Natural rubber-producing sources, systems, and perspectives for breeding and biotechnology studies of Taraxacum kok-saghyz

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 pará tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family currently only commercial source of NR. Alternative rubber-producing sources and systems are required increase biological geographic diversity natural production, especially because H. need for specialized growth conditions its susceptibility fungal pathogens. After describing plants, laticifer cells, particles, NR biosynthesis, this review focuses on current challenges potential ways improve production from Taraxacum kok-saghyz, a strong candidate alternative crop temperate regions. In vitro culture, genetic engineering, focused gene editing discussed, context but complementary breeding research (including interspecific hybridization polyploidy induction), will needed fully develop new crop.