Greater diurnal temperature difference, an overlooked but important climatic driver of rubber yield

In summary, this study finds that lower average temperature (within certain thresholds), greater diurnal temperature difference in both a day and a month before tapping, more sunshine hours in a day before tapping and lower sunshine hours in a month before tapping are the most important factors which promote dry rubber yield, and lower relative humidity in the day prior to tapping is the most important factor in determining dry rubber content of latex. Diurnal temperature difference has not been previously investigated as a driver of rubber yield. The case study site has a greater diurnal temperature difference than many other main rubber producing areas, which may contribute to explaining why rubber yields in Jinghong are higher than might be expected in a sub-optimal environment.