Rubber Disease Enters RP; Found In Mindanao
A rubber disease which affected many plantations in Sri Lanka in the mid 1980s has entered the Philippines.
The leaf spot disease is found and documented recently at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) by plant pathologist Dr. Naomi G. Tangonan and researchers Jasmine A. Pecho and Elaine Genivive G. Butardo. It has affected rubber nurseries and plantations in USM, particularly the RRIM 600 rubber, which is known for having high latex yield.
Caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola, leaf spot disease symptoms are the yellowing of and occurrence of large lesions that look like railroad track on the leaves. The disease usually occurs during refoliation period. It infects new foliage flushes, killing young branches if the infection is severe.
Collection of samples in other rubber-producing areas in Mindanao will be conducted for further studies on this disease. Formulation of control measures for it is also under way.
Leaf spot disease symptoms are the yellowing of and occurrence of large lesions that look like railroad track on the leaves. The disease usually occurs during refoliation period. It infects new foliage flushes, killing young branches if the infection is severe.
By Alicia Tangonan Hayudini