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Highland bamboo (Arundinaria alpina, synonym Yushania alpina) is a characteristic and dominant semelparous species in the Afromontane vegetation of Ethiopia. It is utilized for numerous applications. Mass flowering of the species seems to be associated to conversion to other land uses. Objectives of the study were to document a mass flowering event, determine fruiting characteristics, understand the perception of communities, and assess its consequences in Seka-Chekorsa district, western Ethiopia. Focus group discussions and GIS-based assessment were conducted in 13 Peasant Associations (PAs). Our results show that highland bamboo flowering is gregarious and time to seed maturity takes about a year. The extent of mass flowering in each PA ranged from 41-88% of the the bamboo forest. Majority of the respondents (43%) perceived that the bamboo flowering event occurred because of God's wrath, 38% related it to the age of the bamboo plants, and 19% attributed the event to a disease, indicating low awareness regarding the reproduction of the species. Perceived impacts of the mass flowering event were an increased soil erosion, changes in microclimate, reduction in water flow, and negative consequences on farmers' economy. Farmers urgently need training on the management of the species at its reproductive stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperate bamboos are a taxonomically difficult group with nearly 600 species in approximately 30 genera and at least 12 constituent lineages. In this study, phylogenetic relationships were explored using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data in comparison with a phylogeny based on plastid DNA sequences, with an emphasis on Arundinaria of North America and its allies in East Asia (the Arundinaria clade). Molecular analyses involved 248 individuals in 10 genera and 60 species. Hybridization was detected both within and among genera. Comparative analyses indicated hybrid origins for species in several widespread and well-known genera, including Hibanobambusa, Sasaella, and Semiarundinaria. Evidence also indicated that Pseudosasa japonica (the type species of Pseudosasa) is an intergeneric hybrid involving Pleioblastus and Sasamorpha. In addition, cryptic hybrids were detected within and among Pleioblastus, Sasa, and Sasamorpha. After accounting for hybrids, phylogenetic analyses of AFLP data provided resolution for core lineages in the Arundinaria clade, including Pleioblastus sensu stricto, Sasa s. s., and Sasamorpha. AFLP data also provided evidence for the monophyly of the North American cane bamboos (Arundinaria, three species) but failed to identify their closest relative among the East Asian taxa. The broader evolutionary implications of hybridization in the temperate bamboos are discussed along with recommendations for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southeastern Indians have been using cane (Arundinaria spp.) for basketry and matting for thousands of years. Unfortunately, it is only under extraordinary preservation conditions that such items survive archaeologically. Inferring the production of split-cane technology requires an understanding of prehistoric manufacturing and processing techniques. It is hypothesized that stone tools were once used to process cane for use in split-cane technologies. In the Southeast, it is not uncommon to find stone tools with traces of plant use; however attributing wear to specific plants has been problematic. Pilot experiments, grounded on ethnoarchaeological observations, were conducted with river cane (Arundinaria gigantea) in collaboration with expert basket weavers in the Cherokee Nation. The experimental ethnoarchaeological program was designed to test the efficiency of stone tools in cane processing and document use wear through microscopic observations. The results found that non-retouched flakes were efficient for processing river cane and that the different stages of splint preparation resulted in the differential development of use-related wear. Additional experimentation with river cane is necessary to better define use wear and establish criteria for identification in archaeological contexts. Nonetheless, the collaborative and experimental approach undertaken demonstrated the utility of combining traditional archaeological methods with experimentation, ethnoarchaeology, and tribal knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For nearly a decade, researchers have been investigating the utility of Arundinaria gigantea (giant cane), native to the southeastern U.S. as a riparian buffer species. Research has shown that A. gigantea is extremely effective at attenuating sediment and nutrients from surface and ground water. However, A. gigantea is difficult to establish and the relation between aboveground and belowground plant's characteristics is not known. There are no data available that can predict the area required for excavation based on the aboveground plant parameters to get enough viable rhizomes of A. gigantea that can be used as planting stock. Previous research has found that successful propagation of A. gigantea was dependent on rhizome length, the number of internodes, and rhizome buds present, but no data exist on quantifying the yield of rhizomes. Therefore, to address these concerns, we developed allometry equations for predicting belowground propagule numbers based on aboveground plant characteristics. Additionally, we analyzed soils under cane stands to determine if chemical and physical soil properties can be related to plant characteristics. Multiple regression models developed in this study indicate that total culms and average total culm diameter can predict rhizome internodes and rhizome length, and total culms and average total culm height can predict the number of rhizome buds. Significant correlations were found between soil calcium and total and dead culms; soil phosphorus and leaf to root ratio; and cation exchange capacity and rhizome internodes, suggesting an interaction between A. gigantea growth and the underlying soil. Results from this research improve our understanding of the dynamics of A. gigantea and supplement existing information to help guide ecological restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six temperate woody bamboos (Arundinarieae, Bambusoideae) from Madagascar were described in the genus Arundinaria during the 1920s to 1960s. However, recent phylogenetic studies imply that Arundinaria is restricted to North America, and taxonomic affiliation of the Malagasy temperate woody bamboos remained ambiguous. In search of phylogenetic affinity of these bamboos, herbarium observation, fieldwork, and molecular phylogenetic analysis have been carried out. Four of them and one potential new species were sampled for molecular phylogenetic analyses in the context of the tribe Arundinarieae. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses indicated that those species were closely related to Oldeania alpina distributed in continental Africa, but not Arundinaria, Bergbambos, Fargesia (including Sinarundinaria), Thamnocalamus, or Yushania, in which they were placed at one time or another. On the grounds of molecular phylogeny, morphology, and phytogeography, the Malagasy temperate woody bamboos should be treated as members of the genus Oldeania. Arundinaria humbertii and A. ambositrensis are conspecific. A new species, Oldeania itremoensis, is described and illustrated. The other two temperate woody bamboo species in Madagascar not sampled in the molecular phylogeny are also transferred to Oldeania on the basis of morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber harvesting can alter understory plant diversity, abundance and composition, and in turn shape behaviors of a variety of animals. By far, little is known about the effects of timber harvesting on bamboo understory and feeding-site selection by giant pandas. Here, we investigated differences in crude protein, crude fat and tannin in Arundinaria spanostachya and feeding-site selection by giant pandas in primary and secondary forests in Liziping Nature Reserve, China. One hundred and twenty plots were established in the wild, including 30 feeding-site plots and 30 control plots in primary and secondary forests respectively. The results indicated that after timber harvesting, bamboo grows denser in secondary forests, with decreased crude protein content and increased tannin content, especially in leaves. Giant pandas exhibited distinct feeding-site selection patterns in primary and secondary forests. In primary forests, giant pandas appear to randomly forage bamboo across age groups but feed more on perennial bamboo culms (⩾3 yr) and less on annual bamboo culms (⩽1 yr) in secondary forests. Above findings highlight the importance of conserving the primary forests in the Xiaoxiangling Mountains, and suggest that training and acclimatization of captive individuals for release should be as possible as can conducted in primary forests without human disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, a large, clump-forming bamboo, has great potential to contribute towards poverty alleviation efforts across its distributional range. Harvesting methods that maximize yield while they fulfill local objectives and ensure sustainability are a research priority. Documenting local ecological knowledge on the species and identifying local users' goals for its production, we defined three harvesting treatments (selective cut, horseshoe cut, clear cut) and experimentally compared them with a no-intervention control treatment in an action research framework. We implemented harvesting over three seasons and monitored annually and two years post-treatment. Even though the total number of culms positively influenced the number of shoots regenerated, a much stronger relationship was detected between the number of culms harvested and the number of shoots regenerated, indicating compensatory growth mechanisms to guide shoot regeneration. Shoot recruitment declined over time in all treatments as well as the control; however, there was no difference among harvest treatments. Culm recruitment declined with an increase in harvesting intensity. When univariately assessing the number of harvested culms and shoots, there were no differences among treatments. However, multivariate analyses simultaneously considering both variables showed that harvested output of shoots and culms was higher with clear cut and horseshoe cut as compared to selective cut. Given the ease of implementation and issues of work safety, users preferred the horseshoe cut, but the lack of sustainability of shoot production calls for investigating longer cutting cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous molecular phylogenetic analyses based on plastid DNA sequence data supported the recognition of Kuruna as a new temperate woody bamboo (Arundinarieae) genus, representing the twelfth major linage of Arundinarieae. Kuruna is distinguished by a combination of vegetative and reproductive characters including features of rhizomes, branching and synflorescences. Here seven species, distributed in Sri Lanka and southern India, are included in this genus: Kuruna debilis, K. densifolia, K. floribunda, K. scandens, K. walkeriana, K. wightiana (here transferred to Kuruna) , and the newly described K. serrulata. This revision includes an updated description of the genus, detailed descriptions for all seven species, line illustrations for all species, and a morphological key for their identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neotype and an epitype from the widely cultivated Fountain Bamboo are proposed for Arundinaria nitida. Application and authorship of the name are discussed, in the light of confusion over the validity of this name in different publications, and the implications of selecting different types for the application of generic names. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neotype and an epitype from the widely cultivated Fountain Bamboo are proposed for Arundinaria nitida. Application and authorship of the name are discussed, in the light of confusion over the validity of this name in different publications, and the implications of selecting different types for the application of generic names. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study looked at the presence and distribution of red pandas in Pangchen Valley, Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh, including parts of two Community Conserved Areas, based on the field studies carried out between 2009 and 2013. Priority areas were identified by conducting village interviews, followed by field surveys documenting presence-absence of red pandas (based on direct sightings, droppings, and feeding signs) and assessing their habitat status. A total of 183 plots were sampled, of which 74 (40.4%) showed red panda presence. The results show a healthy abundance of red pandas throughout the higher areas of the valley (sign encounter rate, 0.63/h) and their preference for areas above 2800 m elevation with dense bamboo cover of Arundinaria sp. and dominant trees such as Rhododendron sp. and Sorbus sp. with less understory. Their habitat extended till the higher mixed conifer forests dominated by Abies sp. Signs of recent human disturbance were minimal in the sampling areas, which reflected the strong conservation measures implemented by the local communities. Overall, Pangchen Valley was found to be extremely vital for the long-term conservation of the red pandas in the region and continued collaborative measures with the local community are required to safeguard their future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperate woody bamboos ( Arundinarieae) are highly diverse in morphology but lack a substantial amount of genetic variation. The taxonomy of this lineage is intractable, and the relationships within the tribe have not been well resolved. Recent studies indicated that this tribe could have a complex evolutionary history. Although phylogenetic studies of the tribe have been carried out, most of these phylogenetic reconstructions were based on plastid data, which provide lower phylogenetic resolution compared with nuclear data. In this study, we intended to identify a set of desirable nuclear genes for resolving the phylogeny of the temperate woody bamboos. Using two different methodologies, we identified 209 and 916 genes, respectively, as putative single copy orthologous genes. A total of 112 genes was successfully amplified and sequenced by next-generation sequencing technologies in five species sampled from the tribe. As most of the genes exhibited intra-individual allele heterozygotes, we investigated phylogenetic utility by reconstructing the phylogeny based on individual genes. Discordance among gene trees was observed and, to resolve the conflict, we performed a range of analyses using BUCKy and HybTree. While caution should be taken when inferring a phylogeny from multiple conflicting genes, our analysis indicated that 74 of the 112 investigated genes are potential markers for resolving the phylogeny of the temperate woody bamboos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cherokeea gen. n. is proposed for a rarely collected apameine moth species from the southern Appalachian Mountains, C. attakullakulla sp. n. It is recorded from foothills and lower montane habitats of North Carolina and Georgia where hill cane, Arundinaria appalachiana Triplett, Weakley & L.G. Clark is found. Adults and their genitalia are figured and a mtDNA barcode sequence is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This purpose of this reuiew is to understand status of chemical constituets and pharmacological effects of medicinal plant of Arundina graminifolia bt investigating literature about the chemical and pharmacological studies on Arundina . 41 compounds were isolated and characterized including phenolic compounds, such as phenanthrenes and bibenzyls. Some phenolic compounds show antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Studies on this medicinal plant would have important significance for finding new bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the naturalization of Arundinaria gigantea (Walter) Muhl., in Pennsylvania as of 2014. The topics discussed include paucity of seed production in the A. gigantea, the propagation of the species through culms or rhizomes, and initiation of the plant's naturalized population through seed dispersal.

* Premise of the study: New World Bambusoideae have only recently been studied in a phylogenomic context. Plastome sequences were determined and analyzed from Arundinaria appalachiana, A. tecta, and Olyra latifolia, to refine our knowledge of their evolution and historical biogeography. A correction is noted regarding an error in an earlier report on the bioseography of Cryptochloa. * Methods: Single-end DNA libraries were prepared and sequenced on the Illumina platform. Complete plastomes were assembled and analyzed with 13 other Poaceae. * Key results: Complete sampling in Arundinaria and an additional species of Olyreae gave a more detailed picture of their evolution/historical biogeography. Phylogenomic analyses indicated that the first major divergence in Arundinaria occurred around 2.3 to 3.2 mya and that Arundinaria tecta and A. appalachiana diverged from their common ancestor around 0.57 to 0.82 mya. Estimates of the divergence of Olyra latifolia from Cryptochloa strictiflora ranged from 14.6 to 20.7 mya. The age of the stem node of Olyreae ranged from an estimated 26.9 to 38.2 mya. * Conclusions: Estimates of divergences in Arundinaria can be correlated with paleoclimatic events including an early Pliocene warming, subsequent cooling, and North American glaciations. Discriminating between alternate evolutionary/biogeographic scenarios in Olyreae is challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Highlights: [•] A novel technique was used for simpler and more convenient pretreatment than ever. [•] Rapid and sensitive analysis of free amino acids in large batches of micro-samples. [•] New concepts were proposed and determined for bitter taste-free amino acids study. [•] A methodology to study chemical constituents related to taste in food was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new bibenzyl derivatives, graminibibenzyls A and B ( 1, 2), together with five known bibenzyl derivatives ( 3-7), were isolated from the whole plant of Arundina graminifolia. The structures of 1-7 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Compounds 1-7 were also evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines. The results revealed that compound 1 showed high cytotoxicity against PC3 cells with IC value of 3.6 μM, and compound 2 showed high cytotoxicity against MCF7 cells with IC value of 2.1 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arundina graminifolia is an early successional plant on Iriomote Island, the Ryukyus, Japan, where it is endangered. Populations flower for more than half a year, and many inflorescences bloom for one to several months. The nectarless gullet flowers, which open for up to six days, are self-compatible but cannot self-pollinate spontaneously; thus they rely on pollinating agents for capsule production. Field observations at two habitats identified at least six species of bees and wasps, primarily mate-seeking males of Megachile yaeyamaensis and Thyreus takaonis, as legitimate pollinators. Thus, this orchid is a pollinator generalist, probably owing to its long blooming period and simple flower morphology. Carpenter bees, which were previously reported to pollinate this orchid, frequently visited flowers but were too large to crawl into the labellum chamber and never pollinated the flowers. Extrafloral nectaries on inflorescences attracted approximately 40 insect taxa but were not involved with pollination. Fruit-set ratios at the population level varied spatiotemporally but were generally low (5.2-12.4 %), presumably owing to infrequent flower visits by mate-seeking pollinators and the lack of food rewards to pollinators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale disturbances, by affecting habitat suitability, can influence bird populations and communities. Although we know that disturbances can lead to population decreases and shifts in community structure, our understanding of finer-scaled mechanisms leading to these patterns is limited. We focused on why some territories remain occupied by a species following a large-scale disturbance, while others are abandoned. The Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) is especially susceptible to flooding because of its preference for nesting in thick understory vegetation and foraging in leaf litter. In 2008, a major flood inundated a study site where we have studied Swainson's Warblers since 2004. In 2008 and 2009, we resurveyed 42 Swainson's Warbler territories that were occupied between 2005 and 2007 and examined changes in habitat structure and composition and prey abundance influencing territory abandonment. Occupancy declined between the preflood and postflood surveys. Territory abandonment was associated with decreases in leaf litter cover, increases in cover of green vegetation, and decreases in density of total understory stems and giant cane (Arundinaria gigan tea) between the preflood and flood periods. Despite the partial recovery of habitat structure and prey abundance after the flood, Swainson's Warbler occupancy did not recover in subsequent years. Multiple habitat variables, including leaflitter cover, density of woody stems, understory density, and prey abundance have been identified as important for Swainson's Warblers, and these results suggest that leaf litter may be especially important in influencing habitatselection decisions following flood disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monotypic stands of cane (Arundinaria Michx.) known as canebrakes were a dominant landscape feature in the southeastern United States at the time of European settlement. Canebrakes disappeared rapidly as a consequence of altered fire regimes, agricultural clearance, and overgrazing by livestock, and are now regarded as critically endangered ecosystems. Canebrake fauna remains incompletely known and recent biodiversity studies of this ecosystem are few. In an earlier paper we used historic and contemporary sources to reconstruct the faunal diversity of canebrakes. However, because information is fragmentary and often found in obscure historical sources, inadvertent omissions were unavoidable in our earlier report. We here revisit this topic, provide additional records of canebrake fauna, and discuss the importance of canebrakes to wildlife. We documented the occurrence of an additional 28 species of vertebrates in canebrake habitats, including one reptile, 20 birds, and seven mammals. Canebrake herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) remains poorly documented. Birds use canebrakes as nesting, foraging, and winter roosting habitat, probably consume cane seeds when available, and incorporate cane foliage in nests. Much of what is known about the mammalian fauna of canebrakes is heavily biased towards megafauna, although a small number of studies suggest rodent and insectivore diversity is comparable to other early and mid-successional habitats in the southeast. Canebrakes provide mammals with escape cover, maternal den sites, foraging habitat, and food in the form of foliage and seeds. We reiterate our earlier recommendation for region-wide faunal inventories of existing canebrakes to address deficiencies in our knowledge as highlighted in this paper. Baseline data generated by these studies, combined with information gleaned from the literature, will provide a means to rigorously evaluate future conservation and restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canebrakes are monodominant stands of cane (Arundinaria gigantea [Walter] Muhl.), a bamboo native to and once prominent in the southeastern USA. Canebrakes were important wildlife habitat within the bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem. They have been reduced in areal coverage by an estimated 98 % since European settlement due to land conversion and the drastic alteration of disturbance regimes in their floodplain habitat. Ongoing canebrake restoration efforts are hampered by incomplete understanding of the role of natural disturbance in cane ecology. We used a large tornado blowdown and multiple prescribed fires to quantify the response of cane to the sequential disturbances of windstorm and fire in the Tensas Watershed of northeastern Louisiana using number and condition of bamboo stems (culms) as response variables. We hypothesized that culms would be more abundant in burned than in unburned stands and that culm populations in burned stands would be younger than in unburned stands. In this study, conducted four years post fire, effects of both windstorm and burning were additive and beneficial. Results indicate that periodic aboveground disturbance has three salutary effects on cane ramet demography: 1) clonal growth following disturbances more than compensates for any culms killed; 2) the cohort of new culms is younger than the culms they replace; and 3) disturbance appears to inoculate some cane stands for several years against local die-offs. Fire is a valuable tool for canebrake management. By periodically resetting cane stands, fires and other disturbances may have played a key role in canebrake formation and persistence over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Premise of the study: Two New World species of Bambusoideae, Arundinaria gigantea and Crytpochloa strictiflora, were in vestigated in a phylogenomic context. Complete plastome sequences have been previously determined and analyzed for nine bambusoid species that exclusively represent Old World lineages. The addition of New World species provides more complete information on relationships within Bambusoideae. * Methods: Plastomes from A. gigantea and C. strictiflora were sequenced using Sanger methods. Phylogenomic and divergence estimate analyses were conducted on both species with 23 other Poaceae. * Key Results: Phylogenomic and divergence analyses suggested that A. gigantea diverged from within Arundinarieae between 1.94-3.92 mya and that C. strictiflora diverged as the sister to tropical woody species between 24.83 and 40.22 mya. These results are correlated with modern relative diversities in the two lineages. * Conclusions: The two New World bamboos show unique plastome features accumulated and maintained in biogeographic isolation from Old World taxa. The overall evidence for A. gigantea is consistent with recent dispersal, and that for C. strictiflora is consistent with vicariance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bambusoideae is an important subfamily of the grass family Poaceae that has considerable economic, ecologic and cultural value. In addition, Bambusoideae species are important constituents of the forest vegetation in China. Because of the paucity of flower-bearing specimens and homoplasies of morphological characters, it is difficult to identify species of Bambusoideae using morphology alone, especially in the case of temperate woody bamboos (i.e. Arundinarieae). To this end, DNA barcoding has shown great potential in identifying species. The present study is the first attempt to test the feasibility of four proposed DNA barcoding markers ( matK, rbcL, trnH- psbA, and internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) in identifying 27 species of the temperate woody bamboos. Three plastid markers showed high levels of universality, whereas the universality of ITS was comparatively low. A single plastid marker provided low levels of discrimination success at both the genus and species levels (<12%). Among the combinations of plastid markers, the highest discriminatory power was obtained using the combination of rbcL+ matK (14.8%). Using a combination of three markers did not increase species discrimination. The nuclear region ITS alone could identify 66.7% of species, although fewer taxa were included in the ITS analyses than in the plastid analyses. When ITS was integrated with a single or combination of plastid markers, the species discriminatory power was significantly improved. We suggest that a combination of rbcL+ ITS, which exhibited the highest species identification power of all combinations in the present study, could be used as a potential DNA barcode for temperate woody bamboos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bambusoideae (bamboos), comprising 1,439 described species in 116 genera, is one of 12 subfamilies of Poaceae (grass family), and it is the only major lineage of the family to diversify in forests. In this paper, reprinted in part from the Proceedings of the 9th World Bamboo Congress, a compilation of described bamboo diversity by tribe and subtribe is presented and the basis for the revised classification presented here is discussed, with putative synapomorphies indicated in the text and descriptions. The taxonomic treatment includes descriptions of the subfamily, the three tribes, and all accepted subtribes, and included genera are listed as appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense stands of Arundinaria species, or canebrakes, once were a dominant landscape feature along floodplains of the southeastern United States. However, human activities have reduced canebrakes to fragmented remnants representing <2% of their extent prior to European settlement. Canebrake restoration thus is a top priority for preserving and improving wetland biodiversity in the United States. Successful restoration requires an understanding of factors influencing establishment of the two most common United States Arundinaria species; therefore, this greenhouse study examined effects of inundation on A. gigantea and A. tecta. Both Arundinaria species were subjected to 0, 2, 4, or 6 weeks of inundation under long-day, warm temperature growing season conditions. Plant growth, mean net photosynthesis (Pn), and stomatal conductance (Gs) were measured on a weekly basis, and at the conclusion of the experiment, above- and belowground biomass were measured. We found significant correlations of Pn and Gs with duration of flooding and duration of post-inundation recovery, as well as a significant interaction among time, species, and flood duration, with both species responding similarly to flooded conditions. Once flooding was arrested, both Pn and Gs rates were higher in A. tecta than A. gigantea; the same was true for growth rates across the duration of the study. In conclusion, A. tecta appeared to be more flood tolerant than A. gigantea, reflecting habitats in which these species are known to occur. Future canebrake restoration projects may benefit from this information on differential flooding tolerance in selecting restoration sites or restoration species, based on hydrologic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arundinaria gigantea, or river cane, is a potential riparian buffer, and there is general interest in the restoration of the species to the southern Appalachian mountains. Proper classification of A. gigantea is critical in determining suitable candidate sites for planting. The 1988 National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands lists A. gigantea as facultative wetland (FACW) for the southeast and elsewhere. In this article, we review plant, soil, and hydrologic data collected at 20 A. gigantea sites in western North Carolina, USA, and discuss the species wetland classification in light of our findings. Saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K), bulk density (ρ), elemental abundance, soil description, plant identification, and hydrologic data are presented and suggest that river cane is currently classified incorrectly, and that an upland (UPL) or facultative upland (FACU) classification is more appropriate. None of the sites studied meet all 3 criteria common to wetland definitions (hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology), although one of the sites had several wetland characteristics. We suggest that river cane restoration should occur in well drained, sandy soils and that the species should only be used as a riparian buffer in this type of setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the study of morphological characters and biomass variations of the bamboo arundinaria alpina landraces in Choke Mountain, Ethiopia. It discusses the morphological characteristics and shoots mortality of andraces of the bamboo. It states about the need of harvesting and silviculture system to promote biomass production.

The environmental importance of giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) habitat (i.e, canebrake) has spurred interest in restoration; however, restoration is hindered by a lack of available planting stock and practical establishment techniques. Rhizomes from 2 southern Illinois canebrakes (Rose and Bellrose Farms) were utilized in greenhouse propagation and field restoration trials to determine if culm, or stem, production and growth from bare rhizomes planted in containers were influenced by collection origin, growing period duration, rhizome morphology, or refrigerated storage. Culms developed (survived) from 77% of Rose Farm rhizomes versus 37% of Bellrose rhizomes after 1 month. Survival was not affected by an additional month in the greenhouse or 1 month of storage. Mean tallest culm height was similar after 1 month for both sources but increased nearly 4-fold when grown for an additional month. We also compared survival and growth of the greenhouse-grown and stored bare rhizome stock that was machine-planted in field plots receiving either pre-planting herbicide treatment or a non-herbicided control at 2 field sites (Big Creek and Perks). Mean field survival after 1 year was 62.2% at Big Creek and 38.8% at Perks. Herbicide did not affect cane survival or growth. Field survival was greatest for stock of Rose Farm origin especially if planted as in-leaf containerized plants. Rhizome length and number of buds also appeared to have an effect on survival. These data suggest that giant cane bare rhizomes, collected from tested sources, can be successfully machine-planted to produce surviving plants for the restoration of canebrakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small farms in Appalachia need management options that diversify income opportunities, are adaptable to new livestock management strategies, and help maintain environmental integrity. Plantings of temperate bamboo (Poaceae), including species native to West Virginia, were established to determine the potential nutritive value for small ruminants, such as goats (Capra hircus), at different times of the year. The bamboo species we evaluated, included several Phyllostachys spp., Semiarundiaria fastuosa and Arundinaria gigantea, were able to withstand Appalachian winter temperatures and retain some green leaves even in late winter. Although small differences were evident, the nutritive value was generally comparable among species and exhibited similar trends over the season. Total non-structural carbohydrates in bamboo leaves decreased throughout the growing season, and then remained stable or increased during winter. Conversely, crude protein was relatively low in young leaves compared to late season or over-wintered leaves. Concentrations of fiber and protein were sufficient to meet the maintenance needs of adult goats. The ability of bamboo to remain green and maintain the nutritive value throughout winter suggested that it has potential as winter forage for goats in central Appalachia. As an upright browse, bamboo may reduce the exposure of goats to gastrointestinal parasites. Perennial stands of temperate bamboo could prove to be a valuable, multiple-use crop suitable for Appalachian farm operations and easily adaptable to goat production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Understanding the extent and potential habitat of river cane (Arundinaria gigantea) is essential to a sustainable economy for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The goal of this project is to map existing and potential river cane habitat using a GIS database containing river cane biophysical landscape information within western North Carolina. Three remote sensing data sets were chosen for mapping existing river cane sites based on regional coverage, spectral resolution and spatial resolution. None of these data sets were successful at discriminating river cane from other evergreen vegetation. However, this study provided context for appropriate spatial and spectral resolutions for use in the future. Two datasets were used to map potential river cane habitat based on available data in 2006 and in 2008. Using hydrology, elevation and soil digital layers within a GIS, the LIDAR-based hydrology and elevation data produced the more accurate potential habitat estimates for river cane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the U.S., multiple species of riparian vegetation have proven to be effective filters of sediment and nutrients in agricultural watersheds. Research at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has focused on giant cane [ Arundinaria gigantea (Walt.) Muhl.] as a potential candidate to incorporate into riparian buffer designs. In 2001, an exploratory study (i.e., Phase I) monitored nutrient and sediment concentrations from surface runoff and groundwater in the Cypress Creek watershed, while two subsequent studies (i.e., Phase II) focused on groundwater quality and added additional riparian buffer plots in the Big Creek and Cache River Watersheds. The primary objective of this research was to compare nutrient attenuation in groundwater of native giant cane and forest riparian buffers. Results from phase I showed significant nutrient reductions in groundwater over short distances in both the giant cane (~3.0 m) and forest buffers (~6.0 m), thus additional wells were installed at 1.5 and 12.0 m for the second phase. Groundwater NO3 −-N was significantly reduced by 90% in the initial 3.0 m of the giant cane buffer, where plant assimilation and microbial denitrification were likely key NO3 −-N removal mechanisms. Phase II showed significant reductions in groundwater NO3 −-N beneath the forest buffers, whereas little change occurred below the giant cane buffers. However, NO3 −-N concentrations beneath giant cane buffers were 3 times less than those observed beneath the forest buffers. Follow-up studies are being conducted on the transport of E. coli through vegetated buffers, and efforts have been expanded to the watershed-scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arundinaria maling forest in Jang area of Arunachal Pradesh of Eastern Himalayas, India is a temperate secondary successional forest which harbored 29 species of herbaceous and 28 shrubby species. Fourteen species each of the total herbs and shrubs had broad ecological amplitude and were distributed throughout the A. maling forest (2400-3600 m). Most of the herb and shrub species were distributed in clumps inside the bamboo forest. Distribution of Rhododendron arboreum, R. thomsonii, R. fulgens and R. tawangensis were restricted between 2800-3600 m. Eleocharis atropurpurea dominated between 2400-2800 m and Eragrostis ciliaris has dominated between the elevation of 2800-3200 m, whereas Gnaphalium apiculatum was the dominant species between 3200-3600 m in the forest. Species composition between 3200-3600 m and 2800- 3200 m resembled greatest similarity. Density of herbaceous species decreased with the decrease in elevation, whereas density of shrubs was highest between 2800-3200 m. Species richness and Shannon Wiener Index was also highest between 2800-3200 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arundinarieae are a large tribe of temperate woody bamboos for which phylogenetics are poorly understood because of limited taxon sampling and lack of informative characters. Aims: This study assessed phylogenetic relationships, origins and classification of Arundinarieae. Methods: DNA sequences (plastid trnL-F; nuclear ITS) were used for parsimony and Bayesian inference including 41 woody bamboo taxa. Divergence dates were estimated using a relaxed Bayesian clock. Results: Arundinarieae were monophyletic but their molecular divergence was low compared to the tropical Bambuseae. Ancestors of the Arundinarieae lineage were estimated to have diverged from the other bamboos 23 (15-30) million years ago (Mya). However, the Arundinarieae radiation occurred 10 (6-16) Mya compared to 18 (11-25) Mya for the tropical Bambuseae. Some groups could be defined within Arundinarieae, but they do not correspond to recognised subtribes such as Arundinariinae or Shibataeinae. Conclusions: Arundinarieae are a relatively ancient bambusoid lineage that underwent a rapid radiation in the late Miocene. The radiation coincides with the continental collision of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian Plates. Arundinarieae are distributed primarily in East Asia and the Himalayas to northern Southeast Asia. It is unknown whether they were present in Asia long before their radiation, but we believe recent dispersal is a more likely scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the ecological and economic importance of temperate bamboos, relatively little is known about their population biology or evolutionary history. Recently, hybridization has emerged as a potential source of diversity in this group, as well as an underlying cause of taxonomic problems. As part of a broader phylogenetic study of the temperate bamboos, we report the results of an analysis of the North American Arundinaria gigantea species complex, including estimates of genetic variation and molecular evidence of natural hybridization among A. gigantea, A. tecta, and A. appalachiana. The study involved a comparative analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP5) and chloroplast DNA sequences representing diversity within and among all three species plus individuals with intermediate or unusual morphological characteristics (putative hybrids). Molecular results support the recognition of three species previously defined on the basis of morphology, anatomy, and ecology, with most of the molecular variance accounted for by among-species variation. Molecular evidence also demonstrates that A. tecta and A. appalachiana are sister species, forming a dade that is significantly divergent from A. gigantea. The role of hybridization in the phylogenetic history of Arundinaria is discussed along with implications for the evolution and taxonomy of the temperate woody bamboos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]