Among other species, especially Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin), produces highly promising amounts and qualities of rubber. T. koksaghyz was discovered in 1931 in the framework of a program to make the USSR self-sufficient in strategic materials, including natural rubber. Subsequently, efforts were made to domesticate and improve the crop. In 1941, a combined total of 67,000 hectares was planted in the USSR, and agronomic procedures and processing methods were tested. These efforts were discontinued around 1950. (read more, download PDF)