The effect of tapping on the assimilation rates of Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. leaves

Abstract

The CO2 assimilation rates at leaf level were compared in tapped and untaped trees of two Hevea brasiliensis genotypes. In both genotypes, the CO2 assimilation rates of the leaves in the upper stratum were lower in tapped trees. Simmilary, in young microtapped plants the CO2 assimilation rates were lower than in the untapped plants. The decrease in CO2 assimilation rates due to tapping cannot be attributed to an increase in either stomatal or mesophyll limitations. Tapping increases the sink demand for photo assimilates, but it also results in the loss of water, inorganic nutrients and proteins from the plant. Loss of water, inorganic nutrients may results in lower CO2 assimilation rates of the tapped trees. In the long-term this could result in lower sucrose content in the latex. This may be a probable cause for the physiological disorder, tapping panel dryness in rubber.