Conservation of genetic resources of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa at Phu Quoc National Park

Abstract

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Myrtacea, native to southeastern Asia. It is useful for ecological environment, food, and pharmaceuticals. Nowadays, the area of R. tomentosa is reduced due to shifting cultivation purpose and lack of proper care of crops at Phu Quoc. It is realized that R. tomentosa should be conserved as soon as possible. Hence, the purpose of this study is to conserve the genetic resources of R. tomentosa at Phu Quoc National Park. The survey of 28 households planting R. tomentosa showed that 50% of households have R. tomentosa cultivating area less than 1 ha, meanwhile only 4% of households have  more than 5 ha. Moreover, the morphology of body, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds of R. tomentosa was also reported. Especially, an 1 ha area of R. tomentosa was staked to conserve at Bai Thom hamlet – Bai Thom commune. Moreover, R. tomentosa (500 trees/ha) was planted on a 2000m² plot of land at Xom Moi hamlet – Bai Thom commune. As the result, this study has partly contributed to the storage and conservation of genetic resources of R. tomentosa as well as encouraged wide conservation of the plant at Phu Quoc island.