Anatomical characteristics and enzymes of the sucrose metabolism and their relationship with latex yield in the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.)

Abstract

Rubber production is dependent on the availability of carbohydrates in the tissues engaged in latex synthesis. In this study three rubber tree clones were used to study the protein profile, the activities of invertase and sucrose synthase in the latex and anatomical characteristics of the bark, as well as to establish a possible relationship with latex production. The clones used in the study, RRIM 600, GT 1 and Fx2261, differed in latex productivity, from high to low in this order. Although present, few differences were observed in the latex protein profile obtained by denaturing electrophoresis. The activity of neutral invertase was higher than the acidic isoform, and both activities were higher in the most productive clones RRIM 600 and GT 1. The same was observed for sucrose synthase but it is suggested that invertase may play a more important role in sucrose cleavage in the latex. The anatomical measurements showed that the number of lactiferous cells and lactiferous rings per mm², and lactiferous cell diameter were higher only in the most productive clone RRIM 600. Together, invertase activity and anatomical measurements might be useful to distinguish highly productive rubber tree clones.