August 29, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Rubber Research Institute (SLRRI) has announced significant progress in controlling the circular leaf spot disease affecting the country’s rubber plantations.
Dr. Sarojani Fernando of the SLRRI disclosed that 80 per cent of the chemical research undertaken by the institute has proven effective in managing the disease, which has been spreading across Kalutara, Ratnapura, Monaragala, and Ampara.
The circular leaf spot disease, caused by a fungus, disrupts the food production process in rubber trees, leading to a decline in latex yield by approximately 10 per cent annually.
The disease is not unique to Sri Lanka, as it has been detected in several other Asian countries. However, effective treatments have remained elusive until now.
During a press conference held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries on the 27th, Fernando highlighted that the SLRRI had conducted over 10 studies to combat this disease, with one particular chemical treatment showing 80 percent efficacy.
This promising solution has already been tested in the field and is expected to be made available to rubber growers across the country by next year.
The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, who was present at the event, praised the research as an international achievement for Sri Lanka.
He also committed to increasing government funding for further research in the plantation sector, recognising the critical role such innovations play in sustaining the nation’s agricultural output.
