Introduction

• Scientific Name: Hevea brasiliensis
• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Origin: Amazon Rainforest, South America
• Common Name: Natural Rubber
• Uses: Tyres, footwear, adhesives, gloves, medical equipment, and industrial products.
• Economic Importance: Rubber is a crucial industrial raw material contributing to employment and revenue generation.

Rubber Production in India

• India ranks 4th in global natural rubber production.
• Major Producing States: Kerala (80%), Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, and Odisha.
• Kerala is the leading producer due to its favorable climatic conditions.
• The Rubber Board of India regulates production, marketing, and research.

Climate & Soil Requirements

Climate

• Temperature: 25-35°C (Optimum: 27°C)
• Rainfall: 2000-4000 mm annually
• Humidity: Above 80%
• Sunlight: At least 6 hours of bright sunlight per day
• Elevation: Up to 500 m above sea level
• Wind: Protection from strong winds is required

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained, deep loamy soil with good organic matter
• pH Range: 4.5 to 6.5 (acidic)
• Drainage: High water table and poor drainage should be avoided

Varieties of Rubber

Popular Clonal Varieties in India

1. RRII 105 (High yielding, early tapping, resistant to tapping panel dryness)
2. RRII 430 (Moderate drought resistance, high latex yield)
3. PB 217 (High yield, suitable for rain-fed areas)
4. PB 260 (Good growth rate, high latex yield)
5. GT 1 (Widely adapted, good tapping response)

Propagation & Planting

Propagation Methods

• Seeds: Used for rootstock development
• Budded Plants: Raised in nurseries using budding techniques
• Stump Planting: Commonly used method for field planting

Planting Season

• Best time: June to July (South India)
• Planting distance: 5m x 5m (400-500 plants/ha)

Cultural Practices

Manuring & Fertilization

• Year 1: NPK (10:10:4) @ 225 g/plant
• Year 2-5: NPK (15:15:6) gradually increased
• After Tapping: Regular application of fertilizers (200-250 kg NPK/ha/year)

Intercropping

• Before canopy closure: Banana, pineapple, ginger, or coffee can be grown
• After canopy closure: Shade-loving crops like cocoa

Weed Management

• Mulching with dried leaves and organic matter
• Manual weeding in the early years
• Chemical weed control using Glyphosate

Tapping & Latex Collection

a) Tapping Process

• Tapping begins after 6-7 years when the girth is 50 cm at 1m height.
• Tapping Panel: Spiral incisions on the tree bark (S/2 system: alternate-day tapping).
• Tapping Tool: Specialized knives like the ‘Jebong Knife.’

b) Latex Yield

• Average 1500-2500 kg of dry rubber/ha/year
• Higher yield in well-maintained plantations with modern clones

Processing of Rubber

• Coagulation Latex is collected and treated with formic acid for coagulation.
• Sheet Making Coagulated rubber is rolled into sheets and dried in smokehouses or air-dried.
• Technically Specified Rubber (TSR Rubber is processed into standardized blocks for industrial use.
• Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS) Premium-quality rubber sheets dried using smoke chambers.

Pests & Diseases

Major Pests

1. Rodents – Damage young plants and roots
2. Scale Insects (Lecanium sp.) – Suck plant sap, weakening trees
3. Mites (Tetranychus sp.) – Cause defoliation

Major Diseases

• Powdery Mildew (Oidium heveae) – White fungal patches on leaves Control: Sulphur dusting
• Leaf Spot (Colletotrichum sp.) – Brown spots leading to defoliation Control: Copper fungicide sprays
• Tapping Panel Dryness (TPD) – Reduces latex flow Control: Proper tapping techniques, balanced fertilization

Yield & Economic Life

• Economic life: 30-35 years
• Average yield:
  • Traditional plantations: 1000-1500 kg/ha
  • High-yielding clones: Up to 2500 kg/ha

Rubber Marketing & Export

• Rubber Board of India regulates production & marketing.
• India exports rubber mainly to China, USA, and Europe.
• Rubber-Based Industries: Tyres, gloves, footwear, and industrial rubber products.

Government Schemes & Support

• Rubber Development Schemes by Rubber Board
• Subsidies & Support for Small Growers
• Replanting Support Schemes for old plantations
• Research & Development (R&D) for High-Yielding Varieties