Articles
Effectiveness of a locally developed ethephon formulation on yield and related latex physiological factors of Hevea brasiliensis
Authors:
L. T. B. K. Fernando ,
Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Dartonfield, Agalawatta, LK
K. V. V. S. Kudaligama,
Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Dartonfield, Agalawatta, LK
T. H. P. S. Fernando,
Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Dartonfield, Agalawatta, LK
W. G. D. Lakmini,
University of Ruhuna, Kamburupitiya, LK
About W. G. D.
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture
H. P. P. S. Somasiri,
Industrial Technology Institute, Baudhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, LK
N. P. S. N. Karunarathne,
Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Dartonfield, Agalawatta, LK
K. M. E. P. Fernando,
University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, LK
A. P. Attanayaka,
Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Dartonfield, Agalawatta, LK
V. H. L. Rodrigo,
Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Dartonfield, Agalawatta, LK
P. Seneviratne
Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Dartonfield, Agalawatta, LK
Abstract
Ethephon is an essential agrochemical in low intensity harvesting of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis). Currently the total requirement for rubber industry is being imported in ready-mixed form adding a considerable cost to the plantations. Therefore, a new ethephon formulation was developed locally and the present study aimed to assess its effectiveness under Sri Lankan condition.
The newly developed ethephon formulation was tested against a commercially available formulation with a small-scale field trial. No significant variation was observed in sucrose availability in laticifers with the new ethephon formulation. Significantly higher thiol and lower inorganic phosphorous contents of latex in trees may ensure long-term sustainability of the new ethephon formulation as a yield stimulant in rubber. Average dry rubber content of latex and latex volume obtained from a tree was comparable with both formulations. Accordingly, dry rubber yield resulted from trees applied with new ethephon formulation was comparable with the existing formulation and average values were 83.22 g and 86.67 g, respectively for new and existing formulations.
How to Cite:
Fernando, L.T.B.K., Kudaligama, K.V.V.S., Fernando, T.H.P.S., Lakmini, W.G.D., Somasiri, H.P.P.S., Karunarathne, N.P.S.N., Fernando, K.M.E.P., Attanayaka, A.P., Rodrigo, V.H.L. and Seneviratne, P., 2019. Effectiveness of a locally developed ethephon formulation on yield and related latex physiological factors of Hevea brasiliensis. Journal of the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, 99, pp.115–125. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jrrisl.v99i0.1894
Published on
30 Dec 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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