WP2. Understanding and modelling the performances of rubber-based agroforestry systems in contrasting environments

Rubber agroforestry systems (RAS) are usually presented as more resilient than monospecific plantation to climate change due to improved ecosystem functions (water circulation, nutrient availability, biological control of pests etc.). However, the resilience of RAS depends on the sharing of resources (light, water, nutrient) between the rubber trees and the associated species. In particular, water can become a major limiting factor. This WP2 aims at 1/ characterizing the abiotic and biotic constraints on the performances of RAS in terms of productivity and provision of regulating ecosystem services, 2/ identifying the ecophysiological traits to be targeted by breeding programs (WP3).