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| Research & Innovation |
Crop Management UnitThe Crop Management Unit (CMU) formulates its research programme with the vision towards achieving a modern and productive natural rubber industry in Malaysia through implementation of appropriate crop management technologies. To realise this, CMU will endeavour to generate technologies to achieve sustainable production of rubber by optimising land use through integrated farming and agroforestry, implementation of practical technologies of exploitation and appropriate agricultural practices. The major research areas undertaken are agronomy, exploitation techniques, integrated farming, agroforestry and laboratory automation techniques. Research Highlights Low Intensity Tapping systems In response to the issue of labour shortage and increasing rubber production, the Rubber Research Institute has made great strides in developing technologies to obtain high yields and ensure sustainable production. Low Intensity Tapping Systems (LITS) were developed and found to be effective in overcoming critical constraints currently faced by the NR industry. LITS essentially comprise of technologies that employ low frequency tapping namely; LIT d/6, RRIMFLOW (RF) and REACTORRIM (RR).  The
LIT d/6 system is a combination of a conventional half spiral tapping cut
(1/2S) with reduced frequency of tapping (d/6), and stimulated monthly with
ethephon. Ethephon stimulation is the most critical component in this system. RRIMFLOW is a method of stimulation using a concept of intermittent gassing of the laticiferous tissues and combined with short-cut tapping of 1/8 spiral with lower frequencies of d/4 (once every 4 days). REACTORRIM is a method of stimulation whereby a continuous but slow release of gaseous stimulant is applied to the laticiferous tissues of the Hevea tree, and combined with short-cut tapping of 1/8 spiral with d/4 frequencies. 
The conventional LIT d/6 system is particularly workable for a smallholder with uneconomic size holding. The system allows the tapper greater flexibility in sourcing income from other activities since the tapping is done every six days only. Higher range of yields were obtained with the novel systems (RF and RR). The efficacy of the RRIMFLOW and REACTORRIM techniques leads to higher land and labour productivity and in general improved income to tappers and smallholders as well as better profits to the estates. In-Field Crop Collection  Due
to the sharp increase in yield obtained with LITS it is necessary to devise
an apparatus that can assist in-field collection of latex and coagulum rubber.
The Crop Management Unit has recently produced several prototypes of the
trolley cart "LANCA-GM’. Research on its usage has indicated that the cart
could reduce fatigue of the worker and save one hour of collection time
per task. Furthermore, with a maximum load capacity of 100 kg., it can be
attached to a motorbike for transport to a collection point. The LANCA-GM
is of practical use on flat to undulating terrain and work is underway to
refine its use on terraces in hilly areas. Services  The
analytical laboratory of CMU offers a wide range of services for the rubber
industry. The laboratory is recognised nationally and internationally for
its active involvement in cross-check studies and its long experience in
soils and tissue analysis. The services offered are:
The other major areas of expertise at the Crop Management Unit are:
Contact Person
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