A new strain of dandelions with natural rubber in its roots has been developed by scientists at the Ohio State University. They are continuously improving the weed for a faster and more efficient production process so it can be a sustainable source of rubber.
Tyre companies and other businesses are growing interest in a cheaper and more sustainable rubber source.
Rubber-yielding dandelions could potentially be cultivated in a wider array of habitats, allowing rubber to be produced closer to where it’s needed and cutting down on the cost of energy-intensive transportation.
But the dandelion is a much less efficient source compared to the rubber trees grown on Southeast Asian plantations as it only has 10 to 15% rubber in its roots. However, the rubber trees of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia take years to mature, making it difficult for farmers to react to the ebb and flow of the market and meet surges in demand.
Scientists are still working on trying to perfect the dandelion strain, called Buckeye Gold, to make it economically viable. Researchers are currently trying to make the crop less vulnerable to disease and better able to withstand herbicides and pesticides.
Scientists at Ohio State are also working to improve the process that extracts rubber from the root fibers.
But all of their hard work will be for nothing if farmers do not grow the weed. Farmers won’t start growing dandelions unless they’re confident of the profits it will yield.
But the scientists are staying positive with the progress happening at start-ups and the interest from tyre makers growing.