EFFECTS OF TAPPING PATTERN AND WOOD VINEGAR, LIME AND GALANGAL STIMULANTS ON SAP PRODUCTION OF SWAMP JELUTONG (DYERA LOWII) IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Jelutong trees are exploited to meet the high market demand for sap but this natural resource is still not sustainably managed. Techniques of sap harvest (tapping) that are both environmentally friendly and sustainable are needed. This study was aimed at providing information on tapping techniques and the use of organic stimulants in the tapping of jelutong sap. Two tapping techniques (half-spiral and V-shape tapping), and three types of organic stimulants (galangal, lime and wood vinegar) were employed. Results showed that wood vinegar, galangal and lime increased sap production to 20.9, 20.5 and 18.1 g compared with control (11.0 g). It was also observed that V-shape tapping produced more jelutong sap than half-spiral tapping. The impurity content in jelutong sap ranged between 0.45 and 0.75%. Our research results demonstrated the potential benefits of using organic stimulants in jelutong sap production.