Increase Rubber Productivity through Transgene

Genetic transformation can be used to improve the productivity of the world’s rubber, according to a French researcher, Dr. Pascal Montoro as a source person in the public lecture titled "Function Genomic Analysis of Latex Production in Hevea brasiliensis". In the lecture held in the Andi Hakim Nasoetion Auditorium, Darmaga Campus of IPB (28/3), Dr. Pascal said that the research conducted with the team at CIRAD (Centre International Agriculture Research and Development) on genome function of the character of latex products in rubber.

Dr. Pascal said that his current research is still to determine the gene clone that could be used to increase the rubber productivity. "We are studying the function of this gene. In the long-term goal, we will continue with the phase of genetic transformation in future studies," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Plant Biology Study Program, Graduate School of IPB, Dr. Miftahudin, said the arrival of Dr. Pascal is actually to take a sample of rubber in Indonesia and as an examiner in the supervisory meeting with the students of S3 (Doctoral Program in the  Plant Biology), who are taking the Double Degree of Indonesia-French (DDIP).

"Every time a foreign researcher comes here, we try to invite him to give a public lecture. It is intended to allow IPB students to have additional ideas of how people are doing research in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology particularly in rubber. In addition, it is to open opportunities for students to communicate with them so that there is an opportunity to do research through other programs. They are very welcome," he said. (Mtd)