PATCH AND TAP
PATCH AND TAP is a stimulation system in Hevea by using gas with frequency of one to two weeks, rubber trees will be tapped by short cut of 1/8s (10.2cm long) with d/3 or d/4 tapping system combined with task size ranging form 550 to 700 trees.
The new technology of PATCH AND TAP ensures higher income to rubber tappers mainly smallholdings and estate sectors. This technology is the improvement of the currently used systems, that is the RRIMFLOW and REACTORRIM. The improvement to the system lies in the effectiveness of gassing which allows ethytlene to work in the laticiferous system of rubber trees to give long flow of latex and high yield. Patch and Tap system ensures less leakage of ethylene gas which is contained in the newly devised special plastic applicator which can stand the adverse conditions in smallholdings and estates. This technology will sustain tappers’ income throughout the tapping cycle of rubber trees. Fixing of the applicator to the rubber tree is also made simple and less hassle by pressing the applicator to the scrapped bark through the newly developed sealant which ensures no leakage of ethylene gas, and there will be no moisture collected in the applicator. The system ensures there will be no water seeping into the applicator during heavy shower. In terms of cost, Patch and Tap is cheaper than the present system and supply of ethylene stimulant gas is guaranteed.
Since the last two decades,
rubber areas in smallholding and estate sectors have declined due to replanting
with oil palm. The scenario has arisen from low rubber price and shortage of skilled
tappers. With Patch and Tap the income and
productivity of tappers will increase to a
substantial level. Due to cheaper cost, this system ensures return to
investment in a shorter time, also lengthens tapping period through short cut
of only 1/8s. Rubber trees will experience less injury. Patch and Tap is easy
to fit and takes less time. More trees can be fitted with the system in a day
by a single worker.