Yield components in <i>Hevea brasiliensis</i>– theoretical considerations

Abstract

Abstract A theoretical analysis of yield components of Hevea brasiliensis is attempted in this paper. The effect of the major yield components, i.e. initial flow rate per unit length of tapping cut, length of the cut, percentage rubber content and plugging index on rubber yield is represented by the formula image Variation in yield within and between clones can be ascribed to variation to any one of the above components. The importance of high growth rate for maintaining high yield throughout the life cycle of the tree is theoretically elucidated. While the present contention of a theoretical maximum yield of 9.5 t ha −1 with a stand of 350 trees is questioned, the theoretical possibility of attaining that yield by increasing the stand per ha to 600 is analysed.