A novel silvicultural model for increasing biopolymer production from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver trees

► Eucommia ulmoides is one of the few woody plants producing trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI), or “Eucommia-rubber”, and its fruit contains much higher TPI than in leaf or bark. ► This study evaluated different culture models to enhance Eucommia TPI production. ► Trees grafted with the new Eucommia cultivars commenced fruiting 3 years earlier. ► New Eucommia cultivars produced significantly higher fruit yield. ► Commercialization of using orchard-like model for TPI is viable.