The experiments consist of exposing plant tissues to extreme conditions to generate beneficial genetic mutations. This allows the crop to have greater quality, yield and resistance.
The experiments consist of exposing plant tissues to extreme conditions to generate beneficial genetic mutations.
In the city of LongnanGansu province, northwest China, Olive seeds that had been subjected to spatial mutation experiments germinated in 2022during the Shenzhou-14 manned mission, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The researchers plan to transplant these seedlingsobtained from 315 grams of seeds, outdoors in 2026. The objective is that they can progressively adapt to natural conditions, ensuring their optimal development.
This type of experiments consists of exposing seeds or plant tissues to extreme conditions in space, such as microgravity, intense radiation and sudden changes in temperature. These variables seek generate genetic mutations that can result in specific benefits for crops.
olive oil
Pixabay
Towards a more resistant and productive olive tree
The scientific team hopes that these mutations will allow the development of olive tree varieties with improved characteristics, such as higher yield, better quality, early maturation and resistance to diseases, which would represent a significant advance for the agricultural sector.
Longnan is known as a “golden zone” for the cultivation of olive trees. At the end of 2023the region already had more than 1.04 million mus (equivalent to 69,330 hectares) dedicated to this crop. The annual production exceeds 54,000 tons of fresh olives, generating an estimated value of 4 billion yuan (about 556 million dollars).
This scientific advance seeks to further enhance agricultural development in a key region for olive tree production in China.
Source: Ambito
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