Characterization of the developmental dynamics of the elongation of a bamboo internode during the fast growth stage

Previous studies on the fast growth of bamboo shoots mainly focused on the entire culm. No work about the fast elongation of a single internode, which is the basic unit for the fast growth of bamboo shoots, has been reported so far according to our knowledge. In this study, we have systematically investigated the regulating mechanisms underlying the fast growth of a single bamboo internode of Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch. ex Schult. We discovered that the growth of the internode displays a logistic pattern, and the two sections located in the bottom of the internode, one for cell division and, another for cell elongation, each with an ~1-cm length, comprise the effective zones for the internode growth. RNA-Seq analysis identified a number of genes potentially involved in regulating the fast growth of bamboo internode such as those that have positive roles in promoting cell growth or division, which were dramatically down-regulated in the internode at fast growth decreasing stage. Further analysis revealed that sugar plays an important role in promoting the fast growth of bamboo internodes through inhibition of BmSnf1. Mechanical stress is found to be involved in the triggering of the internode growth decrease through activation of the generation of reactive oxygen species by upregulating Calmodulins. These results provide systematic insight into the biological mechanisms underlying the fast growth of bamboo shoots based on the behavior of a single internode.