Study on the distribution, regeneration and selection of plus trees of Castanopsis hystrix in Muong Nhe Nature Reserve, Dien Bien

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the distribution, regeneration, and selection of plus trees of Castanopsis hystrix in Muong Nhe Nature Reserve. Research results show that C. hystrix was scattered along streams in poor to medium secondary status of the mineral soil mountainous broad-leaved evergreen forests at an altitude of 700 to more than 1000m above sea level. The species distributed in clusters of 2-3 trees mixed with the species Betula alnoisdes, Castanopsis sp., Quercus sp., Pometia pinnata, Schima wallichii, Cryptocaria lenticellata and was not a dominant tree species in the forest. Regeneration of C. hystrix was poor because the seeds were human-collected, rodents eaten, and often regenerated around the mother trees at a distance of less than 3 m from the mother trees. Through the investigation, 26 plus trees were selected in Muong Nhe Nature Reserve, all with growth and quality indicators that met the national standard TCVN 8755:2024. These plus trees will be a valuable genetic source for seed collection serving gene conservation and development of this tree species.