China: Herb seeds from Fujian onboard Shenzhou X for space breeding
Chen Qifu, General Manager of Xiamen-based Fujian Tiancheng Space Breeding Technology, said that the Chinese herb seeds onboard Shenzhou X spacecraft are unique in Fujian, and have extremely high medicinal value.
"The seeds are more likely to genetically mutate in the space because of the multiple actions of strong universe irradiation, high vacuum and microgravity,” Chen said, adding that they will continue their careful study of the space seeds in the hope of developing more powerful and productive Chinese herbs.
So far, China has carried out space breeding tests on more than 70 kinds of crops, many of which have resulted in new varieties with high yield, quality, and other new features.
The company has said that they will promote the breeding of ‘space vegetables’, including eggplants, tomatoes, peppers and beans, in Xiamen this year, and market new varieties of space fruits next year.
Source: WOX Team
