Influence of excessive biotic pressure and fire on culm diameter, density flux and seed production in Melocanna baccifera stands

A study was conducted to investigate culms density and size, seed size and production rate in Melocanna baccifera stands disturbed by biotic pressure and fire. Results revealed that culms density, number and size of seeds produced in the bamboo stands were significantly affected by frequent fire and excessive biotic pressure (collection of young shoots for vegetables and mature culms). The culm density and seed production rate decreased significantly in the stand subjected to excessive biotic pressure. An increasing exposure of culms to sun light was responsible for the above decrease. Seed production rate significantly increased in case of culms subjected to fire in comparison to the control. It indicated that fire stimulated the seed production in M. baccifera stand