RUBBER NEWS

PB 260 Rubber Variety: Origin, Characteristics, and Current Status

Posted on by content02.vinahugo
13
Oct

The PB 260 rubber variety is one of the oldest and most widely planted imported clones in Vietnam, particularly in the Southeast region.
Although once dominant, PB 260 has gradually been replaced by newer, more productive and resilient clones such as RRIV 209 and RRIV 106.

1. Introduction

PB 260 was once a widely recommended clone for large-scale planting across the Southeast region and Central Highlands, especially before 2012.

Even today, PB 260 still occupies a significant plantation area due to its historical popularity.
However, over time, the clone has revealed several limitations—including early latex coagulation, bark dryness, and poor adaptability—which led to its removal from the national clone recommendation list.

2. Origin of PB 260

The PB 260 rubber clone originated from the Prang Besar Research Station in Malaysia.
It was introduced to Vietnam by the Vietnam Rubber Research Institute (RRIV) in 1978 and was officially approved for large-scale production in 1997 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

PB 260 was included in the recommended clone list for 2006 – 2010, suitable for:

  • Southeast region

  • Central Highlands

  • South Central Coast

3. Characteristics of PB 260

a. Growth and Morphology

  • Exhibits good and stable growth across multiple ecological zones.

  • Straight, round stem with a well-balanced canopy — PB 260 is often used as a morphological standard for evaluating other rubber clones.

  • Thin primary and regenerated bark, which requires careful tapping to avoid injury.

  • Shows moderate girth growth during the tapping period.

b. Latex Yield

  • When first recommended, PB 260 displayed relatively high yield potential, comparable to clones such as RRIV 3and PB 255.

  • Under technical tapping with latex stimulation, the average yield ranges from 1.6 – 2.0 tons/ha/year.

  • However, early-season latex yield is often low due to latex coagulation (“plugging”) along the tapping panel, with production peaking later in the season.

c. Disease and Physiological Issues

  • Highly prone to tapping-panel dryness and moldy or necrotic lesions on the tapping area.

  • Mildly susceptible to Corynespora leaf fall disease in some areas.

  • Sensitive to mechanical damage and over-tapping; hence, a light tapping system such as D3 – D4 (every 3 or 4 days) is recommended.

  • Early latex coagulation frequently occurs at the start of the tapping season.

  • Poor cold tolerance but moderately resistant to Powdery Mildew.

4. Recommended Planting Zones

At present, PB 260 is no longer recommended for planting in any rubber-growing region in Vietnam.
Growers should instead refer to the Rubber Clone Structure for 2016 – 2020, which lists modern, high-yielding, disease-resistant clones.

Recommended alternatives:

  • RRIV 209 – high latex yield, excellent bark recovery, and strong wind resistance.

  • RRIV 106 – good balance between productivity, disease resistance, and timber volume.

5. Visual Reference

PB 260 Rubber Clone – Field Characteristics
(Image: rubber trees with straight stems, balanced canopy, and light bark color typical of PB 260 plantations in the Southeast region.)

6. Conclusion

Although PB 260 once played a vital role in Vietnam’s rubber industry, it is now considered obsolete due to several drawbacks:

  • Tapping-panel dryness,

  • Early latex coagulation,

  • Reduced adaptability to unfavorable climates, and

  • Declining productivity over time.

For new replanting projects, growers are strongly encouraged to adopt newer clones such as RRIV 209 or RRIV 106, ensuring greater stability, profitability, and sustainability throughout the plantation’s life cycle.