Olive seeds that underwent space mutation experiments aboard the Shenzhou-14 crewed spaceship in 2022 recently germinated in the city of Longnan in Gansu Province, northwest China, according to the state broadcaster China Central Television.

Researchers plan to transplant the olive seedlings from 315 grams of seeds outdoors in 2026 to help them gradually acclimatize to the natural environment.

Space mutation experiments involve exposing plant seeds or tissues to extraterrestrial environment factors, such as microgravity, high radiation levels and extreme temperature variations, to induce genetic mutations.

Researchers aim to develop high-yield, high-quality olive germplasm with early maturity and strong disease resistance. Longnan, a prime olive cultivation area, had over 1.04 million mu (69,333 hectares) of olive trees by 2023, producing 54,000 tonnes of fresh olives worth 4 billion yuan (about $556 million).

Source: Xinhua