Please help me identify this disease pn Ph. Nigra

[JonOrangeLotus]

This specimen is a three-culm division of some variety of black bamboo that I sawzalled from my Dad's yard about two months ago. When I first divided it, one of the top branches looked dusty/chalky white, and not black. Now the culms themselves have these white dusty/chalky white patches radiating from the nodes. It's some kind of disease, I suspect, but what is it, and how do I get rid of it? I am also posting photos of the leaves/branches, which don't look healthy either. Your suggestions and comments are welcome!

[ghmerrill]

That's fairly normal for old culms. Hopefully they are viable enough to produce some new shoots for you in the spring.

[JonOrangeLotus]

Well, I guess I'm lucky. The branches on the existing culms are now putting out new leaves and I see running rhizome growth popping above the soil. I've generally been successful with bamboo in my location, so I'm gonna assume the division is a success. Fingers crossed!

[Bamboo Conne'isseur]

It is my opinion that this is a nutrient deficiency, and can be corrected by giving a fertilizer that has both major and minor nutrients, unless the soil has an overabundance of some mineral, which will throw off others. I would suggest getting your soil tested for free through your local agricultural or extension office. Because bamboo does not need as much as other plants and can adapt pretty well its getting the growth. I am convinced now that bamboo can work in poor soils, but for it to look good enough to be an ornamental it needs food. I think some are more pickier than others, and show problems quicker. One observation I have noted while visiting many different site of bamboo was this problem was almost non existent in stands that were well taken care of/ and or had high quality soil. Just my opinion.