A simple method for large-scale propagation of Dendrocalamus asper

The influence of position of cuttings, auxin treatments and seasonal variation on adventitious rooting of Dendrocalamus asper, a multipurpose edible bamboo of horticultural value, was examined. Single node proximal (culm) and distal (culm-branch) cuttings were collected during the months of April–June and treated for 24 h with water or 2 mM auxin (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA)). The treated cuttings were planted horizontally in sand beds and maintained under misting conditions for 2 months. Culm cuttings exhibited better adventitious rooting than culm-branch cuttings and the month of May proved to be the best for rooting of both types of cuttings. Auxin treatments also influenced adventitious rooting and their effectiveness was in the order: NAA>IBA>IAA. The interaction among auxin, position of cuttings and month of collection was also found to be significant on root induction and differentiation. Single node culm cuttings, without auxin treatment, resulted in 98% plantlets in May and 67% plantlets in June, and emerged as a suitable material for large-scale vegetative propagation. Administration of IAA or NAA to abundant culm-branch cuttings of low commercial utility (collected in May) also produces ≥50% plantlets.