Normal Growth Seen in Tomatoes From Outer Space

Tomato seeds exposed to the rigors of space travel for six years seem to be germinating normally, scientists said.

The first small batch of seeds recently returned from a NASA satellite were put on display this week, and they are apparently sprouting normally in a germination test that began last Saturday, said a spokesman for Park Seed Co., which provided the seeds for the experiment.

In addition to the 12.5 million tomato seeds, there were 120 other types of seeds, including corn, onion, cucumber and sunflower.

Scientists will look for mutations caused by the heavy radiation the seeds were exposed to in space aboard the Long Duration Exposure Facility. Plants grown from the seeds will be examined for differences in color--indicating a loss of chlorophyll--and for differences in leaves, flowers and fruit.

The results may be significant in determining whether food can be grown in outer space.

Most of the samples will be shipped to colleges and elementary and high schools for experiments. The results will be sent to Oklahoma State University, which will publish a report this fall.