BIODIVERSITY AND
SPACE EXPOSED SEEDS NURSERY PROJECT
What are Space Exposed Seeds?
Space Exposed Seeds are seeds that have been sent to the space and experienced genetic mutation under the special environment of space. When they return to the ground, they can be used to foster scientific research to discover new seeds and new materials. Our program raise awareness of nature and biodiversity conservation among students, inspire them to explore the science behind space exposed seeds using qualitative and quantitative tools, data analysis, research, achieving multi-disciplinary education through experiential learning.
Biodiversity and Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery Project
The Hong Kong UNESCO Association and Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development has been carrying out the “Biodiversity and Space-Exposed Seeds Nursery Project” for many years.
In 2019, the “SJ-10” space seeds were planted, and in 2020, space seeds from “CZ-5B” were planted, including eggplant, Cowpea, Okra and more. The project raise awareness of nature and biodiversity conservation among students, inspire them to explore the science behind space exposed seeds using qualitative and quantitative tools, data analysis, research, achieving multi-disciplinary education through experiential learning. The theme of the exhibition hall will be space technology and seeds, with study handbook for students to learn about the development of space technology, experience from participating schools in and methods and research process of nursering space seeds.
Student Activities
Varieties
How are Space Exposed Seeds related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
The United Nations estimated that currently, nearly 690 million people are hungry, or 8.9 percent of the world population. Space Exposed Seeds allows us to explore possibilities of higher yields to feed the world’s population.
In 2019, obesity was responsible for 4.7 million premature deaths each year. Food grown from Space Exposed Seeds might have different nutrition components that enables healthier diet.
The “Biodiversity and Space Exposed Seeds Nursery Project” give chances to students to explore genetic and biological differences between Space Exposed Seeds and Non-Exposed Seeds, practising data analysis and system thinking skills.
Agriculture, food, and related industries contributed trillion of dollars to the world’s economy, providing people with jobs and income. Space Exposed Seeds could drive more investment into the agricultural sector.
The global space economy valued at around 423.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. Space Exposed Seeds projects could foster innovation and the development of space technologies.
Since 2015, biodiversity and green coverage has continued to decrease. Space Exposed Seeds project allows us to explore and preserve more diverse genetic information.
Meet the Space Exposed Seeds
Tropaeolum Majus
Tropaeolum majus is a species of flowering plant in the family Tropaeolaceae, with disc-shaped leaves and brilliant orange or red flowers. The current genus name Tropaeolum, coined by Linnaeus, means “little trophy”. Some native South Americans used the plant medicinally due to its antibiotic and antibacterial properties.
Tropaeolum Majus space exposed seeds were carried by ChangZheng-5B
Okra
Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It has edible green seed pods. Cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions around the world, okra is used in the cuisines of many countries.
Okra space exposed seeds were carried by ChangZheng-5B
Clitoria ternatea
Clitoria ternatea is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, with elliptic, obtuse leaves. It grows as a vine or creeper, doing well in moist, neutral soil. Its most striking feature is the color of its flowers, a vivid deep blue; solitary, with light yellow markings.
Clitoria ternatea space exposed seeds were carried by ChangZheng-5B
Cowpea (Asparagus bean)
The asparagus bean is a legume cultivated for its edible green pods containing immature seeds, like the green bean. The plant is subtropical/tropical and most widely grown in the warmer parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China. The ones grown from non-exposed seeds could begin to form just 60 days (2.0 months) after sowing, hang in groups of two or more.
Cowpea (Asparagus bean) space exposed seeds were carried by Shijian-10
Purple long eggplant
Most commonly purple, the spongy, absorbent fruit is used in several cuisines. Typically used as a vegetable in cooking. In tropical and subtropical climates, eggplant can be sown in the garden. Eggplant prefers hot weather, and when grown in cold climates or in areas with low humidity, the plants languish or fail to set and produce mature fruit. Seeds are typically started eight to 10 weeks prior to the anticipated frost-free date
Purple long eggplant space exposed seeds were carried by Shijian-10
Disease-resistant tomatoes
The tomato originated in western South America, Mexico, and Central America. Numerous varieties of the tomato plant are widely grown in temperate climates across the world. Tomato plants grown from non-exposed seeds typically grow to 1–3 meters (3–10 ft) in height. They are vines that have a weak stem that sprawls and typically needs support.
Disease-resistant tomatoes space exposed seeds were carried by Shijian-10
Space Exposed Mini sweet peper
Sweet peppers (or bell peppers) are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Preferred growing conditions for Non-space exposed sweet pepper include warm, moist soil in a temperature range of 21 to 29 °C.
Mini sweet pepper space exposed seeds were exchanged from other receipents
Mimosa Pudica
Mimosa pudica is a creeping annual or perennial flowering plant of the pea/legume family Fabaceae. It is often grown for its curiosity value: the compound leaves fold inward and droop when touched or shaken, defending themselves from harm, and re-open a few minutes later.
Mimosa Pudica space exposed seeds were carried by Shijian-10