Whole Plant Utilization of Sunflowers as a Renewable Source of Strategic Materials (Rubber)

摘要

In an attempt to discover and develop new domestic sources of natural ruber (NR), 143 population of 47 species of sunflowers were collected and analyzed for their content of NR. Yields of crude NR obtained ranged from traces to 2.15% of the dry weight of the plant material. These quantities of NR are significantly lower (by approximately one order of magnitude) than those obtainable from domestic guayule plants. In addition, samples of sunflower NR were examined using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques and were found to have low molecular weight elastomeric properties unsuitable for use in traditional Hevea latex or guayule NR applications. Thus, because of low yields, low NR molecular weights and quality, and relatively narrow genetic diversity in sunflower NR production characteristics, it is highly unlikely that sunflowers could serve as a domestic source of NR in the foreseeable future.