Performance and genetic assessment of rubber tree clones in Southern Thailand

Thailand is the world leader in the production of latex extracted from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). However, the most cultivated clone RRIM 600, is highly susceptible to diseases, and there is economic incentive to develop new rubber tree clones. Four rubber tree clones (T2, SK1, NK1 and SK3) that have high latex yield potential from plantations in Southern Thailand were selected for this study. Yield performance, latex biochemical parameters and anatomical characteristics of bark were monitored for two years, using RRIM 600 clones in the same fields as paired controls. The average yi...