Rubber
Why it Matters?
A destructive alliance between invasive ambrosia beetles and Fusarium fungi is threatening Kerala’s rubber plantations, impacting tree health, latex yield, and posing wider ecological and economic risks.
What You Should Know?
Hevea brasiliensis (Rubber tree) is the source of natural rubber.
It is native to the Amazon River Basin in South America.
Rubber was introduced to tropical Asia and Africa by the British.
Rubber is obtained in the form of latex from the tree trunk.
Geographical conditions
It requires a tropical climate with 200–300 cm of annual rainfall.
The ideal temperature range for rubber cultivation is 25°C to 34°C.
Rubber needs around 80% relative humidity for proper growth.
It grows best in deep, fertile, lateritic soils deficient in phosphorus.
Kerala produces over 90% of India’s natural rubber.
India is the 3rd largest producer and 4th largest consumer of natural rubber in the world.
India is the 5th largest consumer of natural and synthetic rubber combined.
Uses
Rubber products include tyres, tubes, footwear, hoses, cables, pharma goods, and high-tech industrial items.
The industry caters to sectors like defence, aviation, railways, agriculture, transport, textiles, mines, and healthcare.