I have multiple bamboo plants (Phyllostachys vivax, nigra and edulis) and I was wondering if it was possible to breed them
I guess its possible but I have never heard of it being done before. Would be difficult I think !! What would the purpose be?
Bamboo flowers on a very long cycle. Two species as a rule are not in bloom at the same time, often not on the same decade. Could they be cross pollinated? Beats me.
It would not be an easy thing to do. Each plant would have to be isolated so no danger of cross pollination with an unwanted variety. There would be other things to consider as well !!
Some bamboo varieties die after they bloom. They are also unpredictable as to when the flowering might happen,depending on variety of unknown factors. Thirty-one years ago all the golden bamboo in my region flowered and died. At that time it was reported it happened every 20 years. They lied and the hedge plants I saved by keeping the seed heads picked are going strong. I had only planned on a temporary hedge that would later be replaced. Mixed feelings about it.
I really don't think breeding by manual pollinization will work for bamboo. The gaps between pollen even existing is too great.