What diseases does bamboo suffer from?
Many bamboo species are affected by various diseases and pests. Much of the available information is from Asia. Fungi, bacteria and viruses are involved but only a few are considered serious problems. In nurseries in Asia, the major diseases are web blight caused Rhizoctonia solani, leaf rust (Dasturella divina) and foliage infection (Exserohilum spp. and Bipolaris spp.). Almost 700 insect species in China, 180 in India and 80 in Japan have been reported to be associated with attacks on bamboos. Comprehensive information on pests and diseases has been compiled in two INBAR publications and further reading is recommended: (i) Mohanan, C. 1997. Diseases of Bamboos in Asia, and (ii) Wang, H., Varma, R.V., and Xu, T. 1998. Insect Pests of Bamboos in Asia. Both publications can be ordered from INBAR. INBAR affiliates can download both publications free of charge.
