Objective: The cultivated rubber clones are sensitive to latex harvesting regimes according to their laticiferous metabolism. This study was done to determine the best latex harvesting system (s) of clones with moderate metabolism (GT 1, RRIC 100 and BPM 24). Methodology and Results: Six latex harvesting technologies were applied to these clones in a bulk statistical device from Fisher to four rehearsals. The rubber trees were tapped in downward half spiral stimulated or not, for nine years after the opening of the tapping panel. The agronomic parameters (latex production, vegetative growth), the tapping panel dryness and those of the latex micro diagnosis were evaluated. The results indicate that these clones independently of the latex harvesting system have good rubber productivity (2234 kg.ha-1 .y-1) with good radial vegetative growth (2.4 cm.y-1). Their trees showed a well-balanced physiological profile and an acceptable sensitivity to the tapping panel dryness (3.2 %). However, the physiological index, the bark consumption and the sensitivity to the tapping panel dryness lead to retain the latex harvesting technology "S/2 d4 6d/7 Pa1 (1) ET2.5% 4/y" for the best. Conclusion and application of results: This index, favourably influencing the choice of technologies adapted to clones with active metabolism, contributes to the modern and efficient management of a rubber plantation.

The design and planting density can influence certain agronomic parameters. To enable Hevea brasiliensis clone GT1 to better express their agrophysiological potentialities and sensitivity to the tapping panel dryness a study, of the design and planting density was undertaken at the SCASO experimental site in southwestern of Ivory Coast. The experimental design applied, split-plot of three treatments (designs in lines separated from 6 or 7 m and staggered) and three sub-treatments (350; 510 and 650 trees/ha) with four repetitions, was installed on 12, 22 ha. Only one latex collection system was applied (S/2 d/4 6d/7 ET 2.5 % Pa 1 (1) 6/y). The parameters measured were rubber production, circumference increase, physiological profile and tapping panel dryness sensitivity. The rate of trees present in the plots was good (87.27 %) and have not varied with the design and planting density. Vegetative growth tapping (2.69 cm.year-1), and mean yield (1926 kg.ha-1 .year-1) were influenced by density unlike design. Despite good productivity, the physiological state of the rubber trees was good, characterized by a well-balanced physiological profile and a low tapping panel dryness rate (2.73 %), independently of design and planting density. The density and the suitable planting design were planting in separate rows of 6 m / 650 t/ha.

This study aims at identifying the major tomato pests and diseases in the locality of Daloa. To achieve this goal, surveys were conducted among tomato farmers in the city, the outskirts and the villages of Daloa. They consisted in questioning farmers about their identity, the cropping practices and the problems encountered in the practice of tomato cultivation. Then another step consisted in monitoring tomato farms for observing diseases and pests associated to tomato. The results of the study showed that tomato cultivation is concentrated in rural areas and is carried out by men with a very low level of education. The most cultivated varieties are petromech and cobra because of their resistance to certain pests. Several tomato diseases have been identified, however the most significant were seedling damping-off (Pythium sp, Fusarium sp, Rhizoctonia solani), plant wilting (Fusarium oxyporum and Ralstonia solanacerum), fruit anthracnose (Colletotrichum sp.), apical necrosis and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne sp.). The main pests observed on tomato in the locality were Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera), Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera), Dysdercus sp. (Hemiptera). This study provides a pathway from which further studies including mapping the different diseases could be conducted so as to better monitor and protect tomato cultivation.