Crop protection on rubber plantations

Côte d'Ivoire is the leading producer of rubber in Africa and the fourth largest producer in the world. In 2020, the country produced nearly one million tons of natural rubber, i.e. 80% of the continent's latex. This makes it a key player in the rubber industry.

However, the development of rubber cultivation is threatened by a disease caused by a fungus called Corynespora Cassicola. This fungus causes the loss of leaves on large trees. The research of the National Center for Agronomic Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of fungicides in the treatment of the disease caused by Coynespera Cassicola. Nevertheless, after trials in mature plantations with different types of sprayers, the fungicide treatments on the ground proved to be ineffective.

Recognized for its expertise and precision in drone spraying, Investiv was asked to apply drone treatments on experimental plantations. Between June and September 2021 Investiv conducted trials on rubber plantations to treat crops infected by Corynespora Cassicola. These trials are part of the research conducted by the National Agricultural Research Center (CNRA). For four months, in the regions of Grand Lahou and Dabou, Investiv teams combined multi-spectral analysis by drone with phytosanitary treatment by drone on rubber trees. These trials demonstrated the effectiveness of this method and enabled the extension of the method to about 100 producers in these regions, which cover areas of up to 20,000 hectares.

Participating in research with key actors such as the CNRA allows us to contribute in a sustainable way to the modernization of agricultural practices while allowing the popularization of new technologies for the benefit of local producers.

We would like to thank the CNRA as well as all the other partners who have made it possible to implement this project.