Researching management practices for bamboo borers

[natarajantnau]

Hi,
I am happy to be in the Bamboo forum. As Professor in Agricultural Entomology at Forest College and Research Institute of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, I am interested in developing the management practices for the bamboo borers.
Hoping to get useful suggestions from the forum

Dr. N. Natarajan
Professor (Agricultural Entomology)
Forest College and Research Institute
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Mettupalayam 641 301, India

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Dr. Natarajan,
Thank you very much for joining with us here at the Bamboo Forums.
We look forward to collaborating on this very important topic.

We have plans to expand the use of these forums by providing workshops to explore and research effective means of controlling and preventing insect infestations and other problems related to bamboo.

One important need is to identify (photograph) and research the life cycle and habits of insects and diseases etc that affect bamboo.
We hope you will be able to assist us in this respect.

Also more research is needed regarding the many bamboo species and their susceptiblity or resistance to attack.

Additionally more research is needed to understand the relationship between cultivation techniques and growing conditions, harvesting and grove management practices, and processing techniques using environmentally safe methods for preserving bamboo according to it's intended uses.

Most of us, myself included, are 'amatuer practitioners', but with a keen dedication to this group of plants, and we look forward to working with you in any way possible to futhering the exchange of knowledge for the benefit of all.

Please feel free to email me or preferably use the forum PM system to discuss any technical aspects on the use of this site.

Cheers,
Mark

[natarajantnau]

Dear Members of Bamboo Forum
In South India, Bamboo cultivation is gaining momentum. Generally the bamboo culms are severely infested with bostrychids (not sure of the species). I would like to know whether the biology of this pest has been studied in detail on bamboo. Bioecological studies may pave way for identification of susceptible link (such as temperature) which can be used for management practices. Heat Treatment of the culm after harvest (of course low cost method to be designed) may be an easy way to save the wood lots. .....?
Please enlighten me on these lines.

N.Natarajan
Professor (Agricultural Entomology)
Forest College and Research Institute
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,Mettupalayam 641 301, INDIA

[Mark Meckes]

Generally the bamboo culms are severely infested with bostrychids (not sure of the species).

Identification is a very important first step as each species have distinct life cycles and behavorial patterns.
Are you able to provide photos of the species so that we can attempt to identify them?
(You can upload photos as attachments in you post - Click 'Manage Attachments' below the text message box).

I would like to know whether the biology of this pest has been studied in detail on bamboo.

Unfortunately, at least in many 'Western' cultures, due to a lack of a natural diversity of bamboo species, (or their pests), and though we now have many introduced bamboo species, they have not yet become a major crop for commercial utilization outside of horticulture.
So there has been little incentive for research by institutional organizations.

But we offer a platform for collaborative research here, and can possibly provide a fresh perspective and a practical approach to tackling relevant issues.
However it must begin with species identification.
Then we can investigate the pest's lifecyle etc. according to different regions where it has been found to exist, and the plant species (also in addition to bamboo species) it is attracted to.

Mark

[natarajantnau]

Dear Dr. Mark and Members of Bamboo forum,

As Dr. Mark points out identification of insect species is the first steps in any programme desinged for management practices. I am very new to the field of forest entomology and I need sometime to get into the string. I shall make the photgraphs, especially microscopic ones and post for the discussion forum.
In the meantime I am looking for the fianancial assistance from the State Government to support my initial activities.

If I get information on organisations supporting such research programme particularly collaborative network programmes, it will be highly useful.

Many thanks to Dr. Mark for his reply.

Natarajan

[Mark Meckes]

Thank you Dr. Natarajan
We very much look forward to seeing the photographs.

If I can get information on organisations supporting such research programmes, particularly collaborative network programmes, it will be highly useful.

I will look into this and see what information I can find.

Mark

[natarajantnau]

Dear Dr. Mark
Thanks for your efforts. Looking forward for a highly productive collaboration
Natarajan

[Agrobambu]

Hi Mark
Cerambicidae - Bambu Tiger Longhorn
(Title post in Portuguese to call Brazilian googliers)
I'm interested to dicuss over this kind of insects so important or more than Bostrichidae due extension of damage they do in bamboo culms.
Few month ago I sent images in a post. See:Chlorophorus annularis - Bamboo Longhorn Beetle - Brasil (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2395)
This insect may cause little problems in your country, (?) but here, in South America, I had found it at many places doing too much damage..
He is desctrutive, silent, nimble and little known.
I have a big material, pics, coments, links about it, but a litle group of people talking about. I have a 4 min video of a larva working.
I am looking forward to discuss about preferences, predators and way of life of Bamboo Tiger Longhorn to preserve my bamboos, keeping them away without uses of agressive treatments.
I have found it in: P.aurea, B.vulgaris and D.giganteus.

Thanks,
Ene
Agrobambu-Porto Alegre- Brazil


:) See my bamboofount at the lake in My Gallery - Bamboo Arst and Crafts