LAUSR

Abstract Natural rubber (NR, cis-1,4-polyisoprene) is applied in over 50,000 products. It has unique properties, which cannot be matched by synthetic rubber. The para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family is currently the only commercial source of NR. Alternative rubber-producing sources and systems are required to increase the biological and geographic diversity of natural rubber production, especially because of H. brasiliensis need for specialized growth conditions and its susceptibility to fungal pathogens. After describing rubber-producing plants, laticifer cells, rubber particles, and NR biosynthesis, this review focuses on the current challenges and potential ways to improve rubber production from Taraxacum kok-saghyz, a strong candidate alternative NR crop in temperate regions. In vitro culture, genetic engineering, and focused gene editing are discussed, in the context of rubber biosynthesis, but complementary breeding research (including interspecific hybridization and polyploidy induction), will be needed to fully develop this new rubber crop.