The correlation between branching and the tree growth of Hevea brasiliensis (Muell.Arg.)

Abstract

The main objective of the present study was to see whether there is a correlation between the number of branches and the tree grwoth in hevea brasiliensis. Considerable variation in brancing habits is observed among the trees of different clones. Also, some clones such as RRIC 121 show less brancing when compared to other clones such as RRIC 100 indicating brancing is also a clonal characteristic. Canopy architecture too, shows differences among trees within a clone. Highly significant positive correlation was observed between the number of branches and the tree girth for all clones tested for trees aged from one year to seven years. The correlation between the canopy distribution (grouped as very good, good or poor) and the tree girth was also positive.