Current research, Plant Habitat-07It looks at how plants and their associated communities of microorganisms respond to different water levels. The research used ‘Outredgeous’ red romaine lettuce, a food crop that already grows well on the International Space Station. The results of this research can inform ways to grow healthy crops under different water conditions in space and on Earth.
A wide range of crops and methods of growing them have been tested in a number of plant studies on the space station. Researchers have successfully grown lettuce, Chinese cabbage, mustard greens, bananas, tomatoes, radishes and chili peppers in space. Here are the details of the results of the initial plant studies.
gave Veg-04A And Veg-04B The research looked at the effects of light quality and fertilizer on plant growth in space. The researchers found Differences in yield and nutrient content depend on how leafy greens are grown and harvested – including the choice of light spectrum (red vs. blue), a consideration in the design of future plant growth facilities.
APEX-04 studied the molecular changes in oilcress seeds. The researchers found Differences in the expression of specific genes in the plant root system, including two genes not previously known to affect root development. The finding could indicate ways to genetically modify plants for better growth on future long-duration missions.
Plant signalingA NASA investigation in collaboration with ESA (European Space Agency) studied the effects of different levels of gravity on plant growth, and Plant RNA regulation Comparison and replication of genes involved in root and shoot development in microgravity 1 Yes (Earth’s gravity). Both investigations used the European Modular Cultivation System, a centrifuge that creates 1 . Yes It makes it possible to examine the effects of partial gravity in space. The investigation found Increased expression of some genes, such as those involved in mild responses, and decreased expression of others, including defense responses. These findings can help inform the design of space-based plant growth facilities.
Auxins are plant hormones that affect processes such as root growth. Gravity affects the abundance of these hormones and their movement within plants. Auxin transporta JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) investigation examined the role of auxins in controlling the growth of pea and maize seeds in microgravity. The researchers found Microgravity is responsible for the decrease in hormones involved in determining the direction of growth in pea seeds and the increase in the same hormones in corn seeds. Understanding how microgravity affects plant hormonal pathways can improve the design of space-based plant growth systems.
Plant growth on Earth is strongly influenced by gravity, but how it works at the molecular level is poorly understood. APEX-03-1 investigated the effects of microgravity on plant growth and, along with previous studies, Showed that space flight triggers changes in the growth of cell walls in plant roots. Strong cell walls provide the mechanical strength needed for root growth, and the finding provides insight into how to develop plants that are adapted to space conditions.
of JAXA Resist the tubule. Also studied the mechanism of gravity resistance in plants. The researchers found that watercress plants grown in microgravity exhibit lower levels of sterols, compounds involved in a variety of cellular processes, which can limit plant growth. The findings could help scientists genetically engineer plants that grow better in microgravity.
Melissa Gaskell
International Space Station Research Communications Team
Johnson Space Center