INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A batch of highland barley seeds from the reusable returnable experimental satellite Shijian-19 has been handed over for the ground breeding
of China's first-generation "space highland barley" in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.The returned seeds were selected due to traits
such as high yield, extreme temperature tolerance and pest resistance
They originated from Shannan City, 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, ultimately boosting farmers' incomes," said Dawa
Sangzhub, head of Shannan's agricultural technology promotion center under the bureau of agriculture and rural affairs.Space breeding
involves exposing seeds to cosmic radiation, microgravity and vacuum conditions aboard spacecraft to induce genetic mutations
Upon return, these seeds undergo selective cultivation to isolate desirable traits, including enhanced yield, disease resistance, and
climate adaptability, according to Xi'an National Civil Aerospace Industrial Base in the provincial capital of Shaanxi.After a 15-day space
voyage, the seeds were jointly analyzed by the base and agricultural experts from Shannan
A cooperative mechanism combining technical guidance of the Xi'an base with Shannan's field cultivation experience will ensure end-to-end
support from mutation to harvest, experts said.China launched its first reusable and returnable test satellite Shijian-19 on September 27,
2024, and recovered it on October 11, 2024. (With input from Xinhua)
