The desert perennial shrub called guayule (pronounced 'Why-YU-lee'), which produces natural rubber, resins, and bagasse, is moving closer to commercialization as a crop option in Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas, and perhaps one day in Southern California.

Thousands of acres of guayule were grown in California and Arizona during World War II to produce rubber and auto parts for military vehicles. 

Bridgestone and PanAridus are among the companies expected to offer commercial contracts to growers in as early as the next few years. Much of the natural rubber will be used to make tires and auto parts.

You can read Western Farm Press' breaking news article on guayule online at  http://westernfarmpress.com/miscellaneous/guayule-future-cropping-option-west-southwest.

For a look at the guayule plant and to learn about several of the major commercial players involved in the guayule industry, take a look at these photos courtesy of Western Farm Press.