Arachchi, W.A.W.D.W.Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.Herath, H.M.S.P.Nugawela, R.C.W.M.R.A.2022-03-152022-03-152013http://www.erepo.lib.uwu.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/123456789/8512/01-PLT-Evaluate%20the%20Different%20Gum%20Extracting%20Tapping%20System%20of%20Cashew%20Tree%20.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yCashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is native of North East Brazil. Its area of origin seems to have been the state of Ceare, where the tree is found to be this day in large natural forest (Jayasekara and Jayasekara, 2003). Collectively, cashew is usually considered the third or fourth the greatest nut of commerce (by mass) worldwide. Cashew is a perennial crop, which gives its harvest once in the year and harvesting period is about three to four months and in rest of the period in the year it is not making much attention to crop by most of farmers since they are not having economical benefits. Hence, this situation will affect to next year nut yield as well. Economic life span of cashew tree is about 30 years. Thus, utilization of unproductive and old plants is important to obtain continuous economic benefits to farmers. Cashew-gum extraction represents one more source of revenue for the producer, in addition to the cashew nut yield and the peduncle, as well as an alternative for the utilization of non productive cashew trees in a phase of decline or senescence (Lima, 2002). The resin is synthesized in the epithelial cells lining pockets or canals and then secreted into internal cavities (Lima, 2002). There are many application potentials can be identified in food industry, pharmaceutical industry and stationary industry (Gyedu et al., 2008 and Kumar et al., 2009). Therefore, there will be huge undiscovered potential to cashew gum in future if we could produce them in substantial amounts. Findings of this study will be important to the cashew cultivators, researchers, gum produces and gum base industries. Objectives of this study were to investigate potential of harvesting cashew gum and to identify the proper gum exudates method to tap the cashew trees. Methodology This study was conducted at Cashew Research Center, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation, Kamandaluwa Plantation, Puttalam district. The experiment plot was laid down in two factor factorial design with main two factors with four replicates. The main two factors were shape of cut (Horizontal cut, Vertical cut, “V” Shaped cut and 450 angle cut) and tapping depth (100% bark depth, 75% bark depth, 50% bark depth and 25% bark depth). Sampling plot consisted wit h 64 randomly selected fourteen years old budded cashew plants, which were propagated using single mother tree. Bark depth of cashew trees were measured using a bark gauge and tapping was practiced using conventional rubber tapping knife. One fourth of tree girth was taken as tapping length for all experimental trees. Maximum height for each cut was 60 cm from the ground level. A plastic cup was hanged to stem to collect cashew gum. Tapping direction was decided according to the cutting method. For “V” shape cut, tapping panel was marked by using a stencil and half of tapping length (one eighth of girth) was taken to one side of tapping line. For the 45 angle shape cut also, tapping panel was drawn by using a stencil. Growth parameters (girth, height and canopy size) were recorded from all experimental trees. Yield parameters namely availability of gum within unit time periods (three, six, and twenty four hours interval), gum yield within 24 hours interval and state of gum (liquid or solid) with three to six hours were recorded. Data was subjected to Pearson correlation analysis and Tukye Mean Separation using Minitab Analytical software package (version 15.00) and SAS analytical software package (Version 9).enAgricultureExport AgricultureCrop ProductionCashewFood ScienceOther