Race to Turn Dandelions Into Rubber

One of the leading automotive industries is breaking bounds in the scientific market. Rubber tire makers are pushing forward in developing rubber from dandelions. To most, the yellow flower is a nuisance that ruins their lawns and gardens but to others it offers the possibility to expand an already dominating industry. Scientists all over the world are working to breed a specific type of dandelion that produces similar milky fluid that contains tire-grade rubber particles. They are manipulating their DNA to see which types of plants will grow best and work most efficiently with crop machines. There is currently a seven year plan drawn up that is designed for future dandelion crop farmers. Overall, the point of this is to eliminate the over usage of rubber trees in Southeast Asia.

                        

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/20/us-dandelion-rubber-idUSKBN0GK0LN20140820