ABSENCE OF TAPPING PANEL DRYNESS IN MEXICO HAS TO BE INVESTIGATED UPON

Abstract

It is still disputed as to whether Tapping Panel Dryness (TPD) of Hevea brasiliensis is a physiological syndrome caused by abiotic factors or a disease caused by pathogen. Exact causative factor is still unknown. Majority opinion is that TPD is caused by some abiotic factors. It was also believed that TPD occurs in all countries where rubber is cultivated. However, in 2013 it was reported that TPD does not occur in the rubber plantations in Mexico. The popular clones of rubber trees cultivated in Mexico are IAN 710 and IAN 873. Clones RRIM 600 and PB 260 are also cultivated in a very small area. So far no one has contested this observation published in 2013. Since TPD is a major problem in rubber plantations in Asia and Africa, further investigations have to be conducted to confirm the observation and find out the possible reasons for the absence of TPD in Mexico. Data from past clone trials in Asia consisting of clones IAN 710 and IAN 873, if available may be re-examined for incidence of TPD. If not, new trials may be taken up on these clones for testing in Asia. If TPD occurs, other reasons can be ascribed for the reported absence of TPD in Mexico.