The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of seasoned climatic variations on latex production, from parameters related to flux and regeneration of latex and biochemical characterization of source and sink tissues, based on the activities of neutral invertase and sucrose synthase (SuSy). Central leaflet of mature leaves of rubber plant clones (RRIM 600, FX 2261 and GT 1) collected in December 2001 and July 2002, from plants cultivated at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) Plant Physiology Section were used. Production data were obtained from the same months, using the S1/2 (D2/D3) tapping system, as well as stove-dried rubber for mineral analyses. The results of production demonstrated a superiority of the RRIM 600 clone, and a similar behavior of the other clones, presenting highest values in December. Both enzyme activities were supain in December in all clones, and higher in baflets of the at RRIM 600 clone. All clones presented superior values of total reducing and soluble sugars in December. Aminoacid levels of the RRIM 600 clone were statiscally superior in july and no difference was found for the other clones. Total protein concentrations were higher in December in the clones RRIM 600 and GT 1, and July for the clones FX 2261. Dried rubber mineral analyses (N, Pi, Ca and Mg) demonstrated reduced values in July for all evaluated characteristics. The GT 1 clone presented higher values of total nitrogen and the levels of Pi, Ca, and Mg were superior at the drie rubber of Fx 2261 clone.
Rubber plant; latex; invertase; sucrose synthase
