On the morning of April 23, the Department of Science and Technology organized an Advisory Council to evaluate and accept the project "Research on conservation of the endemic custard apple genome (Na) of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province". Chairman of the Council is Mr. Mai Thanh Quang - Director of Department of Science and Technology. The project is headed by Mr. Do Van Thinh, Southeastern Fruit Research Center is the lead agency.

The specific objectives of the project are to survey and collect 40 genus/species of custard apple, preserve and evaluate 40 objects of custard apple gene sources, analyse and evaluate genetic diversity of custard apple genus/species that were collected.

Custard apple is also called “na” (Annona squamosa L.), one of the main fruit trees of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. According to the provincial plan, by 2023, the planted areas will be 1,709 ha with expected output of 10,048 tons. After 36 months of implementation, the project has recorded 8 groups of genus including custard apple “Dai, Gai thanh long, Tim, Thai, Da Xanh, Da, Giay and Lua” through surveys of major growing areas in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. Based on key fruit shape differences, 40 trees that were allocated in the above 8 groups were selected. These selected trees have average fruit weights from 125.7 to 461.8g; rate of fruit flesh from 41.59 - 70.26%; Brix of fruit flesh from 19.77 to 24.41%; fruit flesh strength is 0.56 - 0.83 kg.cm-2; total acid content from 0.116 to 0.146%; total sugar content from 14.25 to 19.65% and vitamin C content from 30.49 to 34.20 mg.100g-1. About 40 selected trees were preserved in place. Additionally, about 200 trees from 40 selected trees were applied peripheral preservation method. Conservation trees have been kept, cared for, monitored and evaluated.

The Council evaluated that the project satisfies acceptance requirements. However, some minor improvements need to be made as recommended by the Council.