Guayule (<I>parthenium argentatium</I>) : a Lesser Known Potential Source of Natural Rubber

Abstract

Guayule (Parthenium argentatium) is capable of producing commercial rubber in wastelands and marginal areas of the country. This paper describes adaptation, botany, geneties and breeding behaviour, rubber extraction methodology, agroclimatic requirements and cultivation practices of Guayule. The research work done under the All Indla Coordinated Research Project on under utilised plants as well as research needs and future prospects of commercialisation of this plant have been mentioned.