According to the Nikkei BP News, Japan Bridgestone Corporation has established a disease diagnosis technology for the main source of natural rubber, Hevea brasiliensis, which can be used for early diagnosis, which is conducive to the protection and stable supply of natural rubber resources. .

In Southeast Asia, where the Hevea brasiliensis area accounts for more than 90% of the world's total, the problem of white root disease causing the death of the rubber tree is very serious. Since 2010, Bridgestone has conducted diagnostic technology development with Indonesian research institutions and Tokyo Agricultural University.

The technologies established this time are (1) detection of pathogens using DNA, (2) analysis of latex components, (3) measurement of temperature and color on the surface of the blade, and (4) diagnosis of a wide area by satellite image analysis. (1) Pathogens can be detected from the soil, (2) protein content can be detected, (3) diagnosis can be made by the color and temperature of leaves, and (4) farms can be diagnosed on a wide range. Technology will be optimized during 2013 and research will be put into practical use on the farm from 2014.