Introduction

Rubber, Hevea brasiliensis

Rubber trees are mainly grown for the production of the latex, it can be rewarding but it Comes with several challenges especially with diseases that can cause damage and affect the yield, quality. Managing these diseases effectively is challenging it involves understanding of diseases, symptoms and control measures for maintaining a healthy plantation is must.

Common diseases in Rubber

Abnormal leaf fall

Symptoms:

Dull grey, circular spots appear which later enlarged and become irregular

Sunken spot appear on the petiole

Affected fruits gets rotten

The affected leaf emits bad smell and shed prematurely

Cause:

It is caused by Phytophthora palmivora & Phytophthora nicotiane

Management:

Prophylactic sprays with Bordeaux mixture 1% of ZnSo4 @ 0.2%

Birds eye spot

Symptoms:

In nursery and young plants, circular spots with grey centre and with brown border occur

Cause:

It is caused by Drechslera heveae

Management:

1% Bordeaux mixture can be sprayed

Corynespora leaf spot

Symptoms:

In young leaves circular spots with brown or papery centre with dark brown ring

Yellow hallo will develop in that ring and short holes occur

Affected leaves dries up and falls

Cause:

It is caused by Corynespora cossicola

Management:

Spraying of 1% Bordeaux mixture can be done

Pink disease

Symptoms:

Fungal growth in the stem that penetrates the bark and cause decay

The bark than splits and peals off, It is common in wet areas

If not recognised early tree dies.

Cause:

It is caused by Corticium salminicolor

Management:

Bordeaux paste can be applied to the affected parts

Brown root diseases

Symptoms: 

Affected roots held by mycelium

The root is rotted and entire tree dies if its not recognised early

Cause:

It is caused by Fomes noxius

Management:

Removal of the infected trees

Wash the affected root with Aretan 0.1%

Apply lime at 2.5 t/ha

Conclusion

Managing the rubber tree require a good combination of practices and use of resistant varieties can be done to protect the tree and ensuring a healthy yield and good quality. By adopting a integrated practices the diseases can be greatly reduced, regular monitoring and a successful disease management ensure a sustainability in rubber cultivation.