Diseases of rubber trees: Malaysia as a case study

Rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss) Muell. Arg, is a major industrial crop for latex production that significantly contributes to Malaysian economic growth. Disease infestation is one of the major limiting factors in rubber cultivation, which is affecting rubber quality and production. All the plant parts are prone to various diseases; however, the most common parts are leaf and root. Among the diseases, white root rot disease caused by Rigidoporus microporus has been regarded as the major threat in Malaysia and some other rubber-growing countries due to its rapid spread, significant fatality, and difficulties associated with its control in the plantation. In this chapter, the genetic diversity of R. microporus, symptoms, disease prevalence, distribution, and management of root rot diseases in Malaysia are extensively discussed. Furthermore, other economically important diseases of rubber such as Southern American leaf blight (SALB), Pestalotiopsis leaf fall, Corynespora leaf fall, and Fusicoccum leaf blight are also discussed.