Abstract
Achievements of the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia in the areas of increased yields, reduction of the unproductive phase, increased labour efficiency and sustainable production (i.e. environmental impact) are discussed. Yield increases have been achieved through breeding and selection, improved propagation and planting practices, enhanced soil management practices (including cover management and efficient fertilizer use), improved exploitation systems and developments in crop protection. Increased profitability had been made possible through the development of practices to reduce the unproductive immature phase, including the introduction of more vigorous and precocious clones and the early exploitation of trees with smaller girths. Mechanization of some field operations and development of low intensity tapping systems has led to increased labour productivity, but much more research and development in this area is needed. Research contributions to the issues of sustainability and a safer environment include conservation of germplasm, soil conservation practices, introduction of chemicals with low toxicity and reduced dependence on inorganic N fertilizers. At the same time practices to minimize pollution from processing waste have been successfully introduced. An important development is the discovery of the value of rubberwood and the potential of rubber plantations as a sustainable source of medium hardwood timber.41 ref.Achievements of the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia in the areas of increased yields, reduction of the unproductive phase, increased labour efficiency and sustainable production (i.e. environmental impact) are discussed. Yield increases have been achieved through breeding and selection, improved propagation and planting practices, enhanced soil management practices (including cover management and efficient fertilizer use), improved exploitation systems and developments in crop protection. Increased profitability had been made possible through the development of practices to reduce the unproductive immature phase, including the introduction of more vigorous and precocious clones and the early exploitation of trees with smaller girths. Mechanization of some field operations and development of low intensity tapping systems has led to increased labour productivity, but much more research and development in this area is needed. Research contributions to the issues of sustainability and a safer environment include conservation of germplasm, soil conservation practices, introduction of chemicals with low toxicity and reduced dependence on inorganic N fertilizers. At the same time practices to minimize pollution from processing waste have been successfully introduced. An important development is the discovery of the value of rubberwood and the potential of rubber plantations as a sustainable source of medium hardwood timber.