Scientists Grow Potatoes in Mars-Like Conditions

Scientists in Peru successfully grew potatoes in soil and atmospheric conditions that mirrored those on Mars.

Just like in the book "The Martian," scientists at the International Potato Center (CIP) were able to breed potatoes using enriched soil.

"It was a pleasant surprise to see that potatoes we've bred to tolerate abiotic stress were able to produce tubers in this soil," CIP potato breeder Walter Amoros said.

Researchers have discovered that soil from the Pampas de La Joya desert in Southern Peru is similar to Martian soil. They enhanced that soil with more fertile soil to give it nutrition and structure.

"The results indicate that our efforts to breed varieties with high potential for strengthening food security in areas that are affected, or will be affected by climate change, are working," Amoros said.

The potato-growing project was reported in December 2015, with the CIP saying it was hopeful the starchy crop could grow in less-than-optimal conditions because of climate change.

"We need people to understand that if we can grow potatoes in extreme conditions like those on Mars, we can save lives on Earth," CIP communication head Joel Ranck said at the time.

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