24/7 Space News
FARM NEWS
Scientists harvest nutrient-rich rice grown in space
illustration only
Scientists harvest nutrient-rich rice grown in space
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 11, 2024

At a crop breeding center in Shanghai, researchers have successfully harvested rice that was cultivated from seeds initially grown on China's space station Tiangong, also known as "Heavenly Palace." The rice plants have completed a full growth cycle on Earth, maturing after more than 100 days since planting.

This space-to-ground experiment began with six rice seeds sent into orbit in 2022 on the Wentian spacecraft. Taikonauts onboard Tiangong bred these seeds into 59, which they returned to Earth. Researchers then selected high-quality seeds, cultivating them under controlled climate conditions and yielding around 10,000 new seeds. A portion of these were planted in open fields to continue growth trials.

According to Zheng Huiqiong, a lead researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, the experiment represents three "generations" of rice plants, with seeds in space representing the first, those in artificial climates as the second, and the final crop as the third. Zheng shared that the team's findings suggest space-grown seeds can reproduce effectively on Earth, hinting at potential for future space agriculture.

Space breeding, the method used in this experiment, exposes seeds to cosmic radiation and microgravity, inducing gene mutations. These mutations are carefully assessed upon the seeds' return to Earth, sometimes resulting in advantageous traits like shorter growth times, improved disease resistance, and higher yields.

Zhao Hui, an expert with the China Academy of Space Technology, emphasized the safety of space-grown food, explaining that unlike genetically modified organisms, space-bred seeds naturally mutate without introducing foreign genes.

Enhanced Sweetness and Nutritional Value
Zheng highlighted that the space-grown rice possesses unique traits, such as a higher sugar content, with glucose and fructose levels estimated to be five to six times greater than standard rice. "We estimated that they are approximately five or six times higher," Zheng stated. The space-bred rice also showed a slight increase in protein content. "That means space-bred rice tastes sweeter and has more energy," she added.

However, the space-bred rice has sparser leaves, which complicates dense planting. Researchers are planning further studies to understand these leaf density traits and explore possible genetic modifications.

The Tiangong rice experiment marked a milestone for crop science, as it was the first time rice completed a full life cycle - from seed germination to reproduction - in orbit. Similar orbital cultivation had previously been achieved with plants like Arabidopsis, canola, peas, and wheat on the International Space Station.

Zheng explained that growing rice in the space station's vacuum environment required a fully enclosed setup with carefully controlled light, water, and gas. Since rice thrives on sunlight, the artificial lighting used had to be meticulously managed to support photosynthesis.

China has long pursued advancements in space-based agriculture, with its first space-breeding experiment dating back to 1987. Since then, it has sent seeds from hundreds of plant species into orbit using both satellites and Shenzhou missions, exposing them to the unique conditions of space for agricultural research.

In the ongoing study, scientists aim to analyze space-grown rice's yield and agronomic properties, supporting food security efforts for future space missions.

Related Links
China Manned Space Agency
Farming Today - Suppliers and Technology

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
FARM NEWS
NASA, Bhutan Conclude Five Years of Teamwork on STEM, Sustainability
Huntsville AL (SPX) Nov 05, 2024
NASA and the Kingdom of Bhutan have been actively learning from each other and growing together since 2019. The seeds planted over those years have ripened into improved environmental conservation, community-based natural resource management, and new remote sensing tools. Known for its governing philosophy of "gross national happiness," [Bhutan] has a constitutional mandate to maintain at least 60% forest cover. The government's goals include achieving nationwide food security by 2030. Bhuta ... read more

FARM NEWS
SpaceX launches resupply mission to International Space Station

SpaceX prepares resupply mission to ISS

Dragon Freedom Prepares for Short Relocation Ahead of Cargo Mission

Students' Experiments Launch to Space Aboard SpaceX Resupply Mission

FARM NEWS
MSP technology powers accurate manufacturing for space industry

Student capsules brave re-entry heat for NASA research

Centaur Upper Stage Exhibit Honors Longstanding Contributions to Space Program

From contract signing to orbit in just ten weeks

FARM NEWS
Ancient Martian waterways carved beneath icy caps

Explanation found for encrusting of the Martian soil

Perseverance surveys its path as it ascends Jezero Crater

Red Rocks with Green Spots at 'Serpentine Rapids'

FARM NEWS
Shenzhou 18 brings back samples for space habitability and materials research

Shenzhou 18 crew back in China after 6-month mission to Tiangong station

Chinese space station crew returns after six months in orbit

Shenzhou XIX Crew Joins Tiangong Space Station for Crew Rotation

FARM NEWS
SAPA Pushes for Stricter Definition of 'Australian Business' to Enhance National Economic Complexity

China launches alliance for aerospace and satellite internet in Xiong'an

Horizon Technology Finance approves $10M loan for Ursa Space Systems expansion

Florida university consortium designated Space Research Leader

FARM NEWS
New AI microbiome tool offers breakthroughs in forensics and epidemiology

NASA to transform in-space manufacturing with laser beam welding collaboration

Startup turns mining waste into critical metals for the U.S.

A smart screen for cooling and sun protection

FARM NEWS
Optimal Learning Rates Revealed in New Study on Adaptation

Ariel spacecraft prepares for rigorous tests at Airbus facility

Microbes thrive on iron in oxygen-free environments

Astronomers Identify New Organic Molecule in Interstellar Space

FARM NEWS
Uranus moon Miranda may hold a hidden ocean below its surface

NASA and SpaceX Set for Europa Clipper Launch on October 14

NASA probe Europa Clipper lifts off for Jupiter's icy moon

Is life possible on a Jupiter moon? NASA goes to investigate

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.