Ongoing and emerging rubber pests and diseases are a notable risk for natural rubber cultivation and production.
The Group is involved in research programs aimed at countering the most impactful phytosanitary threats for the sector, through the selection of genetically disease resistant varieties and wind tolerance, for instance:
· A program in Bahia, Brazil dedicated to developing varieties tolerant to microcyclus ulei
· In West Africa, with French Rubber Institute (IFC), developing varieties tolerant to the Corynespora and Colletotrichum and increased resistance to wind.
With the Pasteur Institute, Michelin is active into proliferating practices against mosquito-borne diseases towards local communities.