North-East India is an ideal non-traditional tract for growing the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The first trial for evaluating clones in this tract was laid out during 1979 at Agartala involving fifteen oriental clones. Apart from the growth and yield, secondary attributes of clones were also studied. 80.80% of growth was contributed during May to October. The highest percentage of initial survival and growth was exhibited by RRIM 600. Precocity in tapability was seen in RRII 118, RRIC 105 and PB 235. Initial yield pattern showed PB 235, RRIM 600, RRIM 703 and RRII 105 as high yielding clones, and RRII 105 followed by PB 235 having higher dry rubber content. PB 5/51 showed moderate tolerance to wind damage.
Clonal performance, Hevea brasiliensis, Non-traditional area, Yield, India