Basic density of the culm, the cellulosic fiber content and fiber dimensions were determined in twenty-one progenies of Bambusa tuldoides Munro, and in the typical species as controls. High variation in the basic density (from 0.407 to 0.712g/cm³) was observed, denoting some chemical and anatomical modifications in the culm. The cellulosic fiber content (45.67 to 56.78%) varied less markedly, suggesting that the culm fiber content did not influence the basic density. This characteristic depends on the cell cavity diameter. The smallest value for basic density (0.407g/cm³) was obtained for the highest cell cavity diameter. The average fiber length of Bambusa tuldoides (1.97mm) and its progenies (1.49 to 3.17mm) is situated in intermediate position between those of Eucaliptus (1.0mm) and Pinus (3.5mm). It was possible to recognize the progenies P.5, P.11 and P.13, with long fibers, respectively with 3.17, 2.41 and 2.61mm.
bamboo; basic density; cellulose fiber; progenies