Phylloplane, cauloplane and rhizosphere populations of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and yeasts associated with the Hevea brasiliensis trees of three age groups (2-3, 5-6 and 10-11 years) and belonging to two popular clones (RRII 105 and PB 260) grown in two locations (Cheruvally and Malankara Estates) in the traditional rubber growing tract of India were evaluated. Bacteria dominated in all the three niches while the population of yeast was the lowest. Rhizosphere harboured the highest and cauloplane the lowest number of microorganisms. There was no significant variation in microflora between the two clones. In general, there was an increase in microbial population with the age of the plantation but with respect to the location there was no general trend. The availability of plant exudates appears to influence the association of microflora on the plant surfaces.
Age, Cauloplane, Clone, Hevea brasiliensis, Microflora, Phylloplane, Rhizosphere