IRRDB frets over natural rubber leaf disease

BRICKENDONBURY, England (July 6)—Outbreaks of a disease resulting in premature leaf fall in natural rubber clones previously thought to be disease-resistant is worrying scientists in the NR industry. "Corynespora leaf fall disease represents a considerable threat to the natural rubber industry," according to a report from the International Rubber Research and Development Board. The organization said the disease, like South American leaf blight, is caused by a fungus and capable of killing trees, although in most cases caused a 20-25 percent loss in rubber production. The IRRDB member institutes participated in a workshop earlier this month in Malaysia and Indonesia to address the problem.