GROWTH ASSESEMENT OF POPULAR CLONES OF NATURAL RUBBER (Hevea brasiliensis) UNDER WARM DRY CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF CHATTISGARH STATE, CENTRAL INDIA

Two natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) most popular and widely planted clones RRIM 600 and RRII 105 in the traditional region of India, were evaluated for immature growth performance in warm dry climate of Bastar region in chattisgarh state. The state is a non-tradional rubber growing region and the crop experiences severe drought in the summer months. Prolonged high temperature, low rainfall and soil moisture are the major environmental constraints affecting the performance of clones in the region. Growth performance, effect of seasonal changes on the growth in terms of girth and morphological characters of the clones was assessed. Both the clones observed satisfactory growth in the region. RRIM 600 showed over all superiority and better adaptability in the region. The mean annual girth increment of clones was 6.2 cm. highest girth contribution for both clones was recorded in the wet season, while the lowest was observed during the summer. RRIM 600 also showed more vigorous morphological growth in terms of stem height and canopy structure. Clones attain a tappable girth after the nine years of field planting in the region. Various growth parameter, overall clones performance and adaptability in the region has been discussed. The present study may provide information on the feasibility of rubber cultivation and performance of clones under adverse climate with further support in the identification of suitable best clones for such nontraditional regions. All the article published by Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License Based on a work at www.jebas.org.