No definite cutting age is maintained for extraction of bamboo
for pulp and paper industries in Bangladesh. In this study an attempt
has been made to find out the optimum cutting cycle for muli bamboo
(Melocanna baccifera) from the point of view of pulp yield and quality.
The results show that bleachable grade of pulp is obtained at a lower
cooking time with younger bamboos (9 months old) than those of higher
age groups. The pulp yield at a given point of delignification is the
highest w’th 21 months old bamboos- Physical strengh properties of
the pulp are independent of age. Thus, it seems that 21 months old
muli bamboo is better for pulping.