GROWTH PATTERN OF PHYLLOSTACHYS NIGRA IN NORTH WESTERN HIMALAYAN REGION OF UTTARAKHAND

Phyllostachys nigra is a monpodial, ever green bamboo species and can be grown in the mountain region as well as in the plains. This species of bamboo is very useful for mountain slopes and river banks to prevent soil erosion. It can withstand sub zero temperature and remain in leaf all the year long. In the present study growth behaviour of P. nigra planted at the slope in the mid hill region of Uttarakhand was evaluated. New shoots emerged from the central shoot at a distance of 2 to 360 cm. An increase of 520 per cent in height was observed within one week. Maximum temperature and rainfall had highest direct negative and positive correlation with height of newly emerged shoots, respectively.