Climate Influences on Latex Yield in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

This study addresses the impact of climate variability on latex yield. Field research was carried out in the Indonesian Rubber Research Institute Experimental Field, located in South Sumatra, Indonesia for 2020 to 2022. The study used mature IRR 118 clones of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) planted in clay loam soil. Latex yields for dry and rainy seasons were compared to obtain the effects of climatic factors. A purposive sampling of latex clone IRR 118 was applied in the field. The results showed that declined rainfall and soil moisture content contributed to the low latex yield during dry season. A declined water availability acts as a limiting factor resulting in decreased latex yield. Latex yield consistently decreased when soil moisture content fell below 21.5%. Based on statistical analysis, the correlation between latex yield and climate factor was 0.36, 0.42, and 0.52 for rainfall, soil moisture content, and evapotranspiration, respectively. Our findings highlight the crucial influence of climatic factors, emphasizing the significance of optimal water availability for latex production.