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Growing Super-Dwarf wheat in Space Station Mir.
1Plants, Soils & Biometeorology Department, Utah State University, Logan 84322-4820, USA. franksals@aol.com
Life Support & Biosphere Science : International Journal of Earth Space
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Super-Dwarf wheat plants grown on Space Station Mir showed mostly vegetative growth in 1995 due to equipment failure. In 1996, despite successful growth, high ethylene levels likely caused sterile wheat heads.
Area of Science:
- Space Biology
- Plant Science
- Microgravity Research
Background:
- The Svet growth chamber on Space Station Mir was utilized for plant growth experiments.
- Environmental monitoring instrumentation was developed and integrated for these experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the growth and development of Super-Dwarf wheat in microgravity.
- To evaluate the performance of environmental control systems in space.
Main Methods:
- Super-Dwarf wheat was cultivated in the Svet chamber on Mir during two distinct periods in 1995 and 1996.
- Environmental parameters were monitored using specialized instrumentation.
- Plant growth, biomass, and head production were documented.
Main Results:
- In 1995, partial equipment failure (lamps, controller, fan) resulted in predominantly vegetative plant growth.
- In 1996, improved equipment allowed for robust growth, yielding approximately 280 heads and significant biomass.
- Wheat heads produced in 1996 were sterile.
Conclusions:
- Equipment reliability is critical for successful space-based plant cultivation.
- High ethylene concentrations in the cabin atmosphere are implicated as the cause of wheat sterility.
- Further research is needed to mitigate ethylene effects on plant reproduction in space.