Conservation and development of gene sources of two rare orchid species in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the countries with rich biodiversity, especially rare orchid species. Among them, two species of Helen's Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum helenae) and Blue Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum molipoense) stand out not only for their unique beauty but also for their economic, landscape and ecological value. In order to preserve, develop and sustainably exploit two rare orchid species, the scientific task "Exploiting and developing the genetic resources of two Slipper Orchid species" (Code: NVQG-2021/DT.25) has been deployed at Ba Vi National Park, under the chairmanship of Dr. Tran Minh Tuan.

The overall objective of the mission is to exploit and sustainably develop two species of Helen's Paphiopedilum and Green Paphiopedilum in the direction of flower production that brings economic efficiency to growers, while creating ecological landscapes and contributing to the conservation of rare genetic resources in Vietnam.

To realize this goal, the research team has carried out many specific activities such as building a database on the agrobiological characteristics of the two species, developing a seed orchard, implementing in vitro propagation processes, tissue extraction, nurturing seedlings from the nursery stage to maturity, and building a commercial planting model.

Helen's Paphiopedilum.

During the implementation process, a detailed database of agrobiological characteristics of Helen's Paphiopedilum and Blue Paphiopedilum has been completed, serving the management of genetic resources and providing a scientific basis for research on biology, biodiversity and variety development. The original nursery has safely preserved more than 500 individuals of the two species, ensuring rare genetic resources under strict biological control conditions.

In particular, the in vitro propagation and tissue extraction processes have been perfected and standardized, allowing for rapid multiplication of high-quality seedlings. Accordingly, about 2,000 nursery-stage seedlings have been produced, preparing for the implementation of a commercial planting and long-term nurturing model. At the same time, a commercial planting model with 500 plants/lot has been successfully established, meeting market demand and creating the premise for large-scale replication.

The mission not only achieves scientific efficiency but also brings high practical value.

Economically, the propagation and commercial cultivation of Helen's Paphiopedilum and Green Paphiopedilum open up opportunities to create high-value products, helping flower growers increase income and reduce risks due to lack of quality seed sources.

Socially, the mission is to raise public awareness of biodiversity conservation, while creating jobs and sustainable livelihoods for people in the project area.

Environmentally, conservation and breeding under controlled conditions helps reduce exploitation pressure from nature, protect wild orchid populations and maintain ecological balance in conservation areas.

Blue slipper orchid.

The research results of the mission also contribute to improving research capacity, training technical staff, graduate students and trainees participating in the implementation, creating a foundation for further research on conservation and development of rare plant genetic resources. At the same time, the mission provides a solid scientific basis for combining conservation with economic development, towards exploiting rare plant genetic resources scientifically, sustainably and effectively.

The conservation and development of the two species of Helen's Slipper and Blue Slipper not only preserves the unique natural value but also opens up prospects for the development of the commercial orchid industry in Vietnam, contributing to improving the quality of life, protecting the environment and developing the local economy. This is a clear demonstration of the effective combination of basic and applied scientific research, aiming at the sustainable exploitation of the country's rare biological resources.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/bao-ton-va-phat-trien-nguon-gen-hai-loai-lan-quy-hiem-tai-viet-nam-197251201134547871.htm