Early growth of promising rubber tree clones of Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Müll. Arg. in an agroforestry system in Caquetá, Colombia

This study aimed to evaluate the early growth of three rubber tree clones (Hevea brasiliensis) (FX 4098, FDR 5788, and control IAN 873) in four planting systems with cupuasu (Theobroma grandiflorum) and banana trees (Musa AAB) at two localities in Caquetá (Colombian Amazonia). A completely randomized block design with three replications and split-plot arrangement, analyzed with a general linear mixed model, was used at each locality. Total height (AT), trunk circumference (CT), canopy area (AC) and leaf area index (IAF) were evaluated one and two years after establishment of rubber trees. Trunk circumference was the variable most correlated with different growth indices (r ≥ 0.94). Four growth indices were strongly influenced by temporal and clonal variation and by planting system (p < 0.01). The only significant differences between the two localities were for AC (p < 0.05). System x clone interaction was significant for IAF (p < 0.01). After two years, the highest growth indices were observed in rubber tree clone FX 4098 (AT = 4.43 m; CT = 13.00 cm, AC = 4.62 m2; LAI = 1.37), and in two of the three agroforestry systems (AT ≥ 4.08 m, CT ≥ 11.43 cm, AC ≥ 4.01 m2; IAF ≥ 1.54) compared with the control system (monoculture).