Evening rubber tapping may yield more latex, research finds

RUBBER growers may have a reason to reconsider the traditional timing of tapping, with research indicating that evening tapping can result in higher latex yields.

Findings from the research division of the Rubber Board indicate that tapping rubber trees between 5 pm and 8.30 pm can produce more latex compared with conventional tapping timings.

The finding could be of particular interest to small and marginal rubber growers, for whom improving latex output without increasing the number of trees or tapping frequency can have a direct impact on farm income.

Rubber tapping involves making a controlled cut on the bark of the tree to allow latex to flow into collection cups. The quantity and duration of latex flow are influenced by several factors, including the physiological condition of the tree and environmental conditions.

The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), the research wing of the Rubber Board, has been engaged in research aimed at improving productivity and developing location-specific technologies for rubber cultivation.

Established in 1955, the institute has its headquarters and research farm near Kottayam.

The reported findings on evening tapping could offer rubber farmers another option for scheduling their tapping operations, particularly where local conditions and labour availability permit.

The Rubber Board continues to provide technical guidance and training to rubber growers on latex harvesting and other aspects of scientific rubber cultivation. Its current training calendar includes programmes on latex harvesting technology.

For Kerala, where rubber cultivation forms an important part of the agricultural economy, the findings could prompt greater interest in the timing of tapping as a factor in improving productivity.