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Utilization of white potatoes in CELSS.
T W Tibbitts1, S M Bennett, R C Morrow
1University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Potatoes show great promise for controlled environment life support systems (CELSS). Optimal growth conditions include specific light cycles, CO2 levels, and temperature variations, with certain cultivars demonstrating superior tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Controlled Environment Agriculture
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are a candidate crop for CELSS due to their nutritional value.
- Previous research indicates potato cultivation benefits from specific environmental controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate potato growth and yield under various CELSS conditions.
- To identify optimal environmental parameters and suitable cultivars for space agriculture.
Main Methods:
- Grew potato cultivar Denali under controlled irradiance (725 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ PPF) and CO2 (1000 µmol mol⁻¹).
- Varied photoperiods, light:dark temperature cycles (20°C:16°C to 16°C), and diurnal temperature fluctuations (22°C to 14°C).
- Screened multiple cultivars (Haig, Denali, Atlantic, Desiree, Rutt) for tolerance to continuous irradiance and elevated temperatures (28°C).
Main Results:
- Cultivar Denali yielded 37.5 g m⁻² d⁻¹ under specific light and temperature regimes.
- CO2 supplementation showed greater benefit under 12-h than 24-h irradiance.
- Diurnal temperature changes increased yields by 10-30%; specific cultivars exhibited tolerance to high temperatures.
- Optimized plant spacing (0.055 m centers) enhanced yield per m².
Conclusions:
- Potato cultivation in CELSS is feasible with optimized environmental controls.
- Cultivar selection and precise management of light, temperature, and CO2 are critical for maximizing yield.
- Further research can refine potato cultivation for sustainable life support systems.