Advances in bamboo biotechnology: Present status and future perspective

Abstract

Bamboo, the most important natural and renewable resource of the world, has always been an integral part of the social and economic life of many Asian countries. Therefore, the annual demands for bamboos have already outcrossed the annual yields across the world. Increasing population pressure; indiscriminate exploitation by paper, pulp and fuel industry; and insufficient attempts to replenish and cultivate bamboos are further widening the gap between demand and supply. This has forced scientists to pay greater attention towards employment of advanced biotechnological tools for understanding, generating and improving bamboos. As a result, new insights into bamboos were gained through genomics, proteomics, nanotechnology and transgenic technology. The findings show the way for better utilization of improved bamboos in meeting the future needs of the world. The achievements highlighted in the present review pave the way for the betterment of bamboos for the next millennium.