Authors:Charles Essien; Andrews Akwasi Oteng-Amoako; Stephen Lartey Tekpetey
Abstract:The search for suitable substitute for dwindling timber resources has led to the study of silvicultural and technological properties of different bamboo species. Bambusa vulgaris is the most dominant bamboo species found in Ghana and its utilization is limited to the basic and temporary products. The susceptibility to biodegradation as well as variation in morphological characteristics between the two varieties of the species found in Ghana was studied. Internodal length ranged from 26.9 to 34.0 cm for B. vulgaris and 24.4 to 32.6 cm for B. vulgaris var. vittata. Internodal length increased from the bottom to the middle and decreased towards the top portion for both varieties. The culm wall thickness ranged from 7.2 to 15.8 mm for B. vulgaris and 8.4 to 15.6 mm for B. vulgaris var. vittata. It decreased from the bottom to the top portion for both varieties. B. vulgaris var. vittata was rated more susceptible to deterioration by fungi and termites than B. vulgaris. The middle and top portions of both varieties were more susceptible to fungi and termites than the bottom portion. B. vulgaris was rated more susceptible to borer infestation than B. vulgaris var. vittata and the middle portion of both varieties was very susceptible, followed by the top and then the bottom portion.
Keywords:Morphological characteristics, susceptibility, biodegradation, visual rating