Lateral Bud Germination Characteristics of Bamboo Rhizomes of Indocalamus decorus Q.H.Dai Pot Seedlings

Indocalamus decorus Q.H. Dai is a good ornamental and economic bamboo species, with high sensitivity to ecological variations in the environment. Different treatments of several key ecological factors, including bamboo seedling density, light, fertilization and water, were compared in regards to bamboo rhizome nutrient, mineral element, endogenous hormone and bud germination characteristic differences under various treatments, with lateral bud germination responses to ecological factors also analyzed. Results showed that: (1) Among nutritional components, mineral element and endogenous hormone content of the bamboo rhizome, protein, Mg, Fe, ABA, iPA, IAA, and Zr concentrations showed higher correlation with bamboo shoots germinating from the lateral buds, but soluble sugar and GA contents had higher correlation with bamboo rhizome germinating from the lateral buds. (2) I. decorus showed the best substance storage and bud germination characteristics under potting treatments with two rhizome sections, a matrix and fertilizer ratio of 8∶1, a 6-day watering interval, and without a shading net. (3) Different treatments resulted in complex changes in bamboo rhizome nutrients, mineral elements, and endogenous hormones, and further caused lateral bud germination differences. The differences of bamboo physiological response to environment ecological factors might also be caused by long-term environmental selection and genetic evolution. This study will be useful for the propagation and cultivation of this species.