LIMA: Scientists succeeded to grow a potato under Mars-like conditions in an experiment in Peru.
The International Potato Center declared the results positive after a potato grew under simulated Mars atmospheric conditions in an experiment in Lima.
According to the details, a potato was planted in a specially constructed CubeSat contained environment built by engineers from the University of Engineering and Technology in Lima. The experiment was carried out from February 14 to March 15 this year. Julio Valdivia-Silva, a Peruvian astrobiologist at UTEC in Lima said,”Growing crops under Mars-like conditions is an important phase of this experiment.”
He further said, “If the crops can tolerate the extreme conditions that we are exposing them to in our CubeSat, they have a good chance to grow on Mars.” Valdivia-Silva said that several rounds of experiments will be conducted to find out which potato varieties do best.
Walter Amoros a potato breeder said the result indicate their efforts to breed varieties with high potential for strengthening food security in the area affected or will be affected by climate change, were working. The custom environment for the Potatoes on Mars project was based upon designs and advice provided by NASA.
