China has achieved remarkable results in space breeding with about 200 types of mutated plants approved for cultivation, an expert said on Thursday, adding that the breakthroughs would give a boost to the country's industrial development for over 30 years. 

Guo Tao, deputy head of the National Engineering Research Center of Plant Space Breeding of South China Agricultural University, made the remarks at a seminar on space biotechnology and industrial development in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with 100 guests presenting and summarizing the development and phased achievements of China's space breeding.

Guo told China Media Group (CMG) that China had carried out space breeding experiments for more than 30 years with a lot of research on major food crops, cash crops and trees. According to incomplete statistics, over 200 varieties have been cultivated and promoted in production.

"The super rice in the country's southern region using space breeding technology can yield over 1,000 kg per mu (15,000 kg per hectare) in two seasons of a year. It plays an important role in stabilizing grain outputs and providing high-quality agricultural products for China."

Breeding tech driven by China Space Station

China is a powerhouse in breeding plants in space, Guo added, explaining that various kinds of seeds of plants, including rice, maize and wheat have been taken into space.

The space breeding related scientific experiments in China will be further advanced as China's space station enters a new stage of application and development.

"Space breeding is not only about placing seeds inside the space station, but also exposing them to radiation devices outside the space station so as to effectively improve the plants' genes. We will vigorously cultivate new types to meet the needs of future industrial development and cultivation methods, in order to meet people's demand for high-quality life," said Guo.

In the future, the China Manned Space Agency is expected to focus on fields such as space seed breeding, space science popularization and space food, and use manned space resources to promote the development of the industries with local characteristics.