Chinese consumers have eagerly embraced a novel category of flora dubbed “space flowers,” marking the first commercially available blooms cultivated through space breeding technology. The debut batch of coral lily bulbs named “Yandan No 1” rapidly sold out within a mere two days of their introduction on the e-commerce platform Taobao, underscoring robust public interest in these distinctive and resilient blossoms.
The triumph of the Yandan No 1 launch has emboldened the breeding team, spearheaded by Zhang Chuanjun, to outline plans for forthcoming releases. Future offerings are poised to encompass miniature roses, carnations, and sought-after seasonal favorites such as tulips, peach, and cherry blossoms.
Zhang disclosed that initial sales were predominantly driven by consumers in Zhejiang province, with 30 percent of buyers originating from the region. Following closely were purchasers from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong province. Noteworthy among the buyers was a Hangzhou resident in Zhejiang who acquired 60 Yandan No 1 bulbs.
The remarkable durability of these space-bred flowers serves as a pivotal selling point. Stemming from a lineage known as “shandandan,” commonly found in Yan’an, Shaanxi province, the Yandan No 1 has undergone significant genetic modifications during its sojourn in space. It now boasts the capacity to endure extreme temperature differentials ranging from -40°C to 40°C, prolonged periods of drought or excessive rainfall, and even acidic or alkaline soil conditions.
Zhang elucidated how gene mutations typically evolve at a sluggish pace in natural settings, whereas space furnishes an ideal milieu for inducing these alterations. He likened space to a “super laboratory” where flower seeds are exposed to cosmic radiation, high vacuum conditions, and microgravity. This distinctive setting yields blooms characterized by more vibrant hues, protracted blooming durations, and intensified fragrance upon their return to Earth.
The development of these space-bred flowers marks the culmination of years of exhaustive research and testing, according to Zhang. Following their interstellar journey, the seeds undergo meticulous selection, propagation, and cultivation across diverse ecological zones throughout China. Only subsequent to years of scrupulous monitoring and evaluation by a specialized committee are they deemed primed for market release, he noted.
The triumph of the Yandan No 1 variety serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Chinese scientists in advancing space breeding technology. Building upon a 37-year legacy of leveraging space environments for breeding endeavors, China has cultivated over 700 space-induced varieties spanning grains, vegetables, fruits, oilseeds, flowers, and traditional Chinese medicinal plants.