Effectiveness of a locally developed ethephon formulation on yield and related latex physiological factors of Hevea brasiliensis

Ethephon is an essential agrochemical in low intensity harvesting of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis). Currently the total requirement for rubber industry is being imported in ready-mixed form adding a considerable cost to the plantations. Therefore, a new ethephon formulation was developed locally and the present study aimed to assess its effectiveness under Sri Lankan condition.

 

The newly developed ethephon formulation was tested against a commercially available formulation with a small-scale field trial. No significant variation was observed in sucrose availability in laticifers with the new ethephon formulation. Significantly higher thiol and lower inorganic phosphorous contents of latex in trees may ensure long-term sustainability of the new ethephon formulation as a yield stimulant in rubber. Average dry rubber content of latex and latex volume obtained from a tree was comparable with both formulations. Accordingly, dry rubber yield resulted from trees applied with new ethephon formulation was comparable with the existing formulation and average values were 83.22 g and 86.67 g, respectively for new and existing formulations.