Bamboo growing ideas disseminated
Bamboo propagation techniques are being disseminated through the conduct of trainings and production of communication materials at a demonstration bamboo project in Brgy. Guinabang, Bacnotan, La Union.
The project, which has been adopted by the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) as an extension activity, is led by Prof. Orlando P. Almoite. It aims to demonstrate and test different production systems and technology packages suited for degraded upland areas.
Among the production systems and technology packages being disseminated by the project are the various asexual propagation of several bamboo species. These include culm, branch, stump, shoot, marcotting, slat propagation, and the use of misting beds.
The project recommends culm cutting and slat cutting for giant bamboos; the use of ordinary garden soil and coconut coir dust for marcotting bayog, striated bamboo and Buddha's belly bamboo, and stump cutting for propagating anos.
Aside from their use as construction material, bamboos are important reforestation materials in degraded upland areas.