Abstract

To facilitate regeneration of new culms of reed bamboos (Ochlandra spp.) the government of Kerala has proposed to impose a closure period (15th June to 15th September) on the working of forests for harvesting reeds. Different methods of storage of reeds were evaluated so as to ensure supply of reeds to the traditional sector during this closure period. The study revealed that outdoor storage of reeds did not give adequate protection against deterioration. However, reeds could be stored effectively for up to eight months by keeping them under water (running or stagnant) or in disinfectant solution (bleaching powder or potassium permanganate) or preservative chemical solution (copper sulphate or boric acid) at very low concentrations. Depending on the end use, facilities available and quantity involved, a suitable storage method can be chosen