Binh Dinh province applies DNA technology to preserve the genes of the nipa palm tree.

The Center for Information and Application of Science and Technology, under the Department of Science and Technology of Binh Dinh province, is conducting a research project titled "Conservation of Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans) gene resources for mangrove forest restoration, ecotourism development, and climate change adaptation in Binh Dinh province".

With the aim of restoring and developing the Con Chim mangrove forest - considered the green lung of the province - the Information and Application Center for Science and Technology, under the Department of Science and Technology of Binh Dinh province, has conducted research applying DNA technology to determine the gene code of the Nipa palm.

The research team collected nipa palm leaf samples at three different locations in Tuy Phuoc district for DNA study. "We used two gene markers, matK and rbcL, to accurately identify the genetic characteristics of the local nipa palm species," said Nguyen Dai Hiep, a member of the research team.

Analysis results showed that the Nypa fruticans samples from Binh Dinh province had 100% similarity to the Nypa fruticans species in the international gene bank, GeneBank. In particular, the study also indicated a high degree of genetic similarity between samples collected from three different locations in Phuoc Hoa, Phuoc Thang, and Phuoc Son communes.

Currently, there is very little research on the genetic characteristics of the nipa palm. "We are registering and publishing nipa palm DNA barcode data on geneBank. This will help us monitor nipa palm populations, detect abnormal changes early, and take timely protective measures," Mr. Hiep said.

The project also applies both advanced invivo and invitro seedling propagation methods to produce healthy seedlings that are well-adapted to the environment. "We are perfecting the process of propagating nipa palm seedlings using advanced invivo and invitro methods. Previously, no such process had been developed and published in Vietnam," said Ms. Le Thi My Thao, project leader. The seedlings produced using this process will be planted in various locations within the Con Chim mangrove ecosystem, forming a network of nipa palm forests to protect the ecological environment.

As a native mangrove species of Con Chim and Thi Nai Lagoon, the Nipa palm plays an important role in protecting the environment and ecosystem. In Binh Dinh province, this species is mainly distributed in the Thi Nai Lagoon area and the estuary areas of Phuoc Son, Phuoc Hoa, and Phuoc Thang communes in Tuy Phuoc district.

Ms. Vo Cao Thi Mong Hoai, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Binh Dinh province, assessed that preserving the Nipa palm gene is an important step in the province's strategy for restoring the mangrove ecosystem. The success of applying DNA technology in Nipa palm conservation in Binh Dinh opens up prospects for applying this method to many other rare plant species, contributing to the conservation of local biodiversity.

Mangrove forests not only act as a natural shield against climate change and erosion, creating diverse habitats for microorganisms and contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Nipa palm trees are opening up many opportunities for economic development. By-products from the tree can be processed into food and unique handicrafts. In particular, nipa palm forests are a highlight for the development of ecotourism in Thi Nai Lagoon.

According to Intellectual Property

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/binh-dinh-ung-dung-cong-nghe-dna-bao-ton-gene-cay-dua-nuoc/20250119085311523