Taraxacum kok-saghyz LE Rodin, as a novel potential source of natural rubber in Iran: a good candidate for commercial use

Natural rubber (NR) is a highly valued biopolymer and one of the most widely used raw materials in industries ranging from medicine to tire manufacturing. Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Russian dandelion, TKS) is one of the best sources of NR in temperate regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) as a potent elicitor on the quantity and quality of NR extracted from TKS roots. The study employed gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests to assess the impact of MeJA on rubber quality. Additionally, the study also investigated changes in the relative expression of key genes (SRPP2, CPT1, RTA, and HMGR3) involved in rubber biosynthesis in TKS roots. The results indicated that treating TKS with 600 mu M MeJA for 12 h produced the highest impact on the relative expression of the investigated genes. Consequently, this treatment led to a significant increase in the amount of total rubber content extracted from TKS roots. Characterization of the total rubber content using various analysis techniques revealed a polyisoprene peak at 835 -cm(-1) and suitable glass transition temperatures (T-g) below - 63 degrees C, confirming its suitability for commercial uses. GPC analysis demonstrated that incubating the plants with a MeJA elicitor (600 mu M) for 12 h increased the amount of rubber molecular weight. In conclusion, TKS NR is highly suitable in numerous industries, largely due to its high molecular weight and favorable commercial properties. The results of this study exhibited that MeJA is a potent elicitor that can enhance the quality and quantity of NR extracted from TKS roots, making it a highly valuable source of NR. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The effect of MeJA on the quantity and quality of NR extracted from TKS roots was investigated. It was found that treating TKS with 600 mu M MeJA for 12 h resulted in the highest impact on the relative expression of key genes involved in rubber biosynthesis. This treatment led to a significant increase in the total rubber content extracted from TKS roots.