90 RUBBER AND 



The effects of tapping on the tree. 



Moderate tapping seems to encourage not only 

 increased latex formation but also an increased rate of 

 growth in thickness over the area tapped. It seems 

 probable that this increase must take place at the 

 expense of the growth of other parts of the tree. So 

 long as the only recognisable effect of this kind is a 

 reduction in the quantity of seed produced, no harm is 

 done from the planter's point of view. It may even be 

 suggested that artificial removal of the young fruits 

 might prove profitable, if it could be carried out at a 

 small expense, as leading to the conservation of food 

 supplies in the tree. 



Severe tapping has a reverse effect in every way. If 

 the trees are tapped to excess, growth is checked, and in 

 particular the proper renewal of the bark is interfered 

 with. The latex moreover becomes poor in quality and 

 contains a smaller percentage of caoutchouc. Most 

 serious of all is the effect upon the general health of 

 the plant. The tree may be so weakened that it is 

 unable to withstand the attacks of fungus diseases, 

 which would not have been able to gain a footing if 

 the tree had been preserved in a condition of perfect 

 health. Canker and similar diseases seldom attack the 

 trees unless the latter are either overtapped or very 

 closely planted. 



