Low yields of rubber in Uganda seem to be mainly due to low temperatures, but the poor strains of rubber planted also appear to be partly responsible; for most of the trees have an erect branching habit very different from the whorled, spreading habit of many high- yielding clones in the East.
What climatic condition and ecology does rubber grow?
Rubber is a tropical tree crop which is mainly grown for the industrial production of latex. Like oil palm it requires a high and year-round rainfall with little or no dry season and stable high temperatures; soils should not be particularly rich, but must be deep and well drained.
Is rubber an annual crop?
The rubber tree is a perennial plantation crop, although in many parts of Africa the tree exists in a semi-wild state, the original rubber plantations having fallen into a state of neglect. The tree grows in hot, humid climates, maturing in about 5 years and can be tapped for rubber latex for up to 20 years.
Where are rubber trees grown in Africa?
Rubber trees are grown in regions that are hot and moist, that is: in Africa (250 000 tons of natural rubber);
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Where rubber trees are grown.
| Liberia | 100 000 tons |
|---|---|
| Ivory Coast | 18 000 tons |
| Cameroon | 12 000 tons |
| Central African Empire | 1 250 tons |
| Ghana | 1 700 tons |
How can we increase rubber production?
Latex flow during tapping of the rubber plant Hevea brasilensis is the crucial parameter for rubber yield. The extent of latex flow depends on water circulation in the tissues surrounding the latex-producing cells. Water, and therefore latex flow, can be stimulated by ethylene or auxin treatment of the bark.
What type of climate is required for rubber?
Climate:
Rubber is a tropical tree. It requires high temperature throughout the year – ranging between 20°-35°C or average monthly mean of 27°C. Less than 20°C temperature is detrimental. Similarly, rubber also requires heavy rainfall.
What kind of climate does rubber grow in?
Since rubber trees are tropical, they thrive in warmer, more humid climates and don’t handle cold, dry environments so well. They’re best kept between 60 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’ll want to avoid any major cold drafts or quick temperature drops.
In which soil rubber is grown?
Rubber is grown in literate or loamy soil, mostly in slope and undulated land or slightly high elaborated flat land where there is no possibility of water stagnation, and having well drainage facilities. Elevation: Rubber plants can be successfully grown up to the elevation of 450 metre from mean sea level.
Which state is famous for rubber cultivation?
Production of Natural Rubber
| State-wise production of NR (Tonne) | ||
|---|---|---|
| State | 2015-16 | 2018-19 (P) |
| Kerala | 438630 | 490460 |
| Tamil Nadu | 19495 | 21500 |
| Traditional Total | 458125 | 511960 |
How long do rubber trees live?
In the wild, the rubber tree will grow to heights of 100 to 130 feet, and can live up to 100 years. Its most famous feature is the milky white sap, known as latex, which flows freely from the tree when a sliver of bark is removed.
Why was Congolese painful for rubber?
To extract the rubber, instead of tapping the vines, the Congolese workers would slash them and lather their bodies with the rubber latex. When the latex hardened, it would be scraped off the skin in a painful manner, as it took off the worker’s hair with it.
Where do the most rubber trees grow?
Rubber trees are grown in regions that are hot and moist, that is:
- in Africa (250 000 tons of natural rubber);
- in Central and South America (31 700 tons of natural rubber)
- in Asia, which is the chief producer (3 207 100 tons of natural rubber).
Which country has the largest rubber plantation in the world?
The world’s leading producer of natural rubber is Thailand. As of 2019, Thailand’s natural rubber production amounted to 4.85 million metric tons.
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Leading natural rubber producing countries worldwide in 2018 and 2019 (in 1,000 metric tons)
| Characteristic | 2018 | 2019* |
|---|---|---|
| – | – | – |
How much rainfall is required for rubber?
Climate and Soil Requirements
The regions lying within 100 latitude on either side of the Equator is highly suitable for rubber cultivation. It requires a temperature ranging from 200 to 300C with a well distributed rainfall of 200-250cm over the year.
Is rubber a cash crop?
Larger farms tend to grow cash crops such as coffee, tea, cotton, cocoa, fruit and rubber.
How many rubber plants are there in 1 acre?
With trees cultivated at a density of 375 to 450 per hectare (150 to 200 per acre), approximately from hybrid verity rubber 3,500 to 4,500 kilograms of rubber can be produced per hectare per year (that is, approximately ).