Central Highlands Yew: Restoring rare genetic resources and opening up directions for sustainable forestry development

In the context of many rare native tree species being seriously reduced due to climate change and human impact, the conservation and development of the genetic resources of the Yew (Glyptostrobus pensilis) has become an urgent task. The Yew is an endemic tree species with high ecological, scientific and landscape value, once widely distributed in the Central Highlands but now only exists in a few small areas, facing the risk of extinction in the wild.

Realizing that, the national science and technology task "Research on exploitation and development of Thuy Tung tree genetic resources in some provinces of the Central Highlands" (code NVQG-2021/DT.12) chaired by the South Central and Central Highlands Forestry Science Institute, chaired by Dr. Luu The Trung, has been implemented in the period 2021-2025.

The core objective of the mission is to provide a complete scientific basis on the biological, forestry and genetic diversity characteristics of Thuy Tung and to build a technical system from breeding to planting and care to restore and develop the population of this rare species.

Yew trees have developed well through propagation methods, promising to contribute to the conservation and development of valuable genetic resources.

The research team completed a detailed report on the silviculture, biology, ecology and genetic diversity of the Water Yew, documenting for the first time the full genetic diversity of the natural distribution areas in the Central Highlands. The analyses revealed low levels of genetic diversity, reflecting the long-term decline of the population, and emphasizing the need for proactive conservation measures.

The study also determined suitable site conditions, typical growth of seedlings and response of Cyperus rotundus in the early stage of restoration planting, important data for designing planting models and managing conservation forests.

The research team has completed a system of continuous technical processes and successfully propagated 3,000 seedlings that meet the standards for afforestation, with good vitality and adaptability. This is an important source of seedlings for restoration planting in conservation areas, national parks and inland flooded forests.

Yew tree belongs to group IA, an endemic species listed in the Vietnam Red Book, is at risk of extinction and is classified as needing strict protection.

The research team has built 01 hectare of gene collection garden, acting as a "living genetic bank" to preserve and conserve rare native Yew strains for a long time. In parallel, the team has deployed 05 hectares of experimental planting models in two provinces of the Central Highlands, with a survival rate of over 85%, showing the good adaptability of the tree in conditions of forest and wetland renovation.

These models are not only experimental bases but also demonstration sites for replicating techniques to localities in need of species restoration, contributing to improving research capacity and expanding international cooperation opportunities.

The mission has reportedly helped the host organization accumulate a long-term field and scientific data system, which is especially important for the conservation of rare species. Since the cedar is an internationally valuable species, the research results open up opportunities for extensive cooperation in inter-regional and trans-boundary conservation projects.

When replicated, Thuy Tung promises to become a symbol of the effort to restore the Central Highlands endemic forests, making a practical contribution to Vietnam's green growth goals and biodiversity protection.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/thuy-tung-tay-nguyen-khoi-phuc-nguon-gen-quy-hiem-va-mo-huong-phat-trien-lam-nghiep-ben-vung-197251120011458021.htm