ON THE MANAGEMENT OF BAMBOO STANDS, WITH
SPECIAL REFERENCE TO JAPANESE RESEARCH

M. Watanabe

INTRODUCTION
  This paper reviews the large body of research built up in Japan on the management of temperate bamboo stands. This enables the identification of gaps in research. Additionally, numerous Japanese scientists have carried out research on tropical bamboo stands, and this research is also summarised.
  The interests in bamboo research in Japan are closely related to the needs of industry, and there are a number of current constraints, especially in the availability of quality materials. This being the case, research interests in Japan contrast with those of many of the countries participating in the INBAR research network. Nonetheless, this paper points out a number of areas where closer synergies between researchers will be to the advantage of all.

  Modern research on propagation of bamboo, and on the management of bamboo stands, has developed from the pioneering efforts of three researchers : the late Dr. Koichito Ueda, Dr. Makoto Numata, and Dr. Takashige Aoki. Basic studies by Dr. Ueda led to the practical aspects of the physiology of growth, nutrition and propagation. This research was embodied in a large list of publications, too numerous to itemise here. However, his thesis, 'Studies on the Physiology of Bamboo' (Ueda, 1960), became recognised as a landmark publication with profound effect on the understanding of the physiology of bamboo, and on worldwide interest in applying the relevant science to better utilising bamboo resources in many parts of the world .The publication was so significant that, when copies of the original were no longer available, the Resources Bureau of the Science and Technics Agency, in the Prime Minister's Office, reprinted the work.
  The research of Dr. Ueda went far beyond the emphasis of plant physiology. Through the publication of many books, he promoted sound methodology for basic cultivation practices. For instance, his book 'Useful Bamboo and Edible Sprout', is still the most precious and practical manual for cultivators in Japan.
  Dr. Numata is an eminent plant ecologist who made fundamental studies on the ecological characteristics of PhyJiostachys stands in Japan. His work and that of his co-workers resulted in a series of twelve papers in the period 1955-64. These covered aspects of vegetation structure, growth forms, habitat factors, water economy and flowering. In 1979, he edited a book, entitled 'Ecology of Grasslands and Bamboolands in the World', and this was the first major recognition of bamboo communities.
  The above research was paralleled by the study of forest management by Dr. Aoki. Basic research on bamboo forests was related to stand composition, age rotation, volume production and the yield for industrial organisations. In 1961, he published on stand structure, and in 1987, edited bamboo research of Japanese scientists in the book 'Studies for Native Main Bamboos in Japan'.

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