Pattern and driving factor of intense defoliation of rubber plantations in SW China

The pattern of intense defoliation of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) in Southwest China is assumed to mainly be attributable to drought stress. However,thishas never beenproven, and the pattern remains unclear. Our objectives were to reveal the driving factor and pattern of intense defoliation, and to explore the characteristics of sap flow density (Js ) and relate them to climatic factors before, during and after the intense defoliation …