Historical performance of cultivated Scorzonera tau-saghyz Lipsch et. Bosse (mountain gum), a potential alternative rubber-producing crop

Authors: MUTALKHANOV, MEIRAMBEK - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; BOGUSPAEV, KENZHE-KARIM - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; SISSEMALI, KUANYSH - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; KING-SMITH, NATHANIEL - The Ohio State University; Cornish, Katrina

Submitted to: Rubber Chemistry and Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/4/2025
Publication Date: 11/15/2025
Citation: Mutalkhanov, M., Boguspaev, K., Sissemali, K., King-Smith, N., Cornish, K. 2025. Historical performance of cultivated Scorzonera tau-saghyz Lipsch et. Bosse (mountain gum), a potential alternative rubber-producing crop. Rubber Chemistry and Technology. 98(4):620-632. https://doi.org/10.5254/rct.24.00071.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5254/rct.24.00071

Interpretive Summary: Historical data from Scorzonera tau-saghyz (mountain gum) multi-location field trials can provide guidance to modern researchers exploring use of the species as an alternative rubber crop. Temperature, water, fertilizer and soil quality all contributed to high yield of rubber in the roots of the plants. Best results were obtained when mountain gum was grown under a relatively mild climate with adequate water and an NPK fertilizer.

Technical Abstract: The rubber-producing species Scorzonera tau-saghyz (mountain gum) was used as a significant source of natural rubber between 1930 and 1950 by the U.S.S.R because this perennial species can accumulate up to 40% rubber in its roots on a dry weight basis. Wild stands were harvested, and plants were tested in nursery and field trials in multiple locations. Most of the data are lost but a few, rare, early reports have been discovered and translated by our co-authors in Kazakhstan. In this paper, these early data from different sites have been plotted and analysed to guide modern cultivation efforts in both Kazakhstan and the United States. The use of an NPK complex fertilizer appeared most effective in increasing overall yield, promoting growth, and enhancing the content of rubber, resin, and carbohydrates in the plants. The highest rubber and the lowest resin concentrations were observed in September-October. The greatest yields of root biomass and rubber were obtained on relatively acidic, magnesium-rich soils (pH 5.35-7.45) with a mild climate (Krasnograd, Ukraine). However, S. tau-saghyz was able to perform quite well even when winter temperatures dropped to -20 °C (Poltavka, Russia). Good plant performance on the Poltavka, Krasnograd and irrigated Almaty (Kazakhstan) sites suggests that adequate water is needed for good yield. Lack of water and higher pH both appeared to be detrimental to yield in Balashov (Russia), and non-irrigated Almaty.