The chrysanthemum research institute in Huangshan's Shexian county recently received some tribute chrysanthemum seeds that made "a journey through Space" in the Shijian-19 reusable and returnable test satellite. These seeds are scheduled to undergo cultivation trials soon.
This marks the first space travel of Anhui province's Huangshan tribute chrysanthemum seeds, which are expected to play a crucial role in advancing research into chrysanthemum varieties and innovating germplasm resources.
The space breeding of flowers was organized by the National Flower Engineering Technology Research Center and other departments. Over 148 varieties, weighing more than 4,000 grams, of traditional flowers and important commercial flower seeds for medicinal, edible and tea purposes completed in-orbit flight tests.
Among them, two sets of Huangshan tribute chrysanthemum seeds participated in the space travel flight test.
The flower industry is said to serve as a vital component of modern efficient agriculture and forestry, as well as being a key driver for local rural revitalization strategies.
Through space travel, microgravity and space radiation mutagenesis, the space breeding initiative can select new and superior varieties and obtain yield-increasing or disease-resistant gene mutations.
The chrysanthemum seeds are expected to enhance flower shapes, enrich colors and improve resistance through space breeding – thereby adding new opportunities for the development of the flower industry.
A view of the Huangshan tribute chrysanthemum. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]
The chrysanthemum seeds involved in the space breeding endeavor. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]