First Soybeans Grown in Space Return to Earth
[NASA image] In unprecedented
space research, DuPont scientists have attained a significant scientific
accomplishment regarding the future development of soybeans — one of the most
consumed crops in the world today.
During a research mission that concluded with the return of Space Shuttle
Atlantis Friday, soybean seeds planted and nurtured by DuPont scientists
germinated, developed into plants, flowered, and produced new seedpods in
space. The 97-day growth research initiative is the first-ever to complete a
major crop growth cycle in space — from planting seeds to growing new seeds.
The research mission aboard the International Space Station demonstrates that
space crop production can be accomplished, potentially supporting long-term
human presence in space. Through video monitoring and data sent from the
International Space Station, DuPont scientists also examined the effects of
zero-gravity and other elements in space regarding plant growth.
The soybeans returned to Earth Friday afternoon aboard the Atlantis. In
June, DuPont subsidiary, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., with the
Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (WCSAR) — a NASA
Commercial Space Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison — launched the
soybean seed experiment on Space Shuttle Endeavour. As part of the research
mission, Pioneer-brand soybean seeds grew in a specialized tray within a
growth chamber developed by WCSAR. Pioneer scientists monitored the soybeans’
growth daily and provided nutrient adjustments to facilitate growth.
With the soybeans and seeds now on Earth, Pioneer and WCSAR will analyze
the harvested seeds to determine if they have improved oil, protein,
carbohydrates or secondary metabolites that could benefit farmers and
consumers. Seeds exhibiting unique and desirable qualities will be planted by
Pioneer scientists to determine if the traits can be inherited in future
generations. Pioneer will identify the genetics of those traits and use that
information to further improve the soybeans’ efficiency and profitability for
farmers.
According to the United Soybean Board, soybeans are the largest single
source of protein meal and vegetable oil in the human diet. Domestically,
soybeans provide 80 percent of the edible consumption of fats and oils in the
United States. In 2000, 54 percent of the world’s soybean trade originated
from the United States with soybean and product exports totaling more than
$6.6 billion. The world’s largest seed company, Pioneer, is the brand leader
in soybeans with more than 100 product varieties on the market.
“This was an incredible scientific opportunity for us and our partners,”
said Dr. Tom Corbin, DuPont researcher on the project. “Studying the effects
of soybean plants grown in space will help us expand our knowledge of soybeans
and facilitate continued improvement of soybean germplasm for farmers.”
DuPont has a rich tradition of space initiatives, dating to NASA’s
origination 33 years ago. For example, when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon
in 1969, he wore 25 separate layers — 23 of those layers were DuPont
materials. In 1984, Pioneer corn seeds were on board a Challenger shuttle
launch. The seeds, which were not planted while in space, were used in
science-based initiatives after returning to Earth.
“Innovation has been the hallmark of DuPont for more than 200 years,” said
Chief Science and Technology Officer Dr. Thomas M. Connelly. “As a science
company, we know that future research opportunities may come from totally
different venues and needs as we look ahead. The discovery process often
requires exploring in unprecedented avenues to unleash the next wave of
innovation and we are committed to discovering new and meaningful innovation
wherever it is.”
WCSAR makes space available to industry in the interest of development and
commercialization of new products and processes. It provides controlled
environment technologies and facilities, plant genetic transformation
technologies, enhanced biosynthesis technologies, as well as robotic and
automated technologies.
During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific
achievement and innovation — providing products and services that improve the
lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers
science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people’s lives
in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction;
electronics; and transportation. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a
subsidiary of DuPont, is the world’s leading source of customized solutions
for farmers, livestock producers, and grain and oilseed processors. With
headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant
genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in
nearly 70 countries.
Source: DuPount
