Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of high-frequency tapping system (1/3S 3d/4) on latex yield, biochemistry and its impact on the Tapping Panel Dryness (TPD) of young RRIM600 hillside tapping rubber. The experiment was conducted at three different hillside rubber plantations (NM 1 - 3) at Na-Mom district, Song Khla province, Thailand. Eight-year-old rubber RRIM 600 clones was used in the experiment starting from 2008 until 2009. The rubber trees were investigated for latex yield production, bark consumption, and TPD. In addition, latex diagnosis (sucrose, inorganic phosphorus (Pi), and thiol levels) was measured. The results demonstrated that high-frequency tapping system positively affected the rubber latex yield formation. However, site-specific condition of rubber plantation altered latex yield production. NM 3 provided the highest latex yield (fresh and dry weight) as compared to other plantations. Tapping frequency was highly correlated to latex yield (fresh and dry weights) in all investigated rubber plantations (R2 > 0.75). Using high-frequency tapping system increased bark consumption and stimulated TPD. Moreover, results of latex diagnosis (sucrose, Pi, and thiol levels) showed relatively unhealthy rubber tree as impacted by high-frequency tapping system. Therefore, the farmer should consider it for better decision-making for tapping system application.
Highlights
Natural rubber, or latex, is a crucial product for many tropical countries, mainly in Asia, South America and some regions of Africa
The results demonstrated that high-frequency tapping system positively affected the rubber latex yield formation
Latex yield production and its relationship with tapping frequency Latex yield formation of rubber tree begins with the conversion of photosynthesis outcomes, assimilates as the sucrose are changed into the glucose
Summary
Latex, is a crucial product for many tropical countries, mainly in Asia, South America and some regions of Africa. Most of the latex is mainly produced by smallholder rubber plantations taken more than 2,300,000 ha (Michels et al, 2012). Global demand for natural rubber is being increased yearly (VrignonBrenas et al, 2019). By comparing with synthetic rubber, the demand for natural rubber has increased by 5% during the last decade, leading to the expansion of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations Received in revised form: 01 Oct 2020.
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