Hedge bamboo growth management near power lines

Abstract

A twenty-seven-month study was conducted to evaluate the use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) and mechanical methods to manage the growth of Hedge bamboo, Bambusa glaucescens, growing in proximity to power lines. Two formulations of the PGR paclobutrazol were tested; one as a foliar treatment, the other as a soil drench. Mechanical trimming was evaluated alone and in combination with the PGR soil drench. Both foliar treatment and soil drench resulted in comparable cost and acceptable bamboo height after a twenty-seven-month period. Mechanical trimming resulted in the least cost; however, height was not acceptable at twenty-seven months. Mechanical trimming in combination with PGR soil drench was effective during the first twelve months, but not during the second twelve months of the study.