Evaluation of root biomass, rubber and inulincontents in nine Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin populations

• Nine Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin populations were planted at two different planting dates.
• Root dry weight, inulin and rubber contents were measured.
• Interaction effects were analyzed.
• Populations number 20, 30 and 38 resulted to be the best populations for rubber and/or inulin production.

Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin (TKS) has been studied as an alternative source for rubber production, but represents also a potential source for producing inulin. TKS seeds were collected in 2008 in an expedition to Kazakhstan by Kirschner in order to analyze agronomical characteristics of selected, wild TKS populations. Nine populations and two planting dates, respectively, were examined. Root dry weight, rubber and inulin content were measured and evaluated statistically. Large variations for all traits were observed between single plants. Despite of this, a significant population effect for rubber and inulin contents was detected. No planting date effect was observed, but a significant interaction effect of population by planting date for Inulin contents and root dry weight. Although yields are relatively low, populations 20, 30 and 38 at specific planting days are promising candidates for increased rubber and/or inulin production. In any case additional agronomic studies are required and particularly intensive breeding using mass selection and crossings, for converting TKS into a useful crop for rubber and inulin production.