Feb 22, 2016

NASA grows potatoes under Mars-like conditions in Peru

A joint research project between NASA and the International Potato Center (CIP) is studying potato growth under Mars-like conditions. The research team is growing potatoes in a lab with soils from the Pampas de La Joya Desert in Peru and atmospheric conditions similar to those found on Mars, according to CIP.

The project, which began in January, is currently in the first of three phases, Scientific American reports. Researchers have already planted potatoes and will freeze them in the second phase of the project to test if they can be revived and planted again. In the final phase, the potatoes will be grown in space.

Here’s more from Scientific American:

Scientists hope to have the first results in three months, says Joel Ranck, CIP spokesperson. For the first phase of the experiment, researchers will try to plant type LTVR (lowland tropic virus-resistant) potato clones.

An important feature of this variety is resistance to some of the viruses that most commonly attack potatoes such as PVY, PVX and PLRV. Among its other traits: it ripens fast—in 90 to 100 days; can produce tubers at high temperatures; and has high drought tolerance.

But it is not all about Mars. Scientists believe that the information gathered will also provide valuable data to find practical solutions to problems potato crops face on Earth, including the effects of global warming.