Intercropping within rubber plantations presents an effective strategy to counteract the financial challenges posed by sustained low prices of natural rubber and widespread cultivation losses. The success of the intercropping systems is critically dependent on understory light availability, which serves as a key driving factor. A thorough analysis of the variations in understory light conditions among different rubber clones and the underlying causes is essential for providing a theoretical basis for optimal clone selection and system design. This study investigated rubber plantations featuring various clones, tree ages, and planting patterns. The understory light intensity were measured and compared. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle LiDAR point clouds were used to extract key tree architecture parameters to determine the architectural drivers of light variability. Findings revealed significant differences in understory light intensity attributable to clone type, tree age, and planting pattern. Notably, the Reken 628 clone consistently provided significantly higher understory light levels across all ages and row orientations compared to other clones like CATAS 72059, and CATAS 73397. UAV-derived data confirmed that Reken 628 plantations exhibited larger inter-row gaps and significantly lower canopy closure. Architectural analysis further elucidated that Reken 628 was characterized by a taller stature, higher branching, a smaller crown length ratio, and a more compact, sparser crown structure with fewer, smaller-angled primary branches. This clone also displayed pronounced natural self-pruning, which collectively contributes to its low canopy closure. Conversely, CATAS 73397 features a wider crown, a higher crown length ratio, more numerous and wider-angled branches, and severe crown overlap, resulting in high canopy closure. In conclusion, considering its favorable tree architecture and the resultant superior light conditions, Reken 628 is identified as an excellent clone for intercropping systems. This research holds significant practical value for advancing the adoption and sustainable development of intercropping in rubber plantations.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |