Corynespora leaf fall of Hevea brasilensis: Challenges and prospect

Abstract

Hevea brasiliensis is the major source of natural rubber. Natural rubber being a unique biopolymer of strategic importance needs to be continuously well managed and protected against biotic damages. Many rubber producing countries include South East Asia, Africa and Latin America among others. Corynespora leaf fall caused by Corynespora cassiicola is currently considered as the most destructive leaf disease of Hevea rubber in Asian and African continents causing about 45% of yield loss. It had caused great loss to the rubber industry in various countries, thus the need for prompt action against the disease. The rubber breeding over the years have been on the development of clones with high yield combined with the desirable secondary traits. The resistance of rubber clones to C. cassiicolla depends on its ability to neutralize the toxin or its use of the hypersensitive response of the clone. The major objective of this review was to awaken the consciousness to C. cassiicolla, having in mind that rubber clones once tolerant to the disease had later become susceptible. Key words: Bio polymer, Corynespora cassiicolla, Hevea brasiliensis, natural rubber, tolerant.