Space seeds sow science on Space Station

by William Atkins

Sunday, 10 August 2008

Page 2 of 3 Thought to be extinct at the time of its discovery, the W. nobilis, sometimes also called the “jurrassic pine” and the “dinosaur tree,” is now the oldest fossil of the Wollemi tree—dating back about 200 million years. Twenty-three of the seeds are now up in space onboard the International Space Station. According to the article “Australian native seeds in orbit in zero gravity test” by the Tech Herald, Tim Entsisle (executive director of the Botanic Gardens Trust) states, “With habitats under increasing threat, conservation seed banking is an important strategy for both storing and understanding genetically important wild seeds. This experiment could lead to some groundbreaking research by providing a preliminary evaluation of Space Station seed banking -- a possible option for the future." Dr. Entwisle adds that the storing of seeds in space has two primary benefits: it provides "… ‘an insurance policy for the world... to have some (seeds) up in space as well,’ and also as a testing area to provide data on the planting of food and vegetation on other planets.” [Tech Herald] Entwisle says that seeds are already being stored on Earth at the Mt. Annan Botanic Gardens , in Sydney, Australia, and the Millennium Seed Bank, in Kew, England. According to The Age article “Australian native seeds sent into orbit,” Entwisle states, "An insurance policy for the world could be to have some (seeds) up in space as well." Dr. Entwisle expects the seeds to not be adversely affected by their trip into space because of their hardy nature—being able to survive on Earth under extreme conditions such as drought and fire. He states, "Our hypothesis is that the trip in space for six months won't have any major impact on these very tough, resilient seeds. They might be the sort of things we would take up into space not only for food but also if we're looking at producing oxygen in space or setting up micro-climates." [Tech Herald] Entwisle says that the results of previous experiments involving plants seeds from United States, Russia, and China have varied. Some seeds have led to larger-than-normal vegetables being grown, along with increased amounts of some types of vitamins. In some cases, the genetic structure of the plants has slightly changed. After the space mission ends, the experiment continues on Earth. Please read page three for more information. << First page <   1 2 3 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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