The biomass production in an age series of Bambusa bambos plantations was estimated, and compared with its interspecies natural stands and between genera of natural and plantation stands. There was a linear increase of the total biomass of all compartments with the age of the plantation. In the above-ground biomass, the percentage contribution of culms(81%), branches(14%) and leaves(1%) was 96%, whereas in the below-ground rhizome contribution was 4%. The total biomass ranged from 2.3 t DM ha(-1) (1 year) to 297.9 t DM ha(-1) (6 year). The mean annual biomass production was 49.6 t DM ha(-1), over the 6 year period. The mean periodic increment and net primary production was highest in the 5th year, during which a peak of 124.1 t DM ha(-1) yr(-1) in net primary production was obtained. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.