2025 年 98 巻 12 号 p. 277-281
Hevea brasiliensis, commonly known as rubber tree, is a crop primarily cultivated in Southeast Asian countries and serves as the main source of natural rubber. Natural rubber is an ecofriendly material and indispensable for many industries, including the automobile sectors. Its stable supply is increasingly important economically.
However, in recent years, decrease in its production caused by Leaf Fall Diseases (LFDs) has become serious problem in many Southeast Asian countries. LFDs cause characteristic lesions on natural rubber tree leaves and results in leaf drop, leading to a reduction of photosynthetic capacity and finally causes a significant decrease in natural rubber production. In Indonesia, reduction of natural rubber production by LFDs is very severe with about 800,000 tons annually since 2017. This review explains characteristics and pathogenicity of the fungi causing LFDs. We also explain our challenges to control them.
