issg Database: Management and Information Links for Bambusa vulgaris

Bambusa vulgaris (grass, tree)

Ecology Distribution Management
Info Impact
Info References
and Links Contacts

         Interim profile, incomplete information
         Management Information

Control of Bambusa vulgaris infestation is difficult. "Best to cut down and spray the regrowth" (Motooka et al. 2003)
Physical: Digging plants out may require heavy equipment. Continuing removal will probably be necessary due to resprouting. Continued cutting or mowing will eventually kill most plants by exhausting food reserves. Livestock will graze shoots but cannot bring down large plants once established (PIER 2007). Toxic effects have been noted in horses that ingested large quantities of leaves (Barbosa et al. 2006).
Chemical: Remove tops and spray regrowth with Glyphosate or Amitrole 2%, or imazapyr or glyphosate plus fluazifop. Velpar can be used but is persistent in the soil. However, it has been reported that glyphosate does not adequately translocate to the rhizomes (PIER 2007).

         Location Specific Management Information
Hawaii (United States (USA))
Management: Difficult. Best to cut down and spray the regrowth. In forests and other non-cropland, imazapyr or glyphosate plus fluazifop are effective (J. DeFrank, Univ. Hawai‘i). Livestock will graze shoots but cannot bring down large plants. (Motooka et al. 2003)
Puerto Rico (Greater Antilles)
Clumps are resilient to physical damage, and the entire rhizome must be removed to prevent resprouting (Blundell et al. 2003)

         Management Resources/Links

1. Blundell, A. G., Scatena, F. N., Wentsel, R. and Sommers, W. 2003. Ecorisk Assessment Using Indicators of Sustainability: Invasive Species in the Caribbean National Forest of Puerto Rico. Journal of Forestry 101: 14-19.
2. Global Compendium of Weeds (GCW)., 2007. Bambusa vulgaris (Poaceae)
        Summary: Available from: http://www.hear.org/gcw/species/bambusa_vulgaris/ [Accessed 18 July 2008]
3. Weeds of Hawai‘i’s Pastures and Natural Areas; 2003. Bambusa vulgaris: In An Identification and Management Guide by P. Motooka et al. ©2003, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa.
        Summary: Available from:http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/Data/WeedsHI/W_Bambusa_vulgaris.pdf [Accessed 18 July 2008]
         Results Page: 1

The Global Invasive Species Database is managed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. It was developed as part of the global initiative on invasive species led by the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) and is supported through partnerships with the National Biological Information Infrastructure, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research and the University of Auckland. Conditions of use.