The potential of rubber dandelions in Ohio

By Andi Anderson

Rubber dandelions, Taraxacum kok-saghyz, are being researched and developed at Ohio State University because they produce high-quality natural rubber in their roots. Natural rubber is essential to modern economies, but it is currently produced from rubber trees that are susceptible to disease and vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

OSU researchers are developing rubber dandelion varieties that are resistant to herbicides and have larger roots. They are also working with start-up companies to commercialize rubber dandelion production.

Growing rubber dandelions in Ohio could provide a sustainable and reliable source of natural rubber for the United States. It would also create new economic opportunities for Ohio farmers.

Why is rubber dandelions important?

Rubber is used in a wide variety of products, including tires, gloves, condoms, and gaskets. It is essential to modern economies and our way of life.

However, the current supply of natural rubber is vulnerable to disruptions. Rubber trees are grown in tropical regions and are susceptible to disease. The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the fragility of global supply chains.

What are the benefits of growing rubber dandelions?

Rubber dandelions can be grown in temperate climates like Ohio. They are also resistant to herbicides and pests. This makes them a more sustainable and reliable source of natural rubber than rubber trees.

Growing rubber dandelions in Ohio would also create new economic opportunities for Ohio farmers. It would provide them with a new crop to grow and sell.

What is OSU doing to develop rubber dandelions?

OSU researchers are developing rubber dandelion varieties that are resistant to herbicides and have larger roots. They are also working with start-up companies to commercialize rubber dandelion production.

OSU has pilot plants in Wooster that can be used to process rubber dandelions. The university is also working with Ohio farmers to trial rubber dandelions as a new industrial crop.

What can the future hold for rubber dandelions?

Rubber dandelions have the potential to revolutionize the natural rubber industry. They could provide a sustainable and reliable source of natural rubber for the United States. It would also create new economic opportunities for Ohio farmers.

OSU is at the forefront of rubber dandelion research and development. The university's work is essential to making rubber dandelions a viable commercial crop.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic