Morphological Variation and Heritability of Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) based on Monoculture and Agroforestry Systems

Abstract

Abstract Rubber ( Hevea brasiliensis ) is one of the national plantation commodities spread almost throughout Indonesia, one of which is Sulawesi Province. This study aims to analyze the differences in the morphological character of rubber plants ( Hevea brasiliensis ) based on two different planting patterns, namely monoculture and agroforestry, in Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi. The observed morphological characters include the color and shape of the leaves, trunks, and roots, as well as quantitative parameters such as tree height, trunk diameter, tree volume, and moisture content. Data were obtained through direct observation of 36 trees in 12 different plots and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approaches, including correlation tests, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analysis, heatmaps, and heritability. The results of the study showed that the agroforestry system has a positive influence on the morphological diversity and productivity of rubber plants compared to the monoculture system. Plants in agroforestry systems tend to have higher morphological values and volumes, with relatively high character heritability (mean He = 0.37), indicating the dominance of genetic factors over plant phenotype expression. Significant correlations were found between root moisture content and tree height and diameter, as well as between moisture and root specific gravity.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint