Résumé
Hevea clones are propagated by grafting scion clone on seedling rootstocks. Cutting and microcutting were long supposed to provide plant material with poor root system. Thanks to the French-Indonesian research collaboration and development in China, microcutting is now reconsidered as useful technology for Hevea clonal propagation and production of rootstocks. Somatic embryogenesis is cost-effective clonal propagation method that has been maintained in China, India, France and Malaysia for more than 30 years. This long-term investment led to applications on genetic engineering and large-scale productions of in vitro plants in China by CATAS. In the recent somatic embryogenesis is an essential factor for successful horticultural multiplication and improving the vigour of planting material. Using rejuvenated in vitro plants from somatic embryogenesis, grafting and cutting led to the multiplication of thousands plants in Nigeria and Ivory Coast by CIRAD-Michelin-SIPH and University of Gand-Socfinco consortium, respectively. Effect of clonal root system and somaclonal variation must be taken into consideration. Evaluation of this new planting material remains necessary for further recommendations. Given the low rubber price, other latex by-products should also be considered to attract farmers to the cultivation of rubber. Natural organic compounds as well as new recombinant proteins could lead to a better attractiveness to stakeholders and a better acceptance of genetically modified rubber plants. (Texte intégral)