China
July 23, 2015

Space mutated vegetables were exhibited in Tianjin's Baodi District on July 10. More than ten types of space-mutated vegetables with high yield and resistance, including eggplants, tomatoes, and green beans were shown.

Space mutation breeding is a strategic industry of the Twelfth Five Year Plan to transport vegetable seeds to outer space. The special environment in outer space rearranges plant genes and changes their original features. After generations of cultivation on Earth, the researchers select premium types to market.

Li Feng, staffer from the Space Mutation Breeding Research Center explained that space-mutated vegetables have higher yield and nutrition value. Space-mutated peppers contain 1.5 times more vitamin C than general peppers.

Space-mutated eggplants contain more vitamin E and are a much healthier food. Space mutated tomatoes come in four colors – red, yellow, black, and green with an average level of sour and sweet flavors, which are better as fresh fruits. Space-mutated green beans contain extremely high chlorophyll and have great flavor.

Nearly 120 space-mutated vegetables were approved as of the end of last year. The total areas for space mutated vegetables reached 680,000 mu (45,333 hectares). The area generated more than three billion yuan ($483 million) of agricultural added value. The technology has been expanded to 20 provinces and regions.

Website: http://www.minagri.gob.cl

Published: July 23, 2015