China cultivates 1st-generation of highland barley seeds that returned from space

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - China successfully cultivated the first batch of highland barley seeds that went to and came back from space on board an experimental satellite.

The seeds have been given for soil cultivation of China's first-generation "space highland barley" in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Xinhua News reported on Sunday.

The returned seeds were chosen for characteristics like high yield, resistance to extreme temperatures, and pest tolerance.

The seeds that were sent to space from the reusable, returnable experimental satellite Shijian-19 originated from Shannan City, in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

"As a major agricultural hub in Xizang, we are committed to securing grain output through technology. Space breeding offers a pathway to develop hardier, more productive crop varieties," said Dawa Sangzhub, chief of Shannan's agricultural technology promotion center.

Space breeding involves subjecting seeds to cosmic radiation, microgravity, and vacuum conditions on spacecraft to trigger genetic mutations.

After returning, these seeds are selectively cultivated to identify favorable traits, such as improved yield, disease resistance, and better adaptability to climate conditions.

According to the experts, after a 15-day space journey, the seeds will be jointly analyzed by the base and agricultural specialists from Shannan.