Salad seeds that went on a round trip to outer space and back grew at a slightly slower rate and aged faster than those on Earth, scientists have found. While seed germination 'vigor' was reduced and ageing sensitivity increased, space did not compromise seed viability or the development of normal seedlings. (A) The Space seed batch was stored on the ISS for six months, sealed at low humidity in foil bags. (C) Time course analysis of testa rupture and endosperm rupture of Earth seeds compared to Space seeds. More than 8,600 schools and groups in the UK, making up around 600,000 young people, were involved with the project to sow the rocket seeds.

Source: Daily Mail May 15, 2020 08:41 UTC