R&D FOR RUBBER INDUSTRY IN VIETNAM PHAN THÀNH DŨNG Rubber Research Institute of Vietnam Panel 3 : Current challenges in research for smallholder rubber plantations

INTRODUCTION Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Mull.-Arg) was introduced into Vietnam by Dr. Yersin, French scientific, and has been commercially since 1906 in Southeast Region. By 1976, rubber area was 76.600 ha only produced 40.200 ton (0,52 ton/ha). In 2007, total rubber area accounted upto 549.600 ha and gave the production 601.700 tons (1,612 ton/ha)

Introduction of rubber tree into Vietnam 2. 2000 rubber seeds germinated Kew Gardens (England) 2 5. 1897, Rubber tree introduced into Vietnam. 5 3 3. Rubber seeds arrived to Ceylon 4 1 4. 22 seedlings transferred to Singapore 1. 1876 - Wickham collected 70 000 rubber seeds Introduction of rubber tree into Vietnam

Rubber cultivation area in Vietnam 4

RUBBER AREA UNDER CULTIVATION 2007 549.600 ha 2006 490.200 ha 1975 75.200 ha 1945 138.400 ha 1920 7.077 ha 1906 First rubber estate established 1897 Introduction of rubber tree 5

AVERAGE YIELD 2007 1,612 kg/ha 2005 1.440 kg/ha 2000 1.222 kg/ha 1995 849 kg/ha 1990 714 kg/ha 1985 753 kg/ha 1980 703 kg/ha 6

Apllied technique for rubber cultivation Technique is introduced from various rubber planting countries (via. conference, workshop, short training…) then modificed and domestically applied. Result of R&D conducted by RRIV and VRG. Technical guideline for rubber planting sectors

Rubber clone Rubber clone plays an inportant role for development of local rubber industry. Rubber clones have been introduced from other countries (Malaysia, Indonesia…) and localy beeded by RRIV (RRIV và LH). Clonal rubber planting recommendetion is issued by VRG based on clonal trial network of RRIV.

Clonal Planting Recommendation (2006-2010) Southeast Highland (< 600m) (> 600m) South Central Coastal North Central Coastal Class 1 # 55% planting area (20% each clone) RRIV 3 PB 260 RRIM 712 PB 255 RRIM 600 RRIC 121 GT 1 RRIV 1 Class 2 # 40% planting area (10% each clone) LH 83/85 RRIC 100 LH 85/87 PB 312 LH 88/85 LH 88/326 RRIV 2 LH 83/82 IRCA 130… RRIV 4… LH 83/732… PB 312…

Rubber clonal trial 10

Rubber clones breeded by RRIV 11

LH 88/236 14 year old

Advanced Planting Material Polybag with 1-3 whorls is widely planted in large scale that could reduce immature period 1-2 year and increase tappable tree… Advanced planting material is suitable for untraditional area such as Highlands, Central Coastal, North.

Advanced planting materials

Rubber nursery 15

RRIV 4, 3 year old

PB 255 RRIV 4

Soil and Nutrient Management Soil survey and classification. Soil and leaf analysis for recommending fertilizer dosage.

New rubber planting in hilly area

Exploitation Low intensity tapping system: d3 tapping interval and latex stimulant are widely applied. Raingard: increment of tapping day and reduce panel diseases,… Gas stimulation: yield increment 20-50%, especially at early tapping season.

Raingard and stimulant application

Gas stimulant system (RRIMFLOW)

Crop protection Weed management by herbicide and others. Seven major diseases recorded: Corynespora leaf fall, Oidium leaf fall, Collectotrichum leaf fall, Black stripe, Brown root… Protocol for disease control recommended by RRIV and VRG.

Oidium leaf fall

Oidium leaf fall

Collectotrichum leaf fall

Phytopthora leaf fall

Corynespora leaf fall Green shoot Defoliation

Pink disease

Dieback caused by Botrydiplodia spp

Bark disease caused by Botrydiplodia spp

Tapping panel destroyed by black stripe

Rubber processing line RSS is most suitable for rubber small holding (Low cost of installation, maintaining, effluent treatment…). Pilots set up by RRIV for various rubber small holder. Pilot run by rubber small holding group (coperrative).

RRIV contribution Conduct R&D on agronomy and processing. Carry out training for various local rubber sectors. Carry out collaboration researches with the organizations such as: IRRDB, Rubber Research Institutes, WB&AFD project…

Experience for development of rubber small sector Rubber clone (supply and inspection by Government Bodies). Soil survey and classification (Institute or Province). Planting material (Certificated Bodies). Fertilizer and pesticide supplied (good quality and quantity) Appropriated tapping system (Demonstration). Suitable processing line and marketing information (Pilot and Rubber market).

Thank you for your attention 36