Plantation Crops

Tapping

• Rubber trees attain tapping age at about 7 years.

Tapping

• Latex is obtained from the bark of the rubber tree by tapping, tapping is the process of controlled wounding during which thin shavings of the bark are removed to induce the flow of latex. The number of latex vessels increases towards the cambium. Tapping cuts extend to half the circumference of the tree (half spiral) and slope down to the right.

Standard of Tappability and Height of Opening

• Budded plants are regarded as tappable when they attain a girth of 50 cm at a height of 125 cm from the bud union. In seedlings, the first opening for tapping is recommended at a height of 50 cm when the girth is 55 cm. If opening at a higher level is preferred, the seedling trees can be opened at a height of 90 cm when the girth at that level is 50 cm. In a budded tree. subsequent panels are also opened at the same height i.e., 125 cm. The height specified for opening subsequent panels on a seedling tree is 100 cm.
• It will be generally economic to begin tapping when 70 per cent of the trees in the selected area attain the standard girth. In the traditional region it takes an average of seven years to reach this state. Planting of advanced materials like polybag plants reduce the immaturity period.
•  In India, the best period to open new areas for tapping is March-April. The trees that are left behind during the season for want of sufficient girth may be considered for opening in September.