Seeds in Space

Both the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have transported two seed varieties, arabidopsis and sorghum, into space.

About

The impact of cosmic radiation, microgravity, and high temperatures on plant genomes and biology is the subject of this organisations' initial feasibility study.

Impacts

Increased radiation alters the genetic makeup of plant seeds, enabling them to adapt to a variety of challenging environmental factors, including higher temperatures, drier soils, diseases, and rising sea levels. Space mutagenesis is the name given to this adaption process.

Cosmic Experiment: Its Importance

The effort aims to create new crops that can adapt to climate change and assist increase food security throughout the world.
There is an obvious need for creative approaches to increasing food production, as well as more robust crops and sustainable farming practises, with the world's population projected to reach around 10 billion by 2050.
Farmers are finding it harder to maintain production as a result of global warming. Political instability and the growing price of basic foodstuffs have made it worse.

Regarding Sorghum & Arabidopsis

Sorghum: Sorghum, a member of the millet family, is a heat- and drought-resistant grain that is cultivated for food in many poor nations.
The mustard family (Brassicaceae) includes the tiny blooming plant known as Arabidopsis.
Its small size, quick life cycle, and easily adaptable genetics make it a popular model organism in plant biology research.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Despite being independent of the UN and having been founded on July 29th, 1957, the organisation submits findings to the UN Security Council and General Assembly.
Its responsibility is to safeguard the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty's core values. India has not ratified the treaty.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The United Nations established this organisation in 1945; it deals with global initiatives to end hunger.
HO: Italy, Rome

Source: Down To Earth

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