Some considerations concerning the yield potential of some clones (Hevea Brasiliensis)

The present study deals with the comparison of stimulation strategies onfourteen clones tapped in 1125 d/4, over a total period of seven years, in Cote d'Ivoire. For aIl clones, ethephon stimulation strongly influenced the cumulated yield and the physiology of the latex ceIls. The responsiveness to the long tenn stimulation, over seven years, depends on the clonaI latex physiology. Ethepehon stimulation is more efficientfor clones with a low metaholism. The capability of trees to produce more under ethephon stimulation is related to the suerose content, which is a clonaI characteristic. The gain of the latex yield per clone, related to the physiological characteristics of the latex, can be used to dcfine the yield potential of each clone. The limits of the use of stimulation can be enlarged !'vith clones having higher sucrose content. In that case, it will be easier to increase the yield potential by using honnonal stimulation. (Resume d'auteur)