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Romano LE, van Loon JJWA, Izzo LG, Iovane M, Aronne G. Effects of altered gravity on growth and morphology in Wolffia globosa implications for bioregenerative life support systems and space-based agriculture. Sci Rep 2024; 14:410. [PMID: 38172193 PMCID: PMC10764921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49680-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the response of plants to varied gravitational conditions is vital for developing effective food production in space bioregenerative life support systems. This study examines the impact of altered gravity conditions on the growth and morphological responses of Wolffia globosa (commonly known as "water lentils" or "duckweed"), assessing its potential as a space crop. Although an experiment testing the effect of simulated microgravity on Wolffia globosa has been previously conducted, for the first time, we investigated the effect of multiple gravity levels on the growth and morphological traits of Wolffia globosa plants. The plant responses to simulated microgravity, simulated partial gravity (Moon), and hypergravity environments were evaluated using random positioning machines and the large-diameter centrifuge. As hypothesized, we observed a slight reaction to different gravitational levels in the growth and morphological traits of Wolffia globosa. The relative growth rates (RGR) of plants subjected to simulated microgravity and partial gravity were reduced when compared to those in other gravity levels. The morphological analysis revealed differences in plant dimensions and frond length-to-width ratios under diverse gravity conditions. Our findings showed that Wolffia globosa is responsive to gravitational changes, with its growth and morphological adaptations being slightly influenced by varying gravitational environments. As for other crop species, growth was reduced by the microgravity conditions; however, RGR remained substantial at 0.33 a day. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of Wolffia globosa as a space crop and its adaptability to diverse gravitational conditions, contributing to the development of sustainable food production and bioregenerative life support systems for future space exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leone Ermes Romano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy.
| | - Jack J W A van Loon
- Department Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pathology, Amsterdam Movement Sciences and Amsterdam Bone Center (ABC), Amsterdam University Medical Center Location VUmc and Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- TEC-MMG-LIS Lab, European Space Agency (ESA) Technology Center (ESTEC), Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Luigi Gennaro Izzo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Maurizio Iovane
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Giovanna Aronne
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
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Izzo LG, El Nakhel C, Rouphael Y, Proietti S, Paglialunga G, Moscatello S, Battistelli A, Iovane M, Romano LE, De Pascale S, Aronne G. Applying productivity and phytonutrient profile criteria in modelling species selection of microgreens as Space crops for astronaut consumption. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1210566. [PMID: 37636122 PMCID: PMC10450622 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1210566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Long-duration missions in outer Space will require technologies to regenerate environmental resources such as air and water and to produce food while recycling consumables and waste. Plants are considered the most promising biological regenerators to accomplish these functions, due to their complementary relationship with humans. Plant cultivation for Space starts with small plant growth units to produce fresh food to supplement stowed food for astronauts' onboard spacecrafts and orbital platforms. The choice of crops must be based on limiting factors such as time, energy, and volume. Consequently, small, fast-growing crops are needed to grow in microgravity and to provide astronauts with fresh food rich in functional compounds. Microgreens are functional food crops recently valued for their color and flavor enhancing properties, their rich phytonutrient content and short production cycle. Candidate species of microgreens to be harvested and eaten fresh by crew members, belong to the families Brassicaceae, Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Amarillydaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Cucurbitaceae. Methods In this study we developed and applied an algorithm to objectively compare numerous genotypes of microgreens intending to select those with the best productivity and phytonutrient profile for cultivation in Space. The selection process consisted of two subsequent phases. The first selection was based on literature data including 39 genotypes and 25 parameters related to growth, phytonutrients (e.g., tocopherol, phylloquinone, ascorbic acid, polyphenols, lutein, carotenoids, violaxanthin), and mineral elements. Parameters were implemented in a mathematical model with prioritization criteria to generate a ranking list of microgreens. The second phase was based on germination and cultivation tests specifically designed for this study and performed on the six top species resulting from the first ranking list. For the second selection, experimental data on phytonutrients were expressed as metabolite production per day per square meter. Results and discussion In the final ranking list radish and savoy cabbage resulted with the highest scores based on their productivity and phytonutrient profile. Overall, the algorithm with prioritization criteria allowed us to objectively compare candidate species and obtain a ranking list based on the combination of numerous parameters measured in the different species. This method can be also adapted to new species, parameters, or re-prioritizing the parameters for specific selection purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gennaro Izzo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Christophe El Nakhel
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Youssef Rouphael
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Simona Proietti
- National Research Council of Italy, Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Porano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Paglialunga
- National Research Council of Italy, Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Porano, Italy
| | - Stefano Moscatello
- National Research Council of Italy, Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Porano, Italy
| | - Alberto Battistelli
- National Research Council of Italy, Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Porano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Iovane
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Leone Ermes Romano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Stefania De Pascale
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Giovanna Aronne
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
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Amitrano C, Paglialunga G, Battistelli A, De Micco V, Del Bianco M, Liuzzi G, Moscatello S, Paradiso R, Proietti S, Rouphael Y, De Pascale S. Defining growth requirements of microgreens in space cultivation via biomass production, morpho-anatomical and nutritional traits analysis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1190945. [PMID: 37538067 PMCID: PMC10394706 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1190945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
During long-term manned missions to the Moon or Mars, the integration of astronauts' diet with fresh food rich in functional compounds, like microgreens, could strengthen their physiological defenses against the oxidative stress induced by the exposure to space factors. Therefore, the development of targeted cultivation practices for microgreens in space is mandatory, since the cultivation in small, closed facilities may alter plant anatomy, physiology, and resource utilization with species-specific responses. Here, the combined effect of two vapor pressure deficit levels (VPD: 0.14 and 1.71 kPa) and two light intensities (150 and 300 µmol photons m-2 s-1 PPFD) on two species for microgreen production (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. sabauda 'Vertus' and Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus 'Saxa'), was tested on biomass production per square meter, morpho-anatomical development, nutritional and nutraceutical properties. Microgreens were grown in fully controlled conditions under air temperature of 18/24°C, on coconut fiber mats, RGB light spectrum and 12 h photoperiod, till they reached the stage of first true leaves. At this stage microgreens were samples, for growth and morpho-anatomical analyses, and to investigate the biochemical composition in terms of ascorbic acid, phenols, anthocyanin, carotenoids, carbohydrates, as well as of anti-nutritional compounds, such as nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate. Major differences in growth were mostly driven by the species with 'Saxa' always presenting the highest fresh and dry weight as well as the highest elongation; however light intensity and VPDs influenced the anatomical development of microgreens, and the accumulation of ascorbic acid, carbohydrates, nitrate, and phosphate. Both 'Saxa' and 'Vertus' at low VPD (LV) and 150 PPFD increased the tissue thickness and synthetized high β-carotene and photosynthetic pigments. Moreover, 'Vertus' LV 150, produced the highest content of ascorbate, fundamental for nutritional properties in space environment. The differences among the treatments and their interaction suggested a relevant difference in resource use efficiency. In the light of the above, microgreens can be considered suitable for cultivation in limited-volume growth modules directly onboard, provided that all the environmental factors are combined and modulated according to the species requirements to enhance their growth and biomass production, and to achieve specific nutritional traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Amitrano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Paglialunga
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Porano, Terni, Italy
| | - Alberto Battistelli
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Porano, Terni, Italy
| | - Veronica De Micco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Greta Liuzzi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Moscatello
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Porano, Terni, Italy
| | - Roberta Paradiso
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Proietti
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Porano, Terni, Italy
| | - Youssef Rouphael
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania De Pascale
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Naples, Italy
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De Pascale S, Arena C, Aronne G, De Micco V, Pannico A, Paradiso R, Rouphael Y. Biology and crop production in Space environments: Challenges and opportunities. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2021; 29:30-37. [PMID: 33888285 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Long-term manned space-exploration missions and the permanence of human colonies on orbital stations or planetary habitats will require the regeneration of resources onboard or in-situ. Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs) are artificial environments where different compartments, involving both living organisms and physical-chemical processes, are integrated to achieve a safe, self-regulating, and chemically balanced Earth-like environment to support human life. Higher plants are key elements of such systems and Space greenhouses represent the producers' compartment. Growing plants in Space requires the knowledge of their growth responses not only to all environmental factors acting on Earth, but also to specific Space constraints such as altered gravity, ionizing radiations and confined volume. Moreover, cultivation techniques need to be adjusted considering such limitations. The type and intensity of environmental factors to be taken into account depend on the mission scenarios. Here, we summarize constraints and opportunities of cultivating higher plants in Space to regenerate resources and produce fresh food onboard. Both biological and agro-technological issues are considered briefly going through experiments both ground-based on Earth and in Space.
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Affiliation(s)
- S De Pascale
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - C Arena
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - G Aronne
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - V De Micco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - A Pannico
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - R Paradiso
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Y Rouphael
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
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