Abstract
Variations in tree growth, yields and physiological condition (in terms of latex sucrose and mineral P contents) of 5 Hevea clones (AF 261, AVROS 2037, PB 217, GT 1 and PB 235) under up to 78 stimulations per year (using Ethrel [ethephon]) were studied in a 7year trial. The results indicated strong competition for assimilate distribution between growth and production and revealed the limits of effective stimulation for each clone. Beyond these clonal limits, serious malfunctioning occurred. It wasconcluded that in order to be effective, stimulation must only be used if the clone typology and physiological condition of the latexbearing tissue in the topped trees are precisely known.Variations in tree growth, yields and physiological condition (in terms of latex sucrose and mineral P contents) of 5 Hevea clones (AF 261, AVROS 2037, PB 217, GT 1 and PB 235) under up to 78 stimulations per year (using Ethrel [ethephon]) were studied in a 7year trial. The results indicated strong competition for assimilate distribution between growth and production and revealed the limits of effective stimulation for each clone. Beyond these clonal limits, serious malfunctioning occurred. It wasconcluded that in order to be effective, stimulation must only be used if the clone typology and physiological condition of the latexbearing tissue in the topped trees are precisely known.