Staff Publications
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://dl-rri.nsf.gov.lk/handle/1/2246
Browse
2 results
Search Results
Item Field performance of young coffee seedlings and cuttings intercropped with rubber(Rubber Research Institute:Agalawatta, 1988) Rodrigo, V.H.L.; Nugawela, A.; Kariyawasam, L.S.; Aluthhewage, R.K.Coffee may be planted either using seedlings or cuttings. Anyhow, a comparative study of their field establishment and performance has not been made. Iin this study seedlings and cuttings of Coffea canephora intercropped with rubber were compared for their field stablishment and growth. It is evident that there is no difference in the success of their field establishment. The dry matter yield determinants of plants, i. e. light intercept ion, conversion efficiency and rate of loss of dry matter, estimated by total leaf area, CO2 assimilation rate and dark respiratory rate respectively, are also similar in both seedlings and cuttings. This is confirmed by the similar mean total dry weight of a seedlings and a cuttings. The partitioning of assimilates is more towards root development in the cuttings and is evident by the significantly high root dry weight and the root/shoot ratio. The percentage of assimilates partitioning towards the growth of aerial parts is less in the cuttings, i. e. 52 and 67perc. for cuttings and seedlings respectively. Despite of similar light levels, the CO2 assimilation rates are lower in the afternoon in both seedlings and cuttings. The perc. deeline is 23.5 and 18.6perc. for seedlings and cuttings respectively.Item The effect of tapping on the assimilation rates of Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. leaves(Rubber Research Institute:Agalawatta, 1990) Nugawela, A.; Aluthhewage, R.K.The CO2 assimilation rates at leaf level were compared in tapped and untaped trees of two Hevea brasiliensis genotypes. In both genotypes, the CO2 assimilation rates of the leaves in the upper stratum were lower in tapped trees. Simmilary, in young microtapped plants the CO2 assimilation rates were lower than in the untapped plants. The decrease in CO2 assimilation rates due to tapping cannot be attributed to an increase in either stomatal or mesophyll limitations. Tapping increases the sink demand for photo assimilates, but it also results in the loss of water, inorganic nutrients and proteins from the plant. Loss of water, inorganic nutrients may results in lower CO2 assimilation rates of the tapped trees. In the long-term this could result in lower sucrose content in the latex. This may be a probable cause for the physiological disorder, tapping panel dryness in rubber.