Some terpinen-4-ol rich tea tree cultivars promising for some sites in the north of Vietnam

Abstract

Progeny and clonal test of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden & E. Betche ex Cheel) seedlots rich in terpinen4-ol introduced from Australia were conducted at Ba Vi (Hanoi) and Phu Loc (Thua Thien-Hue province). Research results at more 2 years of age showed that: i) Promising cultivars at Ba Vi were families A6, A9 and A10 from Candole State Forest provenance New South Wales (NSW) (survival 96.7-97.8%, fresh leaf oil content 2.61%, terpinen-4-ol >40%, limonene ≤1%, and 1,8-cineole <3.5%) and clones A37.217, A32.23, A38.317, A26.218 and A38.39 (survival 82.5-92.5%, fresh leaf oil content 3.06-3.87%, terpinen-4-ol 40-43%, limonene <1%, and 1,8-cineole <3.0%); ii) Promising cultivar at Phu Loc was clone A26.218 of Candole provenance NSW (survival 76.7%, fresh leaf oil content 4.05%, terpinen4-ol >40%, limonene and 1,8-cineole <1%); iii) Control A38 was promising at Ba Vi and Phu Loc, having relatively high survival and good growth with high and stable oil content and quality. It is now recognised by Ministry of Agriculture and Runal Development; iv) Survival and growth of tea tree at Phu Loc were poorer than those at Ba Vi, and therefore it is necessary to apply suitable planting technologies.