ADVANCEMENT IN RUBBER BREEDING AND GENETICS IN NIGERIA

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) is a vital economic crop, primarily grown for its latex used in natural rubber production. In Nigeria, significant advancements have been made in rubber breeding and genetics to enhance latex yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to climatic changes. The Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) has spearheaded efforts in developing improved clones, such as the RRIN 500, NIG800, and NIG900 series, utilizing both conventional breeding and modern biotechnological approaches. These efforts have led to increased latex production, resistance to pests and diseases, and adaptation to diverse agro-climatic conditions. This review explores germplasm collection, hybridization, clonal selection, and genomic technologies in rubber breeding, highlighting the challenges and future prospects for sustainable rubber production in Nigeria. The integration of advanced tools like marker-assisted selection and genomic insights has further revolutionized the breeding process. Collaborative efforts and strategic investments remain essential to sustain these advancements and ensure the competitiveness of the Nigerian rubber industry in the global market.