The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg) is affected by a large number of diseases, the severity of which varies enormously depending on the cultural practices of each country and the prevailing climatic conditions. Most of the diseases have a world wide distribution (Table 1) except South American leaf blight (SALB), target leaf spot, Armillaria root disease, seedling rot, leaf scorch and rim blight. Several reviews dealing with diseases of rubber are available (1-5) but these do not provide information on the current disease problems of rubber and their diagnosis. This review emphasises the essentials of the economically important diseases and potentially important new diseases on the basis of plant parts affected, as well as the significance of correct diagnosis in view of achieving plant quarantine objectives.