Core Viewpoint - The 2025 International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB) conference focused on addressing the issue of rubber tree bark dryness, a significant challenge affecting the natural rubber industry and the livelihoods of farmers globally [1][2]. Group 1: Conference Highlights - The conference was held from July 9 to 11 in Changjiang, Hainan, with participation from experts from 13 countries, including China, Cambodia, France, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam [1]. - Experts presented reports on the mechanisms and control of rubber tree bark dryness, as well as advancements in multi-omics and tapping physiology [1]. - Attendees visited the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences' demonstration base for rubber tree bark recovery technology, enhancing academic exchange and industry-academia collaboration [1]. Group 2: Research and Development Progress - China has made significant advancements in research on rubber tree bark dryness, revealing key metabolic pathways involved in recovery [2]. - The Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences has developed comprehensive recovery techniques for rubber trees at different levels of bark dryness, improving latex yield but acknowledging that complete resolution of the issue remains challenging [2]. - The IRRDB Secretary-General praised China's contributions and emphasized the need for collaboration among member countries to tackle the complex causes of bark dryness [2]. Group 3: Industry Context - The IRRDB plays a crucial role in coordinating research resources, facilitating academic exchanges, and promoting the sharing and transformation of results in the natural rubber sector [3]. - Hainan province has 508,000 hectares of natural rubber forest, producing 369,000 tons of dry rubber annually, and is focusing on high-quality and sustainable development of the rubber industry [3].