The objective of this work was to evaluate the latex yield from rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and the effects of variation of climatic factors on carbon metabolism. Data were collected from 8-year-old RRIM 600 rubber tree clone in the first tapping year, cultivated at the experimental area of the Biology Department of the Federal University of Lavras. Analyses of soluble and reducing sugar contents was performed in two distinct dates, 8/29/97 (winter) and 12/23/97 (summer), with samples being taken at 3 h intervals during 24 hours. Dry rubber yield was evaluated by two tappings performed in each period. The results suggest that, besides the relationship between latex yield and soil water status, the temperature variation from such period also had an important influence on carbon metabolism, mainly the carbohydrate availability for latex synthesis.
Rubber tree; sugar; latex production; climatic factors
