The growth, phase change and rejuvenation of trees with special reference to Hevea brasiliensis (Muell.Arg.)

Abstract

The growth of seedlings and buddlings of rubber is periodic and the growth during the first 3-5 years is purely vegetative and the trees grow upward without brancing. Also rubber tree undergoes the phase change during its development process. Trees attain the mature phase in 5-6 years of age which is generally characteristic by flowering and wintering. As for as the rubber industry is concerned, the physiological and biochemical characteristics related to the mature phase, such as slow growth rate, losing of root regeneration capacity, high content of phenolic compounds etc. are all undisarable. All improved clonal materials belong in this phase.