RUBBER NEWS

Pestalotiopsis Disease Threatens to Outbreak in Vietnam

Posted on by content02.vinahugo
12
Oct

Pestalotiopsis Disease Threatens to Outbreak in Vietnam

Category: Rubber Trees | By: Rubber Tree Varieties

The Pestalotiopsis disease has recently spread across Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, causing severe damage to rubber plantations. It is forecast that Indonesia’s rubber output will drop by 15%, while 16,000 hectares of rubber trees in Thailand could lose up to 50% of their latex production due to the outbreak.

What Is Pestalotiopsis Disease?

This is a new leaf disease caused by fungi from the Pestalotiopsis genus. It severely affects the canopy of rubber trees, particularly older trees, which can lose up to 90% of their leaves—leading to a drastic decline in latex yield.

Climate change is believed to be a major factor in triggering the emergence of new plant diseases like Pestalotiopsis on rubber trees.

Current Situation in Southeast Asia

According to Reuters (October 21, 2019), Pestalotiopsis has spread to Thailand after devastating plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia.

  • In Indonesia, approximately 382,000 hectares of rubber trees—mainly in Sumatra and Kalimantan—have been affected. The International Rubber Consortium (IRCo) has adjusted its forecast, predicting a 15% drop in national rubber production.

  • In Thailand, the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) confirmed outbreaks in three districts of Narathiwat Province, a key rubber-growing region.

  • Krissada Sangsing, Director of the Rubber Research Institute, noted that mature trees are especially vulnerable, losing up to 90% of their leaves and up to 50% latex yield in affected areas.

  • Uthai Sonlucksub, Chairman of the Thai Natural Rubber Council, stated that farmers are deeply concerned. “The disease spreads very quickly. The trees are bare and cannot be tapped,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has not yet reported detailed data on infection levels.

Collectively, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia account for about 70% of the world’s natural rubber supply, with Thailand alone contributing 40% of global exports. Therefore, a widespread outbreak could seriously tighten global rubber supply.

Caution for Vietnam

Fortunately, no cases of Pestalotiopsis have been detected in Vietnam so far.

However, farmers and plantation managers are urged to stay vigilant.
If you observe leaf fall symptoms similar to those shown in the illustrations, please take photos and send them to:

Your reports will help experts identify and prevent potential outbreaks early.