Chinese researchers are harvesting rice developed through space breeding, a process in which seeds are exposed to conditions such as microgravity, radiation, vacuum and changing magnetic fields.
How space breeding works
The space environment can increase the frequency of genetic mutations in seeds. Researchers then grow and screen the resulting plants to identify useful traits. Because no foreign gene is inserted, the method is not classified in the source material as genetic modification.
Searching for useful rice traits
Scientists hope to select lines with stronger resilience, pest and disease resistance, improved yield or better eating quality. Promising plants still require multiple generations of testing before becoming stable varieties.
A long research process
Space exposure does not automatically produce a superior crop. Careful selection, field trials and food-safety evaluation are essential before any new rice variety reaches farmers.
