Seasonal Changes Impact on Growth of Rubber (<i>Hevea brasiliensis</i>) Seedlings under Different Cultivation

Abstract

The vegetative growth of rubber tree is an important basis for rubber tree cultivation and economic management. Stem diameter and height growth patterns of rubber seedlings and the seasonal variability are still poorly understood. Studying the annual growth patterns and seasonal variation of rubber seedling will help understanding biological characteristics of rubber tree and provide a reference for field cultivation and management. Height growth and stem diameter of field-sown rubber seedlings cultivation and polybag-raised cultivation all displayed a distinct annual pattern of “slow-fast-slow”. Height growth and stem diameter growth response fitted the logistic equation preferably, supporting the observed pattern. Fast-growth of plant height for polybag-raised rubber seedlings cultivation and field-sown rubber seedlings cultivation occurred from June to November and May to November, respectively. This period saw the greatest accumulations of plant height growth for polybag-raised rubber seedlings cultivation and field-sown rubber seedlings cultivation accounting for 83.99% and 86.65% of total growth, respectively. Fast-growth of stem diameter for polybag-raised rubber seedlings cultivation and field-sown rubber seedlings cultivation occurred from June to November and May to November, respectively. This period saw the greatest accumulations of stem growth for polybag-raised rubber seedlings cultivation and field-sown rubber seedlings cultivation accounting for 86.71% and 84.60% of total growth, respectively. Polybag-raised rubber seedlings cultivation and field-sown rubber seedlings cultivation for the whole year had nine extension units and each month had one extension unit from May to November. Extension unit of for the whole year did not stop period and plant height growth rate has the seasonal difference. However, leaf phenophase of field-sown rubber seedlings cultivation was earlier than that of polybag-raised rubber seedlings cultivation and each extension unit of field-sown rubber seedlings cultivation was greater than that of poly-bag-raised rubber seedlings cultivation. The precipitation had the greatest impact on seedlings growth under different cultivation. There was no period annually in which height growth and stem diameter growth did not occur and the fastest growth occurred during the rainy season. Plant height and stem diameter of rubber seedlings under different cultivation showed isogony phenomenon. Extension unit and leaf phenophase of polybag-raised rubber seedlings and field-sown rubber seedlings showed consistency and synchronization characteristic. Different cultivation of rubber seedling should take corresponding measures tending management and operation.