TITLE:
Influence of Leaf Density on Latex Production of Hevea brasilensis (Muell. Arg.) in Industrial Plantation of Kango in the Northwest of Gabon
AUTHORS:
Gino Boussiengui-Boussiengui, Pamphile Nguema Ndoutoumou, Charline Obone, Borris Gaël Ella Nka, Seydou Dao
KEYWORDS:
Hevea brasilensis, Clone, Leaf Density, Latex Production, Wintering
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
18,
2026
ABSTRACT: Four clones of Hevea brasilensis Mull. Arg. were evaluated in the industrial plantation of Ekouk-Kango in Gabon. This study was conducted to determine the influence of leaf density on latex production. The clones GT1, PB235, PB260 and RRIM600 aged 25 to 27 years were selected by block following three replicates comprising 25 trees in different plots. The leaf densities were determined visually according to a rating scale between 0 and 4. The clones were bled on day 5, 1⁄2 spiral in descending bleeding and 1⁄4 spiral in ascending bleeding, and the stimulation was done with ether. The collection of coagulated latex was done daily and weighed in the early afternoon. The results showed that the decrease in leaf density leads to a drop in latex production of more than 10.17%. The month of July was characterized by a rating scale (leaf density) between 4 and 3 for clones PB235 and PB260 and between 3 and 2 for clones GT1 and RRIM600. The months of August and September were marked by a considerable drop in leaf density with rating scales between 3 and 2 for clones PB235 and PB260 and between 2 and 1 for clones GT1 and RRIM600. This decrease in leaf density (between 52.87% and 73.26%), followed by a leaf emission (Stage A) of the order of 17.33% to 58.66 led to a drop in latex production estimated at between 10.17% and 30.41%. In view of these results, the recommended stimulation would be a single for the months of August and September, since these two months are characterized by a more extensive wintering period at the clone level.