Application of biotechnology in the selection and breeding of Ngoc Linh ginseng

Ngoc Linh ginseng is considered a "national treasure" ginseng of Vietnam with more than 100 types of saponin compounds having been identified. Most varieties of Ngoc Linh ginseng planted today are original varieties with diploid chromosomes (2n = 2x = 24). Polyploid cultivars are known to contain a "multiple" increase in genetic material from the original diploid variety, so polyploid plants are generally more productive than diploid plants. In the study published in the journal Scientia Horticulturae (Q1, the prestigious ISI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111254), the research team of Prof. Duong Tan Nhut succeeded in creating tetraploid Ngoc Linh ginseng (2n = 4x = 48) through polyploid treatment with the mitotic inhibitor colchicine.

In addition, the research team also successfully created Ngoc Linh ginseng from the roots of transgenic Ri T-DNA including rolA, rolB, rolC and aux1 through in vitro clonal embryogenesis and nano-iron supplementation in the cultivation environment to increase the quality of Ngoc Linh ginseng seedlings before being planted and domesticated in the nursery. With the above content, the authors have published 01 scientific paper in the journal Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (Prestigious Q1, ISI https://doi.org/10.1007/s11240-022-02355-9) .

These are the pioneering research projects in the world in the application of biotechnology and nanotechnology techniques in the selection and breeding of Ngoc Linh ginseng and are also some of the results of the excellent research team that receives financial support for project implementation from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut (second from left) is one of four typical scientists in the conservation and development of Ngoc Linh ginseng at the "Back to the source" program held on September 17, 2022, in Kon Tum province

Translated by Phuong Huyen
Link to Vietnamese version