<![CDATA[This study aimed to determine the latex production response of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) clone RRIM 911 to the application of banana peel extract (Musa paradisiaca) stimulant using two different application methods. The research was conducted on the plantation of PT. Perkebunan Nusantara III, Sarang Giting Unit, Dolok Masihul District, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra, from January to February 2021. The study used a Split Plot Design with three replications, with stimulant application method (groove application and bark application) as the main plot, and five stimulant concentration levels (control, 2.5% ethrel, and 5%, 10%, and 15% banana peel extract) as the subplot. Observed parameters included latex flow duration, latex weight, and latex volume. The results showed that stimulant concentration had a highly significant effect on all observed latex production parameters, with 2.5% ethrel (S1) and 15% banana peel extract (S4) consistently producing the highest flow duration, weight, and volume of latex compared to the control. The groove application method (M1) generally produced higher latex yields than the bark application method (M2), although the interaction between application method and stimulant concentration was mostly not significant. These findings indicate that banana peel extract has potential as an environmentally friendly alternative natural stimulant to increase smallholder rubber latex production.]]>
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