Interesting story for those into horticulture AND concerned about the fast-rising price of natural rubber.
Seems that scientists in India have been playing around with genetically modified rubber. Rather, they have been attempting to genetically modify latex-producing trees in an effort to hasten the amount of time it takes between planting and tapping.
Currently, it takes seven years from the point when a rubber tree is germinated to that plant’s ability to produce usable latex milk. Scientists are trying to shave a few years off of that mark, which will greatly help improve supply and (hopefully) reduce market prices.
In addition, GM trees are said to be heartier, more resistant to weather and prolonged drought. These trees, it is hoped, could also be raised in other parts of the world; at present latex-bearing trees can only be raised in hot, equatorial regions of the world.
Even without moving to new growing areas, GM rubber plants could boost NR production by 10%, experts claim.
Seems like a brilliant use of science to solve a real-life dilemma. Except…
No one knows for sure if GM rubber can be safely used on a wide industrial scale. Some scientists and politicians (’cause they know everything) and environmentalists (ditto) have decried GM rubber, and are scared that it will harm humans and animals. Of course, no GM rubber as yet exists, so it will be years before we know the answers to those concerns.
Now I’m no scientist and I hate Holiday Inns, but I cannot imagine that GM rubber is so different that it doesn’t retain the key properties that make NR an excellent choice for so many products – like tires. So I don’t think safety will be a problem, either. Again, no GM rubber currently exists.
A real sticking point – one that will not easily be hurdled – is, in fact, cultural.
Seems that rubber tree seeds are used to produce cattle feed in India. And, as if that wasn’t enough, “rubber honey,” an extract from latex-bearing trees, is consumed “in large quantities” by locals, according to Rubber Asia magazine. Rubber honey is considered a bit of a delicacy in India, and is used in many native ceremonies. There is great concern that the honey from GM rubber trees may not be suitable for human consumption.
Plus, cross-pollinating between GM and standard rubber trees could kill off local varieties, the magazine said.
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SEMA issued this Urgent Enforcement Alert regarding the police of Cincinnati and how they are apparently choosing to enforce certain laws. This is verbatim from SEMA as sent to members, and we are not judging either side of this argument, but if you are selling large diameter tires and custom wheels, you will probably want to pay attention. Cincinnati and Ohio are not the only jurisdictions with such laws on the books. Feel free to make up your own mind and share your thoughts in the Comments area below:
“Many of you have contacted the SEMA Action Network to request information regarding a recent increase in the ticketing and impoundment of vehicles with larger-sized aftermarket wheels in the Cincinnati, Ohio, jurisdiction. We reached out to the Cincinnati Police Department to inquire as to the current enforcement policy.
“According to the head of the department’s traffic unit, Cincinnati is enforcing a section of the Ohio law that states, ‘No person shall drive or move, or knowingly permit to be driven or moved, on any highway, any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person.’
“Vehicles that are cited under this section are being confiscated from the driver and sent to an inspection station for determination of the violation. With regard to passenger vehicles with larger size wheels, the department claims that law enforcement is primarily concerned about three things:
“• The vehicle does not comply with bumper height restrictions for passenger cars.
“• The steering wheel is unable to go from right “lock” position to left “lock” position or the tires come into contact with the vehicle frame, or any of the cables – including emergency cable lines, brake lines, etc.
“• The brakes are not up to standard in terms of brake pads, calipers, etc.
“Bumpers – Under the inspection criteria, the bumper limits for passenger vehicles which have been modified are 22 inches from the bottom of the bumper to the ground, for the front and back bumper.
“Steering – Steering is inspected to determine that the steering assembly operates normally; there is no excessive play in the steering wheel; the
sector shaft is secure; and there is no binding or lash in the steering assembly.
“Tires – Tires must have a minimum of 1/16-inch tread depth on the road surface. They should be free of major bumps or bulges, breaks or tread damage.
“Wheels and Rims – Rims must not be badly bent or twisted. Lug bolts must be securely tightened.
“Brakes – Brakes are inspected to determine that there is sufficient brake pedal. Hydraulic brake system is tested with vehicle stopped. Driver should be able to maintain brake pedal height under moderate foot force (40-60 pounds) for one minute. The service brake must hold the vehicle on any grade and under all conditions of loading, provided the surface is free of snow, ice or loose material. The emergency brake should hold the vehicle in a stopped position when less than 2/3 of the actuator stroke is used, and should stop the vehicle in the event of service brake failure. Brake fluids and brake lining materials manufactured for sale in Ohio must meet standards set by the director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
“These vehicles may also be targeted for reasons that go beyond equipment standards. The department indicated that a recent spate of illegal traffic activity has drawn law enforcement’s attention. When asked why enforcement against passenger cars with larger wheels was now more prevalent even though the inspection criteria had not changed for several years, the department head suggested that there are more vehicles of this type on the road than ever before.
“We encourage SAN members to assess their vehicles with larger-sized wheels for compliance with the above standards. If you believe that you are being targeted by law enforcement despite compliance with these standards, we welcome being made aware of the circumstances of your citation.”
