Abstract

Experiments on vegetative propagation of the bamboo reeds, Ochlandra travancorica and O. scriptoria, were carried out at monthly intervals from June 1981 to May 1982 by rooting culm cuttings. For enhancing the rooting response, four growth regulating substances, indoleacetic acid (IAA), indolebutyric acid (IBA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and coumarin were used. Observations on rooting, the number and height of shoots were recorded after six months. In both species, rooting occurred only between February and June. Ochlandra travancorica was most responsive to coumarin 10 ppm and NAA 100 ppm in April, whereas O. Scriptoria was responsive to IBA 100 ppm in March. A field trial was conducted using Ochlandra travancorica to compare the growth of clumps raised from seedlings and rooted cuttings. Observations after two years showed that the growth of cuttings treated with NAA 100 ppm was better in terms of number and height of culms per clump