The Rubber Research Institute (RRI) of CATAS – 橡胶研究所 is the only national institute in China specializing in the research and development of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). It was established in 1954 and has been located in Danzhou, Hainan Province, since 1958. The institute employs 843 people, including 223 scientists, and is organized into six research divisions:
- Economics
- Breeding
- Agronomy
- Soil and Agro-Chemistry
- Latex Harvesting
- Rubber Wood Utilization
CATAS-RRI is home to several key facilities, such as the State Center for Rubber Breeding, the Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Resources of Rubber Tree under MARA, the State Key Laboratory of Cultivation & Physiology for Tropical Crops, the State Engineering Technology Research Center for Key Tropical Crops, the Danzhou Investigation and Experimental Station of Tropical Crops, and the State Rubber Tree Germplasm Repository.
The institute’s research focuses on genetics and breeding, agronomy, soil and agro-chemistry, latex harvesting, and rubber wood utilization. It also supports several national research programs, including the National Natural Rubber Research System, and provides technical extension services, farmer training courses, and a 24-hour technical hotline for farmers.
More information (in Chinese): https://www.catasrri.cn.
