Abstract

In the present report, results of the preliminary studies conducted on six species of edible bamboos namely, Bambusa bambos, Bambusa tulda, Dendrocalamus brandisii, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dendrocalamus longispathus and Dendrocalamus strictus, are presented. It is observed that the shoot production season in Kerala is from June to September and 3-6 shoots are produced from a clump during this period. Shoots are also produced during November-December when Kerala receives northeast monsoon rains. However, if regularly watered, new shoots develop at specific intervals. The shoots can be harvested 7-14 days after the emergence when the shoot height will be about 15-30 cm depending upon the species. It has been estimated that a freshly harvested youngshoot of Bambusa bambos weighing 5 kg could yield 1.5-2.5 kg edible bamboo. Growth rate of bamboo is very fast and attains harvestable maturity in less than five years resulting in enhanced culm production. The average number of shoots produced in Bambusa bambos is 23 per annum with an approximate weight of 32-50 kg. In Dendrocalamus hamiltonii the average number of culm production is recorded to be 53 and weighing approximately 20-40 kg. It has become evident that bamboo has emerged as a cash crop to generate income for the rural communities. The study of the nutrient status of all the six species of bamboos clearly indicated that D. strictus is more nutritious than D. hamiltonii and B. bambos. Nutritive analysis of other edible bamboo species needs to be carried out in order to understand their potential as a dietary