今年8月份，5700株“太空番茄苗”在中天准格尔旗现代智慧设施农业产业园扎根，经过两个多月的生长，如今已是硕果累累的丰收景象。太空良种的成功种植，让科技感十足的“太空餐”飞入寻常百姓家。
In August this year, 5,700 "space-bred tomatoes" were planted in Zhongtian Modern Smart Facilities Agricultural Park in Juungar Banner. After over two months of growth, the plants are laden with abundant fruit. By cultivating these space-bred varieties, high-tech "space food" has been brought to everyday households.
Located in Wujiayao village, Shierliancheng township, Juungar Banner, the Zhongtian Modern Smart Facilities Agricultural Park features lush tomato vines bursting with bright red fruit. Workers are busy harvesting, packing, and preparing the produce for sale. When sliced open, the tomatoes reveal a juicy, sweet interior.
"Our fifth batch of tomato plants is fully grown, and the first batch has already entered the market. The customer feedback is very positive. Based on the current growth, we expect each mu (0.07 hectare) to yield over 4,000 kilograms. This is about 1,000 kilograms more than traditional varieties." said Yang Changsheng, the park's operations manager.
The 5,700 "space-bred tomatoes" consist of two varieties: Hangfen High-Sugar and Hangfen High-Sugar No 2. These varieties were bred through space-based cultivation and have strong resistance, high yields, and excellent flavor. The planting process uses an innovative sand-based cultivation technique, which has the advantages of lower production costs, environmental benefits, and reduced risk of soil-borne diseases. The entire facility is equipped with smart irrigation and nutrient management systems that automate temperature, humidity, and water/nutrient supply without the need for manual intervention.
“一层熟了，间隔10多天左右第二层、第三层会陆续成熟，现在销售主要面向呼、包、鄂地区的专卖店、连锁店、市场，从口感、酸甜度、品质上来说，客户们都给了很高的认可。今年这两栋大棚的试验种植能采摘到明年的3月份到4月份”。杨昌生说。
"The first batch is already ripe, and the second and third batches will ripen in about 10 days. Our sales are primarily directed toward specialty stores, chain stores, and markets in Hohhot, Baotou, and Ordos. Customers are impressed with the taste, sweetness, acidity, and overall quality. The trial planting in these two greenhouses is expected to yield produce until March or April next year." Yang added.
Space breeding, also known as space-induced mutation breeding, involves sending crop seeds or tissue culture seedlings into space to be exposed to unique conditions, such as high vacuum, cosmic ion radiation, cosmic magnetic fields, and ultra-clean environments. These conditions cause mutations in the seeds, which are then returned to Earth for selection and breeding of new varieties. Space breeding offers numerous benefits, including a high frequency of beneficial mutations, rapid stabilization, and characteristics like high yields, superior quality, early maturity, and strong disease resistance. China has conducted over 3,000 space breeding experiments, resulting in more than 240 new staple grain varieties and hundreds of new varieties of vegetables, fruits, trees, and flowers. These innovations have contributed to an annual grain production increase of over 2 billion kilograms, generating economic benefits of hundreds of billions of yuan.
“接下来，我们会加大宣传力度，让更多的人来进行实验示范种植，在明年推广到至少千亩以上的种植规模。原来口感型西红柿一斤可能卖到五六块钱，现在‘太空番茄’一斤能卖到七八块钱，原来每亩可能生产六七千斤，现在‘太空番茄’至少能达到八千斤以上，从产量上、单价上都会给农牧民带来巨大的收入。”杨昌生信心十足地说。
"We will ramp up our promotion efforts to encourage more people to engage in experimental planting. Next year, we aim to expand the planting area to at least 1,000 mu (66.67 hectares). While traditional tomatoes typically sell for up to 6 yuan, at least 5 yuan ($0.70-$0.84) per 500 grams, our 'space-bred tomatoes' can fetch up to 8 yuan, at least 7 yuan ($0.98-$1.12). Previously, each mu might produce 3,000-3,500 kilograms, but now 'space-bred tomatoes' can yield at least 4,000 kilograms. This will significantly boost the income of local farmers and herders, both in terms of yield and price of tomatoes." Yang concluded confidently.
