The Role and Application of Ethephon in Rubber Tree Cultivation

As a plant growth regulator commonly used in rubber cultivation, ethephon primarily functions to stimulate the flow of latex from rubber trees, significantly increasing latex yield. It also helps optimize the tree canopy structure, thereby enhancing the economic efficiency of rubber plantations.

Key Functions of Ethephon in Rubber Cultivation
Stimulating Increased Latex Yield:
Ethephon decomposes to release ethylene, which catalyzes the physiological metabolism of rubber trees and stimulates the flow of latex from tapping cuts, serving as a primary method for boosting rubber production.

Optimizing Canopy Structure:
Ethephon promotes vertical growth and adjusts the distribution of branches, allowing sunlight to reach various parts of the tree trunk more evenly, which improves the efficiency of latex synthesis and secretion.

Improving Latex Quality:
When used according to proper guidelines, ethephon can enhance the quality of the latex, making it better suited for subsequent processing.

Proper Application of Ethephon in Rubber Tree Cultivation
Basic Conditions
Timing: Application is most effective after the rubber trees have begun to be tapped—ideally between the end of the rainy season and the start of the dry season (March–April)—and should be performed on the same day as tapping.
Suitable Trees: Ethephon should only be used on healthy, mature trees that are already being tapped; it must not be used on young or weak trees.

Common Formulations and Dosage
40% Ethephon Aqueous Solution: Dilute 5–10 times; apply 1.5–3 liters per hectare.
5% Ethephon Paste: Apply 1.2–1.6 grams per tree by spreading it directly onto the surface.
Ethephon Powder: Use 0.1–0.2 kilograms per hectare, prepared as needed.

Primary Application Method
Application on Tapping Cuts:
The most common and safe method used in production involves applying the diluted ethephon solution or paste evenly across the surface of the fresh tapping cut.

Trunk application method:
Evenly apply an ethephon solution to the bark on the lower two-thirds of the tree trunk, ensuring more comprehensive coverage.

Drilling and injection method:
Drill a hole into the tree trunk and inject 2–3 milliliters of ethephon solution; this method provides a longer-lasting effect.