The project has contributed to bringing the EU closer to its own natural rubber production by providing information on how to enhance the rubber yield from rubber dandelions by growing them in hydroponic systems under controlled conditions. In addition, it has provided new stable rubber dandelion hybrids that will clonally reproduce (all the siblings will be equal). It solves the variability problem of the sexual species. It is a step forward to the establishment of rubber dandelions as a valuable crop in Europe. Moreover, the AIR project has provided valuable information on the use of apomixis (clonal reproduction by seeds) to stabilize desired traits. The main outcome of the project is: 100 apomictic rubber dandelion hybrids (the most interesting ones can be developed into novel rubber dandelion varieties), more than 1000 seeds of each new apomict, a speed breeding method for selection of successful hybrids between sexual and apomictic plants, a show case for the use of apomixis, in order to stabilize desired traits in only one generation. Clear knowledge on how different hydroponic systems affect root architecture and biomass production of rubber dandelions, gain in knowledge on how light and salinity affect the rubber and inulin gene expression, a protocol to grow healthier rubber dandelions in hydroponic system, under controlled conditions (light, humidity, temperature) with highest rubber and inulin yield and a tool to grow plants in hydroponics systems directly from seeds, a system to do short pilot experiments in hydroponics, and a small economical study on the use of hydroponics for rubber dandelion production in vertical farming.
In addition, the fellow attended 5 courses, 13 seminars, 2 workshops, 6 postdoc clinics (with 6 specialized seminars) and 3 meetings with interesting Scientists for her career. Moreover, she attended 9 symposiums or conferences, she went to 1 trade show with scientific talks and she published 1 scientific paper for kids with a big Worldwide impact plus 4 that are in progress of publication. She presented 11 posters, she did 10 company presentations, co-organized 2 mini symposiums, organized a Science day at the International school of Arnhem involving 200 kids and 6 scientists, she represented KeyGene at Science is wonderful, the Researcher´s Night, at the final meeting of DRIVE4EU, at Groningen PhD day, at a company visit and she presented her work at KeyGene in KeyGene´s Innovation day and family day. Finally, she did 2 workshops presenting the Marie Curie Individual Fellowships and how to apply for them.
The obtained results will be of impact for the host institution. They got seeds of more stable rubber dandelions with good rubber content and they are going to test them for performance under field conditions. Clonal reproduction will decrease cost of seed production. The host institution acquired the knowledge on how to produce rubber dandelions hydroponically in a very efficient way, so they can offer it to production companies. The general knowledge gained on hydroponic production can be used for other research projects. The whole scientific community may benefit from this project since it gives new insights on how to increase the rubber yield using hydroponics system and on the utilization of apomixis to produce a clonal, stable and predictable crop out of a wild plant. In general, the world population may benefit from these results since it is a step forward to the establishment of rubber dandelion as an alternative rubber source. In addition, this project will boost the career of the fellow thanks to the excellent training in plant breeding , hydroponics system construction and evaluation, gene expression analysis, leadership and mentoring, and the multiple occasions of dissemination and communication of the project to different audiences.
