Effect of low-frequency tapping systems (d5; d6) on latex yield, labor productivity and latex physiological parameters on RRIV 106 clone

The tapping labor shortage has been identified as a major issue for natural rubber companies in Vietnam. This study aimed to determine a suitable tapping system to adapt to the labor shortage. The experiment was conducted on RRIV 106 clone at Dong Phu rubber company, Binh Phuoc province, Vietnam in two the tapping years 2018 and 2019. The results showed that the treatments of low-Frequency tapping systems (d5, d6) increased individual yield per tree per tapping (g/t/t) compared with that of d4. The g/t/t of treatments d5 and d6 with latex stimulant (ET 2.5%) applied by 6 to 10 times per year (d5, ET.6/y; d5, ET.8/y; d6, ET.8/y; d6, ET.10/y) was 23; 27; 45 and 47% higher than that of the control (d4, ET.4/y), respectively. Labor productivity (kg/task/day) of low-frequency tapping systems increased similarly to g/t/t. The tapper requirements of low tapping frequency (d5 and d6) were 20% and 33% lower than that of d4, respectively. Land productivity per year (kg/ha/year) of low-frequency tapping systems (d5 and d6) was equivalent (98 to 101%) as compared with that of the control. The effects of tapping systems on latex physiological parameters, tapping panel dryness rate (TPD), and dry rubber content (DRC, %) were not significantly different