Research on propagation from the seeds of the Ma Do tea tree (Camellia sinensis var. madoensis)

Abstract

Ma Do tea (Camellia sinensis var. madoensis) is a local tea variety distributed in Phu Yen and Binh Dinh provinces with high medicinal and commercial value. Currently, the number of natural individuals of this species is at risk of depletion due to overexploitation; therefore, developing seed sources of this plant species is very necessary. In this study, Ma Do tea seeds were collected and sterilized with 10% Ca(OCl)₂ supplemented with Tween 20 for 20, 30 and 40 minutes to evaluate the disinfection effect and as a material for investigation. Effects of plant growth regulators on the ability to rapidly multiply shoots. The recorded results showed that Ma Do tea seeds sterilized with 10% Ca(OCl)₂ for 40 minutes gave optimal disinfection efficiency with 100% of live samples and germination after 10 weeks of culture. In addition, apical shoots (1.5 cm) were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 4.0 mg/l BA, 0.8 mg/L IBA and 1.6 mg/L GA3, 30 g/L sucrose and 7 g/L agar recorded rapid shoot multiplication efficiency with 8.5 shoots/explant and 24.25 leaves compared to other treatments after 12 weeks of culture. The results of the study have created a source of in vitro samples to serve the propagation and conservation of this plant species.