Growing Heves Trees in Marginal Climatic Zones.

The attempt to develop hevea-tree cultivation in low-rainfall (1200 to 1500 mm) shows that: tree growth is definitely reduced, but never by more than 25% relative to those grown in more humid areas, and the difference diminishes with the increasing age of the tree; and production in the fourth or fifth year of tapping is satisfactory (1600 kg/ha). With a better adapted plant stock, with modifications in the culture techniques during the immature period, and perhaps with an intensification of stimulation, it might be possible to improve the production of latex still further. In this way, so-called marginal zones could be opened up to hevea-tree cultivation.