The tapper returns a few hours later and collects the latex. Rain guarding of rubber trees is practiced to extend the tapping period by preventing the loss during rains. About 35-40 additional tapping days could be obtained every year by rainguarding the trees. Since chances of black rot disease are high, systematic application of panel protectants at frequent intervals is necessary. Rainguarding is recommended only in areas where the yield is 675 kg/ha/annum or more and 25 or more tapping days are annually lost by rain. The popular types of rain guards are Polythene Skirt,.
