WSU Extension Bamboo Research
Responding to the increasing interest and knowledge regarding bamboo in the United States, the Agricultural Systems Program of WSU Extension began a research program in 1997 to study bamboo varieties for shoot and pole production in the maritime Pacific Northwest. In October 1997, we planted a total of 26 bamboo varieties (89 plants) into 46 observational plots in an area of 0.37 acres in Tenino, Washington. In 1999, bamboo was established at WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center by Andy Bary and Craig Cogger, WSU Department of Crops and Soils. This experimental design will include 7 varieties planted in replicated field plots. In October 2000, we moved 14 varieties from our on-farm site in Tenino to observational plots at WSU Vancouver Research and Extension Unit.
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| Bamboo shoots harvested by Wade Bennett, Rockridge Orchards and Bamboo Groves | Spider mite damage on bamboo leaves. | Winter flooding in the bamboo at Northcraft Farm. |
WSU Bamboo Research Report 2002. On-Farm Bamboo Production in the Pacific Northwest by Carol A. Miles Ph.D.
Bamboo Photos. Images containing bamboo taken in our research trials and on regional farms
Bamboo Suppliers. A list of bamboo nurseries and plant suppliers in the PNW
American Bamboo Society's Species Source List.
Download pdf file of the bamboo species list.
Access interactive on-line species list. Also contains over 2000 bamboo photos.
Bamboo Shoots (pdf). Alternative Crop Brochure – includes nutritional information and recipes
Bamboo Shoot Recipes. Bamboo shoot recipes developed by local chefs.
Also includes nutritional info.
to view PDF files.
Training Opportunities
The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) offers international training events in China that attract participants from all over the world. Current training events include:
- Poverty alleviation through bamboo-based development: policies, strategies, and stakeholders
- Small Bamboo Daily Product Processing Technologies and Machines
- Bamboo Handicraft – Bamboo Weaving and Furniture Processing Technologies.
For more information, or to register, visit the INBAR website.
Additional Resources
We have provided you with links to web sites which are not in the domain of Washington State University. We have provided these links as a service but do not endorse any commercial products, pest control recommendations, or attest to the accuracy of the information found on these non-WSU web sites.
American Bamboo Society. (ABS) home page provides a list of bamboo links and current information and events.
Bamboo Bambus Zhuzi. This site provides information on bamboo books that are available, and also has pages dedicated to bamboo news, photos, how to make bamboo paper, and links.
Bamboo Web. This page discusses the uses of bamboo and includes bamboo pictures and links.
Hardy Bamboos for Shoots and Poles, a booklet by Daphne Lewis that describes bamboo species suitable for USDA zones 7, 8 and 9. Also Bamboo on the Farm by Daphne Lewis. To order, contact James Clever, 206-782-3490 or e-mail bambugury@earthlink.net.
International Network for Bamboo and Rattan. The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) is an international organization created by 22 member states of the United Nations, and has headquarters in Beijing, China. Through a growing network of participating organizations and individuals from all continents, INBAR develops and assists in the transfer of appropriate technologies and solutions to benefit the peoples of the world and their environment.