Potential bamboo species for cultivation in the southern plateau of Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Abstract

 In the Atlantic Forest, several native bamboo species have a history of use by local populations, being a source of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Later, with the colonization process, the introduction of Asian species increased the diversity of bamboo in use. However, in the Santa Catarina State plateau region, bamboo exploration is still incipient, and in this sense, this study is part of an initiative that aims to generate information for the development of Bamboo productive chain in southern Brazil. This study aimed primarily to identify bamboo species, native and exotic, with potential for cultivation with emphasis on the establishment of diversified production systems. As a first research strategy, seven species were studied in three experimental areas in order to evaluate their adaptability to the conditions of the plateau region of the Santa Catarina State. The second strategy sought to identify bamboo species already in use by family farmers in this region. Based on the results the transition phase of clumps to a mature and harvested state of evaluated bamboo species in this study can take more than three years. In addition, the maintainers interviewed pointed out eight exploited bamboo species, among them Bambusa tuldoides, and two native species from Brazil Chusquea sellowii and Guadua chacoensis. We suggest that the management of bamboo, even native ones, should be done based on environment context and technical strategies, to establish diversified systems balanced with environmental services.