Micro Propagation and Development of High Yielding New Bamboo Variety Bambusa Balcooa BB1 of Bangladesh

In vitro protocol of Bambusa balcooa BB1 was developed from branch nodal bud culture of the parental stock Bambusa balcooa a thick wall village bamboo of Bangladesh. Multiple shoot production of a single shoot was optimized and observed a vigorous growth in different culture media. Each shoot produced a mini clump within 6-8 weeks with maximum shoots (40 ˃ nos/ culture) in the culture vessels. The rooted shoots were transferred in soil for hardening under green house and nursery. The hardened plantlets were produced profuse multiple shoots and grew luxuriantly in polybags. Selection was made among the plantlets for their field evaluation. Field trails were done at different locations of the country in 2005 and the subsequent years. Performance of seedlings was observed at different locations and it was found promising. A three years old clump of Bambusa balcooa BB1 produced maximum number of culms which was recorded as 30.4 nos/clump in the field. This value is at least three times higher than the rhizome produced clump of the parental stock. Average culm height and diameter was recorded as 19.3 meter and 7.7 cm respectively which is also higher than the rhizome produced clump. With the proper management, each seedling formed a full clump within 3-4 years of planting with maximum numbers of new bamboo. Seedling survivality in the field level was found 100%. No infection of diseases was observed. Later on the developed bamboo variety was multiplied for mass production and wider distribution among the farmers. The new variety was conserved at BFRI bambusetum and farmers field as a source of germplasm for future use.