Planting Density and Growth Cycle Affect Actual and Potential Latex and Rubber Yields in Taraxacum kok-saghyz

作者：Griffin M. Bates, Sarah K. McNulty, Nikita Amstutz, Victor K. Pool, Katrina Cornish · 发表于：HortScience · 年份：2019 · DOI：10.21273/hortsci13986-19 · 被引用次数：20 · 研究领域：Plant biochemistry and biosynthesis、Weed Control and Herbicide Applications、Phytochemistry Medicinal Plant Applications

Rubber dandelion ( Taraxacum kok-saghyz , Rodin) is being developed as a temperate-zone source of rubber, but best agronomic practices must be determined before it can become a viable supplement to imported rubber produced from para rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis , hevea) plantations located mostly in Southeast Asia. In our study, the effect of planting density and harvest time on yield was determined by transplanting 1.5-month-old greenhouse-produced plants at planting densities of 1.24, 2.47, 4.94, and 9.88 million plants/ha, randomized across four planting boxes with two densities per box (i.e., two planting areas at each density). Half of each planting area was selected randomly and hand-harvested after 6 months, and the remaining plants were hand-harvested after 1 year. Rubber yields per plant were greater after 1 year than after 6 months, but yields per unit area were similar as a result of the loss of half the plants during the severe 2013–14 Ohio winter. A maximum rubber yield of 960 kg dry rubber/ha was obtained from the 9.88 million-plants/ha planting density after 1 year, but root size was significantly decreased compared with lower densities, and appeared too small for mechanical harvest. A planting density between 2.47 and 4.94 million plants/ha may produce the optimal combination of root size and total rubber yield. Greater rubber concentrations, faster-growing plants, short-season germplasm, and in-field weed control are required before yields obtained in out...