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Ground-based studies and space experiment with potato leaf explants.
T W Tibbitts1, J C Croxdale, C S Brown
1University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706, USA. twt@facstaff.wis.edu
This study optimized potato plant experiments for spaceflight, successfully growing tubers and accumulating starch in microgravity. Preflight research ensured plant materials met strict space system constraints for successful space biology research.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Space biology
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Spaceflight presents unique challenges for plant growth experiments.
- Adapting terrestrial plant experiments to microgravity requires significant preflight research and hardware modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate tuber formation in potato explants during spaceflight.
- To detail the preflight research necessary for spaceflight plant experiments.
Main Methods:
- Potato explants (leaf, bud, stem) were prepared using specific light, trimming, and age criteria.
- Experiments were conducted using ASTROCULTURE(TM) flight hardware on the USML-2 mission.
- Ground controls were maintained for comparison.
Main Results:
- Potato explants successfully formed tubers and accumulated starch during a 16-day spaceflight.
- Results were comparable to those obtained from ground controls.
- The experiment overcame multiple preflight delays ('scrubs').
Conclusions:
- Extensive preflight research is crucial for successful plant experiments in spaceflight.
- Optimized potato explants can undergo tuber formation and starch accumulation in microgravity.
- The ASTROCULTURE(TM) hardware is suitable for studying plant development in space.
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