Elevations in cytosolic free calcium concentration constitute a fundamental signal transduction mechanism in plants; however, the particular characteristics of calcium ion (Ca²⁺) signal occurrence in plants is still under debate. Little is known about how stimulus-specific Ca²⁺ signal fluctuations are generated. Therefore, we investigated the identity of the Ca²⁺ signal generation pathways, influencing factors, and the effects of the signaling network under drought stress on Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz. Non-invasive micro testing and laser confocal microscopy technology were used as platforms to detect and record Ca²⁺ signaling in live root tip and leaf cells of P. edulis under drought stress. We found that Ca²⁺ signal intensity (absorption capacity) positively correlated with degree of drought stress in the P. edulis shoots, and that Ca²⁺ signals in different parts of the root tip of P. edulis were different when emitted in response to drought stress. This difference was reflected in the Ca²⁺ flux and in regional distribution of Ca²⁺. Extracellular Ca²⁺ transport requires the involvement of the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels, while abscisic acid (ABA) can activate the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels. Additionally, Ca²⁺ acted as the upstream signal of H₂O₂ in the signaling network of P. edulis under drought stress. Ca²⁺ was also involved in the signal transduction process of ABA, and ABA can promote the production of Ca²⁺ signals in P. edulis leaves. Our findings revealed the physiological role of Ca²⁺ in drought resistance of P. edulis. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for research on the response to Ca²⁺ signaling in P. edulis.

Bamboo forest ecosystems are an important component of the Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems and play an important role in addressing the global timber crisis as well as climate change. Bamboo is a typical shallow-rooted, fast-growing clonal plant species whose developed rhizome system and high canopy closure play an important role in soil and water conservation. The function of soil and water conservation services of bamboo forests can intuitively reflect the regional regulation of precipitation, the redistribution function of precipitation, and the function of soil fixation, which is one of the crucial ecological service functions in regional ecosystems. Bamboo forests are divided into monopodial bamboo forests, sympodial bamboo forests, and mixed bamboo forests, which are mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical mountainous areas. The region’s variable climate, abundant precipitation, and high potential risk of soil erosion, in conjunction with the frequent operation of bamboo forests and frequent occurrence of extreme weather events, have the potential to adversely affect the ecosystem function of bamboo forests. Presently, bamboo forests are primarily managed through the cultivation of bamboo, with the objective of enhancing productivity. Extensive research has been conducted on the long-term maintenance of bamboo forest productivity. However, there is a paucity of research on the mechanisms of management measures for ecosystem stability and the development of adaptive management technology systems suitable for soil and water conservation, carbon sequestration and sink enhancement, and biodiversity conservation. This paper is predicated on the biological characteristics of bamboo and, thus, aims to compile the extant research progress on the following subjects: the role of rainfall redistribution in bamboo forest canopies, the role of deadfall interception, and the mechanism of soil fixation mechanics of the root system. It also synthesizes the current status of research on the impact of traditional management measures on the soil and water conservation function of bamboo forests. Finally, it discusses the problems of current research and the direction of future development.