SOME TECHNICAL METHODS FOR ASEXUAL PROPAGATION OF EHRETIA ASPERULA ZOLLINGER ET MORITZI

Abstract

Ehretia asperula is a precious medicinal plant with many effects such as cancer prevention, ulcer treatment, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. There is currently a high demand in Vietnam for the exploitation of Ehretia asperula; however, the plant's ability to regenerate from its seeds is very limited. This is because the seeds of this species contain essential oils, which puts the plant at risk of being depleted in the wild. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify some technical methods for asexual propagation of Ehretia asperula, contributing to providing a scientific basis for creating high-quality Ehretia asperula seedlings. Research results show that the best rooting medium for cuttings is soil medium (50%) + sawdust (30%) + coconut fiber (20%) packed into pots for a rooting rate of 83.7%, the survival rate reached over 81% and the seedlings were exported after 3 months of cutting. The best location for cuttings is tree branch buds, giving the highest rate of rooting and exporting. The best cutting length is 10 to 12 cm long with 2 to 3 dormant buds, providing the highest rooting rate of 82.8%. Standard seedlings are 20 to 25 cm tall and have 4 to 6 roots.