In this study, we observed the rhizome and root anatomy of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) with scanning electron microscopy compared with the anatomy of the culm. The epidermis of culm, rhizome, and root were hard multi-layered and composed silica cells. The culm and rhizome consist of the epidermal, parenchyma, and vascular tissues. Although features of the anatomical structure of the rhizome were similar to those of the culm, the shape and distribution of vascular bundles and parenchyma differed between the organs.
The fine root (diameter B2.0 mm) biomass and morphology of Japanese red pines (Pinus densiflora) grown under different aboveground conditions (i.e., high and low competitive environments) were examined in a pinecypress mixed forest. All P. densiflora subject trees were about 40 years old, and the aboveground condition (i.e., size) of red pines appeared to be influenced by the surrounding Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa). Smaller P. densiflora exhibited lower fine root biomasses, shorter root lengths, and lower root tip densities, but longer specific root lengths and higher specific root tip densities relative to larger pines. These results suggest that P. densiflora may adjust the morphological traits of fine roots to the different conditions in biomass allocation to fine roots of individuals with different aboveground growth.
Although culms of bamboo are utilized for various materials, technologies for effective use of bamboo rhizomes have not been established yet. In this study, therefore we analyzed the rhizomes of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) to determine their chemical components and to quantify various inorganic substances for the purpose of the investigation of their fundamental characteristics. The ash and extractable compounds contents were much higher in the rhizomes than in the culms. The lignin and cellulose contents were higher in the culms than in the rhizomes. The hemicellulose content was higher in the rhizomes than in the culms. The ash particles formed various shapes: needles, grains, and fluff. The ash particles contained high levels of O, Mg, Si, P, S, and K. We mapped the localization of various inorganic substances in the rhizome, and observed that Si was concentrated in the epidermis. The distributions of elements were different among various tissues in the rhizome such as metaphloem and tylosoid. The amount of extractives tended to increase in rhizomes from summer to autumn. The amount of free saccharides such as sucrose, glucose and fructose, and starch tended to decrease in summer and increase from winter to spring. The highest free saccharides and starch content (12%) was in rhizomes collected in April. Sucrose and starch were the main components of total free saccharides and starch in all seasons.
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