RUBBER NEWS

PB 255 Rubber Variety – Characteristics, Yield, and Planting Recommendations

Posted on by content02.vinahugo
13
Oct

1. Introduction

PB 255 is one of the most successful imported rubber clones widely planted in Vietnam.
Known for its high and stable latex yield throughout the tapping cycle, PB 255 remains a recommended large-scale variety for Southeast Vietnam, alongside RRIV 106 and RRIV 209.

Together with PB 260, PB 255 is among the most popular Prang Besar clones ever introduced to Vietnam, thanks to its proven performance and long-term productivity.

2. Origin and Breeding Background

  • Origin: Prang Besar Station, Golden Hope, Malaysia

  • Year of breeding: 1955

  • Introduced to Vietnam: 1978

  • Usage: Recommended for commercial planting in Southeast Vietnam since 2011

PB 255’s consistent yield performance and adaptability have earned it an enduring place in Vietnam’s rubber clone structure for more than four decades.

3. Growth Characteristics

  • Growth varies depending on environmental conditions: vigorous in fertile, favorable soils and weaker in poor or dry areas.

  • Strong growth during both immature and exploitation stages.

  • Tree form: Slightly curved trunk, early branching with low canopy.

  • Bark: Thick and firm — beneficial for long tapping cycles but requires skilled tapping.

  • Propagation: Low budding success rate due to limited viable buds and early sprouting; green-bud grafting is recommended.

  • Early years: Lateral shoots develop vigorously during the first two years; pruning and canopy management are essential.

4. Latex Yield and Quality

  • Average yield (without stimulation): ~2.0 tons/ha/year in the first 10 years.

  • With stimulation: 2.5 – 3.0 tons/ha/year from the fourth tapping year onward.

  • Excellent response to latex stimulants (Ethephon).

  • Latex color: Pale yellow and of high quality for industrial processing.

PB 255 is a preferred clone for high latex yield plantations where soil fertility and management are optimal.

5. Disease Resistance and Tolerance

  • Susceptible: Pink disease (Corticium salmonicolor), bark dryness (“dry cut”).

  • Mildly infected: Powdery mildew, Corynespora leaf fall.

  • Wind resistance: Good.

  • Drought tolerance: Poor – the clone requires adequate moisture and careful irrigation during the dry season.

6. Recommended Planting Areas

PB 255 is recommended as a primary commercial clone for:

  • Southeast Vietnam: Bình Dương, Bình Phước, Đồng Nai, Tây Ninh.

It performs best under latex-oriented production systems and fertile soils with good rainfall.
In less favorable or drought-prone areas, consider RRIV 106 or RRIV 209 as alternatives.

7. Where to Buy Certified PB 255 Seedlings

Vietnam Rubber Research Institute (RRIV)
National Highway 13, Lai Hung Commune, Bàu Bàng District, Bình Dương Province
(0274) 3564 596
Contact: GiongCaoSu.com – Contact Page

8. Conclusion

PB 255 remains a high-yield, stable, and time-tested rubber variety ideally suited for traditional rubber regions of Southeast Vietnam.
Its main strengths are latex productivity, bark durability, and wind resistance.
However, growers should pay special attention to pruning lateral shoots, irrigation, and disease management during the first two years after planting.
When properly managed, PB 255 offers excellent long-term economic returns for latex-focused plantations.