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Bamboo is easily attacked by insects and fungi due to presence of starch and sugar in abundance.

After the bamboo is harvested, within 24 hours a metal socket is fitted at the smaller end of the bamboo and boric acid solution (150gm in 10ltrs of water) is injected by using a pressure device through the bamboo pole. This removes the soft tissue present in the bamboo from the other end and resistance of the bamboo pole to pests and insects increases many fold.

There are quite a few methods by which bamboo poles can be treated, like Steam Bathing, Putting the poles in running water and by drilling small holes at every node and dipping it in boric acid solution of above mentioned strength.

Bamboos used for structural purposes are often treated by non-chemical or traditional method, although not much is known about their real effectiveness. However, the treatment cost is almost nothing and can be carried out at village level without any special equipment. These methods include curing, smoking, lime-washing and soaking.

Decay and bio deterioration of bamboo culms during outdoor storage can be checked to a great extent by adopting good storage yard management practices. Culms should be stacked horizontally over raised walls to facilitate water drainage and air circulation

Though it is difficult to harvest the bamboos in the core sector of the cluster, few methods can be adopted to do so. Generally, bamboo is harvested above the first node which prevents infection going through to the root system from the remnant of the harvested pole.

Treatment