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What is the main use of Vitex?
Answer:
Vitex is a Two-in-one special formulation specifically developed to cure bark dryness and increase latex yield.
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What are the other benefits in using Vitex?
Answer:
It cures and prevents bark dryness as well as nourishes trees for better health. In addition it increases latex yield without compromising quality of Dry Rubber Content (DRC).
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Why is the quality of latex better with Vitex ?
Answer:
Test results show Dry Rubber Content (DRC) can increase to 38 %. The quality of latex using Vitex is proven to be better and is supported by documented evidence and tests. Dry rubber content (DRC) has either increased or at least remained the same.
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How do I apply Vitex?
Answer:
Dip a 4mm brush into Vitex and brush it along the groove (tapping panel) of the rubber trees. (application methodology..go to)
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How much should be used in each application?
Answer:
Every 10 days apply 1 gram of Vitex for healthy trees. For unproductive trees, apply every 5 days.
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How often should we use Vitex?
Answer:
For healthy trees the application should be repeated every 10 days.
For Sick trees the application has to be repeated every 5 days until the trees is back to normalcy & then continue with every 10 days of application.
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Can we use Vitex throughout the year?
Answer:
Yes. Vitex is recommended during wintering season & leaf growing period. Do not tap during this period, as trees need to rest and recuperate for the next season. Thus applying Vitex during this crucial period, provides the necessary nutrients to strengthen the tree.
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What tapping system is recommended when we use Vitex?
Answer:
D3 (once in 3 days) system is recommended. D2 (once in 2 days) system is also acceptable. Caution - Tapping should not be done on the same day of Vitex application. |
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How do we know if Vitex is working?
Answer:
In general you can see the difference in normal trees after 24 hours of application. Normally one can witness the latex flowing until 3 pm.
The cure for Dry Barkness will be visible in less than 3 months after applying VITEX.
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What is the difference between stimulants in the market and Vitex?
Answer:
There are many differences between stimulants and Vitex. To summarize, stimulants deplete vital nutrients and minerals that the tree needs. Whereas, Vitex acts as a nutrition supplement and a nourishing agent. VITEX promotes overall tree health and is a cure for bark dryness in rubber trees. Stimulants shortens life span and increases dry barkness.
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How do stimulants work?
Answer:
Unlike Vitex, Stimulants force the rubber tree to work harder by stimulating hormones to bring out more latex.
Stimulants absorb more water from the roots, therefore producing latex of lower Dry Rubber Content (DRC)
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How effective is VITEX in curing and preventing bark dryness?
Answer:
It is proven to cure and prevent bark dryness.
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In curing bark dryness, how do you compare with stimulants in the market?
Answer:
Blind tests show, Vitex is successful in curing and preventing bark dryness. On the contrary, the stimulants have an adverse effect. (link to stimulant article)
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Can we mix or combine stimulants with Vitex?
Answer:
No, Vitex should not be used with any other chemicals or stimulants. Such effort will not only reduce effectiveness of Vitex but also cause adverse effects on rubber trees. |
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What temperature is advisable for storing VITEX?
Answer:
Store Vitex in a cool & dry place and do not expose it to direct sunlight.
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When is the harvesting period for rubber trees?
Answer:
Except during winter season latex can be tapped throughout the year.
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How many rubber trees can be planted in 1 hectare?
Answer:
Usually it differs from country to country but as a rule of thumb, 300 to 400 rubber trees can be planted in 1 hectare (1 hectare = 2.4 acre)
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What is the ideal age of the rubber tree to apply Vitex?
Answer:
Vitex should be applied to trees that are 8 years and above.
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How much latex can be harvested from the rubber tree in a day?
Answer:
Amount of latex collected per tree depends on the age, clone, soil and the climatic condition. Average test shows the latex produced is about 300ml per tapping.
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What are the types of ingredients used in Vitex?
Answer:
It contains a variety of ingredients, which include micro and macro nutrients that are both organic and inorganic.
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We understand the application is by using a paint brush. How do we measure the 1g amount used?
Answer:
Studies show that dipping once into Vitex with a small paint brush (4mm size) is equal to approximately 1 gram.
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Does Vitex need to be diluted before being used?
Answer:
No. Dilution will reduce the effectiveness of Vitex.
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What is the best time to apply Vitex?
Answer:
The best time is in the morning.
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Can tapping be done on the same day when Vitex is applied?
Answer:
No. Tapping should be done only after 24 hours of application of Vitex.
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Currently, some plantation owners use stimulants in the form of Gel or Gas products that claims to increase yield of rubber tree. How do stimulant work?
Answer:
Ethrel/Ethephon are chemicals with gas known as Ethylene packed in it. Ethelyne is a plant growth regulator which acts as a hormone to regulate the growth and functions of the trees. Stimulants does not provide the essential nutrient to the tree. (link)
Stimulants are not only used for rubber trees but also for other plantations at large. Studies have shown that these Stimulants are harmful to the tree. Any direct application of Ethrel/Ethephon to the trees will start affecting the health of the trees. Research findings have clearly shown that one of the main causes of bark dryness on trees has been the continuous use of the Ethylene. It further worsens the health of the trees and it gets thinner gradually and the tree dies early. (show photos)
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How does Vitex compare against the use of stimulants in the market on the rubber trees?
Answer:
Vitex not only Cures Bark Dryness and increases the yield, but also promotes health of the trees by giving sufficient nutrition to them. The trees live longer, stay healthy and produce more latex, both in quantity and quality. It is a treatment as well as a prevention to bark dryness.
Here is a short comparison of Vitex with other stimulants in the market.
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Vitex |
Stimulant(s) |
Causes bark dryness |
No |
Yes |
Cure and prevent bark dryness |
Yes |
No |
DRC (dry rubber content) |
Mantains / Increase |
Decrease |
Nutrition to the tree |
Yes |
No |
Tree health |
Positive |
Negative |
Increase Yield |
Yes, and Good Quality |
Yes, but Watery |
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Where do we apply Vitex on the tree-cut or uncut area, front, back, high or low position?
Answer:
Vitex can be applied on the existing tapping panel. (link to the video..applying)
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What happens if apply more than 1gm / 10 days / tree?
Answer:
Over dosage will not produce optimal results, but it will still be better than without application of Vitex. Studies show that 1 gram is the optimal dosage.
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Will Vitex kill my tree?
Answer:
It will not affect the tree as our LD50 (Lethal Dosage) and Derma(Skin) test proves that product is safe.
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Do I have to continue with my current fertilizers?
Answer: Yes.
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Can I reduce my fertilizers?
Answer:
No. Need to apply the right dosage per Rubber Board’s advice.
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Do I need to apply a specific kind of fertilizer?
Answer:
No. All fertilizers applied in the right dosage will work with Vitex.
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Do you have any endorsements to validate the quality of Vitex?
Answer:
We have endorsements and testimonials from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India. We are in the process of getting approval from various other countries.
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Is Vitex harmful to human beings or environment?
Answer:
No. Our LD50 and Derma tests have proven that our product is safe.
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How are rubber trees affected?
Answer:
Generally they are affected by the following:
- Frequent tapping
- Rain
- Stimulants absorb all the water from the roots
- Nutrient stress
- Germs passing through the cuts
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How does Vitex cure tree infections?
Answer:
Vitex acts as a catalyst and does the following to your trees,
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Avoids water absorption from roots.
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Regulates the nutrition intake to avoid nutrition stress.
- Acts as antibiotics against germs.
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Opens the pore of the trees for better flow of nutrients.
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Enhances tree health to produce more latex.
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