Western Australian grain has hitched a ride on board China's Shijian-8 satellite to mutate from the extreme radiation and bring exciting new traits back to earth.

The Department of Agriculture and Food launched two of its best grain varieties - Wyalkatchem wheat and Vlamingh barley - into space as part of a crop breeding program to improve grain varieties.

The seeds, which spent 15 days in orbit, will be planted in Western Australia next season to determine if they have improved yield, disease resistance and nutritional value.

GRDC Western Panel member, Ben Curtis, was excited that what he described as 'way out' research may offer growers and the industry better, more productive varieties.

"Our industry is challenged on many fronts, including climate change, disease resistance and drought tolerance and it's therefore great to see an innovative approach to improving the industry."