis. The underground axis consists of rhizomes, roots, and
buds. The rhizomes collect and store the nutrients that sustain the life of
the plant.

A new shoot of Yushania alpina

Buds on the rhizomes develop into shoots that emerge from the ground to
form a clump of culms. The rhizomes of Y. alpina exhibit a sympodial
branching pattern which gives the plant a clump forming habit. The
clumping habit is evident especially in plants under cultivation. The species
however has elongated rhizome necks, and the culms are usually widely
spaced, forming a loose or open clump. In dense natural stands, it
becomes difficult to distinguish one clump from another.
The bamboo culm is cylindrical and is divided into sections by diaphragms
or nodes. The section between two nodes is called an internode. The culm
of Y. alpina is hollow but it typically has a thick wall, which makes it ideal
for the production of strong panel products.
New culms of Y. alpina grow to their full height within 3 months and
thereafter develop branches and leaves on the upper nodes. As the culm
matures, it lignifies and becomes harder and stronger. Unlike trees,
bamboos do not undergo secondary growth. In other words, the culm
does not get thicker each year. Rather, as the rhizome system develops

and matures, new and larger shoots emerge annually until the maximum
culm size is reached.

Tall culms of Yushania alpina

Culms of Y. alpina are fully mature 3 years after they emerge from the soil.
As the mature culm ages, it deteriorates and eventually dies and rots. The
life of the bamboo clump is however sustained by the rhizome system
which annually generates new shoots which grow into culms.
Effective management involves systematic but selective cutting of mature
culms. Selective harvesting of the crop ensures a sustainable supply of
valuable and useful raw material. The removal of mature culms also
maintains the vigor of the plant and allows for the continuous generation
of new shoots.

10

DISTRIBUTION

Y. alpina is found in ecological zones of the country between 2200 3500

meters above sea level.
The species also occurs naturally in mountain areas in East African
countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Most of the alpine bamboo in Ethiopia grows naturally in highland forests.
The uncontrolled exploitation of this resource has resulted in reduced
productivity and yields as well as deterioration in quality. In recent years, it
has been overexploited creating a shortage of raw material supplies in
some urban cities such as in Addis Ababa, Awassa, Bahir Dar, and other
cities and towns.
The resource base of Y. alpina in Ethiopia was roughly estimated in 1997 to
be about 130,000 hectares. Since 1997, no inventory has been taken for
this species.
Increased exploitation during the last 10 years has resulted in a significant
reduction in the bamboo forest area in the country.

11

Site Name
Agaro
Bore
Ambo-Shenen
Bale
Gera
Jibat
Mountain
Harena Forest

Region
Oromiya
Oromiya
Oromiya
Oromiya
Oromiya
Oromiya

Zone
Jima
Gujji
Western Showa
Bale
Jimma
Western Showa

Remarks
Natural stands
Private plantations
Private plantations
Natural stands
Natural stands
Natural stands

Oromiya

Bale

Degaga
Munesa
Shashemene
Enterprise
Awi Zone

Oromiya

Western Aris

Mixed forest with

bamboo
Mixed forest with
bamboo

Amhara

Awi
Zone(Injibara)

Private plantations

Hagere selam

SNNPR

Sidama

Private plantations

Ameya

SNNPR

Baha-Chapa

SNNPR

Kefecho
Shekecho
Kefecho
Shekecho

Mixed forest with

bamboo
Naturals stands

Bonga
Chincha
Gada

SNNPR
SNNPR
SNNPR

Gecha-Masha

SNNPR

Kefecho
Shekecho

Indibir

SNNPR

Gurage

IndibirJembero
Jembero

SNNPR

Gurage

North Omo
Kefecho Shekech

SNNPR

Natural stands
Private plantations
Near Masha area
usually combined with
Yena
Use Masha to define
this natural bamboo
area.
Farmer-owned bamboo
area extends to
Jembero.
Private plantations
Private plantations

12

FLOWERING AND SEEDS

Bamboos, like all grasses in the plant kingdom, are seed plants. Flowering
and seeding are necessary for reproduction and new generations.
Flowering of some bamboos is cyclic (e.g. every 30 or 100 years), but for
most bamboos, flowering is unpredictable. The flowering of bamboos is
sometimes followed by the death of the plant, but this is not the case for
all species.
In the case of Y. alpina, documented information on flowering is scarce.
The species has not been observed to flower gregariously and no flowering
cycle for this species is known. It is however well known that solitary
clumps flower sporadically and shed seed. Sporadic flowering is
unpredictable, occurs only on individual clumps, and is not necessarily
followed by the death of the plant.
In Ethiopia, it has been observed that sporadic flowering of Y. alpina is
followed by the death of the flowering clumps. When flowering occurs, the
clumps gradually dry up, shed seeds, and die. It may take up to two years
before seeds are released from the flowering clump. Seeds germinate
about two weeks after they fall on the soil. Seeds are not always fertile; if
they are, their viability does not exceed one year.
In general, there is still much to learn about the flowering of bamboo, and
particularly about the flowering of the species - Y. alpina.
It is however clear that the flowering of the species cannot be predicted
with any degree of certainty.
Flowering is a rare occurrence. If bamboos start to flower, it is advisable to
monitor the event and to collect seeds or wildlings in order to raise and
propagate a new generation of planting material.

13

PROPAGATION

Currently, there are very few plantations of Y. alpina in Ethiopia. Most of

the highland bamboos in the country grow naturally in forests.
The uncontrolled exploitation of this resource, however, has resulted in
reduced yields and deterioration in quality.
Considering the economic importance of Y. alpina, the continuity of
bamboo supplies for local and urban uses will depend on the
establishment of plantations and on the effective management of existing
forests.
S EXUAL P ROPAGATION
Sexual propagation involves the production of new bamboo plants through
seeds. Seeds of Y. alpina are viable for a limited time, seldom for more
than 10 months. Because of this poor viability, seeds need to be collected
and sown in nursery beds without delay. If wildlings or naturally growing
highland bamboo seedlings in the forests are available, these can be
collected and used as planting materials.
A SEXUAL P R OPAGATION
Bamboos can more easily be propagated using vegetative material such as
rhizomes and offsets. Propagules are considered to be successfully
established when they form new rhizomes and start to develop new
shoots.

14

P ROPAGATION BY MEANS OF O FFSETS

The most effective way of propagating Y. alpina is by means of offsetting a
culm from a clump. Although this method has a high success rate, it is not
the most practical method for large scale propagation, nor is it the best
way of obtaining planting material that will be directly planted in the field.
This is due to the labor intensiveness of the method and the time and
logistical costs involved in obtaining and moving a large number of offsets
to the field. The method of offset propagation is however very useful
when one desires to raise a few clumps in a homestead or farm. It is also
an excellent way of obtaining mother plants that can be further
macroproliferated at nursery.
The method of offsetting involves separating culms from clumps and
shortening them to the node above the first branches. Since the branches
of Y. alpina typically appear at upper nodes of the culm, the offsets will be
very long and heavy, and not practical for transporting to another location.
Some preparatory work is therefore advisable before proceeding with
actual offsetting.

6 to 12 months before obtaining offsets, make a selection of 1 to 2

years old culms that will be used. Culms of this age can be identified
by their green color, and their culm sheaths have fallen off.

The culms should be selected from a healthy and vigorous bamboo

clump in the forest or homestead farm.

Cut down or coppice the culms just above the 4th or 5th node from
the ground.

Remove all foliage and small branches and use them to mulch the
clump. This returns nutrients to the soil and is a practical means of
clump management.

The coppiced culms will generate branches in the lower nodes. These
shortened culms can be effectively offsetted after they have

15

developed some branches and foliage which enable photosynthesis

and growth.

At the onset of the rainy season and just before the emergence of
new shoots, offsets can be obtained from bamboo stands as outlined
below:

If the above mentioned preparatory activities are carried out, the

selected coppiced culms which have developed some branches and
foliage at the lower nodes can be used as offsets.

Dig out about 60 cm below the ground for a rhizome of a one to two
years old culm.

Once a rhizome is exposed, cut back the aerial culm just above the
first branches with leaves but not less than 3rd node above the
ground level.

Cut the rhizome off from the parent clump. Avoid injuring the
junction of the culm and rhizome, and the underground dormant
buds at the base of the culm.

Cut the roots and soil at least 10 cm away from the rhizome so that
the offset includes rhizomes with roots and soil.

Replant the offset immediately and flood it with water, and mulch it.

If planted directly on the ground, make sure that the planting hole is
sufficiently deep and large to facilitate the easy development of new
shoots.

If planted in a container, make sure that the container is sufficiently

large and deep to allow the plant to grow as it would on the ground.
Make sure that the container has holes so that there is good
drainage.

Water the plant frequently so that the soil is always moist.

16

SETTING UP A BAMBOO NURSERY

Establishing a bamboo nursery is a practical solution for maintaining a

regular supply of planting material for plantations and forestry projects.
The nursery does not require high investments. Basic equipment for
manual operations can be used.
S ELECTI ON OF A N URSERY S IT E
Several factors should be considered in selecting a site for a bamboo
propagation nursery.
Location and Accessibility: If possible, the nursery should be located near
a highway or public road to facilitate operations, communication and
transport. Ideally, the nursery site should be as close as possible to
plantation areas. This will involve less transport time and costs in
delivering plants to the field. Plants will undergo less stress during
transport the quicker they can be delivered to the field.
Water Supply: This is a critical aspect of a bamboo propagation nursery.
The nursery should be located in an area where there is an abundant and
permanent supply of water. If the supply of water during the dry seasons is
inadequate, a storage tank should be constructed. The amount of water
needed depends upon the nursery size, watering frequency, rainfall and
climatic conditions, the species to be raised, the quantity of propagation
materials, and the method of watering to be employed.
Topography: Local topography is a crucial factor and ideally, the site
should slope gently to about 5 so that rainwater can run off without
causing erosion. In general, hilltops and valley bottoms are unsuitable;
locations on middle to lower slopes are preferable.
Soil: Nursery production requires fertile and well-drained soil with a
medium to light texture.

17

Sun and Shade: Plants in a nursery need a good balance of sunlight and
shade. Sites that are heavily shaded throughout the day should be
avoided. Partial shading is desirable in the very dry areas to prevent
excessive day temperature. Arid areas with desiccating conditions are not
suitable for a bamboo nursery.
N URSERY S IZE AND L AYOUT
The size of the nursery depends on its intended production capacity and
on the size and age of plants to be grown. A nursery dedicated to the
production of young liners or seedlings which are to be delivered to other
nurseries will require less space than a nursery which grows and stocks
older and larger plants.
On average, the amount of time bamboo seedlings need to remain in the
nursery ranges from 8 to 12 months. In general, at least 5000 m should be
allotted for every 10,000 seedlings or young plants that will be raised
annually. If seedlings will be grown at the nursery until they are 2 years
old, then the area needed for production should be doubled. Adequate
space is needed to maintain a stock of growing plants. A crowded nursery
will only result in the production of poor stock quality.
The shape or layout of the nursery should be approximately square to
minimize the length of the perimeter. This will not only reduce the cost of
fencing the nursery but will also enable faster movement of workers from
one point of the nursery to another.
The area needed for paths, roads, irrigation, ditches, and buildings should
also be taken into consideration, and represents additional space
requirements to the entire nursery unit. Having more land than initially
required provides an allowance for future expansion of the nursery
production area.

18

T EMPORARY AND P ERMANENT N URSERIES

The type of nursery that is established, including all infrastructure
requirements, will depend on the duration of cultivation.
If plants or seedlings only need to be cultivated to provide planting
material for one large plantation or for a group of small scale farmers in a
given area, then only a temporary nursery is usually sufficient.
A temporary nursery can be set up using very basic and low-cost materials
that can often be obtained in villages near the site. Concrete structures
and sophisticated and expensive tools are not required; simple shade
houses using palm or bamboo roofing are suitable in most cases.

A temporary bamboo nursery in the Ethiopian highlands

However, if the nursery is intended to be used for a period of at least five
to ten years, then permanent and durable structures should be built on
site. The nursery should also be easily accessible by road at all times of the

19

year. A permanent nursery is needed when mass propagation of planting

stocks will be undertaken year after year.

Nursery of the Forestry Department in Addis Ababa

N URSERY I NFRASTRUCTURE AND E QUIPMENT
The infrastructure of a nursery generally includes an office and a meeting
room for workers, a warehouse or storeroom, a potting shed, a compost
area, lath houses, shade tunnels, and an open-air container ground. The
number and size of the structures will depend on the production capacity
of the nursery.
Polyester ground cover cloth for the open air ground for plants in
container or polybags is used in many professional nurseries since this
prevents plants from rooting into the ground. This material is costly
however, and is optional. Such an investment is however worthwhile when
the nursery is intended for commercial purposes and investment costs will
be recuperated through the sale of plants.

20

Irrigation in the nursery is essential. Irrigation may be done manually, but

it is advisable to invest in a sprinkler system to ensure proper irrigation,
especially in larger nurseries.
Tools such as spades, picks, pruning scissors, and wheelbarrows are
essential equipment for manual operations in every nursery. Such
equipment is affordable and does not demand a high investment.
Construction of the nursery can be divided into two phases. The first phase
includes planning the site layout, clearing the land, leveling of the nursery
grounds, excavating gutters and ditches, laying foundations, preparing
pathways, installing piping and/or irrigation hoses, and primary installment
of utilities. The second phase covers the construction of the buildings, lath
houses, shade tunnels, and sheds.
P REPARATION OF THE O PEN N URSERY F IELD
Clearing and leveling of the land is the first step. The open field should be
at a gentle slope of about 5 to ensure water run-off. The ground must be
flat to prevent the water from accumulating in puddles. This is imperative
because the bamboo plants will be cultivated in polybag tubes, which must
never be submerged in water. The drainage system must be well planned.
Gutters and trenches should be dug out to prevent water from flooding
the container field.
As mentioned, using ground cover cloth is a proven way of reducing the
risk of grasses and weeds from infesting the open field production area.
The synthetic woven fabric is made of tough UV stabilized polypropylene
yarns and is designed to inhibit weed growth and improve the appearance
of the nursery. It blocks sunlight and thereby prevents weeds from
infesting the potted plants while allowing water and nutrients to freely
pass through the soil. The use of ground cover fabric eliminates the need
of applying large quantities of herbicides to the soil prior to bringing in the
potted plants. While weed control through the application of herbicides
implies a lower initial cost, it however involves work and maintenance all
year long. The use of a ground cover cloth involves a moderate
21

investment, but weed control will be more effective and requires less
maintenance and labor. This option should therefore be considered
depending on the purpose of the nursery and production scale that is
forecasted.
G REENHOUSE S TRUCTURES AND D ESIGN
A greenhouse can be established without costly materials and equipment
that are commonly used by nurseries in temperate regions. In tropical
countries such as Ethiopia, there is only a slight variation in seasonal and
nocturnal temperatures. This eliminates the need for expensive climate
control systems. On the other hand, it is essential that the greenhouse
structure is designed such that good cross ventilation can be provided by
openings in the sides of the greenhouse.
The greenhouse structure can consist of a metal or wooden framework.
The aim is to build sturdy structures that provide protection from wind,
rain and excessive sunlight while providing very good natural ventilation.
A lath house or open-sided structure can be used to provide shade to
young bamboo plants. The lath house protects container grown plants
from high temperature and high light intensities. It is effective in reducing
moisture stress and reduces irrigation requirements.
The roof of the lath house should be spaced with laths or slats, spaced
with gaps as wide as the slats themselves, providing approximately 50%
shade. Bamboo or palm thatching may be used as a low-cost roofing
material for the lath house. The walls are ideally made of cloth also
providing at least 50% shade. The walls of the lath house should be
inclined so they can resist wind. Doors can be made by cutting the cloth of
the walls and can be kept closed using hooks.
A lath house has many uses. It is, first of all, useful for maintenance and as
a shaded area to safeguard plant. It is also useful as an area for
propagation and transplanting young plants.

22

Alternatively, or in combination with lath houses, shade tunnels can be

used at the nursery. Shade tunnels reduce light levels for the plants in
cultivation protecting them from leaf bleaching or leaf scorch in strong
sunlight. At modern nurseries, shade tunnels are usually constructed using
steel hoops which are covered with polyethylene film or shade cloth.
A low-cost shade tunnel can however be made using a combination of
wood and bamboo strips, in combination with white polyethylene film.
Flexible bamboo strips can be joined together and shaped into hoops. The
bamboo hoops are then positioned on the ground to form a tunnel
framework that is supported by round wood or bamboo poles. The
framework is then covered with a polyethylene film to provide shade and
protection to the plants. This low-cost alternative will have the same
effect as more expensive metal structures. It may not be very durable, but
replacing or repairing any damages to the tunnel structure will involve very
low costs.
Ventilation in the shade tunnel is achieved by creating openings on the
sides and at both ends of the tunnel. Cross ventilation through these
openings will enable the structure to withstand strong winds.
C OVERED W ORK S PACE
It is useful and advisable to provide a sufficiently large covered work space
where propagation activities can be carried out. The design of the work
space should be simple and functional. Benches made of wood can be
used to facilitate manual operations such as dividing plants and potting.
Aisles space is necessary to allow easy movement between the benches,
while at the same time maximizing the production space.
W ATER S UPPLY AND I RRIGATION S YSTEM
Provisions should be made to allow for water harvesting during the rainy
season in order to have sufficient water supplies during dry periods. A

23

large tank can be used for this purpose; alternatively, a water reservoir can
be excavated.
It is advisable to have a basic irrigation system including a deep well, pump
system, and sprinkler system with controllers. This equipment involves a
modest investment, which can go a long way in maintaining healthy and
vigorous plants in the nursery.
The alternative to investing in an irrigation system is to have a disciplined
workforce that diligently waters the plants in the nursery every day. For a
small nursery, manual watering of plants is possible, but for a nursery with
a production capacity of thousands of plants, investments in a pump and
sprinkler system are necessary to ensure proper irrigation and to minimize
plant mortality.
S TORAGE R OOM
A small building or shed is needed as a stock room for storing pesticides,
fertilizers and tools. The stock room must be spacious enough to stock all
materials. It should be well insulated to protect all materials from rain and
excessive humidity.
P OTTI NG S OIL
An area should be allocated for stocking components of the soil mixture.
There must also be a leveled area to stock organic material for the
composting process.
The amount of soil mixture needed will obviously depend on production
activities. During periods of intensive potting, several cubic meters of soil
mix may be required per day. The soil mixture can be prepared on site
using traditional techniques. Making the potting soil involves using the
right proportion of materials to create a good balance between water and
oxygen allowing for good porosity and drainage. Soil fertility and plant
growth can be stimulated using locally available organic inputs such as

24

cattle and chicken manure, fish residues, groundnut shells, bran, and rock
phosphate. In addition to providing nutrients, organic fertilizers also help
to conserve water. The soil mixture should have good drainage and a pH
value of 5.5, which is perfect for bamboo. Slow release fertilizers, such as
Osmocote, can be used to enrich the soil mixture. This fertilizer will
supplement the mineral nutrients of the plants in cultivation.
F ENCES
A fence should be erected around the perimeter of the nursery to protect
the nursery area from domestic and wild animals. The fence should be
about 2 meters tall and may incorporate the use of barbed wire for added
security.

25

NURSERY OPERATIONS

Operating a nursery efficiently requires a strong attention to detail and a

high level of quality control. Young plants are like infants and need tender
loving care so that they grow healthy and strong. The nursery manager or
supervisor needs to strictly enforce standard operating procedures to
ensure that all the plants in production receive adequate care and
attention. Every stage in production, from potting, propagating, weeding,
irrigating, fertilizing, etc., is crucial to the survival and vitality of the
nursery stock. Staff working at the nursery must diligently perform their
duties in the service of the young plants. Nursery workers should be
selected carefully based on their ability and dedication to propagate and
maintain healthy bamboo plants.

P OTTI NG C ONTAINERS
A sufficient quantity of containers or polybags of various sizes should be
available at the nursery to fulfill potting requirements. The potting
containers should be large enough to allow root development of plants of
different sizes.
For seedlings, polythene tubes with 20 cm diameter x 40 cm height x 0.04
mm thickness are sufficient.
Larger polybags with a 40 cm diameter x 50 cm height will be needed to
transplant the seedlings once they have grown and have started
developing new shoots.
Failure to transplant growing plants to larger containers will impede root
development and shoot generation, and inhibit their overall growth.

26

P REPARATION OF P OTTING S OIL

The best organic soils should always be used for cultivating nursery plants.
As noted previously, a nursery should be situated near a supply of fertile
soil.
A potting mix consisting of 50% forest soils, 25% sand soils and 25% other
organic manures is ideal for potting bamboo.
Soil should be sieved to remove large lumps and stones. If necessary,
fertilizer should be added in granular form when preparing the soil
mixture.
If the soil mix contains many weed seeds, it is desirable to fill containers 34 weeks before sowing so that the seeds can germinate and be eliminated
in advance.

S EED P R OPAGATION
In general, bamboo seeds should not be stored for a prolonged period of
time. They have a short-lived viability and their capacity to germinate
rapidly begins to deteriorate after two to three months. Because of this
poor viability, it is advisable to collect and sow the seeds without delay.
Seeds may be sown in a nursery bed or in polyethylene tubes filled with
soil and then covered with a thin layer of soil.
Seeds of Y. alpina should be sown either by dibbling with a stick or finger
to a depth equal to its shortest dimension, or laid on the surface and
covered to this depth.
The planted seeds should be maintained in a shaded area and protected
from direct sunlight. This is the favorable environment for high
germination. In most cases, not all seeds will germinate, but numerous

27

seedlings will develop provided that a generous amount of seeds have

been planted.
The seeds should be watered daily and must be kept moist at all times.
Watering should be done carefully using a fine rose can. Watering is best
done in the morning or mid-afternoon, but never at mid-day to avoid the
risk of scorching.

A seedling of Yushania alpina

Very young bamboo seedlings (as well as small culm cuttings) are very
susceptible to sun scorch. Shade capable of blocking up to 75% of direct
sunlight should be provided to protect the plants.
28

Highland bamboo seedlings potted in polybags

Seedlings should be mulched during initial months. Mulching protects
them from intense heat, strong winds, and the impact of raindrops. It also
helps prevent the rapid evaporation of soil moisture. Dry grass, leaves, and
straw are suitable materials for mulching. The kind and amount of mulch
will depend on the time of sowing, and rate of growth of seedlings.
Seedlings that have grown to a height of about 5 cm should be gently
pricked out of the seedbed and transplanted into polyethylene tubes.
After 8-12 months from the date of transplanting, good-sized transplants
can be obtained.

29

Highland bamboo seedlings at a nursery in Amhara region

C ULTIVATION OF W ILD LINGS
Profuse natural regeneration of Y. alpina usually occurs on the forest floor
after bamboo flowering. Ripe seeds fall on the ground and germinate on
site. Weeds and inter seedlings competition usually affects the
establishment of most of these young plants.
Patches of wildlings in a two-leaf stage may sometimes be found on the
forest floor after flowering has occurred. In case bamboo seeds are not
available, these wildlings can be cultivated and used as propagules at the
nursery. The wildlings should be carefully collected by scooping the soil on
which they stand and quickly taken to the nursery and transplanted on
shaded soil bed. Once the plants have grown to a height of 5cm, they
should be individually pricked out and transplanted into polybags.

30

A bamboo seedling with developed roots

P OTTI NG
Potting of propagules should be done carefully to ensure a high survival
rate at the nursery.
Polythene tubes or polybags are the commonly used potting containers.
Polybags with a size of 40 cm x 50 cm are suitable for small bamboo plants
and generally provide sufficient space for the development of roots,
rhizomes, and new shoots.

31

Highland bamboo seedlings potted in polybags

If the polybags do not have holes at the base, it is necessary to perforate
some holes to provide drainage and thereby prevent the roots from being
waterlogged.

Potted seedlings properly arranged in the nursery

32

A light potting mixture with good drainage should be used at all times.
Heavy soils should be avoided since they will constrain the growth and
development of the young plants.
The potting procedure involves the following steps:

Fill about 1/3 of the polybags with the soil mixture.

Place the roots and rhizomes of the plant in the center of the polybag
and fill up the remaining portion of the polybag with soil ensuring
that the base of the stems are on the level of the soil.

Compact the soil in the polybag moderately.

Water the newly-potted plants.

Place them in a shaded area or in the lath house and ensure they are
regularly watered.

F ERTILIZER A PPLICATIONS
Fertilizer application may be done in the seedbed in conjunction with
watering long before transplanting. This is done by dissolving complete
NPK fertilizer (14-14-14) or (15-15-15) at the rate of 10g per liter of water.
Fertilizer may also be applied at the time of transplanting. After filling the
pot with soil, a pinch (approximately 0.25g) of complete fertilizer is
dropped at the hole where the seedling will be transplanted.
If available, slow release fertilizers such as Osmocote can be used for
plants that are at least 1 year old.
M ACRO -P ROLIFERATION
When seeds or wildlings are not available and a large quantity of planting
materials is required, the method of offsets should be integrated in a
33

nursery macro-proliferation program. Offsets taken from the field should

be immediately taken to a nursery and planted in large containers with
drainage holes. Macro-proliferation involves the method known as clump
division.
Division of plants on site provides a means for lowering overall costs and
increasing margins. Care must however be taken that this process is
planned and supervised in order to maintain a high level of quality.
At the nursery, the following procedure should be followed:

Offsets placed in containers should be maintained and regular

weeding is necessary.

When the offset has developed at least 2 new culms, it can be divided
into at least two plants.

Division should de done prior to the development of new shoots in

the spring.

Prepare new containers filled with a light potting mixture.

Remove the plant from its container and shake off the soil so that the
rhizome structure can be examined.

Divide the clump into 2 or more plants following the same method
used in offset propagation.

Replant the divided plants in new pots with a loose potting mixture
and water and mulch them regularly.

One plant should normally yield at least 2 new plants every year.

Always maintain a stock of plants that are regularly propagated and

divided at the nursery.

To ease delivery of plants to plantations, the plants can be shortened

by cutting the stems above the first nodes with leaves and branches.

34

I RRIGATION
Irrigation is a critical factor for the production of healthy plants. A deep
well or water tank must be relied upon as a source of water if the nursery
is not located along a lake or river. A pump and sprinkler system will allow
for effective watering on a regular basis. Young bamboo plants need water
daily; without water the soil humidity in the containers is reduced and the
plants can become dehydrated. The plots of growing plants should be
controlled on a daily basis. It is also necessary to ensure that the irrigation
system is functioning properly so that plants in all areas of the nursery are
watered. In the event that the irrigation or sprinkler system fails, plants
should be watered manually. Failure to water plants will result in heavy
losses.
W EEDING
Weeds compete with bamboo plants by absorbing nutrients, water, and
sunlight. Weeds have rhizomes which sprout again if not removed.
Measures to control weeds include a thorough preparation of the soil
before sowing and the use of sowing media and manure which are free of
weed seeds. The removal of weeds growing within the vicinity is also
strongly advised in order to lower the occurrence of seed dispersal by
wind or water.
The following are recommended practices in weeding:

Weeding should be done thoroughly, systematically and regularly.

When removing weeds from soil, no portion of the root system

should be left behind.

Weeding should be done only when the soil is moist.

Weeds that have been removed should be properly disposed off in a

rubbish heap.

35

Wherever practical and convenient, mechanical weeding tools may be

used.

H ARDENING
After being transplanted or potted, the seedlings and cuttings are kept
under 50% shade. But as soon as transplants have recovered and
commenced growth, they should be exposed to more sunlight and
gradually hardened. Hardening is achieved by progressively exposing the
plants to more adverse weather conditions similar to those in the planting
field. By the time seedlings and cuttings are ready to be planted out in the
field, their roots should be well developed and have healthy green foliage,
which are prerequisites for shoot development. At least one month before
planting out, they should be bared to full sunlight and moved to the open
field nursery where they are maintained up to the time they are taken out
of the nursery and transported to field planting sites.
Fertilizer should not be applied during the hardening period, especially
two months before field planting to prevent the development of succulent
tissues.

36

QUALITY CONTROL AT THE NURSERY

Quality control procedures should be applied from the moment of

construction and installation of the nursery up to the time that plants are
delivered to customers. The levels of quality control are described below.
G ENERAL M AINTENANCE
Throughout the culture, it is necessary to regularly control plants and
check on their root and shoot development.
If the plants stay in the nursery longer than anticipated, they must be
pruned to a height of 40-50 cm, which can be done using hedge-trimmers.
It is also necessary to make inventories and to make sure that plants are
properly labeled and marked. This is crucial especially if the nursery
cultivates different bamboo varieties.
The nursery should be kept clean and orderly. Equipment and tools should
be regularly inspected, maintained and repaired when necessary. The
structures, paths and the plots should be periodically inspected to ensure
that they remain in good condition.

37

Using labels facilitates the identification of species at the nursery.

Q UALITY OF THE S OIL M IX
The pH of the soil mix must be controlled and brought to an optimum
value. At pH of 5.5, the bamboos assimilate the nutritive elements better
and show improved growth. If necessary, the pH of the potting soil mixture
can be raised using chemical products such as Calcium carbonate and
Calcium sulfate.
Q UALITY C ONTROL D URING R EPOTTING
During repotting, young plants must be protected from direct sunlight and
dry winds. This is best achieved by performing the potting activities under
a shaded area and immediately transferring the plants to the lath house or
shade tunnel.
Careful attention must be paid to the plants during the first three weeks
that follow the repotting operation. Initial irrigation must be abundant,
38

and in the weeks following the repotting operation, irrigation must be

frequently done.
P HYTOSANITARY T REATMENT S
Controlling the weeds is a regular maintenance task. If the potting soil
components have not been disinfected, there will be too many weed
seeds. Effective weed control and reduced manual labor for weeding can
be achieved by using anti-germinative herbicides such as Cent 7, which has
isoxaben as its active agent.
The first anti-germinative treatment should be carried out just after
repotting, at a rate of 6 liters/ha. Three months later, a second treatment
must be done, just before the plants are brought to the fields.
Nevertheless, a certain amount of manual weeding will be needed during
the time the plants are in the nursery. In spite of reducing the time spent
in weeding, herbicides cannot completely eliminate weeds and certain
weeds manage to break through the Cent 7 film.
The paths between containers in the open field nursery can be treated
with a solution of Roundup and Decimax. These herbicides have a systemic
effect, penetrate the roots, and have a persistent action in the soil.
Herbicidal treatments can be applied 4 to 5 times per year depending on
weed infestation.
Bamboos only have a few natural enemies and they normally do not suffer
from attacks or diseases when planted in the fields. Nevertheless, a
regular control can help to avoid invasions and infections, as well as to
determine the tolerance level to any problems. In the nursery, however,
certain preventive and curative treatments will be necessary. Following
the soil preparation in the nursery and before setting the plots, a
treatment against ants and termites must be carried out. Spraying of the
2
soil with Decis (deltamethrine) at 15 g/m or with Diazinon (240 g/l) can be
very effective.

39

The phytosanitary treatments in the nursery will be essentially of a

curative nature, as in the case of the borer beetles that attack the young
culms (Estigmena chinensis, Conarthus jansoni) or leaf rollers (Pyrausta
coclesalis). These pests occur only occasionally.
Other treatments must have a preventive nature, to avoid the pests
commonly found in the nurseries, such as aphids. The use of an insecticide
such as the Pirimor will provide a good control over aphid populations.
This insecticide has a persisting action and remains active for months; this
helps to reduce the number of treatments while protecting the culture.
Treatments with fungicides will be applied when common cryptogamic
diseases arise (e.g. septoriosis and fusariosis). Serious diseases such as the
Rhizoctonia solani can be avoided by utilizing good potting soil, but
frequent controls must nevertheless be carried out.
R ODENT C ONTR OL
Rodents may cause damage by eating the shoots and roots of the bamboo
seedlings. Control of these animals can be achieved by laying traps or
poisonous baits, or through other local methods.

40

PLANTING BAMBOO IN THE FIELD

Prior to planting bamboo in the field, a planting scheme which takes into
consideration the size and growth habit of the species has to be
determined. For Y. alpina, the recommended spacing is 7x7m or 204 plants
per hectare. This distance provides sufficient space for intercropping and
allows greater ease of movement for maintenance and harvesting
activities. A 5x5m layout with 400 plants per hectare may however be used
for riverbank and gully stabilization, or when intercropping of cash crops is
not intended. Field planting can be done either by direct planting of culm
offsets or by using nursery-raised plants.
As mentioned earlier, the use of culm offsets for a large plantation is not
practical. The preferred type of planting material is bamboo raised at a
nursery.
S ELECTI ON AND T RANSPORT OF P LANTING M ATERIAL
Plants that are used for planting in the field should be hardened at the
nursery before transporting them to the planting site. Plants which are
very young and delicate have a lower chance of survival in the field. It is
important to select plants that have well developed roots and rhizomes.
Such plants will be able to absorb nutrients from the soil and will be able
to adapt to the harsher conditions of the field more easily than plants
which are still developing roots.
Plants at the nursery which have very long stems may be trimmed down to
a height of 50 cm. It is however essential to ensure that the plants have
sufficient foliage. Smaller plants with vigorous roots will require less
energy for surviving in the field than taller plants.
When transporting plants to the field, they should be handled carefully.
The plants should be watered thoroughly prior to transport. They should
be loaded and unloaded from the transport vehicle in such a way that no
damage is caused to them.
41

Upon arrival at the field site, the plants should be watered regularly up to
the time that they are planted.
P LANTING P ROCEDURE FOR N URSERY P LANTS
The following guidelines are suggested to aid the establishment of a
productive plantation.

In selecting the plantation site, check the quality of the soil. Bamboo
can grow well on most soil, but deep porous fertile soil with high
moisture content and a pH of 5.5 is preferable.

Good soil drainage is very important. Verify that the land is not prone
to flooding. Bamboo does not perform well on waterlogged soils. It is
therefore preferable for the plantation to be situated on moderate
slopes.

Clear the land of all weeds and unwanted vegetation. Burning may be
necessary during the dry season.

Carefully plan the layout of plantation so that the planting holes are
placed at the specified distances and intervals.

Plan the activities so that the plantation layout is completed at least 2

weeks before planting.

The planting holes should be positioned in a north-south orientation.

This will provide an optimal distribution of sunlight to all the plants.

Planting holes with a diameter of 1m and a depth of 60cm should be

dug and evenly spaced out according to the plant spacing of 7m x 7m.

Planting should coincide with the start of the rainy season. If

available, organic fertilizer or manure should be placed into each hole
and mixed with topsoil. The plants should be planted vertically in an
erect position and the hole should be properly covered and mulched.

42

A large planting hole facilitates the growth of roots and rhizomes.

D IRECT P LANTING OF OFFSET CUTTINGS

Direct planting of offsets of Y. alpina in the plantation may be done in
small plots or homestead farms. Planting should be conducted at the
beginning of the rainy season. The selection and preparation of offset
cuttings for direct planting follows the same procedure as that of planting
stock for nursery-raised cuttings except that cuttings are directly planted
in the field pits without potting.
The procedure for direct planting is as follows:

Haul the offset cuttings to the planting site.

Loosen the soil in previously prepared planting pits/holes.

Place the cuttings in the hole in a vertical position. The lowest node of
the culm offset should be above the ground.

43

Position the cutting at the center of the planting hole and fill up the
pit with soil, ensuring that the culm stands firmly in place.

Water the soil thoroughly and mulch around the planting hole.

R EPLANTING
Not all transplanted seedlings and cuttings will survive the new
environment. The plantation should therefore be visited regularly to check
on the survival of plants. Dead seedlings and cuttings should be replaced.
Replanting should be done immediately at the start of the rainy season.
I NTERCROPPING
During the first two years from the time of planting the bamboo,
intercropping of cash crops and vegetables may be done between the
rows of bamboo. Intercropping serves several purposes. Vegetables
provide a source of income to farmers. When cultivated between rows of
newly planted bamboo, vegetable crops provide greater stability to the
soil and help control erosion. Intercropping also creates an incentive for
farmers to control weeds and pests in the plantation. In order to care for
their vegetables, farmers will be involved with maintenance activities that
are favorable to the growth of the bamboo plants.
When the bamboo canopy has developed, sunlight will be fully absorbed
and the cultivation of vegetables will no longer be viable. During the third
year after planting the bamboo, leguminous species may be planted to
serve as ground cover in between the lines of bamboo.

44

PLANTATION MAINTENANCE

Maintenance activities during the first 2 years after planting must focus on
protecting the young plants from competing vegetation and pests. After
the second year, maintenance activities are concentrated on clump
management.
S OIL M AINTENANCE
During the first year, it is advisable to loosen the soil around the plant to
improve soil aeration. Doing this about twice a year for each plant will
enhance growth. Care should however be taken not to disturb the rhizome
system of the plant.
W EEDING
The growth of bamboo plants can be hampered by weeds and competing
vegetation. It is very important to control and arrest the growth of weeds
around each bamboo clump. Failure to do so will invariably result in poor
root and stem development in the young bamboos. An area within a
radius of 60 cm around each plant should be cleared off of all weeds and
vegetation.
P EST C ONTROL
The presence of pests and grazing animals should be thoroughly
controlled. Y. alpina is palatable to animals, especially in dry grazing. It
may be necessary to carry out protection against goats and antelopes by
partial or total fencing of the plantation. Every available means should be
taken to prevent animals from grazing in the plantation. In small
homesteads, fencing is a solution, but for a large plantation, it is costly.

45

Careful supervision in this regard is therefore crucial. It is necessary to

patrol the plantation, check for damage, seek the cause, and find suitable
means to eliminate the problem.
M ULCHING
Mulching is a proven way of improving the growth of bamboo. In drier
areas, with rainfall less than 1000 mm, mulching around plants greatly
encourages growth through reduced evaporation of soil water. Mulching is
achieved by uniformly spreading a layer of leaf litter or other organic
material on the surface of the soil around the bamboo clump. Mulching is
an effective way of preventing weed growth. It helps conserve soil
moisture and contributes organic nutrients to the plant.
Mulching is absolutely necessary for the production of good quality
bamboo shoots. The mulch protects young shoots from direct sunlight and
keeps them moist, thus allowing them to grow to an optimal size without
hardening and losing their edible quality.
C LUMP M ANAGEMENT
The proper maintenance of the clump not only improves productivity but
also eases the job of the plantation worker. Clump management is partly a
maintenance task and partly a result of harvesting. As a maintenance
activity, it involves removing unwanted culms to prevent clump
congestion. This is particularly necessary with densely tufted species such
as Y. alpina.
About 90% of new culms emerge in the outer borders of the clump. New
shoots and culms cause the clump to widen in diameter. Culms at the
periphery of the clump are generally new or young, while older culms
stand towards the interior of the clump. Understanding this is important
for maintaining a bamboo clump such that its productivity and vigor is
maximized.

46

In maintaining a bamboo clump, it is necessary to extract the oldest culms

in the interior of the clump. This is facilitated by creating an opening in the
clump and shaping the clump in the form of a horseshoe or C shape.
Unless properly managed, clumping bamboos tend to get congested
resulting in deterioration both in quality and quantity. It is difficult to
extract culms from congested clumps. Preventing clump congestion is
important so that harvesting can be done with greater ease. Thinning the
clump is essential to provide space for the emergence of new shoots. It is
sometimes necessary to sacrifice a few young culms in order to allow for
better shoot production in the clump.
Removal of old and rotting culms is also necessary to promote the healthy
growth of shoots and new culms. Special attention should be placed on
rotting in the stubs of culms that have been harvested. If rotting becomes
apparent, it is advisable to dig around the stub and completely remove it.
Likewise rotting culms should be extracted. Symptoms of disease or fungal
infections should be noted and a plant pathologist should be advised for
possible remedies and control measures.
R EDUCING THE R ISK OF F OREST F IRES
Forest fires are a potential risk to highland bamboo plantations and
natural stands, especially during the dry season. Dry leaves, branches and
twigs, as well as dead culms may catch and spread fire throughout a large
area. Proper mulching of dry leaf litter with humid organic material around
the clump aids in preventing the spread of fires.
Firebreaks should be established to safeguard the plantation area.
Corridors 10-15 m wide are usually sufficient to stop fire from spreading
throughout the plantation.

47

HARVESTING AND HANDLING

Harvesting of Y. alpina should be done selectively according to the age and

maturity of the culms. Systematic and selective cutting of mature culms
assures the continuous production of young shoots, which is an index of
annual yield or increment. The implementation of plantation management
strategies can help sustain the regenerative characteristics of bamboo and
thereby provide an enduring supply of raw material for industries.
The bamboo plantation will be managed effectively if the exploitation is
regulated on a sustainable yield basis. In other words, the clump should
never be over harvested or clear cut. New culms as well as 1 to 2 years old
culms should not be harvested. A few 3 years old culms should also be left
standing so that the clump remains robust and so that harvesting can be
performed annually. Following this method, culms are left standing on the
clump until they mature, after which, they may be harvested.
A newly established plantation of Y. alpina should normally be ready for
first harvesting after 5 to 6 years from the time of planting. Thereafter,
cutting of mature culms can be done annually or at predetermined
intervals of years, according to the management plan and the end use of
culms.
The cutting cycles and methods of extraction of culms from a clump should
be implemented as an integral part of the management system of the
entire bamboo plantation as well as natural stands. Achieving
sustainability in terms of culm production will therefore depend on how
effectively culms are selected for harvesting, and on how the extraction
from the clump is carried out.
Harvesting is a labor intensive operation and it is necessary to make good
arrangements with plantation workers so that harvesting operations are
not delayed.
The following rules apply for harvesting culms of Y. alpina in particular.

Harvesting of mature culms may begin 5 to 6 years after planting.

48

Harvest culms only during the dry season. The starch content of
bamboo is lower during periods of dryness. Lower starch content in
the culms will make them less susceptible to attack by borers.

Harvesting should be selective: only mature culms which are 3 to 4

years old should be harvested.

In a clump, new culms are normally produced outwards - towards the

periphery of the clump, and the older culms stand towards the
center. Harvesting of culms therefore should be from the center and
not at the periphery of the clump. This makes it necessary to maintain
clumps in the shape of a horseshoe, keeping the apex towards the
side where the new culms are emerging. The open end of the
horseshoe facilitates entry inside the clump for extracting mature
culms.

Plan the cutting operation to avoid harming young culms. New culms
that attain an average height within the first few months are soft and
may collapse unless supported by mature erect culms. A few older
culms should be left in the clump after cutting, seeing to it however
that congestion is under control.

Use very sharp tools. It is highly advisable to disinfect harvesting tools

using bleach. This lowers the risk of infecting the plants.

Do not cut young culms unless congestion in the clump prevents the
cutting of mature culms.

Cut each culm between 15 cm to 30 cm from the ground or just above

the first node from the ground level. This is necessary so that water
does not accumulate in the protruding internode. The accumulation
of water may result in rotting and invites insects to lay their eggs.

Never clear-cut an entire clump unless it has been verified to be

seriously infected by a disease.

Never harvest culms during the rainy season!

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Mulch each clump after harvesting using branches and leaves of

harvested culms. These should be neatly piled around the clump to
provide organic material to enrich the soil around the clump.

If the plantation is situated near a river, the culms may be allowed to soak
in water for a few weeks to aid in the removal of starch and protect them
from beetle attack. Otherwise, they should be hauled to an area where
they are sorted and air-dried. Good practices to enable drying will help
minimize losses due to bio-degradation of the culms. The large culms
should be stacked horizontally on parapets where there is good air
circulation. Smaller culms may be piled horizontally at a 60 angle to form
a tepee shape allowing air to circulate around them to aid the drying
process. After drying, the whole culms or culm segments are sold in local
markets.

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POST-HARVEST TREATMENT

Bamboo culms are vulnerable to decay and attack by fungi or insects,

especially powder post beetles. Such attacks reduce the natural durability
of bamboo and diminish its value and utility.
Post-harvest treatments can help to reduce the risk of decay and attack by
pests and thereby increase the useful life and value of bamboo culms.
Depending on the end use of the culm, several methods of preservation
may be applied to culms prior to their sale or industrial utilization.
D RYING AND S EASONING
Drying culms is common in the processing of bamboo culm for most uses.
Culms are also subjected to seasoning prior to machining, processing, and
finishing products that are durable, stable and of a high quality.
Bamboo culms can be air-dried with or without sunlight or they may be
kiln-dried. Air-drying is more common that kiln drying since it is more
economical. Bamboo culms may be split into halves to speed up drying
operations.
Bamboo culms may be thoroughly air-dried in well-ventilated shade for
several weeks. Drying can be done by letting the culms stand in a covered
area with good air circulation (as shown below).

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A large planting hole facilitates the growth of roots and rhizomes

Drying can also be done by stacking culms horizontally on racks. In drying
large quantities, the butts and tops of the culms are placed alternately,
and then tied in bundles to prevent bending.
Straightening green culms without application of heat requires several
weeks. This is done under the shade, either by suspending the freshly-cut
curved culm by the tip and attaching a weight at the other end, or by
laying the green culm on a flat surface and applying sufficient pressure
over the culm during the period of drying and setting.
M OLD PREVENTION
The risk of molding in bamboo culms can be reduced by drying culms such
that the water content is reduced to less than 15 percent.
Stacking bamboo culms above the ground helps prevent molding and
subsequent rotting. Storing bamboo in a cool and dry area also helps
52

reduce decay from molding. Coating the bamboo culms with borax or
wood preservative chemicals inhibits the formation of molds.
P RESERVATION
Bamboo culms are susceptible to biological and physical deterioration
especially when harvested young. Deterioration of the bamboo culm is
mainly due to attack by powder-post beetles, termites, and decay caused
by staining fungi. Methods to increase the durability or prolong the service
life of bamboo culms are broadly classified into non-chemical and chemical
methods.
N ON - CHEMICAL METHODS
Many of the methods mentioned below are practiced traditionally and are
suitable for small-scale industries or farmers with limited resources.

Curing: After harvesting, the culms are left in the field for some time
with branches and leaves intact. The transpiration of moisture
through the leaves contributes to the reduction of starch in the culm.

Smoking: The bamboo culms are cut into the desired length and
stacked above a fire in an enclosed area. The smoke causes the culms
to blacken and the heat destroys the starch in the parenchyma cells.
Bamboo culms cured with smoke are known to last more than 15
years.

White Washing: whole or split bamboo culms are painted with slaked
lime. This prevents the entry of moisture into the culm, keeping away
stain fungi and halting decay.

Construction Methods: mounting bamboo poles over a concrete or

stone foundation helps prolong their service life. Since the bamboo is
not in contact with the ground, it is less susceptible to attack by fungi
and termites.

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Time of Harvesting: harvesting mature (3 years old or older) culms

during the dry season when their starch content is lowest makes
them less vulnerable to attack by termites and fungi. If properly dried
after harvesting, their useful life is significantly extended.

Plastering: plastering bamboo culms or strips using cow dung mixed

either with lime or mortar is effective in extending the durability of
low-cost bamboo constructions.

C HEMICAL P RESERVATION M ETHODS

Using chemicals for preserving bamboo culms generally provides more
effective protection than non-chemical methods. Chemical methods
however imply greater costs and are only used when greater added-value
and a higher quality product are required.

Fumigation: involves the use of chemicals such as Methyl bromide for

insect control.

Steeping or Sap Displacement: green bamboo culms are allowed to

stand vertically in a container of preservative solution till adequate
chemical is picked up. At times, the culm may be freshly cut with
branches and leaves on.

The Opentank Treatment: culms are cut to a desired length and are
soaked in a solution of a water-soluble preservative for several days.
The solution penetrates the culm by diffusion through the ends and
partly through the sides.

Butt Treatment: the bottom part of green bamboo or dried bamboo

culm is immersed in a container of preservative, for example an old
oil drum. The culms are left for about one week.

Old Engine Oil: many farmers have been reported to use old engine
oil particularly for green culms. The effectiveness of this method has
not been widely reported and documented.

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REFERENCES

1. Banik, R.L 1997. Domestication and Improvement of Bamboo. INBAR

working paper No. 10. International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, New
Delhi, India UNDP/ FAO forest and tree improvement project, Manila, the
Philippines. 55.pp
2. Eggerling. W. J and Dale, I.R.1951. The Indigenous trees of the Uganda
protectorate. Govern. Printers Entebbe, Uganda.
3. Hartmann, Handson T., Kester, Dale E. and Davies, Fred T. Jr. 1990
plant propagation principles and practices. Fifth edition. Prentice Hall, New
Jersey. 647. pp.
4. Kigomo, B.N. 1988. Guidelines for the establishment and management
of bamboo plantations in Kenya. Occasional paper No, 1: Kenya Forestry
Research Institute. 31 pp.
5. Liese, W.1985. Bamboos-Biology, silvics, properties and utilization.
GTZ. Germany, 132 pp.
6. LUSO CONSULT, 1997."Study on sustainable bamboo management"
Final report on behalf of Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische
Zusammenargeit (GTZ) GmbH, Eschborn, Hamburg, 85 pp.
7. Marden, 1980. Bamboo the giant grass National Geographic.
Vol.158.No.44, pp. 502-29.
8. McClure, F.A. 1996. The bamboo: A fresh perspective Harvard
University press. Cambridge, Mass. Pp.347.
9. Mooney, H.F.1963.A glossary of Ethiopian plant names. Dublin Univer.
Press Ltd.
10. Mooney, H.F. 1959. A report on the bamboo forests of Wellega
Province with view to their possible utilization for pulp. Addis Ababa. p.8

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11. Phillips. Sylvia. 1995. Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Poaceae

(Gramineae) National Herbarium, Addis Ababa University .p.5.
12. Wolde-Michael Kelecha, 1980. The bamboo potential of Ethiopia,
FAWDA, Addis Ababa pp.14
13. Williamson, J.1974. Useful plants of Malawi. Pab.University Macawi,
Indian.
14. Von Breitenbach, F.1963.The indigenous trees of Ethiopia, Addis
Ababa, pp.195.

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APPENDIX 1: DATA TO BE RECORDED

PHONOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS OF BAMBOO

BASED

Observations per Month

Phonological Events
J

M A M J

Flower bud
formation
Flowering
Fruiting
Matured fruits
Fruit dropping

57

A S O N D

ON

APPENDIX 2: DATA TO BE GATHERED DURING VEGETATIVE

PHASE OF HIGHLAND BAMBOO

Observations per Month

Vegetative Phase
J

M A

M J

Shoot Sprout
Sheath Peel-off
Clump Conditions After
Reproductive Phase
Rhizome Conditions
After Reproductive
Phase
Interval Time Vegetative
and Reproductive phase

Symbol to be filled
SSH = Shoot Sprout

SSP = Sheath Peel off

D= Die

L= Live

58