Chinese scientists claim invasive weed offers new source for natural rubber

Shihezi, China – Chinese researchers have identified a common invasive weed they claim is capable of producing high-quality natural rubber (NR).

The scientists, from Shihezi university college of life science laboratory of agricultural biology, published their work in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

Lactuca serriola, also known as the prickly lettuce and milk thistle compass plant, is adaptable for industrial rubber demand, according to the team.

In the abstract to the report, the authors detail the molecular weight of the plant exceeds 750 kg/mol, “with NR production occurring through the entire plant.”

Treating the plant with ethylene, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA) led to a significant increase in rubber content, added the Shihezi researchers.

Analysis of the mechanism by which plant hormones regulate rubber synthesis in Lactuca serriola demonstrate “significant potential as an alternative to the rubber tree for NR production,” the study concluded.