| It was pointed out early that oxidative stress leads to dysfunction of the latex metabolism in Hevea trees. The metabolic conversion of rubber in the laticiferous system requires lot of energy (ATP). During stress the energy production in these tissues may be limited to a low level which may be inadequate to operate an active rubber biosynthesis pathway. Therefore the impaired rubber biosynthesis in the TPD trees may probably be due to the insufficient supply of ATP, consequent to the stress condition of the tree. Detailed investigations are in progress to confirm this hypothesis. |
