The performance of growth and yield of nine years old rubber tree clones [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex. Adr. de Juss.) Muell. Arg.], were evaluated. The studied clones were AVROS 1328, PB 235, PB 217, GT 1, RRIM 701, IAN 873, Tab 821, IAC 15, Tab 804, IAC 222 and RRIM 600 (check). The trial was established in the Água Milagrosa plantation in the region of São José do Rio Preto, under randomized complete blocks design with six replications. The studied characters were yield of dry rubber, vigor expressed by the stem girth, bark thickness and brown bast. From the second to fourth year of production the plants were stimulated. Among the tested clones PB 235, Tab 804, RRIM 701 and AVROS 1328 were outstanding in their performance out-yielding RRIM 600 by 113%, 45%, 38% and 32% respectively in the first four years of tapping. Most of these clones were vigorous with acceptable secondary characteristics such as virgin bark thickness, dry trees, low incidence of wind damage and low leaf and panel disease susceptibility. GT 1 and IAC 222 did not perform well in yield but was good in vigor. RRIM 701 and IAC 15 showed the highest brown bast incidence. However, girth increment on tapping was high for these clones.
rubber tree; Hevea brasiliensis; clones performance; vigor; yield