2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): We will investigate the genetic and biochemical regulation of rubber biosynthesis in rubber-producing species, including, but not limited to, Russian Dandelion, Guayule and the Brazilian and Indian Rubber Trees. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): The collaboration will include measurement of rubber transferase enzyme activity, studies of natural and synthetic (analog) initiators, and interspecific comparisons. This agreement is put into place partially to cover transfer of materials (MTA) including plants, plant tissues, plasmids, isotopes, isoprenoid substrates, chmicals, latex and purified rubber particles, antibodies to latex proteins. It also covers the collaborative work being performed on all the materials transferred. 3.Progress Report: This project relates to parent project objective 2: Develop technologies to enable the domestic production of natural rubber and ricinoleate with properties as good as or better than existing sources for industrial applications. Identify chemical processes and/or modifications to develop superior performance properties of natural rubber from domestic sources. In FY2012 studies continued on the effect of removal of protein from Hevea. As protein is removed the physical and chemical properties of the Hevea rubber more closely resemble that of guayule. Bulk rheological properties best discriminated the effect of the process on the dried polymers. The ARS PI communicated research and jointly reviewed results through frequent emails and telephone calls, and two in-person meetings in FY2012.