Macro & micropropagation
IHBT has standardized macro and micropropagation techniques of bamboo. Large scale aseptic cultures of D. hamiltonii, D. asper, D.giganteous, Bambusa bamboos, and
B. nudans have been raised. As the bamboos are cross pollinated and flowering cycles are long drawn, a lot of heterogeneity is observed in the seedling populations which may be important for bio-diversity conservation point of view but highly unsuitable for economic plantations. Therefore, prior selection of the seedlings in the field grown plants of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii was ensured in the Institute before attempting mass propagation both through nodal explants in vivo as well as through tissue culture. The selections were based on the growth performance of the seedlings in the field conditions and the propagation from mature plants of known physiological age ensured better performance in the field.Tissue culture protocols have also been transferred to industries and Govt. organizations.
A reproducible protocol for somatic embryogenesis and their conversion into plantlets was standardized from 8-10 year old mature elite plants of D. hamiltonii. Various morphogenetics events leading to somatic embryo formation were studied in detail.
Molecular characterization
Genetic diversity assessment of Indian bamboo germplasm using AFLP and transferred STMS of related genera is underway in DBT funded project. Under the programme six bamboo species is being collected and fingerprinted. Work is also in progress for assessment of genetic diversity of target plant species (Ochlandra travancorica & Leucaena leucocephala) with special reference to low or altered lignin content and/ higher biomass under the NMITLI project.
Transgenic Protocol
Efforts are being made for evolving methods for genetic transformation of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. Three years of rigorous experimentations and repeated attempts finally led to tiny specks of GUS transient expression in only 2% of the somatic embryos and leaves that were transformed with the Agrobacterium strain GV2260 or EHA 105 harboring the plasmid p35SGUSINT. Attempts are being made to improve this frequency. This will have the possibility of developing transgenic bamboos expressing SOD and stress tolerant genes for wider adaptability.
Edible bamboo
Seven species of edible bamboo viz. Bambusa bambos, B. nutans, Dendrocalamus asper, D. hamiltonii, D. giganteous, Melanocanna baccifera and Phyllostachys pubenscens were procured and planted at IHBT. Large scale planting materials have been supplied to Foresters of Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal bamboo and fiber board, Conservator of forest in Mizoram, and also in Arunachal Pradesh.