Explore the key principles and practices of rubber plant tapping in agriculture. This quiz covers methods, timing, requirements, and common misconceptions to deepen your understanding of latex extraction.
At what minimum trunk girth (measured at 1 meter above ground) is a rubber tree typically considered ready for tapping?
Explanation: A trunk girth of about 50 centimeters at 1 meter height is commonly used as the benchmark for maturity before tapping starts. 20 and 10 centimeters are too small, indicating immature trees, while 80 centimeters is larger than typically required, delaying tapping unnecessarily.
Which tapping method is widely used for efficient and sustainable latex extraction from mature rubber plants?
Explanation: Half-spiral downward tapping is the preferred method as it balances latex yield and tree health. Vertical slicing and horizontal girdling can damage vascular tissues, and root notching is not a recognized tapping method.
What is the most common tapping frequency used in commercial rubber plantations to avoid tree exhaustion?
Explanation: Alternate day tapping is common as it allows latex regeneration and reduces stress. Daily tapping can exhaust the tree, whereas weekly and monthly tapping result in suboptimal latex yields.
Why is tapping typically performed early in the morning on rubber plantations?
Explanation: In the early morning, higher turgor pressure aids maximum latex flow. While lower pest activity and better weather may help workers, these are secondary, and early hours do not primarily reduce plant infection risk.
Which tool is specially designed for making controlled incisions during rubber tree tapping?
Explanation: A tapping knife is specifically shaped to make precise cuts in the bark without harming the cambium. Pruning saws and sickles are for cutting larger plant parts, and a hoe is used for soil management.