China has launched its bioforestry research project based on six kinds of seeds brought back from space in an effort to produce new tree varieties in China's western Gansu Province.
Six kinds of tree seeds were put inside the 20th returnable satellite to monitor their development under the universal radiation, zero gravity, high vacancy, and weak magnetic fields.
Now the forestry department in China's western Gansu Province is studying these seeds hoping to develop drought resistant trees that will improve the environment in the north-west region.
The normal cultivation of seed is ten years however the cultivation in space is quicker because the seed is changed genetically.
Only the United States, Russia and China are able to conduct agricultural research in space.
(CRI November 30, 2004)
