Mutation breeding – the process of exposing seeds to radiation, such as gamma rays or heavy ion beams – allows scientists to induce genetic variations, leading to the development of new and improved crop varieties. Over the past 60 years, China has released over 1,000 mutant crop varieties, accounting for a fourth of such species listed in the IAEA/FAO’s database worldwide. This has resulted in crops with higher yields, improved nutritional content, and increased resistance to pests and diseases. For example, space-induced mutation breeding, where seeds are exposed to cosmic rays in space, has also been employed.
Another key area is the use of stable isotopes to optimise fertiliser use and animal nutrition. Stable isotopes are used to study the absorption, transfer, and metabolism of nutrients in both plants and animals. In animal science, this helps to optimise feed composition and feeding schedules, improving the protein absorption rate of dairy cows, for instance. In crop management, isotope tracing helps to understand nutrient uptake and utilisation, leading to more efficient fertiliser application and reduced environmental impact. These techniques provide higher sensitivity than conventional analytical methods, particularly when studying micronutrients.
Through close cooperation with the IAEA and FAO, China has fully integrated nuclear techniques into the work of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainable agricultural practices.