Dolu Bamboo (Schizostachyum dullooa)

Dolu Bamboo (Schizostachyum dullooa)

Local Indian Name:

• Assamese: Dolu bamboo (ঢলু বাঁহ)

• Bengali: Dolu baans (ঢলু বাঁশ)

• Hindi: Dolu bans (डोलू बाँस)

Scientific Name:

Schizostachyum dullooa

Family:

Poaceae (Grass Family)

Category and Subcategory:

• Category: Perennial Bamboo Species

• Subcategory: Clumping Bamboo

Native Region:

• Indigenous to Northeast India, particularly Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur.

• Also found in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.

Introduction

Dolu bamboo (Schizostachyum dullooa) is a fast-growing, medium-sized bamboo species primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Northeast India. It is highly valued for its thin-walled, flexible culms, which are widely used in handicrafts, paper production, furniture, and construction.

Importance & Benefits

Economic Importance:

• Used in paper and pulp industries (high cellulose content).

• Extensively used in handicrafts, mat weaving, and basket making.

• Preferred for eco-friendly packaging materials.

• Provides livelihood to rural communities through bamboo-based industries.

Environmental Benefits:

• Helps in soil conservation and erosion control.

• Improves biodiversity and provides habitat for wildlife.

• Acts as a carbon sink, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Health & Medicinal Benefits:

• Bamboo shoots of some species are consumed as food, though Dolu bamboo is mainly used for non-edible purposes.

• Bamboo extracts have antimicrobial properties.

Description and Cultivation

Botanical Description:

• Height: Grows 6-12 meters tall.

• Culms (stems): Thin-walled, smooth, and greenish-yellow in color.

• Leaves: Long, narrow, and pointed with a deep green color.

• Growth Habit: Forms dense clumps and spreads through underground rhizomes.

Major Growing Regions in India:

• Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.

Varieties and Cultivars

There are no major cultivated varieties, but different regional strains exist with slight variations in culm thickness and flexibility.

Location and Light

• Grows best in semi-shaded to full sunlight conditions.

• Prefers humid, tropical, and subtropical climates.

• Requires open space for proper clump formation.

Soil Preparation

• Prefers well-drained loamy soil with high organic matter.

• Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Enrich soil with compost, cow dung, or organic manure before planting.

Planting

• Propagation: Mainly through rhizome division or culm cuttings.

• Planting Season: Best during early monsoon (June – August).

• Spacing: 4-6 meters apart for commercial plantations.

• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and reduces weeds.

Watering

• Requires regular watering during initial growth stages.

• Once established, it is drought-resistant, but occasional watering improves yield.

• Drip irrigation is recommended for large plantations.

Pruning

• Remove dead and weak culms annually for better growth.

• Regular thinning prevents overcrowding and improves culm quality.

• Harvest only mature culms (3-5 years old) for sustainable yield.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

1. Bamboo Mites – Causes yellowing of leaves.

2. Shoot Borers – Damage young shoots and reduce growth.

3. Termites – Attack bamboo roots and culms.

Common Diseases:

1. Fungal Rot – Occurs in waterlogged soil.

2. Leaf Blight – Causes premature leaf drop.

Management Practices:

• Neem oil and organic pesticides for pest control.

• Copper-based fungicides for fungal infections.

• Regular clearing of weeds and dry leaves to prevent infestation.

Environmental Conditions

• Climate: Thrives in warm, humid climates.

• Temperature: 15°C – 35°C.

• Rainfall: 1,500 – 3,000 mm annually.

• Altitude: Grows well up to 1,500 meters above sea level.

Propagation

• Rhizome Division: Most common method, ensuring genetic purity.

• Culm Cuttings: Used for large-scale plantations.

• Seed Propagation: Rare, as bamboo flowers once in many years.

Uses

Commercial Uses:

• Paper and pulp industry – Used for high-quality paper production.

• Handicrafts and furniture – Ideal for mats, baskets, and bamboo furniture.

• Construction material – Used for fencing and roofing.

Agricultural & Ecological Uses:

• Used as windbreaks in farms.

• Controls soil erosion in hilly regions.

• Provides shade and shelter for crops and livestock.

Monetary Benefits

• Yield per clump: 8-15 culms per year (depending on soil and management).

• Market price: ₹100-₹500 per bamboo culm (based on quality).

• 1-acre plantation: Can generate ₹2-5 lakhs annually.

• Additional income: From bamboo-based industries and handicrafts.

References

1. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) – Bamboo Research

2. National Bamboo Mission, India – Cultivation & Economic Benefits

3. State Agricultural Universities – Bamboo Management Practices

4. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) – Bamboo Utilization Reports