Bamboo Research in Puyallup
Andy Bary and Carol A. Miles
A variety trial was established at the Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center in the spring of 2001. The purpose of this study is to determine the adaptability of the varieties for shoot and pole production in Western Washington. The study includes 7 different varieties replicated 4 times at the research site. Varieties are arranged into plots consisting of 25 plants spaced 5 feet apart. Plants were transplanted from rhizome cuttings rooted in the spring in 2 gallon pots. Since this is a replicated field trial, we will be able to measure the amount of variation that might be seen in bamboo grown in the area. The amount of data we gather from this trial will depend on our ability to arrange funding for the plot maintenance and data collection. Planned measurements include plant height, cane diameter, amount of ground coverage, and the number of new canes. The information will be made available to bamboo growers and farmers who want to start growing bamboo. Wade Bennett of Rockridge Nashi Orchards and Bamboo Grove donated plants of each of the following seven varieties to get us started: Phyllostachys rubromarginata, Phyllostachys aurea, Phyllostachys nigra (var. "Megurochiku" and "Henon"), Phyllostachys aureosulcata alata, Phyllostachys nuda, Phyllostachys vivax, and Phyllostachys bambusoides. |
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Our future plans include a nitrogen management experiment to evaluate nitrogen use and uptake by bamboo. This will allow us to better determine how much nitrogen a bamboo uses, how best to fertilize bamboo for optimum growth, and how bamboo compares in nitrogen uptake to other plants.
Bary, A. and C. Miles. 1999. Bamboo research in Puyallup. Pacific Northwest Bamboo Newsletter. 15(4).
Link: WSU Cooperative Extension Bamboo Research