Humans can successfully grow potatoes on Mars

Peruvian scientists have successfully cultivated potatoes in a Mars-like environment, opening up the prospect of growing this highly nutritious tuber on the Red Planet.

According to a reporter in South America, in a study between the International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima in conjunction with the US Aerospace Agency (NASA), scientists said the experiment of growing potatoes in Mars-like breeding environment, conducted from February 14 to March 5, has initially shown "positive" results.

Scientist Julio Valdivia Silva said the environment in the experiment is similar to the Mars environment with dry and saline soil, taken from the Pampas de la Joya region, southern Peru.

The wall of a volcanic volcano of Mars can be seen through the ash layer taken from the Curiosity vessel.(Source: EPA / VNA).

This special science project will last for 5 years. Peruvian scientists transported 7 quintals of soil and rock from the desert of Pampas de la Joya to the laboratory in Lima for this study.

According to NASA expert Chris McKay, the soil taken from Pampas de la Joya is very similar to the soil structure on Mars. The temperature at the study room of this project is closely monitored to create the Mars-like environment as possible, through sensors.

Biologists chose more than 100 varieties of Peruvian varieties of potatoes for testing.

Scientists have identified the successful cultivation of potatoes and tubers that originate in Peru's Andes, in Mars-like conditions, an extremely important step in the ambitious project between CIP and NASA. .

Currently scientists are studying the possibility of putting potatoes on experimental planting in Mars.

CIP is one of the largest testing centers in the world, specializing in tuber research and has a potato-like bank with 4,000 different varieties.

Peruvian potato varieties have good resistance, which can exist in all habitats on Earth, including up to 4,000 meters above sea level.