Application of technology to preserve and propagate Ngoc Linh ginseng

Ngoc Linh ginseng, a rare and endemic medicinal herb of Vietnam, is not only a symbol of indigenous resources but also identified as a national product, playing an important role in the socio -economic development strategy in mountainous communes of Quang Ngai province.

The application of biotechnology in the conservation, propagation and commercial production of Ngoc Linh ginseng is opening a new direction, bringing great economic value and contributing to sustainable hunger eradication and poverty reduction for ethnic minority areas.

Vietnam is considered by scientists to be a country with rich medicinal resources, of which Ngoc Linh ginseng (scientific name Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.) has been confirmed as one of the rarest ginseng species in the world. Distributed at an altitude of 1,200 to 2,100 m on the Ngoc Linh mountain range, this ginseng species possesses outstanding pharmacological properties with high saponin content, which has the effect of enhancing health, supporting disease treatment and strong antioxidant properties.

Conservation and development

Since 2018, the Government has approved the “Program for the Development of Vietnamese Ginseng to 2030, with a vision to 2045”, identifying Ngoc Linh ginseng as a national key product, aiming to build the “Vietnamese Ginseng” brand with outstanding value on the world medicinal map. Associate Professor, Dr. Le Hung Linh, Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Agricultural Genetics said: “Ngoc Linh ginseng is a native species, with slow growth characteristics, low multiplication coefficient and is easily affected by environmental conditions. Therefore, the application of biotechnology in research on breeding, asexual propagation and production of ginseng raw materials is an important key to preserving and developing this valuable medicinal species”.

According to information from the Department of Science and Technology of Quang Ngai province, recently, the locality has been approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology to implement five tasks under two science and technology projects within the framework of "National Products - Vietnamese Ginseng". In particular, the project "Completing the process of applying molecular markers and dormancy-breaking technology in stable and effective seed production and cultivation of Ngoc Linh Ginseng in greenhouses" chaired by Tu Mo Rong Kon Tum Ngoc Linh Ginseng Joint Stock Company is gradually creating a breakthrough in the productivity and quality of commercial ginseng varieties.

In addition, many provincial-level research topics have been implemented such as: developing seedling standards, surveying chemical composition and quantifying saponin in ginseng stems and leaves, researching ginseng root preservation, supporting businesses to master the technology of processing ginseng products such as dried ginseng extract or Ngoc Linh ginseng oolong tea.

The Institute of Agricultural Genetics has designed 500 specific SSR molecular markers, supporting the accurate identification of genetic characteristics related to ginsenoside content and yield. This is the scientific basis for selecting and creating new varieties with high quality and good disease resistance. In addition, the research team has also successfully developed a process to distinguish Ngoc Linh ginseng using molecular markers, a method that can identify real ginseng at all stages of development, with high accuracy, reasonable cost and fast testing time. This is especially meaningful in the context of the current ginseng market being seriously affected by counterfeit and fake goods.

Secretary of Tu Mo Rong commune, Quang Ngai province, Vo Trung Manh expressed his wish: "We propose that relevant departments and branches advise on the development of Basic Standards for Ngoc Linh ginseng grown in Tu Mo Rong, moving towards establishing higher-level standards, as a scientific and legal basis for protecting varieties, protecting brands and promoting commercialization."

Building a national brand for Vietnamese ginseng

Over the past 50 years, the interest of scientists in Ngoc Linh ginseng has not only stopped at the "rare" or "endemic" factor, but has increasingly expanded to more specialized fields such as molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical chemistry, physiology, deep processing technology, traceability, quality management and development of products with high knowledge content. To build the national brand "Vietnamese ginseng", the Intellectual Property Office has granted the Certificate of geographical indication "Ngoc Linh", many individuals and businesses are implementing projects to expand the geographical indication area in communes with suitable growing conditions in Quang Ngai and Da Nang provinces. According to many intellectual property experts, geographical indications are both a legal tool to protect products and a key to open the door to the international market.

Not only stopping at scientific research, many businesses also invest systematically in raw material areas, build processing and manufacturing plants, develop new products and expand distribution systems. However, there are still many challenges in terms of investment capital, high-quality human resources and especially market control to combat counterfeit and fake goods.

Comrade Vo Trung Manh affirmed: “Tu Mo Rong commits to accompany the Government, ministries, branches, scientists and businesses in the cause of preserving and sustainably developing Ngoc Linh ginseng, so that the product is not only a “national treasure”, but also a “national livelihood”, bringing stable livelihoods and increasing income for ethnic minorities at the foot of Ngoc Linh mountain”.

Standardizing production processes, building quality standards, protecting intellectual property rights and developing products according to the value chain will be the pillars for sustainable ginseng industry development, contributing to the successful implementation of socio-economic development goals in mountainous and remote areas of the country.

PHUC THANG

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/ung-dung-cong-nghe-bao-ton-nhan-giong-sam-ngoc-linh-381853.html