Science

Genetically modified rice could be the first plant grown on Mars

Genetically modified rice could be the first plant grown on Mars, the scientists of the University of Arkansas announced. The study showed that this crop is the most suitable to survive in the soil of the Red Planet.

Martian soil is known to contain perchlorate salts. These substances are dangerous to human health and toxic to plants.

The authors of the new study recreated Martian soil based on the basalt-rich soil of the Mojave Desert. It has grown three varieties of rice, one wild and two genetically engineered. Artificial mutations have helped plants better cope with stress caused by drought, sugar deficiency and  salinity.