The new rubber tapping technology uses Ethephon stimulation as a means, with the main contents of reducing the number of cuts, shallow cutting, low concentration and short-cycle stimulation tapping. According to the technical regulations formulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, in rubber forests of the same age, when the trunk of the grafted tree is about 110cm above the ground and the tree circumference reaches 50cm or more, the rubber trees account for 50% of the total number of rubber trees, the official tapping begins.
The original bark of a rubber tree should be tapped for at least 25 years. The lower part of the new cutting line should be about 110cm above the ground. The depth of rubber tapping should be uniform. The direction of the cutting line is inclined from the upper left to the lower right, and the direction of the cutting surface in the same rubber forest should be consistent, which is convenient for tapping operations and production management. Cut once every 3 or 4 days.
In addition, the bark is a treasure trove of production and tapping, so pay attention to protecting and saving the bark. Taking Hainan as an example, from May to October each year, the temperature, light and rain are suitable for the growth of rubber trees. Avoid flowering and leafing, and tapping can be done at other times. Tapping should be stopped during low temperature periods. When 50% of the leaves of a tree turn yellow, the tapping of the tree should be stopped.
For rubber trees over 15 years old, the latex is viscous and the amount of rubber produced decreases year by year. Ethephon treatment can reduce the viscosity of latex, prevent latex duct blockage, speed up rubber production, and increase production. When using, first scrape off the old bark 2 cm wide below the cutting line to expose the green bark, prepare 10% Ethephon solution with palm oil, etc., and evenly apply it on the green bark. After treatment, the rubber discharge can be increased one day. The treated rubber trees are suitable for tapping once every two days, which can save labor and improve efficiency and yield.
After applying Ethephon, the latex produced by rubber trees increases by 15% to 20%, which is a common means of increasing production and improving the labor efficiency of rubber production in rubber production.
Ethephon has a significant effect on increasing the yield of low-yielding old rubber, but it has no direct effect on latex synthesis. When using it, it should be noted that it is only used for trees over 15 years old. Strictly control the dosage, match the appropriate tapping system, and strengthen rubber forest management. If abused or not operated according to regulations, the bark may rot, shorten the rubber production life, or even die. Spraying 2000-3000mg/LEthephon solution once before wintering can make the rubber tree shed its leaves early.
For rubber trees of different strains and tapping ages, use Ethephon emulsions of different concentrations and formulas, and cooperate with the reform of tapping system to avoid the side effects of Ethephon use and improve tapping efficiency and benefits. It has the following advantages:
- Only need to apply the medicine once a month and tap 7~8 times. Apply the drug 3 times a year and cut 53 to 63 times. Compared with the conventional tapping system, the rubber cutting tool is reduced by 40% to 50% and the skin consumption is reduced by 1/3. The dry rubber production is increased by 5% to 20%, which is suitable for the use of high-efficiency and low-frequency tapping system;
- The adverse side effects are small. Due to the added trace nutrients, the physiological balance of the rubber tree can be adjusted. The rubber production and rubber content after application are stable, the long-flowing rubber is less, the dead skin incidence is low, and the growth inhibition of the rubber tree is not obvious;
- It is easy to use. After the product is shaken, it is directly applied to the regenerated skin above the cutting line. There is no need to scrape the skin and pull the rubber line;
- It promotes the growth of regenerated skin. The thickness of the regenerated skin in the cross section is 25% larger than the conventional one, and the number of regenerated skin latex tubes is 20% more.
Ethephon usage and tapping system:
l5% concentration of compound Ethephon emulsion is suitable for mature bud grafted trees (more than 5 cuttings) and seedling trees of non-systemic PR107 and PB86. Use 2g/plant each time, cut once 3d after applying the medicine, rest for 5d after cutting 7 times, and then start the next cycle of applying medicine and tapping. 3.5% compound Ethephon emulsion is suitable for mature bud grafted trees (more than 5 cuttings) of non-systemic RRIM600. Apply about 1.5g/plant each time, cut once 4d after applying the medicine, and continue to apply medicine and tapping in the next cycle after cutting 7 times, and apply medicine 8 times a year.
l2.5% compound Ethephon emulsion is suitable for young RRIM600 (3rd to 6th cutting age) and PRI07 young trees, apply 1.5g/plant each time, cut once 4d after applying the medicine, and continue to apply medicine and tapping in the next cycle after cutting 7 times, and apply medicine 7 to 8 times a year, and shake the liquid evenly when using it. Dip a brush in the liquid and apply it on the regenerated skin above the cutting line, with a width of 1.5cm.
When using Ethephon, management should be strengthened, trenches should be dug deep, grass should be covered and fertilized, and 1-1.2 kg of special compound fertilizer for high-yield rubber should be applied to each tapped tree to meet the nutritional needs of high-yield rubber. The technical regulations of the high-efficiency and low-frequency rubber production system should be strictly followed, and no additional cutting (not even during the day), drug addition, or deep production should be done without authorization. The tapping depth should be controlled at 0.2-0.22 cm; the amount of skin consumed by the knife should be 0.2 cm; the dry rubber content PRI07 should be maintained at no less than 26%, and RRIM600 should be maintained at no less than 25%. When the dry rubber content is lower than the warning index point, the tapping frequency should be reduced or short-term tapping and hunting should be suspended to promote the recovery of the dry rubber content and maintain the health and high yield of rubber trees.