[Chufa (Cyperus esculentus) as a source of vegetable fats in a sealed life-support system]

The cultivation schemes, productivity, total biochemical, lipid in particular, composition of nodules of chufa (Cyperus esculentus) were studied, using a phytotron. Upon continuous illumination chufa yielded a high total productivity and a satisfactory coefficient of economic effectiveness (not less than 50%). Chufa nodules have an optimal ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats containing essential fatty acids. To meet man's requirements for vegetable oils and essential fatty acids, it is necessary to produce daily 150--200 g dry chufa nodules which are quite acceptable as a dietary ingredient.