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Grapevines grown for more than a year in microgravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS) show signs of increased resistance to mildew and phylloxera. The Mission Wise project researchers also noted changes in the space vines' polyphenol content, growth rates and bacteria and fungi associated with the plants.
The research programme was developed by the private European company Space Cargo Unlimited. The scientific head of Space Cargo Unlimited's cell biology department, Michael Lebert from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, says: "The latest results clearly confirm the effectiveness of our process of self-directed evolution, which represents a promising opportunity for organic solutions for the future of agriculture on Earth. Space offers an opportunity to develop new organic grape varieties that are more resistant to climate change.".
Space vines were planted in February 2022, with the first harvest expected in 2023.
(al / source: drinksbusiness; photo: 123rf)
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