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We are working to develop a domestic natural rubber crop in Ohio and for the U.S.

Natural rubber is a vital resource for any developed country and is used in over 40,000 commercial products. By 2020 the USA may suffer a supply shortfall of 1.5 million metric tons of imported natural rubber. While the use of synthetic rubber has surpassed natural rubber in quantity, there are particular properties and high-performance applications that make natural rubber irreplaceable by synthetic rubber.

Cornish Lab Group is a joint program comprised of both Hort & Crop and Ag Engineering PI's and graduate students.

Did you know............. Cornish Lab hand planted approximately 61 miles of Buckeye Gold in 2013. Thats a lot of dandelions!

OSU's Rubber Pilot Plant produces high quality rubber for the tire industry and medical quality latex hypoallergenic gloves.

 

 

News

  1. Guayule glove

    From Natural Rubber to Medical Glove

    Feb 2, 2019

    An Ohio State University researcher and her team have created the first medical glove that can block radiation while meeting federal guidelines and not triggering allergic reactions.  Check it out here.

  2. Rubber dandelion roots

    Dandelions Ruin Your Front Yard but Could Be the Future of the Rubber Industry

    Oct 3, 2018

    Scientists have been tackling the vexing issue for decades, trying new tactics and engineering new equipment. Researchers have traveled to the high plains in Kazakhstan in pursuit. Companies and governments are spending heavily.  Their mission: Grow more dandelions.  Click here to read more.

  3. Dr. Katrina Cornish speaks to women in South Africa about guayule cultivation

    Women, Agriculture, Medical Gloves, and Condoms

    Jul 31, 2018

    Prof Katrina Cornish is collaborating with the South African government and the University of the Western Cape (UWC), on South African village-based woman-run guayule cultivation, and  low-tech co-op based processing, and regional condom manufacturing. Click here to read more.

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