Recommended tapping systems
1. Introduction
Tapping system refers to a standardized procedure of exploiting the tree
which normally includes the length, number and directions of cuts,
frequency of tapping days, use of yield stimulants and the incorporation of
rest period from tapping and stimulation.
1.1 Length of Cut
The length of the tapping cut in relation to the circumference of the
tree is an important factor in determining yield. The yield increases
with increasing length of cut but not proportionately as the yield per
unit length of tapping also decreases.
The length of tapping cut (except for short or mini-cuts which is
directly measured) is interpreted as the relative proportion of the trunk
circumference that is embraced by the tapping cut and does not refer
to the actual lengths. The usual length of cut is ½ S (half spiral). Other
tapping variations observed in association with latex stimulation
include tapping on: 1/3 S, 1/3 V, ¼ S, 1/8 S, Mc2.
1.2 Direction of Slope of Cut
A sloping cut is necessary for the latex to flow along the cut into the
latex cup. In a spiral cut, the slope is made from high left to low right
to take into consideration the anatomical structure within the tree
whereby the latex vessels spiral from bottom left to top right at an
angle of approximately 4º from the vertical.
1.3 Frequency of tapping
The frequency of tapping influences the physiology of the tree as well
as yield from the tree. A high frequency tapping would affect the
physiological balance between extraction of latex and its
replenishment in the latex vessels, while too low a frequency would
affect yield. Low frequency system will result in high yield per
tapper but will reduce the yield per unit area.
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Recommended tapping systems
Plantation tapping is usually carried out at alternate daily (d/2) and
once in every three days ( d/3) tapping frequency. However, in
countries where labor is scarce, tapping frequencies of d/4 (once in
every 4 days) and d/6 (once in every 6 days) are common. For CAP-
PBD cooperative plantations, d/3 is recommended.
The frequency or annual tapping days may be computed based on the
recorded number of tapping days per year, excluding regular non-
working holidays and no tapping days due to rain and other
unexpected events recorded, say, in the past two years (average).
For example, if there were five (5) non-working holidays and an
average of ten (10) no tapping days due to rain and other external
events recorded in the last two years, then, we can use these figures
as reference in estimating the number of tapping days for the following
year. In this example, we have 350 potential tapping days.
On this basis the number of tapping days per tree would be as follows:
d/2 = 175 days per year.
d/3 = 116 days per year.
d/4 = 87 days per year.
Estimating the potential tapping days would provide management
good reference in projecting annual yield estimates per hectare in
relation to the tapping frequency used.
2. Recommended Tapping Systems for Plantation Cooperatives
In general rubber plantations in Region 9 practice a progressive rubber
exploitation program following replanting. This means harvesting from low
intensity to high intensity tapping regime and progressive latex stimulation
program as the trees grow older and matures. The practice promotes
young tapped trees to continually grow and attain good girth size, thus,
higher future yields, and at the same time provide management the
opportunity to recoup its investment earlier. The following table summarizes
the tapping systems recommended for CAP-PBD cooperatives in Region-
IX.
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Recommended tapping systems
Table 3: Tapping Systems Recommended for Plantations
Proposed Stimulation
Tapping Year Tapping Panel Tapping System Program*
Virgin Bark
1-5 (BO-1) ½ S d/3, 67% No Stimulation
Virgin Bark 4rds/yr@1/2 task/mo.,
6 - 10
(BO-2) ½ S d/3, 67% Lam/Pam method
2.5% a.i. ELS
Renewed Bark 6rds/yr@1/2 task/mo.,
11 - 15 (B1-1) ½ S d/3, 67% Lam/Pam method
3.3% a.i. ELS
Renewed Bark 6-8rds/yr@1/2 task/mo.,
16 - 20 (B1-2) ½ S d/3, 67% Lam/Pam method
5.0% a.i. ELS
8-10rds/yr@4Up, 4 Down
Up & Down Tapping 5% a.i. ELS
21 - 25 (BII-2 + HO-1) 2 ½ S, d/3,133%
Lam/Pam (Down)
Scraped (Up)
* Please refer to Chapter 5 for explanantion of Stimulation Notations.
2.1. Late Qualifiers
All late trees shall be opened at the same height of 160 cm. The
change-over to panel B (BO-2) shall be when the lower end of the
tapping cut reaches 10 cm above the union (or ground level if the
union is underground).
The tapping system to be used when opening a block of young rubber
of either budgrafts or a mixture of budgrafts and seedlings will be half
spiral third daily tapping (1/2S .d/3-67%).
When opening mono-clone plantings of young seedlings, the tapping
system to be used will also be half spiral third daily tapping (1/2S .d/3-
67%).
2.2. Subsequent Panels
Second and subsequent panels will also be tapped on ½S d/3 plus (+)
progressive stimulation program.
For budgrafts, panel changes will be made when the bottom of the
tapping cut reaches ten (10) centimeters from the top of the union, on
an individual tree basis.
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Recommended tapping systems
This height will be measured from the point at which the bark of the
union begins to swell. The next panel in sequence will then be opened
on the opposite side of the tree, using the same original height
criterion as the existing panel. For four (4) consecutive tapping, both
old and new panels will be tapped simultaneously in order to induce
good response from the new cut.
Guide the flowing latex down to the lower cut, so it runs into the cup,
at the bottom, avoiding requirement for 2 cups. This will prevent a
sudden fall in production following a direct panel change.
After the fourth tapping, the old panel will be abandoned, and
henceforth only the new panel will be tapped until it, too, reaches the
bottom. The process will then be repeated.
For seedlings, panel A (BO-1) will be tapped until the cup, resting at
ground level, prevents further lowering of spout. At this point, panel B
(BO-2) will be opened on the opposite side of the tree.
The procedure also applies to subsequent panels. Like budgrafts,
simultaneous tappings of both old and new panels will be practiced
four times, after which the old panel will be discontinued.
Also renewed bark on panel C (BI-1) and panel D (BII-1) and etc.
should follow the 4 days tapping procedure prior to change-over.
3. Reference Yields Based on Recommended Tapping System
Table 4 on the following page indicates the yield projection per hectare over
a 25-year period following recommended tapping systems, field
maintenance practices and clonal varieties followed and used by corporate
plantations and selected small holder farms in Mindanao. The yield
estimates collated from PICRI and corporate plantation records represents
a good benchmark for cooperative plantations to establish their
production/yield forecast.
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Recommended tapping systems
This space is for
TABLE 4
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