An Overview of Bamboo Biodiversity: Exploring their Genetic Resources, Sustainability and Uses: Review Article

Bamboo plant is native to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Americas. Bamboo is a member of family Poacaceae (Graminae). There are approximately 70 genera making up over 1200 species. Bamboos belonging to family Poaceae are considered as one of the most versatile multi-utility forest species. The applicability of bamboo is highly diverse as they are employed immensely in paper, handicraft industry, house construction, and making furniture, water pipes, storage vessels and other important household items. Bamboo’s rapid growth, durability, and renewability make it a valuable resource for various industries, promoting sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact. Edible bamboo shoots have immense potential of being used as important health food as they contain high proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, many important minerals, and vitamins. Freshly collected bamboo shoots have good amount of thiamine, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. Bamboo sequesters carbon better than terrestrial forests. It can sequester up to 17 tonnes per hectare per year of atmospheric carbon dioxide within the roots systems. Bamboo provides tremendous restorative powers to degraded lands, clean soil and water of contaminants, mitigate erosion especially along water shades, restore moisture content and revitalize soil nutrients. Understanding the bamboo genetic diversity, multiplication techniques, growth potentials and produce utilization is crucial for harnessing its full potential and promoting sustainable development practices. Keywords: Bamboo, biodiversity, genetic diversity, multi-utility, environment restoration.