No other book on natural rubber covers such a broad spectrum of subjects as this unique publication. Subjects related to the biology, cultivation and technology of natural rubber are dealt with, along with such important aspects as its history, production and processing, through to its sophisticated engineering applications. Every chapter follows a monograph style of presentation, with comprehensive citations and depth of treatment. Contributions from highly experienced, and still active, renowned scientists reflect the truly international effort to the development of this commodity. In addition to the wealth of information presented, most of the chapters contain elaborate lists of earlier contributions in the respective fields; one chapter each has been included on rubber wood, ancillary products and guayule.

Rubber is an economically important material that occurs naturally, with the world consuming around ten million tons of natural rubber every year. While it can be produced artificially, the different characteristics of synthetic rubber are not always suitable for the needs we have, making the Hevea brasiliensis tree an essential resource. Many advances have been made in the understanding of the cultivation and biology of the rubber tree, and this book covers the crucial elements of rubber breeding and physiology to provide a comprehensive guide to this vital crop. It provides an in-depth analysis of plant structure and crop physiology, climatic requirements, latex production, genetics and breeding, biotechnology, molecular biology, stress factors, soil tillage and crop establishment, nutrition, weed control, ancillary income generation and clean development management. Exploring an industry that spans three continents, this book is an invaluable resource for practitioners and researchers of rubber cultivation and latex production.