Bamban propagation using different planting materials

Alli and Tutor (WVSU) conducted a study in 2005 to determine the growth performance of different propagation materials from bamban [Donax cannaeformis] and to determine its survival rate in a nursery. The duration of the study was 2 years. One hundred bamban wildlings and rootstocks were planted in polyethylene bags. Data on percent emergence, number of sprouts (sword) that emerged, and the number of fully developed leaves of rootstocks were gathered. Findings of the study revealed the following: Bamban wildlings raised in the nursery obtained a survival rate of 86.7% at 90 DAP with an average diameter of 2.22 mm and an average height of 13.88 cm. The average number of functional leaves that developed was 13.88. The survival rate of bamban rootstocks was 58.9% after 120 days of being propagated in the nursery. The first leaf bud emerged 24 DAP. Statistical analysis showed that wildlings had significantly higher survival rate compared with rootstocks at 120 DAP. Macerated bamban seeds were found to have higher germination rate of 91.74%; the first seed germination 16 DAS. The seeds also had the shortest average germination period of 20.80 DAS. Their peak germination period of 20 days. Statistical analysis showed that macerated bamban seeds germinated significantly earlier than non-macerated bamban seeds. Reaserchers concluded that bamban could be propagated using different planting materials such as seeds, wildlings, and rootstocks. The survival rate of wildlings and rootstocks of bamban vary significantly. This study recommended that seeds be used for the production of nursery planting materials. These seeds should also be macerated for better germination performance. In case seeds are not available, it was recommended that wildlings be used as planting materials. Further studies on propagation of bamban using micro propagation such as tissue culture should also be conducted.