The Areca ginseng plant, scientifically known as Curculigo orchioides Gaertn, is a valuable medicinal resource that contains many beneficial compounds such as saponins and flavonoids. These substances have been successfully propagated through tissue culture technology, making it an ideal plant for cultivation.
This ginseng species is native to Vietnam and is also known by other names such as Tiem mao, Ngai cau, and Co noclan. Traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases, it faced exploitation leading to its inclusion in the Red Book and Red List of Vietnamese medicinal plants.
To increase both economic value and conservation efforts, a research team at the High-Tech Agricultural Business Incubation Center in Ho Chi Minh City has been working on tissue culture methods to maintain this valuable medicinal resource. After successful laboratory culturing, the team experimented with planting the variety in a 1,000 m2 area in Cu Chi district. The ginseng plants were grown in polybags in shaded nurseries to help them adapt to natural conditions.
Engineer Le Thi Hong Ngoc, on behalf of the research team, highlighted the ideal growing conditions for Cau ginseng. She emphasized the need for proper shading and soil moisture levels while also mentioning that drainage systems and movable sunshades are necessary during soil preparation process due to ginseng roots’ susceptibility to rot during rainy season. After one year of planting, tubers can be harvested for consumption or further processing with each root weighing an average of 60-65g containing valuable compounds.
The research team’s findings suggest that cultivating ginseng and areca nut using tissue culture methods can be profitable with potential profits of over 51 million VND per crop for farmers after one year of planting. Moreover, shoots from harvested plants can be used for replanting which helps reduce production costs for subsequent crops. The team plans on transferring this technology to interested organizations or individuals as it has shown promising economic and social value providing a sustainable and lucrative farming model for regions with similar natural conditions.
