Highlights of the research findings in this issue are:

• Cost-benefit analyses indicated that adopting cost saving practices can make NR harvesting from existing holdings was still profitable
• Seasonal CO2 flux in a mature rubber plantation was quantified and the influence of soil temperature and moisture worked out
• Long term evaluation of 14 clones revealed the suitability of RRII 203, KRS 25 and PB 255 for cultivation in Karnataka
• RRII 105 was more susceptible than RRIM 600 to powdery mildew disease; 1.3% increase in yield compensated the cost of sulphur dusting
• Low Calcium levels found in 30% leaf samples tested from mature rubber trees of South India indicating the need for its supplementation
• Growth of rubber seedlings was poor in extremely acidic soils; poor availability of Calcium and Magnesium could be responsible
• Integrated nutrient management and preference for fertilizer mixtures and complex fertilizers over straight fertilizers were common manuring practices followed by growers in South India
• Compared the extractable protein content of latex products prepared from natural rubber films vulcanized using different techniques and better integration of particles was observed in lower sized particles which lead to improved physical properties
• Commitments made in the Paris Agreement fall far short of its objective of limiting global warming to below 2oC above the pre industrial level