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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Bioproducts Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #419096

Research Project: Domestic Production of Natural Rubber and Resins

Location: Bioproducts Research

Title: Rubber accumulation and rubber transferase activity during root development of Taraxacum kok-saghyz dandelion

Author
item SABA, BEENISH - The Ohio State University
item SCOTT, DEBORAH - Former ARS Employee
item McMahan, Colleen
item SHINTANI, DAVID - University Of Nevada
item Cornish, Katrina

Submitted to: Journal of Plant Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/18/2024
Publication Date: 1/6/2025
Citation: Saba, B., Scott, D., McMahan, C.M., Shintani, D., Cornish, K. 2025. Rubber accumulation and rubber transferase activity during root development of Taraxacum kok-saghyz dandelion. Journal of Plant Research. 2,2(2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44372-024-00075-2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44372-024-00075-2

Interpretive Summary: Rubber dandelion, aka Taraxacum kok-saghyz, is a natural rubber-producing plant that can be grown in the temperate climate of the United States, especially in Northern regions. It is under development as an alternative natural rubber-producing crop that also produces inulin, a valuable carbohydrate. A better understanding of rubber dandelion growth and biochemistry would assist breeding and agronomic practices. In this study, the rubber content and biochemical synthesis activity was measured from a very young age through maturity.

Technical Abstract: Taraxacum kok-saghyz dandelion is a leading alternative natural rubber-producing plant that thrives in temperate climates. Latex, rubber and rubber transferase (RTase) activity of genetically identical clonal plants, produced in tissue culture, and then grown in the field for six months to one year was quantified throughout development . Induction of rubber transferase activity and rubber accumulation occurred between two and three months. RTase activity increased with age up to 16 weeks, while latex concentration increased up to week 20. When enzymatically active WRP were saturated with 5 mM [14C]-isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and 12 µM farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), reaction velocity was 85% higher at 16 weeks than at 12 weeks of plant growth. The RTase FPP Km was about 0.263 µM, through most of the growth period, in line with other laciferous species. High molecular weight rubber was produced in very young roots. 0.9 Mg/mol in only 6 weeks and 1.1 Mg/mol in 8 weeks.