Background

The development of Hevea brasiliensis as the almost exclusive source of natural rubber has a long and dramatic history documented in scientific literature, biographies and novels (see also "Publications"). Over 2,500 plant species are known to produce polyisoprenes, although most do not produce the polymeric properties or yields required for high quality rubber. The most promising as an alternative source of rubber are the subjects of the EU-PEARLS project; guayule and Russian dandelion, plants that are interesting because of their role as a promising strategic resource in difficult times.

On these pages we provide a brief overview of their history and links to sources that highlight topics and events of specific interest.