Gum is one of the important non-timber forest produce and viable source of income to forest dwellers, especially tribes of India. In our region, Traditional methods are used generally to tap the plants for gum exudations by blazing, peeling or by making deep cut in the base of the tree trunk. These methods are wasteful and injurious to the trees which often lead to their death. One way to overcome this constraint could be the use of ethephon which induces gummosis.

Ethephon (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) is the most promising compound among gum inducers. It is synthetic compound of ethylene, phosphate and chloride ions which is used to enhanced gum yield in treated plants.

Ethephon formulations are offered in concentrations of 39%, 48% & 72% SL, ensuring convenience and effectiveness in promoting gummosis, which in turn leads to higher rubber production.

Mode of action

Ethephon is a plant growth regulator that enters plant tissues & reacts with hydroxy compounds to release ethylene, combines with ethylene receptor glycoprotein in plants, catalyzes physiological metabolism, accelerates plant physiological and biochemical reaction process, stimulates bleeding, increases latex flow & boost yield.

Method of application

For application of ethephon, one hole (20 mm diameter, 30 cm deep) is made at 45 angle in downward direction on the base of each tree trunk (0.3–0.4 m above collar) with the help of tree borer or brushing once in one or two months on the tapping cut of the bark in March, August, September, November (four applications).

Application process

Apply 48-72Hrs before tapping

Dose:   Use ethephon 39% SL, 200-250ml/acre

48% SL, 175-225ml/acre

72% SL, 120-150 ml/acre

Precautions

•  Do not use during daily tapping.
•  Do not use when Dry rubber content (DRC) falls below 30%.
•  Do not use during drought period.
•  Do not use on the portion of bark previously applied.

To learn more information visit – https://www.peptechbio.com/products/ethephon-technical/