Optimum conditions for testing germination of bamboo seeds

Studies were conducted on seeds of three bamboo species, viz., Dendrocalamus membranaceus , D. strictus and Bambusa nutans, to determine a combination of conditions ensuring the most regular, rapid and complete germination under laboratory conditions. The seeds were sown at different combinations of incubation temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35, 40°C and 20–30°C) and sowing media (top of paper, between paper and sand). Seeds were also sown in the presence and absence of light at 30°C on top of paper. The ideal conditions for testing seeds of all the three species were found to be 30°C, top of paper and preferably presence of light.