Effect of Planting Density on Growth and Yield Productivity 0/Hevea brasiliensis Muell Arg. Clone PB 235

摘要

Clone PB 235 is high yielding and vigorous but highly sensitive to tapping panel dryness and wind damage in Africa. The planting density for panel opening at six years after planting was studied since 1989 in south western Cote d'Ivoire to determine the influence of environmental parameters in reducing the incidence of tapping panel dryness. The study showed that the number of tappable trees was acceptable and had not varied much with the density of planting. There were also no link between density of planting and the occurrence of tapping panel dryness and wind damage. Bole growth and yield were strongly influenced by planting density, yet their interactions were in opposing modes indicating the antagonism of the bole growth yield factors. The optimum planting density was determined at 650 trees/ha. In spite of the high yield noted, the physiological status was in equilibrium indicating the effective tapping system practised. This tapping system resulted in a low rate of panel dryness. These results confirm the influence of age at opening of tapping on bole growth and yield, especially the opening for tapping of clone PB 235 at six years after planting.