Mechanical harvesting of Guayule

Guayule is a promising source of natural rubber and latex that can be grown in dry mediterranean areas and demonstrating a full value chain of guayule from crop to end product is part of the activities of MIDAS. In this context a partnership between MIDAS partners ITAP and CREA-IT has carried out two experimental trials focused on the mechanical harvesting of guayule. These trials were conducted last September on ITAP’s experimental fields in Spain and focused on:

  • 🚜 Evaluating harvesting efficiency across different guayule varieties and plant ages.
  • 🔧 Leveraging CREA-IT’s expertise to propose innovative solutions for adapting existing machinery to this novel crop.
  • 💧 Analyzing fields managed with a Subsurface Water Retention System (SWRS) to compare results against traditional cultivation methods.

These studies are a crucial step toward optimizing guayule production and supporting a sustainable, European alternative to synthetic rubber.

Want to learn more about these results and how guayule can be successfully grown on marginal lands?

Don’t miss our upcoming webinar!

📅 Date: 12 November 🕒 16.00 CET 🔗 Agenda & Registration

Other news

Co-creating bio-based value chains on marginal land

Agricultural research, rigorous agronomic field trials, and technical demonstrations are essential drivers of innovation in sustainable farming. Within MIDAS project, both scientific and industry partners