Taxus chinensis and other species of the genus Taxus contain precious paclitaxel and docetaxel compounds. Having isolated small populations, low regeneration by seeds, habitat loss due to forest fire, exploitation for contruction, furniture and handicrafts, Taxus chinensis is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) in Vietnam. Studies on propagation of Taxus chinensis are not well understood and will be useful for ex situ conservation. Stem cuttings were collected from different parent trees by age and habitat, in Bat Dai Son Nature reserve and Thai Phin Tung commune. Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) was used to determine the concentration good for stem cutting of Taxus chinensis based on analyzing the figures of rooting percentage (Rp), average number of roots per cutting (N), average longest length of root per roots (L) and rooting index (Ri =Rp*N*L). Results of this study show that after 4 month the experiment was set up, cuttings started rooting. The process of rooting was not regular, and could last to the 10th month of experiment. The highest successful propagation of cuttings was found at Mode 3 with Rp = 84.86%, N = 3.86, L = 5.73 cm, Ri =1876.92 and at Mode 4 with Rp = 82.32%, N = 3.56, L = 5.02 cm, Ri =1471.16, that having cuttings treated with the hormone IBA at 1500 ppm. Following Mode 3 and Mode 4 are Mode 2 (Rp = 70.56%, N = 3.41, L = 4.81 cm, Ri =1157.33) and Mode 1 (Rp = 66.67%, N = 3.26, L = 4.19 cm, Ri =910.67) that were used hormone IBA at 1000 ppm and 500 ppm for treatment of cuttings. These figures revealed that the best concentration of IBA for propagation of Taxus chinensis is 1500 ppm and the cuttings from Bat Dai Son Nature Reserve had higher successful propagation than those from Thai Phin Tung commune.
Nguyen Sinh Khang, Pham Van The, Nguyen Tien Vinh
IEBR, VAST
Nguyen Quang Hieu, Nguyen Tien Hiep
Conservation Centre for Plants
Nguyen Truong Son
Bat Dai Son NR, Ha Giang province