International Rubber Research and Development Board

21/08/2026

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐁 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫

August 19, 2026 | 🇳🇬

The International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB) hosted a webinar under its African Component on August 19, 2026, themed “𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.” The session brought together more than 50 online participants to explore sustainability, input challenges, global compliance, and the future development of Africa’s natural rubber sector.

The webinar was jointly organized by the IRRDB Youth Specialist Group (NextGeNRE) and the IRRDB African Component.

Mr. Abraham Baffoe presented on sustainable natural rubber production in Africa, highlighting the continent’s growing contribution to global rubber supply, with Côte d’Ivoire remaining the leading producer in Africa. He noted that smallholder farmers account for a significant share of African rubber production but continue to face challenges related to productivity and market access.

His presentation emphasized the importance of zero deforestation, traceability, responsible production, and compliance with evolving global sustainability requirements. He also stressed the need for sustainability approaches that reflect African realities while building on established frameworks such as the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR).

Dr. Timothy Unuigboje Esekhade addressed the global fertilizer crisis and its implications for the rubber industry, particularly for smallholder farmers. He explained that geopolitical conflicts, rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and export restrictions have contributed to increasing fertilizer prices and supply uncertainties. He highlighted several strategic responses, including integrated soil fertility management, climate-smart nutrient management, biofertilizers, rubber agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and digital advisory services as potential pathways to strengthen resilience and improve resource-use efficiency.

During the open discussion, moderated by Dr. Kenneth O. Omokhafe, participants raised practical questions concerning traceability systems, sustainable production practices, farmer training, and the economic viability of agroforestry. Discussions also explored rubber intercropping systems, including cassava-rubber intercropping, and how appropriate spacing and crop management can contribute to income diversification among smallholder farmers.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Isiaka Bakare, Coordinator of the IRRDB African Component, highlighted four key takeaways from the webinar: The growing importance of global compliance, the vulnerability of smallholder farmers, the increasing need for knowledge-intensive agricultural practices and the importance of institutional synergy and collaboration.

The webinar reaffirmed the critical role of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing in building a more resilient, responsible, and sustainable African natural rubber sector.

The session marked the fourth of ten planned webinars in the IRRDB Youth Specialist Group’s 2026 Webinar Series, led by Mr. Jess Bryan Alvariño, NextGeNRE Liaison Officer from the Philippines.

18/08/2026

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐁 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Happening Tomorrow:

IRRDB Webinar on African Component, themed: “𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲”

📅 Date: 19 August 2026 (Wednesday)
💻 Platform: Zoom
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM West Africa Time (WAT)

📌 Registration: https://forms.gle/SPMqwMjmrHcKCAnr9
Register now to receive the Zoom access details.

Time zones:
🇨🇮 8:00 AM – Côte d’Ivoire
🇳🇬 9:00 AM - Nigeria / West Africa Time
🇫🇷 10:00 AM - France
🇮🇳 🇱🇰 2:30 PM - India / Sri Lanka
🇹🇭 🇰🇭 🇮🇩 🇻🇳 3:00 PM - Thailand / Cambodia / Indonesia / Vietnam
🇲🇲 3:30 PM - Myanmar
🇨🇳 🇲🇾 🇵🇭 4:00 PM - China / Malaysia / Philippines
🇵🇬 6:00 PM - Papua New Guinea

🎓 FREE certificates will be provided to participants.
Come join us, learn from Africa, and discover what’s driving the growth of its natural rubber industry! 🌱

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐁 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Did you know that Côte d’Ivoire is now the world’s second-largest producer of natural rubber? 🤔

In 2026, Côte d’Ivoire has overtaken Indonesia to claim the 2nd position in global natural rubber production. What’s driving this remarkable growth, and what can we learn from Africa’s emerging rubber industry?

Let’s learn about it and virtually travel to Africa!

The IRRDB Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming IRRDB Webinar on African Component, themed: “𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲”

Jointly organized by the IRRDB Youth Specialist Group (NextGeNRE) and the IRRDB African Component, this webinar will provide a platform to discuss recent developments in Africa’s natural rubber sector and explore strategic solutions for building a more resilient and sustainable industry.

The session will highlight key issues including:

🌱 Resilient natural rubber production
🌍 Responsible land use and deforestation-free practices
🤝 Strengthening local livelihoods
📈 Regional production trends and their impact on the global natural rubber ecosystem
✅ Readiness for evolving global sustainability
🔧 Strategic responses to input-related challenges

📅 Date: 19 August 2026 (Wednesday)
💻 Platform: Zoom
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM West Africa Time (WAT)

Time zones:
🇨🇮 8:00 AM – Côte d’Ivoire
🇳🇬 9:00 AM - Nigeria / West Africa Time
🇫🇷 10:00 AM - France
🇮🇳 🇱🇰 2:30 PM - India / Sri Lanka
🇹🇭 🇰🇭 🇮🇩 🇻🇳 3:00 PM - Thailand / Cambodia / Indonesia / Vietnam
🇲🇲 3:30 PM - Myanmar
🇨🇳 🇲🇾 🇵🇭 4:00 PM - China / Malaysia / Philippines
🇵🇬 6:00 PM - Papua New Guinea

📌 Registration: https://forms.gle/SPMqwMjmrHcKCAnr9
Register now to receive the Zoom access details.

🎓 FREE certificates will be provided to participants.

Come join us, learn from Africa, and discover what’s driving the growth of its natural rubber industry! 🌱

17/08/2026

𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍

The organizers of 2026 International Rubber Conference (IRC) in Benin City, Nigeria is making its final call for abstract submissions!

📌 Deadline: 17 August 2026, 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬!

Researchers, scientists, students, and rubber industry professionals are encouraged to submit and share their work at this international platform.

📝 Register and submit your abstract through:
https://rrin-irc2026.com/paper-submission/

For submission guidelines, conference details, and other important information, please refer to the original post and attached conference materials.

Don’t miss the final deadline, see you in Benin City! 🇳🇬🌱

11/08/2026

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐁 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Did you know that Côte d’Ivoire is now the world’s second-largest producer of natural rubber? 🤔

In 2026, Côte d’Ivoire has overtaken Indonesia to claim the 2nd position in global natural rubber production. What’s driving this remarkable growth, and what can we learn from Africa’s emerging rubber industry?

Let’s learn about it and virtually travel to Africa!

The IRRDB Secretariat is pleased to invite you to the upcoming IRRDB Webinar on African Component, themed: “𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿: 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲”

Jointly organized by the IRRDB Youth Specialist Group (NextGeNRE) and the IRRDB African Component, this webinar will provide a platform to discuss recent developments in Africa’s natural rubber sector and explore strategic solutions for building a more resilient and sustainable industry.

The session will highlight key issues including:

🌱 Resilient natural rubber production
🌍 Responsible land use and deforestation-free practices
🤝 Strengthening local livelihoods
📈 Regional production trends and their impact on the global natural rubber ecosystem
✅ Readiness for evolving global sustainability
🔧 Strategic responses to input-related challenges

📅 Date: 19 August 2026 (Wednesday)
💻 Platform: Zoom
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM West Africa Time (WAT)

Time zones:
🇨🇮 8:00 AM – Côte d’Ivoire
🇳🇬 9:00 AM - Nigeria / West Africa Time
🇫🇷 10:00 AM - France
🇮🇳 🇱🇰 2:30 PM - India / Sri Lanka
🇹🇭 🇰🇭 🇮🇩 🇻🇳 3:00 PM - Thailand / Cambodia / Indonesia / Vietnam
🇲🇲 3:30 PM - Myanmar
🇨🇳 🇲🇾 🇵🇭 4:00 PM - China / Malaysia / Philippines
🇵🇬 6:00 PM - Papua New Guinea

📌 Registration: https://forms.gle/SPMqwMjmrHcKCAnr9
Register now to receive the Zoom access details.

🎓 FREE certificates will be provided to participants.

Come join us, learn from Africa, and discover what’s driving the growth of its natural rubber industry! 🌱

10/08/2026

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐁-𝐑𝐀𝐎𝐓 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭
🇹🇭 August 6, 2026| Chachoengsao, Thailand

The International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), in collaboration with the Rubber Authority of Thailand ( การยางแห่งประเทศไทยRAOT ) , successfully concluded the Multilateral Clone Exchange Workshop 2026 with a study visit to the Chachoengsao Rubber Research Center in Thailand on 6 August 2026.

The visit provided participants with an opportunity to observe the Multilateral Clone Exchange Trial Plots, including the 2013 IRRDB Multilateral Clone Exchange Large-Scale Trial Plots. The visit was particularly meaningful for IRRDB member countries, allowing participants to see the field performance of clones they had donated under the Multilateral Clone Exchange Programme.

Following the field visit, a discussion facilitated by Dr. Wan Abdul Rahaman Wan Yaacob, Deputy Secretary General of IRRDB, focused on future action plans and data harmonization to further strengthen the programme.

Participants highlighted the need to improve the comparison of field trial results across countries, taking into account differences in trial design, clone numbers, locations, management practices, and environmental conditions. The importance of systematically recording key variables including soil, climate, tapping systems, stimulation, fertilizer inputs, and phenological stages was also emphasized to make clone performance data more meaningful and comparable.

Clone purity and true-to-type verification were identified as important priorities for ensuring the reliability of field data and supporting future breeding decisions. Discussions also explored the possibility of third-country clone sharing when direct exchange is delayed by quarantine or administrative procedures. Participants agreed that such arrangements must be carefully reviewed under the relevant MOU and should require the consent of the original donor or owner country.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Wan noted that the challenges identified throughout the workshop, field visit, panel discussion, and follow-up session should be viewed as “good problems” issues that demonstrate the usefulness of the workshop and the need for continued collaboration among IRRDB member countries.

Dr. Wan also expressed his sincere appreciation to the staff of the Chachoengsao Rubber Research Center for their excellent preparation of the field visit, to Dr. Napawan Lekawipat, Director of the Rubber Research Institute of Thailand (RRIT), the RAOT team, and all participants who travelled from near and far to contribute to the three-day workshop.

This year’s breeding workshop reaffirmed the importance of translating germplasm exchange into practical breeding outcomes that contribute to more productive, resilient, and sustainable natural rubber systems.

10/08/2026

📢 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐁𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐑𝐂 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The abstract submission deadline for the 2026 International Rubber Conference (IRC) in Benin City Nigeria has been extended to 𝟭𝟳 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.
📌Please scan the QR code in the attached conference flyer to register for the conference. You may also access the registration via this link: https://rrin-irc2026.com

Researchers, scientists, students, and rubber industry professionals are encouraged to submit and share their work on this international conference.

For conference details, submission guidelines, registration, and important dates, please see the original post and attached conference materials.

See you in Benin City! 🇳🇬🌱

06/08/2026

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐁’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
🇹🇭August 5, 2026 | Bangkok, Thailand

The International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), in collaboration with the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), successfully held its first-ever hybrid panel discussion on "Challenges and Opportunities in Rubber Breeding and Germplasm Exchange," bringing together experts from IRRDB member countries to explore the future of rubber breeding, germplasm utilization, and international collaboration.

The webinar was jointly organized by the IRRDB Youth Specialist Group (NextGeNRE), the IRRDB Plant Breeding and Germplasm Specialist Group, and RAOT, attracting more than 100 participants both onsite and online.

Moderated by Dr. Wan Abdul Rahaman Wan Yaacob, Deputy Secretary General of IRRDB, the panel featured Ms. Ratchanee Rattanawong, Liaison Officer for Plant Breeding; Mr. Ndiaye Oumar Ngor; Dr. Han Cheng; Prof. Dr. Wong Mui Yun; and Dr. Zar Ni Zaw as onsite panelists. Joining virtually were Dr. Narayanan Chaendaekattu, Liaison Officer for the Germplasm Specialist Group, and Dr. Samanthi P. Withanage, IRRDB Fellow.

Opening the discussion, Dr. Wan emphasized the importance of turning challenges into opportunities. He noted that germplasm exchange should extend beyond the movement of planting materials and be supported by comprehensive data, field evaluations, and coordinated follow-up to maximize its value for rubber breeding programmes. The discussion focused on key issues under the IRRDB Multilateral Clone Exchange Programme, including data harmonization, genetic diversity, climate change, disease resistance, differences in field evaluation, and the need for stronger information sharing among member countries.

Ms. Ratchanee Rattanawong outlined three key questions for effective germplasm exchange: what materials should be exchanged, how information should be shared and managed, and what types of rubber trees will be needed for future breeding. She also encouraged member countries to broaden their selection criteria beyond latex yield by considering traits such as resilience, adaptability, and sustainability.

Mr. Ndiaye Oumar Ngor highlighted the potential of a multi-country, multi-clone breeding programme to address emerging challenges, including drought, climate change, and the need for greater productivity. Dr. Han Cheng underscored the importance of improving yield per unit area as a means of enhancing farmer incomes and strengthening livelihoods.

Prof. Dr. Wong Mui Yun presented biotechnology tools currently being developed at Universiti Putra Malaysia, including RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR-Cas genome editing, and AI-assisted imaging for disease detection, while inviting collaboration with interested IRRDB member countries. Dr. Zar Ni Zaw emphasized the importance of compiling more comprehensive clone information, including physiological and technological characteristics, to better match rubber clones with diverse end-use requirements.

Joining online, Dr. Narayanan Chaendaekattu discussed the application of modern genomic tools, marker-assisted breeding, and natural hybridization to strengthen breeding efforts under increasingly challenging climate conditions. Dr. Samanthi P. Withanage highlighted the importance of conserving genetic diversity through a broader "global rubber family" approach and advocated for the development of a unified database for germplasm and trial information.

The panel also underscored the importance of consolidating existing data from the 1981 IRRDB germplasm collection, improving consistency in clone evaluation, and harmonizing breeding procedures across member countries. Participants agreed that enhanced data sharing, stronger follow-up mechanisms, and closer international collaboration will be essential for translating germplasm exchange into practical breeding outcomes.

The session reaffirmed IRRDB's commitment to strengthening international cooperation and accelerating rubber breeding efforts toward a more resilient, productive, and sustainable natural rubber industry.

This webinar marked the third of ten planned sessions under the IRRDB Youth Specialist Group's 2026 Webinar Series, led by Mr. Jess Bryan Alvariño, NextGeNRE Liaison Officer from the Philippines.

06/08/2026

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐁 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

🇹🇭 Bangkok, Thailand | August 4, 2026

The International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), represented by its Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Wan Abdul Rahaman Wan Yaacob, and Chairman, Dr. Napawan Lekawipat, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST), a Philippine state college in Southern Mindanao.

The signing ceremony took place during the IRRDB Multilateral Clone Exchange Workshop 2026, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 4-6 August 2026. Representing CFCST were Dr. Jill D. Villanueva, Director for Research and Development, and Dr. Jerson S. Catoto, Director for International Linkages, on behalf of Dr. Ali K. Dilangalen, President of CFCST.

This MoU marks IRRDB's third academic partnership, following its collaborations with Universiti Putra Malaysia and the University of Southern Mindanao. The partnership will foster joint research, student attachments, academic exchanges, participation in international conferences, and other collaborative initiatives that strengthen research, education, and innovation in support of the global natural rubber industry.

CFCST has been the only Philippine institution providing a home and care for children facing adversity through its Custodial Care Program. For 69 years, it has served as a beacon of hope for thousands of learners by providing knowledge and skills that contribute to nation-building and beyond.

This collaboration reflects IRRDB's continued commitment to strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, expanding research networks, and driving innovation for a more sustainable and resilient natural rubber sector. 🌱

📸Mr. Irwan

04/08/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖

𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗗𝗕-𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
🇹🇭 4-6 August 2026 | Bangkok, Thailand

The International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), in collaboration with the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), officially commenced the IRRDB Multilateral Clone Exchange Workshop 2026 today in Bangkok, Thailand.

The three-day workshop brings together researchers, rubber breeders, and experts from IRRDB member countries to strengthen international collaboration in rubber breeding, germplasm exchange, and the development of improved rubber clones.

The workshop serves as an important platform to review progress under the IRRDB Multilateral Clone Exchange Programme, exchange scientific knowledge and research experiences, and identify future directions for developing more productive, resilient, and disease-tolerant rubber clones.

In his introductory remarks, Dr. Wan Abdul Rahaman Wan Yaacob, Deputy Secretary General of IRRDB, highlighted that the true success of the Multilateral Clone Exchange Programme lies not only in the exchange of germplasm, but also in its effective utilization to generate meaningful breeding outcomes.

He encouraged IRRDB member countries to transform shared genetic resources into practical breeding innovations by developing and applying new tools, technologies, and approaches to support the future of rubber improvement.

Dr. Wan also underscored the importance of closely monitoring the progress of clone exchange initiatives, strengthening field-based research, accelerating IRRDB breeding programmes, and developing high-yielding and disease-resistant rubber clones through the exchange of innovative ideas, knowledge, and technologies.

Over the next three days, participants will continue to share research findings, exchange experiences, and explore opportunities for collaborative research and innovation to advance sustainable rubber breeding and strengthen international cooperation for the benefit of the global natural rubber industry.

📸 Mr. Irwan

04/08/2026

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐁 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Happening Tomorrow:
𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗺 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 via Zoom.

📅 Date: 5 August 2026 (Wednesday)
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM (Thailand Time)
📝 Register now for free to get your Zoom credentials: https://forms.gle/7AVhCNKJeY8zR1Sc6

Certificates of participation will be provided to registered attendees.

We look forward to welcoming you virtually! 🌱

𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐃𝐁 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Are you a rubber breeder, plant genetic resources enthusiast, plant pathologist, molecular biologist, researcher, student, or simply someone interested in the future of natural rubber? 🧐

Join us for the 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗺 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, on 5 August 2026 at 3:00 PM Bangkok Standard Time via Zoom.

The panel discussion will bring together researchers, breeders, and experts from IRRDB member countries to exchange insights on rubber breeding, germplasm exchange, and regional collaboration. It also aims to support ongoing efforts under the IRRDB Multilateral Clone Exchange Programme, which plays an important role in strengthening sustainable rubber breeding and future genetic improvement.

This hybrid session will be held in conjunction with the IRRDB Workshop on Multilateral Clone Exchange in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme: “Leveraging Clone Exchange and Collaboration for Sustainable Rubber Breeding”

The event is jointly organized by the IRRDB Youth Specialist Group (NextGeNRE), the IRRDB Plant Breeding and Germplasm Specialist Group, and the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT).

📍Register now for free: https://forms.gle/AxrX3XNb4FSNXjyCA

Researchers, students, breeders, industry stakeholders, and everyone interested in natural rubber research and development are warmly invited to join this meaningful discussion.

Certificates of participation will be provided to registered attendees.

We look forward to welcoming you virtually! 🌱