An innovative tapping system, the double cut alternative, to improve the yield of Hevea brasiliensis in Thai rubber plantations

► In Thailand, the continuous decrease in the size of rubber plantations has led to the general adoption of intensive tapping systems which may lead to low labour productivity. ► We characterize the behaviour of the hevea latex harvesting under the Double Cut Alternative tapping system (DCA) ► Over a period of 10 years, DCA increased cumulative rubber production by 9% compared to a single cut tapping system (S/2 d2) of equivalent intensity. ► Such research will lead to new advances in our knowledge of the physiology of the rubber tree, mainly at the trunk scale. ► As DCA is a new tapping system further research is required to optimize the use of the DCA strategy.