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Published on: December 17, 2017
Plant reproduction systems in microgravity: experimental data and hypotheses.
1Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Space biology research shows that while plants can grow in microgravity, reproductive development is impaired, leading to sterile flowers and non-viable seeds. Further studies are needed to understand and overcome these challenges for space colonization.
Area of Science:
- Space Biology
- Plant Science
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Complete plant ontogenesis in microgravity is crucial for the Controlled Environment Life Support System (CELSS) program.
- Limited spaceflight experiments with Arabidopsis thaliana have been conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reproductive development of higher plants in microgravity.
- To understand the factors affecting seed production and viability in space.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana development in microgravity conditions.
- Comparison of space-flown plants with ground controls.
- Cytological examination of reproductive organs.
Main Results:
- Plants can flower and fruit in microgravity, but generative organ development is abnormal.
- Buds and flowers primarily contain sterile elements that degenerate.
- Many seeds formed in microgravity lack embryos, indicating male and female sterility.
- Observed sterility resembles natural sexual differentiation processes.
Conclusions:
- Microgravity significantly impacts plant reproductive success, leading to sterile flowers and undeveloped seeds.
- Hypotheses include nutritional deficiency, insufficient light, hormonal imbalances, and lack of pollination/fertilization.
- Further research is required to test these hypotheses and enable viable seed production in space.
