KeyGene, Kultevat collaborate on Russian dandelion natural rubber

U.S. biotech company Kultevat and KeyGene, an international molecular genetics company specializing in agricultural biotechnology, have developed the first Russian dandelion lines that can be tested and used for latex extraction. Following a rigorous breeding strategy leveraging its molecular and DNA tools, KeyGene produced improved Russian dandelion lines with superior agronomic performance, latex quality and yields.

In April, 2013, Kultevat and KeyGene entered into collaboration developing, breeding and testing Russian dandelion for the production of natural rubber. A recent capital investment will enable Kultevat to finance its testing, cultivation and production program. Kultevat plans to coordinate all activities related to dandelion production for natural rubber through its new U.S. R&D facility in St Louis, Mo.

In parallel to this program, KeyGene has also cross-bred Russian dandelion and European common dandelion plants resulting in new breeding material with heavily increased vigor and tap root size. The inter-specific dandelion lines are now being tested for latex and rubber yields and quality. These tests will provide suitable material to launch further breeding, seed production and, ultimately, cultivation for latex and rubber production. Quality seeds from these superior lines have been produced, processed and delivered to Kultevat who will develop production practices and latex extraction procedures to establish Russian dandelion rubber production in North America.

“With these R&D investments, KeyGene and Kultevat are showing our commitment to collaboratively develop dandelion as a new crop for rubber production,” said Kultevat CEO Daniel Swiger.

“These dandelion innovations will significantly contribute to solving the worldwide need for increased natural rubber production and diversification, that have until now been solely derived from one species, the Hevea tree, which grows in only a few major production areas,” said KeyGene CEO Arjen van Tunen.