The annual process of shedding of leaves in a deciduous tree like rubber is:

Correct option is D

In rubber cultivation, the annual shedding of leaves is technically referred to as “Wintering.” Although rubber is grown in tropical climates, the term wintering is used by the Rubber Board of India to describe the period when rubber trees lose their old leaves and produce new flushes. During this stage, latex flow reduces significantly, and tapping is often stopped or minimized.

This phase is very important for plantation management because pest and disease incidences (such as powdery mildew and leaf spot) are higher during the new flush stage. Hence, wintering is considered a distinct phenological event in rubber trees.