The Vegetative Propagation of Black Betung Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) by Cuttings

摘要

The black Betung bamboo (D. asper) is one of six cultivars which exist in Indonesia. This species is found in Wonosobo (Central Java), Bajawa (Flores) and Alor Island (Lesser Sunda Island). The population of these bamboos is very limited because theygrow slowly and used locally. A study on a propagation method of black Betung bamboo has never been reported. Therefore, this study was carried out in order to know the methodology of a vegetative propagation of two cultivars (black and green Betung bamboos) by branching, culm and rhizome cuttings. Those materials were collected from culms which reached to same maturity at least 2 years old and they were obtained from Temanggung, Central Java. A study was implemented in the 2 different locations i.e. Bogor (West Java) and Purwokerto (Central Java). The methodology of this study is by Randomized Block Design with 3 factors and 3 replications. Based on this study, it is indicated that the propagation of black Betung bamboo significantly slow growing compared to green Betung bamboo. The highest percentage of shoots and roots of black Betung were 70% and 60% respectively. Meanwhile the growing percentage of green Betung was 100% each. The growth rate of black Betung was better in Purwokerto than in Bogor.It is discovered that the suitable media is sandy soil. Therefore, it can be concluded that bamboo cultivars, culm division and culm maturity were significantly affected the growing of shoots and roots. The rhizome and culm cutting showed the best result on this study.