Growth of Bamboo Shoots Measured using X-ray Diffraction

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the changes in the internode length and cellulose crystallinity of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) cell walls during the growth process of bamboo, including a few days growth young bamboo shoots. Specimens were prepared from bamboo culms that either continually grew throughout the growth period or stopped elongation growth in the course of growing. Cellulose crystallinity showed clear differences between above two types of bamboo culm regardless of growth period, while no significant changes were observed in internode length in each growth periods of bamboo culms. Crystallinity of continually growing bamboo culms increased from lower to higher internodes with the progress of growth. On the other hand, crystallinity of culms that stopped elongation growth remained relatively lower values compared to the former type even though the growth period was same. These microscopic features of bamboo cell walls may helpful to predict whether bamboo culms will stop their elongation growth.