Kuala Lumpur, 1-3 December 2025 – The Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), successfully participated in the IRRDB International Rubber Conference (IRC) 2025, organized by the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB) Secretariat in collaboration with the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB). The prestigious event was held at Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, under the theme “Evolution of Rubber R&D.”   This year’s conference marked a historic milestone, celebrating 100 years of rubber research in Malaysia since its inception in 1925. The IRC brought together scientists, researchers, students, and industry stakeholders to share research findings, foster scientific collaboration, and build strategic partnerships for the future of rubber research. Key topics discussed during the conference included: Climate change and sustainability Advances in cloning and genomics Artificial intelligence and rubber technologies Rubber diseases Agronomic practices

The program concluded with a full-day field visit to a rubber product factory in Klang Valley, providing participants with practical insights into industrial applications. IKP’s Contributions at IRC 2025: Prof. Ts. Dr. Siti Khairunniza Bejo (Director, IKP) Presentation: Non-destructive Detection of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease in Rubber Trees Using Artificial Intelligence and Hyperspectral Imaging. Prof. Dr. Wong Mui Yun (Deputy Director, IKP) Presentation: RNAi-mediated Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) for the Control of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease in Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis). Dr. Mohd Shafar Jefri bin Mokhatar (Researcher/Lecturer, UDRP Plantation Crops, IKP) Presentation: Revisiting Fertilizer Recommendations for Hevea brasiliensis: Optimizing Nutrient Management for Sustainable Rubber Production. Pn. Siti Nooradzah Adam (Research Officer, IKP) Presentation: Exploring UAV-based Sensing Platforms for Rubber Tree Health Monitoring. The participation of IKP researchers in IRC 2025 underscores UPM’s commitment to advancing sustainable rubber production and leveraging cutting-edge technologies for plantation management.

Date of Input: 22/12/2025 | Updated: 22/12/2025 | ainzubaidah