Comparison of Morphological Characteristics and Determination of Different Patterns for Rubber Particles in Dandelion and Different Rubber Grass Varieties

Abstract

Russian dandelion Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) is one promising alternative crop for natural rubber production. However, it is easily confused with other dandelions. In this study, we performed a systematical comparison of the morphological characteristics for different TKS varieties and common dandelion Taraxacum officinale (TO). Our results demonstrated that several obvious differences in morphology can be found between TKS and TO. TO leaf is a pinnate shape, its margin is heavily jagged and its base is cuneate, but TKS leaf is more cuneate and its leaf margin is nearly smooth and round. There are obvious differences for the outer bracts of TO and TKS flower buds. TKS bracts are oblanceolate, apex obtuse, margin smooth and sinuate, and its outer layer of flower buds and faceplate involucre sepal is buckled inward to form a certain angle. TKS is self-incompatible, and its seeds are spindle-shaped achene and show upright plumpness. A large amount of laticifer cells and rubber particles can be detected from many TKS tissues, and dry roots of TKS contain high contents of natural rubber. Laticifer cells and rubber particles can only be examined in the vein, stem, and roots of TKS. Our statical results also revealed that the numbers of laticifer cells and rubber particles have a positive relationship with the rubber content in TKS roots. These morphological features can help us to easily distinguish TKS from common dandelion and approximately estimate the rubber content in the roots of different TKS varieties for TKS breeding in future.

Research progress on sustainability of key tire materials

“…In comparison to other commercial rubbers, the international research on DR is still in its early stages, with the current focus primarily on increasing yield through breeding, molecular research, and extraction processes 25–30 . Researchers have shown confidence in ridge cropping as a means to boost yield, and future breeding research is suggested to concentrate on optimizing DR cultivation production and management 31 .…”

“…23 In 2016, some researchers successfully developed the precise quantitative technology for the fabrication of small rubber particle protein and natural rubber precursor substances, thus laying the foundation for the in vitro biosynthesis of DR. 24 In comparison to other commercial rubbers, the international research on DR is still in its early stages, with the current focus primarily on increasing yield through breeding, molecular research, and extraction processes. [25][26][27][28][29][30] Researchers have shown confidence in ridge cropping as a means to boost yield, and future breeding research is suggested to concentrate on optimizing DR cultivation production and management. 31 Regarding the molecular synthesis mechanism, a comprehensive understanding of the specific functions and interactions of individual genes or proteins in DR has not yet been fully achieved.…”

Natural rubber – Increasing diversity of an irreplaceable renewable resource

“…Multiple past efforts to achieve U.S. natural rubber independence were unsuccessful, because they were funded mostly during supply chain crises [ [3] , [4] , [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [24] , [25] , [26] , [27] ]. The “Emergency Rubber Project” of WWII cultivated alternative NR-producing plants, with major plantings of guayule, rubber dandelion and Madagascar rubber vine [ 28 ], but the program was abandoned after Southeast Asian supply lines reopened.…”

Leaf Characterizations of IRR 400 Series, BPM 24, and RRIC 100 Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) Clone Using Leafgram Method

“…Unique traits can be used to differentiate between different clones/species [9][10]. The difference in leaf size, leaf area, leaf length and width ratio, leaf angle was assessed as significantly different among different clones so that it could be used as a marker in clone identification [11]. In this research, several improvements have been made in leaf sampling, measurement of leaf samples using the leafgram method, and adding measured leaf samples to improve accuracy in assessing the observed characters.…”