Rubber Production Research Articles

Forecasting High-Order Multifactor Cross Relations Using Fuzzy Time Series and Frequency Density

The forecasting technique frequently employed for decision-making, initially presented by Song and Cissom utilizing fuzzy logic principles, is Fuzzy Time Series (FTS). The FTS forecasting approach comprises fundamental steps: identifying the conversation universe, segmenting the conversation universe, fuzzification, constructing the fuzzy logic relationship (FLR), and defuzzification. This study involved the modification of the existing methodology to ascertain and categorize the conversational universe, fuzzy logic relationships (FLR), and historical data variations, each utilizing distinct frequency density partitions and cross-relationships, specifically with Indonesian rubber production data. Altering the frequency density partition algorithm to achieve partition universality, followed by fuzzification, cross-relationship analysis, and concluding with the defuzzification procedure. The degree of forecast precision uses the Average Forecasting Error Rate (AFER) to evaluate the revised outcomes against the traditional method. Simulations utilize Indonesian rubber production data from 2000 to 2023, exhibiting an AFER of 3.901%, below 10%, indicating robust forecasting criteria. The forecasting technique frequently employed for decision-making, initially presented by Song and Cissom through the principle of fuzzy logic, is Fuzzy Time Series (FTS). The FTS forecasting approach comprises fundamental steps: identifying the conversation universe, segmenting the conversation universe, fuzzification, constructing the fuzzy logic relationship (FLR), and defuzzification. This study involved the modification of the existing methodology to ascertain and categorize the conversational universe, fuzzy logic relationships, and historical data variations, each employing distinct frequency density partitions and cross-relationships, utilizing Indonesian rubber production data. Altering the frequency density partition algorithm to achieve partition universality, followed by fuzzification, cross-relationship analysis, and concluding with the defuzzification procedure. The degree of forecast precision uses the Average Forecasting Error Rate (AFER) to juxtapose the revised outcomes with the traditional methodology. Simulations utilize Indonesian rubber production data from 2000 to 2023, exhibiting an AFER of 3.901%, below 10%, indicating robust forecasting criteria.

Methyl jasmonate improves rubber production and quality in Lactuca Serriola.

The increase in demand for natural rubber has led to the search for alternative sources. Lactuca serriola is emerging as a promising candidate, as the quality of the natural rubber it produces is comparable to that of the Pará Rubber Plant, Hevea brasiliensis. This study examines the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a known elicitor, on the expression of key rubber biosynthesis pathway genes (HMGR1, HMGS1, CPT2, and SRPP1) in the latex of L. serriola plants. The expression levels of these genes increased significantly after the foliar application of 200 and 400 µM MeJA. The highest relative expression level for HMGR1, HMGS1, CPT2 and SRPP1 was 3.74, 18.56, 11.91and 16.59 fold respectively. Furthermore, the rubber content in L. serriola showed a significant rise post-treatment compared to the control with increasing the level of MeJA (6.19%, 7.24% and 7.85% which correspond to 0, 200 and 400 µM). Gel permeation chromatography revealed an augmentation in the molecular weight of extracted natural rubber from treated plants. Samples treated with 400 µM of MeJA had the highest molecular weight (1570 kg mol-1) compared to control (1186 kg mol-1). This study has demonstrated that MeJA, through the regulation of rubber biosynthesis genes, is capable of enhancing the quality and quantity of natural rubber extracted from alternative sources, such as L. serriola.

Physiological Behavior of Rubber Plants (<i>Hevea Brasilliensis</i>) to Different Soil Moisture Conditions

Drought conditions can severely impact rubber (<i>Hevea brasiliensis</i>) plantations, leading to economic loss in Malaysia. The study aimed to assess the impact of varying soil moisture levels on the physiological characteristics of five latex timber clones (LTCs) of rubber, with the goal of identifying the most suitable clone for specific soil moisture conditions. These conditions include (1) field capacity, (2) 75% available water (AW), (3) 50% AW, (4) 25% AW, and (5) wilting point, with the ultimate objective of optimizing cultivation methods and fostering sustainable rubber production in Malaysia. The five clones under investigation include RRIM3001, RRIM2025, RRIM2001, RRIM928, and PB350. Leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and net photosynthesis were measured 4 and 8 months after treatment (MAT). The findings indicated significant effects of moisture stress on various physiological attributes, including total chlorophyll content, relative chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and net photosynthesis rate. At 4 and 8 MATs, the clones subjected to field capacity exhibited the highest values for these physiological characteristics, followed by those exposed to 75% available water, with the lowest values observed at the wilting point. RRIM3001 consistently exhibited the highest total chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and net photosynthesis among the clones at both sampling dates. The highest net photosynthesis was observed in the RRIM3001 clone under field capacity conditions. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was identified between total chlorophyll and relative chlorophyll contents, as well as between net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance. These findings carry practical implications for water management during the initial growth phase of rubber seedlings and for replanting initiatives in rubber plantations.

Functional analysis of TkWRKY33: A key regulator in drought-induced natural rubber synthesis in Taraxacum kok-saghyz

WRKY proteins, which form a transcription factor superfamily that responds to jasmonic acid (JA) signals, regulate various developmental processes and stress responses in plants, including Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS). TKS serves as an ideal model plant for studying rubber production and lays the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of JA-mediated regulation of natural rubber synthesis. In the present study, we screened and identified a valuable transcription factor, TkWRKY33, based on transcriptome data from TKS in response to JA. We investigated its role in the regulation of natural rubber synthesis within the JA signaling pathway and its function in response to drought stress. Through protein-protein interactions and transcriptional regulation analysis, we found that TkWRKY33 may regulate natural rubber synthesis through the JA-TkMPK3-TkWRKY33-(TkGGPS5/TkACAT8) cascade pathway, possibly by participating in JA-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Overexpression of TkWRKY33 in tobacco, along with functional analysis of drought resistance and comparative analysis of natural rubber content after drought stress, revealed that TkWRKY33 not only enhances plant drought resistance by regulating the expression of genes related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging through the JA signaling pathway, but also has a close relationship with the signal transduction pathway mediated by the JA hormone in regulating natural rubber synthesis.The TkWRKY33 is recognized as a valuable transcription factor, which likely plays a role in regulating natural rubber biosynthesis through the JA-activated MAPK cascade signaling pathway JA-TkMPK3-TkWRKY33-(TkGGPS5/TkACAT8).

Proteomic and Targeted Lipidomic Analyses of Fluid and Rigid Rubber Particle Membrane Domains in Guayule.

Rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene) is produced in cytosolic unilamellar vesicles called rubber particles (RPs), and the protein complex responsible for this synthesis, the rubber transferase (RTase), is embedded in, or tethered to, the membranes of these RPs. Solubilized enzyme activity is very difficult to achieve because the polymerization of highly hydrophilic substrates into hydrophobic polymers requires a polar/non-polar interface and a hydrophobic compartment. Using guayule (Parthenium argentatum) as a model rubber-producing species, we optimized methods to isolate RP unilamellear membranes and then a subset of membrane microdomains (detergent-resistant membranes) likely to contain protein complexes such as RTase. The phospholipid and sterol composition of these membranes and microdomains were analyzed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). Our data indicate that RP membranes consist predominantly of phosphatidic acid-containing membrane microdomains (DRMs or "lipid rafts"). Proteomic analyses of guayule RP membranes and membrane microdomains identified 80 putative membrane proteins covering 30 functional categories. From this population, we have tentatively identified several proteins in multiple functional domains associated with membrane microdomains which may be critical to RTase function. Definition of the mechanisms underlying rubber synthesis will provide targets for both metabolic engineering and breeding strategies designed to increase natural rubber production in latex-producing species.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the REF Genes in 17 Species

Natural rubber production currently relies heavily on a single species, Hevea brasiliensis, underscoring the urgent need to identify alternative sources to alleviate the strain on natural rubber production. The rubber elongation factor (REF) and small rubber particle protein (SRPP), both members of the REF/SRPP gene family, are crucial for natural rubber biosynthesis. However, research on the REF gene has predominantly focused on H. brasiliensis and Taraxacum kok-saghyz. We conducted a comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of the REF gene, identifying 87 REF protein sequences across 17 plants species. We observed a significant increase in the copy numbers and expression of REF genes in rubber-producing plants. Notably, in H. brasiliensis, T. kok-saghyz, Eucommia ulmoides, Lactuca sativa, and other rubber-yielding species, the number of REF genes has markedly increased. Furthermore, some REF genes in H. brasiliensis form a distinct clade in phylogenetic analyses and exhibit differences in conserved motif arrangements and tertiary protein structures compared to other REF genes. These findings suggest that REF genes in rubber-producing plants may have undergone independent evolution, leading to changes in copy number and structure. These alterations could contribute to the production of natural rubber in these species. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for further research into the mechanisms of rubber production in plants and for identifying potential rubber-producing species.

DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF RUBBER PRODUCTION SYSTEMS USING SSM AND VENSIM APPROACHES

One of the contributors to the agricultural sector, particularly in the plantation sub-sector, is the rubber industry, which accounts for 38.54% of Indonesia's rubber exports. This opportunity arises from the fact that 85% of rubber producers are smallholder farmers, while the remaining share is owned by state and private enterprises. Makmurman is an individual rubber business owner based in South Sumatra Province, with a 4-hectare rubber plantation that directly sells raw rubber to collectors. The rapid advancement of technology in modern life has led to increased use of elastic materials, thereby driving higher demand for rubber, especially in the automotive industry. As a result, Makmurman has experienced a surge in demand for raw rubber from collectors. However, Makmurman has been unable to meet this demand, likely due to the many variables involved in the production process and the sale of raw rubber, which have created challenges. To address these issues, a root cause analysis is conducted to identify the appropriate solution using the soft system methodology approach. Additionally, data processing is carried out using Vensim software to model the rubber production system in a real-world scenario. The results include the development of causal loop diagrams and stock flow diagrams. The expected outcome is a dynamic system simulation with various scenarios, ultimately identifying the best scenario that ensures the highest availability of rubber for Makmurman to meet the demands of the rubber collectors.

Efisiensi Pemasaran Karet Di Kabupaten Ogan Ilir Sumatera Selatan

The rubber commodity in Ogan Ilir Regency plays an important role in increasing family income, but currently, the income of rubber farmers is still relatively low because farmers are still traditional in their marketing, causing the prices received by farmers to be low. The objectives of this study are to 1) Identify the functions of rubber marketing institutions in Ogan Ilir Regency, 2) Analyze the efficiency of rubber marketing in Ogan Ilir Regency.. Sampling was carried out randomly. 75 samples were used in this research, with a population of rubber farmers, namely 236 farmers in Tanjung Batu District and 254 in Payaraman District. Locations were chosen purposively based on the same considerations: the subdistricts and villages that produce the largest rubber production. Data collection uses cross-section data. Rubber marketing efficiency is analyzed using marketing margin, farmer's share, profit to cost ratio and the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model. The research results show that rubber farmers in Ogan Ilir Regency use three marketing channel patterns. Based on the analysis of rubber marketing efficiency, it is recommended that rubber farmers in Ogan Ilir Regency use marketing channel 1, namely farmers-UPPB-factories and marketing channel 3, namely farmers-wholesalers-factories.

Posisi Pasar Karet Indonesia Di Pasar Internasional

Indonesia's position as the largest rubber producing country in the world allows them to become the main exporter of natural rubber. Indonesia exports the majority of its natural rubber production to countries like Japan, India, Brazil, the United States, South Korea, China, Turkey, and others. The competition between Indonesia and other producing countries in exporting rubbers to international markets is relatively tight. The aim of this research is to analyze the position of Indonesia’s technically specified natural rubbers (TSNR) in the international market compared to other exporting countries. The analytical method used is the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) Model. The data used in this research is secondary data from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Ivory Coast, Vietnam, Belgium, and Nigeria over the last 10 years (2012 – 2022). The results show that there is a tight competition between Indonesia and Thailand, Ivory Coast, Belgium, Nigeria and the Rest of the World in competing for market share of natural rubber in the international market because the relationship between Indonesia's natural rubber and these countries are substitutional. Meanwhile, Indonesia's natural rubber relationship with Malaysia is complementary. Indonesian natural rubber is a normal good, so if there is an increase in prices it will cause a decrease in demand. If there is an increase in demand for rubber exports in the international market, then the country that will benefit the most is Vietnam. Meanwhile, Indonesia is the fourth ranked country that will benefit the most if it happens.

Enhancing isoprene production by supplementing mevalonate pathway expressed in E. coli with immobilized enzymes.

Isoprene is an important component in rubber production, which can be produced using the E. coli mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway, and this method has the advantage of green environmental protection and sustainable. However, due to the excessive accumulation of intermediates, the growth of cells was inhibited and the enzyme activity decreased gradually, so it was difficult to increase the yield of isoprene. The immobilized enzyme has the characteristics of high stability and strong reusability, so in this study, the immobilized enzyme was added to the fermentation process of isoprene production by mevalonate metabolizing bacteria (PT-P), to explore the effect on isoprene synthesis. Under the optimum conditions, compared with PT-P fermentation alone, the enzyme catalyzes the conversion of MVA with an efficiency of up to 50.86%, and the yield of isoprene increased by about 30%, reaching 234.47mg/L.

In silico analysis of secreted effectorome of the rubber tree pathogen Rigidoporus microporus highlights its potential virulence proteins.

Rigidoporus microporus, the causative agent of the white root rot disease of rubber trees, poses a significant threat to natural rubber production worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms facilitating its pathogenicity would be crucial for developing effective disease management strategies. The pathogen secretes effector proteins, which play pivotal roles in modulating host immune responses and infection. In this study, in silico analyses identified 357 putative secreted effector proteins from the R. microporus genome. These were then integrated into previous RNA-seq data obtained in response to rubber tree latex exposure. Annotation of putative effectors suggested the abundance of proteins in several families associated with the virulence of R. microporus, especially hydrophobin proteins and glycoside hydrolase (GH) proteins. The contribution of secreted effectors to fungal pathogenicity was discussed, particularly in response to rubber tree latex exposure. Some unknown highly expressed effectors were predicted for the protein structures, revealing their similarity to aminopeptidase, ubiquitin ligase, spherulin, and thaumatin protein. This integrative study further elucidates the molecular mechanism of R. microporus pathogenesis and offers alternative targets for developing control strategies for managing white root rot disease in rubber plantations.

Genome-wide identification of oxidosqualene cyclase genes regulating natural rubber in Taraxacum kok-saghyz.

Nine TkOSC genes have been identified by genome-wide screening. Among them, TkOSC4-6 might be more crucial for natural rubber biosynthesis in Taraxacum kok-saghyz roots. Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin (TKS) roots contain large amounts of natural rubber, inulin, and valuable metabolites. Oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) is a key member for regulating natural rubber biosynthesis (NRB) via the triterpenoid biosynthesis pathway. To explore the functions of OSC on natural rubber producing in TKS, its gene family members were identified in TKS genome via genome-wide screening. Nine TkOSCs were identified, which were mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Their family genes experienced a neutral selection during the evolution process. Overall sequence homology analysis OSC proteins revealed 80.23% similarity, indicating a highly degree of conservation. Pairwise comparisons showed a multiple sequence similarity ranging from 57% to 100%. Protein interaction prediction revealed that TkOSCs may interact with baruol synthase, sterol 1,4-demethylase, lupeol synthase and squalene epoxidase. Phylogenetic analysis showed that OSC family proteins belong to two branches. TkOSC promoter regions contain cis-acting elements related to plant growth, stress response, hormones response and light response. Protein accumulation analysis demonstrated that TkOSC4, TkOSC5 and TkOSC6 proteins had strong expression levels in the root, latex and plumular axis. Comparison of gene expression patterns showed TkOSC1, TkOSC4, TkOSC5, TkOSC6, TkOSC7, TkOSC8 and TkOSC9 might be important in regulating NRB. Combination of gene and protein results revealed TkOSC4-6 might be more crucial, and the data might contribute to a more profound understanding of the roles of OSCs for NRB in TKS roots.

Analysis of the Role of Garbage Bank in Improving the Community Economy in Medan Belawan District

Waste is a serious problem in Indonesia, including in Medan Belawan Regency. The Waste Bank Program is presented as a solution for waste management and community economic empowerment. This study aims to determine the role of the Waste Bank in community income. The research method used is descriptive statistics presented in the form of frequency distribution tables, histograms, steam and leaf (stem and leaf diagrams) or box plots (box line diagrams). Data collection was carried out through interviews, questionnaires and observations. The data analysis technique used is statistical analysis. The Waste Bank Program in Medan Belawan Regency has provided economic, social and environmental benefits. Economic benefits include increasing community income, creating jobs, and saving waste transportation costs. Social benefits include increasing public awareness of the importance of good waste management, and increasing public concern for the environment. Environmental benefits include reducing rubber production, reducing environmental pollution, and preserving natural resources. The Waste Bank Program in Medan Belawan Regency is one example of the application of an effective and sustainable green economy concept. This program can be a model for other waste management programs in Indonesia.

THREADED LUBRICANTS FOR DRILL PIPES BASED ON OIL PRODUCTION WASTE

The oil and gas industry occupies a leading position in the development of the country's fuel and energy complex, and the effectiveness of its activities largely depends on the technical and economic indicators of drilling. When performing well work and operating oil and gas wells, many material costs are associated with the operation of oil pipes, namely the reliability of threaded connections operating at high pressures and temperatures in aggressive environments. The need to develop deeper and deeper horizons, the use of forced drilling modes, the transition to later stages of operation of most oil and gas fields, the aging of existing funds and the increase in the volume of overhauls leads to an increase in tripping operations, and therefore the requirements for the reliability of the connection of oil-grade pipes are moving to a new level. Studies have shown that up to 87 % of all drill string accidents are related to poor thread condition. This unsatisfactory condition of the locking threaded joints forces us to look for ways to improve durability. Many foreign and domestic scientists have been studying and improving threaded joints in drill pipes. According to the authors, one of the most promising ways to increase the TEI of drilling is to develop and use more and more effective lubricants for locking joints of drilling tools. Studies have shown that conventional lubricants are not effective enough in modern realities, and sometimes lubricants are completely washed out of threaded joints. In addition, as the drilling depth increases, the friction force increases and the hydrodynamic load increases, and the increase in pressure in the threaded connection complicates the conditions due to the effect on the lubricant of chemically active and abrasive drilling muds and many other factors. The article discusses the obtained results of studies of lubricant bases for threaded connections of drill pipes used for the oil industry, the distinctive features of which are physical and chemical composition, including low molecular weight polyethylene, synthetic rubber, rubber softeners, powdered graphite, vegetable oils.The authors of the article selected the basis of lubricant from industrial rubber production waste, and also presented the advantages of the developed lubricants and materials. The practical significance of the obtained research results lies in the possibility of increasing the wear and sealing properties of threaded pipe joints used in drilling oil and gas wells.

Enhanced Rubber Yield Prediction in High-Density Plantation Areas Using a GIS and Machine Learning-Based Forest Classification and Regression Model

Rubber is a perennial plant grown for natural rubber production, which is used in various global products. Ensuring the sustainability of rubber cultivation is crucial for smallholder farmers and economic development. Accurately predicting rubber yields is necessary to maintain price stability. Remote sensing technology is a valuable tool for collecting spatial data on a large scale. However, for smaller plots of land owned by smallholder farmers, it is necessary to process productivity estimates from high-resolution satellite data that are accurate and reliable. This study examines the impact of spatial factors on rubber yield and evaluates the technical suitability of using grouping analysis with the forest classification and regression (FCR) method. We developed a high-density variable using spatial data from rubber plots in close proximity to each other. Our approach incorporates eight environmental variables (proximity to streamlines, proximity to main river, soil drainage, slope, aspect, NDWI, NDVI, and precipitation) using an FCR model and GIS. We obtained a dataset of 1951 rubber yield locations, which we split into a training set (60%) for model development and a validation set (40%) for assessment using area under the curve (AUC) analysis. The results of the alternative FCR models indicate that Model 1 performs the best. It achieved the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) value of 19.15 kg/ha, the highest R-squared (R2) value (FCR) of 0.787, and also the highest R2 (OLS) value of 0.642. The AUC scores for Model 1, Model 2, and Model 3 were 0.792, 0.764, and 0.732, respectively. Overall, Model 4 exhibited the highest performance according to the AUC scores, while Model 3 performed the poorest with the lowest AUC score. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Model 1 is the most effective in predicting FCR compared to the other alternative models.

Pan-genome and phylogenomic analyses highlight Hevea species delineation and rubber trait evolution

The para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is the world’s sole commercial source of natural rubber, a vital industrial raw material. However, the narrow genetic diversity of this crop poses challenges for rubber breeding. Here, we generate high-quality de novo genome assemblies for three H. brasiliensis cultivars, two H. brasiliensis wild accessions, and three other Hevea species (H. nitida, H. pauciflora, and H. benthamiana). Through analyzing genomes of 94 Hevea accessions, we identify five distinct lineages that do not align with their previous species delineations. We discover multiple accessions with hybrid origins between these lineages, indicating incomplete reproductive isolation between them. Only two out of four wild lineages have been introduced to commercial rubber cultivars. Furthermore, we reveal that the rubber production traits emerged following the development of a large REF/SRPP gene cluster and its functional specialization in rubber-producing laticifers within this genus. These findings would enhance rubber breeding and benefit research communities.

Influence of NR/MWCNT Blending on Rotor Metal Friction and Wear during Mixing Process.

Mixing involves blending raw rubber or masticated rubber with additives using a rubber mixer, which is the most critical process in rubber production. The internal mixer, as the most important mixing equipment, experiences rotor wear during prolonged operation, affecting the gap between the mixer rotor and the chamber wall. This wear reduces mixing effectiveness, weakens filler dispersion, and ultimately impacts rubber performance. In recent years, as research on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nanomaterials has deepened, their broad application prospects have become increasingly apparent. The objective of the present study is to understand and quantify rotor wear in rubber blends during the mixing process as influenced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes. This study found that with the increase in MWCNT content, the proportion of abrasive wear rises, while the proportion of corrosive wear decreases, leading to reduced overall wear. Compared to rubber without MWCNTs, the Payne effect decreased by 6.78%, 9.57%, 13.03%, 20.48%, and 26.06% with the addition of 1 phr, 3 phr, 5 phr, 7 phr, and 9 phr of MWCNTs, respectively. The friction coefficients between the rubber and metal increased by 6.31%, 8.57%, 25.43%, 39.31%, and 47.61%, while the metal wear rate decreased by 9.08%, 10.73%, 13.41%, 17.46%, and 25%. Conversely, the friction coefficients were reduced by 19.39%, 22.42%, 33.94%, 66.06%, and 76.36%.

Influence Price, Production Rubber and Income on The Level of Welfare of Rubber Farmers in The Village Ranto Jior District River Right Regency Port Rock South

ABSTRACT This research aims to determine the impact of price, rubber production, and income on the welfare level of rubber farmers in Ranto Jior Village, Sungai Kana District, South Labuhan Batu Regency. Using a quantitative method with multiple linear regression analysis supported by SPSS version 23, data were collected through questionnaires. The study's population was the residents of Ranto Jior Village, with a sample size of 100 people selected using probability sampling based on the Lemeshow formula. The findings reveal that the welfare of rubber farmers is significantly and positively influenced by rubber prices, rubber production, and income. All three factors—price, rubber production, and income—together significantly influence the welfare of rubber farmers in Ranto Jior Village. The determination test shows that these factors account for 92.8% of the variance in welfare, indicating a very strong influence.

Trend TSR 20 rubber prices between producing countries in Southeast Asia

Natural Rubber is one of the world's largest commodities used for industrial needs. The price of TSR 20 rubber continues to fluctuate, which has a significant impact on some farmers in various countries. This study analyzes the price trend of TSR 20 rubber in Southeast Asia. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends and fluctuations in STR 20 rubber prices in Southeast Asia, such as Standar Thailand Rubber (STR 20), Standar Indonesia Rubber (SIR 20), Standar Vietnam Rubber (SVR 20), and Standar Malaysia Rubber (SMR 20) for 72 months from January 2017 - December 2022. This research uses trend analysis with simple linear regression method. This research uses the historical method by conducting research on a source which is then critically analyzed. Data collection techniques are obtained by tracing data and documents that have been stored by agencies including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade, International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), Singapore Commodity Exchange (SICOM), Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), The World Bank, and Gapkindo as well as existing literature and sites. The results obtained are positive trends where each development between countries has experienced a positive price increase, such as, STR 20 has a polynomial line equation Y = 0.0331x2 – 95,28x + 68596, then SIR 20 Y = 0.0231x2 -66,443 + 47966, SVR 20 Y = 0,0301x2 – 86,824x+ 62648, and SMR 20 Y = 0,0279x2 – 80,411x + 58010.

Utilizing color analysis and image processing for the assessment of the color of block para rubber

This research explores the use of image processing and color analysis as a reliable approach for evaluating para rubber color quality. An automated color comparator prototype, based on the CIELAB color method and employing various image processing algorithms, is introduced. The research aims to enhance the precision of color analysis for block para rubbers (BPRs), a critical raw material in the rubber industry, impacted by environmental conditions during the sun-drying process. The study follows international standards for BPR specimen preparation and employs an image acquisition system, threshold techniques, and algorithms for color analysis. The proposed method aligns with Rubber Research Institute standards. The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the automated system in accurately assessing the color values of BPRs, providing valuable insights for the rubber industry. This image processing technique offers advantages in natural rubber production for products requiring specific color characteristics.