EU-based Production and Exploitation of Alternative Rubber and Latex Sources
| Name: | EU-based Production and Exploitation of Alternative Rubber and Latex Sources |
|---|---|
| Researchers: |
Kirschner Jan (member of of research group) Černý Tomáš (member of of research group) Štěpánek Jan (member of of research group) |
| Provider: | 7. Rámcový program EU |
| Number: | 7E09072-(KBBE-212827) |
| Realization from: | 2008 |
| Realization to: | 2012 |
| Summary: | In order to meet the increased worldwide demand for natural rubber and latex the alternative sustainable sources are urgently required. The consortium is therefore involved in the development and sustainable use of Pathenium argentatum (guayule) nad Taraxacum koksaghyz (Russian dandelion) as plant sources in the EU. The project includes research into the collection and creation of new germplasm, biochemistry and genetics, breeding, agronomy, processing, and product development. The entire rubber biosynthetic pathway will be analysed, genes involved in rubber biosynthesis will be identified. Employing the controlled hybridization as a breeding strategy plants will be generated with commercially-viable rubber yields. Such plants will be tested for efficient growth and rubber production under different climatic and edaphic conditions in Europe. The technical performance and economic potential of obtained rubber will be evaluated by producing specific prototypes (surgical gloves, tyres). |