58 Space-breeding Bases Set up in China
UPDATED: 2011-09-14
BEIJING, Sep. 13 (China Space News) — China has succeeded in cultivating over 70 new crop strains of higher quality and yield by using space breeding engineering technology since 1987, according to an announcement at the two-day 2011 Space Breeding Technology Forum (SBTF).
Jointly organized by the high-tech industry department of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO), China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2011 Space Breeding Technology Forum (SBTF) was held on Sep. 7-8 in Beijing. Vice president of CASC, Lei Fanpei attended the Forum.
A large number of varieties of seeds have been sent and recovered through the 15 recoverable satellites and seven Shenzhou spacecraft launched by China since Aug. 5, 1987. A total of nine new crop species, including 393 strains in China have gone to space -- 70 of which passed national or provincial appraisals. The seeds' wide application in agriculture production has raised crop yields, improved crop quality, and enhanced crop resistance to disease.
It was also revealed at the Forum that China has established 58 space-breeding technology experiment bases and new species industrialization demonstration bases across the country.
China is expected to carry out its manned space flight project and the lunar exploration program in the coming 5 to 10 years, which will offer better experiment conditions and technology support for China's space-breeding engineering, Lei Fanpei said at the Forum.
He also noted that with the implementation of China's indigenous space station in 2020, better resources and environment for space-breeding development would be available in China.
Jointly organized by the high-tech industry department of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO), China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2011 Space Breeding Technology Forum (SBTF) was held on Sep. 7-8 in Beijing. Vice president of CASC, Lei Fanpei attended the Forum.
A large number of varieties of seeds have been sent and recovered through the 15 recoverable satellites and seven Shenzhou spacecraft launched by China since Aug. 5, 1987. A total of nine new crop species, including 393 strains in China have gone to space -- 70 of which passed national or provincial appraisals. The seeds' wide application in agriculture production has raised crop yields, improved crop quality, and enhanced crop resistance to disease.
It was also revealed at the Forum that China has established 58 space-breeding technology experiment bases and new species industrialization demonstration bases across the country.
China is expected to carry out its manned space flight project and the lunar exploration program in the coming 5 to 10 years, which will offer better experiment conditions and technology support for China's space-breeding engineering, Lei Fanpei said at the Forum.
He also noted that with the implementation of China's indigenous space station in 2020, better resources and environment for space-breeding development would be available in China.