The first horticultural seedlings germinated in Argentine Antarctica

The Antarctic Hydroponic Production Module (MAPHI) installed at the Marambio Joint Antarctic Base began to produce the first arugula and lettuce plants, of the Morada and Grand Rapid varieties. This achievement is part of a project of INTA, the Joint Antarctic Command, the National Antarctic Directorate and the National University of Southern Patagonia. From the Marambio Base, Jorge Birgi -researcher from INTA Santa Cruz, who is together with his colleague Boris Díaz in the hydroponic module in charge of plant development- highlighted that "the work is very intense, but we are experiencing it very enthusiasm because we are producing in the first horticultural plants in Argentine Antarctica”. The achievement is part of a joint project that aims to produce fresh vegetables with the aim of improving the quality of life and diet of those who work on the white continent. Thus, they will stop consuming canned vegetables. According to Birgi, they are in full completion of the last of ...