culm splitting
This techinique uses dormant buds (not changed to branches) in culms to create new rhizomes. It works very well with tropical genus like Bambusa and Dendrocalamus. Culm should have a year old. We should let first node of main branches of culm, as in illustration below.
We could use a simple node, cutting the middle of a internode, then planting horizontally with branches upwards.
We could use double node, letting an intact internode. We could also make a hole and fill internode with some water, then covering the hole with some cloth or similar. This method is safer than the simple node.
We could plant and entire culm, horizontally or slightly inclined. After shooting, cut the internodes and transfer the shoots to a new planting site.

branch splitting
This technique works in some species. It's still under studies. It consists in cutting main branches and planting them 20 cm deep in earth.

Cloning

At present there is enterprises that offer in vitro bamboo reproducing. West Wind Technologies, from USA, and Oprins, from Belgium, offer selling thousand of young bamboos. They utilize a cloning process . Their links are on the links section.

Yield and Pruning

Bamboo should be cut always after first node to prevent rhizome from rotting. It shouldn't also exceed 30 cms from ground. You can use an axe (for giant bamboos), large knife or saws to collect the culms. It's important giving a precise cut, to avoid rhizome rotting.

A bamboo group has individuals with different ages. Olders than 4 year should be removed to save energy for the new culms and shoots. They could be all removed wihout problems, togheter with rotten and dry bamboos. You should never remove more than 80 % of a bamboo group. Always leave mature bamboos spreaded on the groups area, they are getting much energy for the group.

Best time to obtain strong culms is winter. Shoot harvesting time is soon after its appearing, usually late spring till late summer.

Invasive bamboo control

Bamboos with leptomorph rhizomes are invasive. They extend theirselves many meters horizontally (diagetropic). Take over abandoned terrains, or sprout under a wall. The same reason that makes bamboo good for erosion control, soil bounding, frustrate many control attempts. Bamboo can not only be cutten, it has to be watched over a year or more. Continuosly cut the invasive bamboos, water the place of cutting to force rhizome rotting, and cut the spreading underground rhizomes till bamboo gives up.

Barriers are a good form of preventive control, limiting bamboo arrea. Plastic or aluminum barriers are good ones, and it's always important remeber that they have to be well sealed. Bamboo rhizomes can be VERY agressive.