EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF CUTTING CONDITIONS ON ROOT INDUCTION IN Asarum cordifolium C.E.C. Fisher USING ASEXUAL PROPAGATION TECHNIQUES AT HOANG LIEN NATIONAL PARK, LAO CAI PROVINCE

Abstract

Asarum cordifolium C.E.C. Fisher is a valuable medicinal plant traditionally used by the Red Dao ethnic community in Vietnam for treating paralysis, wounds, hemorrhoids, cough, and childhood fever. The species is listed as “Endangered” (EN) in the Red List of Vietnamese Medicinal Plants (2019) due to its narrow distribution, overexploitation and habitat degradation. This study aimed to determine the effects of IBA concentration, cutting position, cutting length and substrate type on rooting ability of A. cordifolium stem cuttings. Experiments were conducted at Hoang Lien National Park under controlled nursery conditions for three months, with cuttings placed in polyethylene bags and maintained at 80 - 90% humidity. Results showed that all tested factors significantly influenced rooting percentage and root growth characteristics. Among IBA treatments, 200 ppm was the most effective, yielding 92.00% rooting, with an average of 7.33 roots per cutting and a mean root length of 10.65 cm. Cutting position also played a crucial role, with apical cuttings achieving the highest rooting rate (89.93%). The optimal cutting length was 8 cm, producing 91.30% rooting, 7.31 roots per cutting and 10.54 cm average root length. Substrate composition had a marked effect, with garden soil mixed with farmyard manure (5: 1, v/v) giving the best results (86.00% rooting, 7.47 roots per cutting, 10.89 cm root length). These findings provide a scientific and technical foundation for vegetative propagation and conservation of A. cordifolium, contributing to the restoration and sustainable development of this valuaable medicinal resource in Vietnam.