Highlights of the research findings in this issue are:

• A new region specific advisory of clones suited for cultivation in each of the nine agro climatically distinct zones in the traditional and non- traditional regions of rubber cultivation India
• Molecular phylogeny of the four major Phytophthora species infecting rubber trees is presented. Further, DNA barcodes using short, unique and standardized portions of the DNA were identified for these species which could be used for their reliable, quick and accurate identification
• A chloroplast stress protein was validated as a screening tool for selection of potential drought tolerant clones in Hevea. The relative abundance of this stress protein along with key photosynthetic parameters can be used as screening tools for drought and high light tolerance in rubber plants at a young stage
• Role of natural rubber cultivation as a sustainable livelihood option for rural upliftment
• Ortets selected from different agro-climatic regions and some hybrid clones were tested for abiotic stress tolerance in diverse environments
• Improvement in soil organic carbon, available phosphorus and potassium and maintenance of available calcium and magnesium in one cultivation cycle of rubber was recorded
• The influence of the crosslink density on the efficiency of mechanical devulcanization of natural rubber vulcanizates is presented
• Additional rolling to wet sheet rubber can facilitate its quick drying and quality enhancement