Lisoka Estate Malawi - March 2014
In December 2013 at the onset of the rainy season we began planting 30ha of bamboo on a 256ha timber estate 30 minutes outside of Lilongwe, the initial 30ha was completed by March 2014. The plantation will also be used to produce fuel and showcase bamboo to potential customers.
The 30ha Plantation
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Basins were constructed and mulched to conserve moisture
2012 Trial Plantings
From the performance of the previous year’s trial plantings, Dendrocalamus asper was selected as the main species for the project.
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The AfriBam Nursery in Malawi
TCIII plantlets from BNV Labs Indonesia were supplied to Hortus Capensis in South Africa for hardening in a climate controlled greenhouse before shipping in plug trays to the nursery in Malawi August 2013. Plants were transferred into bags to on grow before being planted into the field.
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Left, plug trays just after unpacking - Right, pre-prepared ongrowing bags
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Left, just after transplanting the plugs - Right, several weeks later
HORTUS CAPENSIS - South Africa
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Left, planting the tissue culture plantlets- Right, incubating the plantlets
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Incubation in a climate controlled greenhouse is essential to fully harden the plugs
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Plugs being prepared for packing and packed plants ready for shipment to Malawi
BNV Tissue Culture Labs - Indonesia
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Plantlets are propagated through micro division and rooted on specially formulated media
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Plantlets are packed and shipped to Hortus Capensis in South Africa for hardening off
Although the process is intricate each stage is essential to produce superior quality plants, reduce mortalities and keep transportation costs to a minimum. To further reduce costs, when anticipated demand is reached a hardening facility is planed in Malawi.
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Arial photo- Lisoka Estate May 2014