Growth performance of bontong (Dendroclamus sp.) wildlings.

Bontong is an erect clump-forming bamboo, which usually attains a height of 20m with culm diameter of 15 cm. It is generally used for construction. Culms are split for flooring and walling of low-cost houses. Decipulo et al. (DENR-ERDS Region X) determined the possibility of raising bamboo through wildlings and assessed its performance when applied with fertilizer. Guano and inorganic (14-14-14) were the fertilizers used in this study.

Findings

• Bontong can be successfully regenerated through seedlings/wildlings.
• The application of organic and inorganic fertilizer increased shoot/culm production, as well as height and diameter of bontong, although there was no significant difference among the treatments used.
• The ability of bamboo to produce more and bigger culm is generally influenced by moisture and not necessarily with fertilizer, although more shoots were produced by the fertilized clumps than the unfertilized ones.