RUBBERWOOD CLONINGS
In Thailand, rubberwood (*Hevea brasiliensis*) cultivation is widespread due to the country’s significant role in the global rubber industry. While most modern rubberwood plantations use clonal propagation methods, seedlings from selected parent trees are still used, especially in smallholder farms and certain traditional practices. Here are some common types of rubberwood seedlings in Thailand:
1. RRIM 600
– **Origin:** Developed by the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM).
– **Characteristics:**
– **High Latex Yield:** RRIM 600 is one of the most widely planted clones in Thailand due to its high latex yield.
– **Wood Quality:** The wood from RRIM 600 trees is also of good quality, making it suitable for timber production after the latex production phase.
– **Adaptability:** It is highly adaptable to various soil types and climates, which is why it has been so successful in Thailand.
– **Disease Resistance:** Moderate resistance to common rubber tree diseases.
2. RRIT 251
– **Origin:** Developed by the Rubber Research Institute of Thailand (RRIT).
– **Characteristics:**
– **High Latex Yield:** RRIT 251 is known for its high latex production, similar to RRIM 600.
– **Fast Growth:** It has a relatively fast growth rate, allowing for earlier tapping and quicker returns for farmers.
– **Wood Properties:** The wood is suitable for furniture and other wood products.
– **Climate Adaptation:** Well-suited to Thailand’s climate, particularly in the southern regions.
– **Disease Resistance:** Enhanced resistance to diseases like Phytophthora, which causes leaf fall.
3. PB 260
– **Origin:** Developed by the Prang Besar (PB) Rubber Research Station in Malaysia.
– **Characteristics:**
– **Very High Latex Yield:** PB 260 is known for its exceptional latex yield, one of the highest among commercial clones.
– **Slower Growth:** Compared to RRIM 600 and RRIT 251, PB 260 has a slower growth rate, meaning it takes longer to mature for latex tapping.
– **Wood Density:** The wood is slightly denser and more robust, making it ideal for heavy-duty timber products.
– **Disease Susceptibility:** Slightly more susceptible to certain diseases, particularly wind damage and certain fungal infections.
4. GT1
– **Origin:** Originally developed in Indonesia.
– **Characteristics:**
– **Good Latex Yield:** GT1 offers good latex yields, though not as high as RRIM 600 or PB 260.
– **High Wood Quality:** The wood quality is excellent, with fine grain and good workability, making it popular for furniture.
– **Adaptability:** It is particularly well-suited to regions with less fertile soils and variable climates.
– **Disease Resistance:** Strong resistance to wind damage and some common rubber tree diseases.
5. RRIT 408
– **Origin:** Another clone developed by the Rubber Research Institute of Thailand.
– **Characteristics:**
– **Balanced Yield:** RRIT 408 provides a balanced latex yield with good wood properties, making it a versatile choice for both latex and timber production.
– **Moderate Growth Rate:** The growth rate is moderate, with trees maturing in a reasonable timeframe for tapping.
– **Climate Adaptability:** Well-adapted to Thailand’s diverse climate zones, particularly in the north and northeast.
– **Disease Resistance:** Improved resistance to leaf diseases and tapping panel dryness (TPD).
6. BPM 24
– **Origin:** Developed in Indonesia.
– **Characteristics:**
– **Moderate Latex Yield:** BPM 24 offers a moderate latex yield but is valued for its wood properties.
– **Fast Growth:** This clone has a faster growth rate, making it attractive for timber production.
– **Wood Quality:** The wood is of high quality, with a good balance between density and workability.
– **Disease Resistance:** It has decent resistance to common diseases but may require more intensive management.
General Characteristics of Rubberwood Seedlings in Thailand:
– **Seedling vs. Clones:** While seedlings are still used, clonal propagation is more common in commercial plantations due to the uniformity and predictability of clones.
– **Growth Rate:** Seedlings generally have a slower growth rate and more variability in yield and wood quality compared to clones.
– **Adaptation:** Seedlings may offer greater genetic diversity, which can be beneficial in areas with variable conditions or where disease pressure is high.
– **Wood Usage:** After latex production, the wood from these seedlings is often used for furniture, flooring, and other wood products due to its light color and fine grain.
Thailand’s rubberwood industry relies heavily on these and other selected varieties, each chosen for its suitability to the local environment, disease resistance, and balance between latex and timber production.
SAWING WORKER WILL BE CALCULATING THE TIME NEEDED TO WORK ON THE PROJECT. WITH THIS, THE COST OF LABOR WILL BE DETERMINED ON SWIFTNESS AND EXPERIENCE ON SAWNING RUBBERWOOD TREE.
English 
简体中文 
ไทย