Preparations for CELSS flight experiments with wheat

Area of Science:

• Plant science
• Space biology
• Astrobiology

Background:

• Space exploration requires understanding plant growth in microgravity.
• Previous research indicates environmental factors like light and water affect plant development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of microgravity on Superdwarf wheat life cycle development.
• To measure key physiological processes (photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration) in space.
• To evaluate plant growth chamber environments and optimize conditions for space experiments.

Main Methods:

• Conducting short-term space shuttle and long-term space station Mir experiments.
• Utilizing modified Plant Growth Unit (PGU) on shuttle and Svet/Svetoblock 2/Oasis on Mir.
• Performing ground-based studies to simulate space growth chamber conditions (low light, controlled water/nutrient supply).
• Testing various rooting substrates for optimal plant support.

Main Results:

• Ground studies demonstrate that low light levels (50-400 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) significantly delay wheat developmental stages compared to higher light (400 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹).
• A 1:1:1 mixture of peat:perlite:vermiculite is identified as a potentially optimal rooting substrate for shuttle experiments.
• Low irradiance (100-250 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and water/nutrient supply are identified as critical challenges for space-based plant growth.

Conclusions:

• Microgravity and controlled environmental factors significantly impact wheat development and physiology.
• Optimized rooting substrates and light conditions are crucial for successful plant cultivation in space.
• Further research is needed to address challenges in water/nutrient delivery and low light for long-duration space experiments.