Improving Bamboo

This web page was produced by the Plant Sciences Group of CQUniversity, and funded by RIRDC.

WARNING: The information on this page has been gathered from   both published and unpublished material, and contains comments and   opinions from people working in the field. CQUniversity cannot guarantee   all the information, and we stress that it is necessary to CHECK WITH   THE SOURCE of the information, before using it to make a business   decision. Please read our disclaimer.

Project leader: Professor David Midmore

Researcher: Steve Ockerby

Abstract

Local availability of timber is on the decline in the Philippines,   and planting of fast-growing species needs at least a decade for   substantial change to this trend. Likewise, vegetable consumption in   rural Philippines is nowhere near the WHO recommended intake, although   consistent efforts to change this have been implemented. Cultivation of   dual-purpose species such as bamboo can alleviate these limitations to   development, and, in Australia satisfy a growing demand for (currently   imported) bamboo products. Environmental degradation, especially on   sloping lands and river banks is a commonly acknowledged problem in the   Philippines and objective planting of suitable species can to some   extent overcome this concern.

This project, therefore, seeks to advance in Australia and the   Philippines improved bamboo cultivation, building upon experience   already gained in Australia with edible shoot production and back-stop   development work for quality bamboo timber, and its preservation and   utilization. It ties together Philippino and Australian researchers and   commercial interests in such a cooperative way that the economies of   both countries will benefit. The commissioned organization is   CQUniversity, with NT Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and   government agencies and the Parks and Wildlife Commission of NT   collaborating in Australia (plus a number of private companies) and   PCARRD, such as DNR, DST and various university and private companies in   the Philippines. INBAR will also be closely involved in the research   and development activities.

Bamboo comprises an extremely adaptable group of perennial grass   species, with both temperate (the running type) and sub/tropical (the   clumping type) groups represented. We propose to work on sub/tropical   species that are valued for their edible shoots and timber. In this   project we will address two major objectives in both countries:

1.   
2. rehabilitation of existing degenerated stands for production of shoots and timber
3. maintenance of high productivity in managed plantations

We will also closely link with other research, funded by INBAR, on   the incorporation of bamboo into erosion and river bank stabilisation,   and in Australia on waste-water dissipation. Outcomes of these two   activities will reinforce the outcomes from the two major objectives,   but the latter will be achievable without the former.

Minor objectives include arguing the case for carbon credits to be   accorded to bamboo, the development of simple culm quality assessments   and labour-saving harvesting equipment, and investigating the potential   for bamboo pulp for paper making.

With activities in both Australia and Philippines, we will evaluate   through experimentation culm thinning treatments, management of   irrigation and nutrition, water/mineral nutrient uptake rates and simple   post-harvest management practices. The data so generated, because they   will be in cooperation with industry, will be rapidly adopted for   economic and environmental gains, and generation of employment in rural   areas. Working across government agencies and industry in both   countries, the project will develop a broadly experienced group of   innovators/entrepreneurs who will carry the industry forward. Led by a   project leader from CQUniversity the project will facilitate regular   contact between Philippino and Australian counterparts, in both   countries, with the major coordination of research and development,   following an initial exposure and planning meeting in Australia,   undertaken by a project-funded research officer. A number of casual   staff in the Philippines will also be supported by the project, as will   purchase of irrigation and fertilization equipment for use in the   Philippines.