Sazonal production and latex characteristics in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) clones in Lavras, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

In spite of being the cradle of the species of the genus Hevea, Brazil contributed, in 2001, with only 1.5% of the world production of 7.132 million tons and it consumed around 3.5% of a total of 7.03 million tons of the world demand. The most productive clones are the orientals RRIM 600, PB 235 and PR 255, with production around 1,500 kg of dry rubber/ha/year. The cultivation of those clones in different regions in Brazil shows adaptation to several climatic patterns. The aim of this work was to evaluate the productive behavior of clones of rubber tree, associated to seasonal climatic and physiologic factors in relation to the latex production in Lavras, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The research was conducted in the experimental area of Biology Department of Federal University of Lavras, sector of Plant Physiology, between June 2001 and July 2003. The plant water relations and nutritional factors were appropriate to the productive period. The productivity of clone RRIM 600 was higher than the others and presented positive correlation to the environmental factors during the experimental period. The nutritional factors of the latex and the obstruction index showed significant correlation to the production.

correlation caracters; production; rubber plant