Variation in Morphological Characters of Leaf and Culm Sheath of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex.Wendl. in Central India

Abstract

The feasibility of Bambusa vulgaris schrad. ex Wendl. has been assessed globally for a variety of uses. It is one of the fastest growing bamboo and can thrive in both moist and dry climates. To disseminate substantial baseline data on morphological variations of the species, morphological characteristics of leaf and culm sheath of Candidate Plus Clumps (CPCs) were evaluated followed by genetic analysis of growth attributes of three bamboo stands viz., MP-RJR, MH-AMR and OR-KLN, in three distinct states Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha of central India. Significant differences in leaves and culm sheaths were noticed among the CPCs and bamboo stands during the investigation. OR-KLN was observed with the longest leaf (22.77 cm) and the broadest leaf lamina at the top (1.58 cm). Longest average culm sheath blade (30.37 cm) in MH-AMR and maximum average sheath diameter (33.23 cm) in OR-KLN were recorded. High values for phenotypic coefficient of variations, genotypic coefficient of variations, heritability and genetic advance as mean percentage were obtained for clump diameter and number of culms per clump.  This can be used as selection criteria in the improvement programme of Bambusa vulgaris var. Green. Aims: To study morphological variation of leaf and culm sheath of Bambusa vulgaris schrad. ex Wendl. at three bamboo stands associated with genetic analysis in growth attributes. Study Design:  Complete Randomised design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: Morphological data of Candidate Plus Clumps (CPCs), leaf and culm sheath of Bambusa vulgaris was recorded at bamboo stands in Rajore, Madhya Pradesh, Kalinga, Odisha and Amravati, Maharashtra from September 2021 to November 2022. Further investigation, statistical analysis and other studies were carried out at Genetics and Tree Improvement Division, Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, M.P., India.