The IRRDB and Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRISL) recently held the International Workshop on Circular Leaf Spot Disease of Rubber Plantations at the Marino Beach Hotel and RRISL at Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The workshop was held from September 4-6, 2023 providing a platform for scientists, researchers, and stakeholders to exchange ideas and experiences in managing diseases of Rubber. It also provided much needed exposure to various crop protection protocols such as screening for fungicides, clones, and other economically important diseases of rubber trees.The event was attended by Minister of Plantation Industries of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, who delivered a welcoming address expressing his gratitude to IRRDB and RRISL for organising the event.
Dr. Pathirana highlighted RRISL’s 100 year long presence and its significant contributions, especially in imparting knowledge to farmers across both traditional and non-traditional areas. The minister emphasised the crucial importance of rubber in the Sri Lankan economy, contributing through exports and serving as a focal point for important research and development efforts aimed at combating diseases affecting rubber production. Dr. Pathirana expressed his hope that the workshop would lead to long-term, and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the rubber industry, particularly in addressing prevalent diseases in rubber such as Circular Leaf Spot Disease scientifically known as Pestalotiopsis.
Furthermore, the IRRDB Secretary General, Datuk Dr. Abdul Aziz bin S.A. Kadir highlighted the pressing issue of Pestalotiopsis, which is a serious leaf disease in rubber that may result in 50-60% defoliation in plantations and reduce production to 40-45%. Given that 90% of global rubber production comes from smallholders, the most affected are these farmers compounding their difficulties. Dr. Aziz stated that the major challenge at present is finding effective solutions to help smallholders combat this fungus disease, but he expressed excitement in sharing that previous IRRDB meetings addressing Pestalotiopsis had yielded significant progress.The developments have encompassed a better understanding of the disease epidemiology, the testing of herbicides, and the exploration of potential applicators for disease control. He also emphasised the pivotal role of the youth in promoting natural rubber worldwide, advocating for increased rubber tree planting as a means to address climate change, as rubber trees help to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Present at the workshop were delegates from India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand.
By Nelum Buddhadasa
