Evaluating the latex yield of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis muel arg.) based on the ages of the plant and the time of tapping

Abstract

The yield of latex is strongly influenced by the tapping time and age of the plant. This study was conducted to evaluate the yield of latex obtained from different times of tapping and the age of the plants. The observation was conducted on the 15 and 11-year-old PB260 rubber clones, which were tapped at three different times: 5 am, 6 am, and 7 am with ten plant samples for each plant age and tapping time, respectively. In total, 60 plant samples were collected. The 15-year rubber clone produced a higher latex yield than the 11-year-old rubber clone. The 15-year-old plant produced 47 ml, 25 ml, and 21 ml when tapped at 5 am, 6 am, and 7 am, respectively. The 11-year-old rubber clone produced 29 ml, 23 ml, and 15 ml when tapped at 5 am, 6 am, and 7 am, respectively. 5 am was the best tapping time to produce a higher latex yield in the PB260 rubber clone.

Keywords

• latex
• pb260 rubber clone
• plant age
• tapping
• tapping time