The Need

The rubber industry is heavily reliant on the market for automobiles, and it continues to grow as demand for automobiles grow. With raw material costs for rubber companies also on the rise due to shortcomings in the supply of Hevea brasiliensis, along with issues of allergic reactions to medical instruments using Hevea brasiliensis rubber, alternate sources for rubber may once again have a place in the market.

The Technology

Taraxacum kok-saghyz ‘Buckeye Gold Delta’ is a new variety with two generations of improvement on former populations. It was bred from selections for large plant size and early germination.

Commercialization

• Natural rubber alternative

Benefits/Advantages

• Larger plant size
• Early germination