Kuala Lumpur—Thailand has recently detected the outbreak of a new natural rubber leaf fall disease in the eastern region of the country, the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has announced.
Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) reported the outbreak of the disease in Chanthaburi, Trat province, affecting approximately an area of nearly 40 acres of rubber plantations, the ANRPC said Dec. 24.
Citing a preliminary report, the association said the virus is expected to spread through the air during the rains and strong winds.
RAOT is currently "monitoring the matter closely" to prevent further spread to other plantations, said the association, without giving further details.
European Rubber Journal is requesting further information from the ANRPC about this development.
