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Maffei ME, Balestrini R, Costantino P, Lanfranco L, Morgante M, Battistelli A, Del Bianco M. The physiology of plants in the context of space exploration. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1311. [PMID: 39394270 PMCID: PMC11470014 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06989-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The stress that the space environment can induce on plant physiology is of both abiotic and biotic nature. The abiotic space environment is characterized by ionizing radiation and altered gravity, geomagnetic field (GMF), pressure, and light conditions. Biotic interactions include both pathogenic and beneficial interactions. Here, we provide an overall picture of the effects of abiotic and biotic space-related factors on plant physiology. The knowledge required for the success of future space missions will lead to a better understanding of fundamental aspects of plant physiological responses, thus providing useful tools for plant breeding and agricultural practices on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo E Maffei
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Plant Physiology Unit, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Balestrini
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Costantino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", University of Rome "Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Lanfranco
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Michele Morgante
- Institute of Applied Genomics, University of Udine, Via Jacopo Linussio 51, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Alberto Battistelli
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), National Research Council, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 2, 05010, Porano, Italy
| | - Marta Del Bianco
- Italian Space Agency, Viale del Politecnico s.n.c., 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Centre for Space Life Sciences, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Roma, Italy.
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Przemieniecki SW, Kalisz B, Katzer J, Wamelink GWW, Kosewska O, Kosewska A, Sowiński P, Mastalerz J. Effect of vermicompost on rhizobiome and the growth of wheat on Martian regolith simulant. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173299. [PMID: 38761954 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
As humanity embarks on the journey to establish permanent colonies on Mars, ensuring a reliable source of sustenance will be crucial. Therefore, detailed studies regarding crop cultivation using Martian simulants are of great importance. This study aimed to grow wheat on substrates based on soil and Martian simulants, with the addition of vermicompost, to investigate the differences in wheat development. Basic physical and chemical properties of substrates were examined, including determination of macro- and microelements as well as their microbiological properties. Plant growth parameters were also determined. The addition of vermicompost positively affected wheat grown on soil, but the effect on plants grown on substrate with Martian simulants was negligible. Comparing the microbiological and chemical components, it was observed that plants can defend themselves against the negative effects of growth on the Martian simulants, but their success depends on having the PGPR (Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) present, which can provide the plant with additional nitrogen. The presence of beneficial symbiotic microbiota will allow the wheat to wait out the negative growth time rather than adapt to the regolith environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Wojciech Przemieniecki
- Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Barbara Kalisz
- Department of Soil Science and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jacek Katzer
- Center of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
| | - G W Wieger Wamelink
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Olga Kosewska
- Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kosewska
- Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Paweł Sowiński
- Department of Soil Science and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jędrzej Mastalerz
- Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
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Gonçalves R, Wamelink GWW, van der Putten P, Evers JB. Intercropping on Mars: A promising system to optimise fresh food production in future martian colonies. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302149. [PMID: 38691526 PMCID: PMC11062560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Future colonists on Mars will need to produce fresh food locally to acquire key nutrients lost in food dehydration, the primary technique for sending food to space. In this study we aimed to test the viability and prospect of applying an intercropping system as a method for soil-based food production in Martian colonies. This novel approach to Martian agriculture adds valuable insight into how we can optimise resource use and enhance colony self-sustainability, since Martian colonies will operate under very limited space, energy, and Earth supplies. A likely early Martian agricultural setting was simulated using small pots, a controlled greenhouse environment, and species compliant with space mission requirements. Pea (Pisum sativum), carrot (Daucus carota) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were grown in three soil types ("MMS-1" Mars regolith simulant, potting soil and sand), planted either mixed (intercropping) or separate (monocropping). Rhizobia bacteria (Rhizobium leguminosarum) were added as the pea symbiont for Nitrogen-fixing. Plant performance was measured as above-ground biomass (g), yield (g), harvest index (%), and Nitrogen/Phosphorus/Potassium content in yield (g/kg). The overall intercropping system performance was calculated as total relative yield (RYT). Intercropping had clear effects on plant performance in Mars regolith, being beneficial for tomato but mostly detrimental for pea and carrot, ultimately giving an overall yield disadvantage compared to monocropping (RYT = 0.93). This effect likely resulted from the observed absence of Rhizobia nodulation in Mars regolith, negating Nitrogen-fixation and preventing intercropped plants from leveraging their complementarity. Adverse regolith conditions-high pH, elevated compactness and nutrient deficiencies-presumably restricted Rhizobia survival/nodulation. In sand, where more favourable soil conditions promoted effective nodulation, intercropping significantly outperformed monocropping (RYT = 1.32). Given this, we suggest that with simple regolith improvements, enhancing conditions for nodulation, intercropping shows promise as a method for optimising food production in Martian colonies. Specific regolith ameliorations are proposed for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Gonçalves
- Centre for Crop System Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - G. W. Wieger Wamelink
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter van der Putten
- Centre for Crop System Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jochem B. Evers
- Centre for Crop System Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Wang H, Pijl A, Liu B, Wamelink W, Korthals GW, Costa OYA, Kuramae EE. A Comparison of Different Protocols for the Extraction of Microbial DNA Inhabiting Synthetic Mars Simulant Soil. Microorganisms 2024; 12:760. [PMID: 38674704 PMCID: PMC11051824 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with typical Earth soil, Martian soil and Mars simulant soils have distinct properties, including pH > 8.0 and high contents of silicates, iron-rich minerals, sulfates, and metal oxides. This unique soil matrix poses a major challenge for extracting microbial DNA. In particular, mineral adsorption and the generation of destructive hydroxyl radicals through cationic redox cycling may interfere with DNA extraction. This study evaluated different protocols for extracting microbial DNA from Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1), a Mars simulant soil. Two commercial kits were tested: the FastDNA SPIN Kit for soil ("MP kit") and the DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit ("PowerSoil kit"). MGS-1 was incubated with living soil for five weeks, and DNA was extracted from aliquots using the kits. After extraction, the DNA was quantified with a NanoDrop spectrophotometer and used as the template for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and qPCR. The MP kit was the most efficient, yielding approximately four times more DNA than the PowerSoil kit. DNA extracted using the MP kit with 0.5 g soil resulted in 28,642-37,805 16S rRNA gene sequence reads and 30,380-42,070 16S rRNA gene copies, whereas the 16S rRNA gene could not be amplified from DNA extracted using the PowerSoil kit. We suggest that the FastDNA SPIN Kit is the best option for studying microbial communities in Mars simulant soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands; (H.W.); (A.P.); (O.Y.A.C.)
- Ecology and Biodiversity, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Agata Pijl
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands; (H.W.); (A.P.); (O.Y.A.C.)
| | - Binbin Liu
- Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 286 Huaizhong Road, Shijiazhuang 050021, China;
| | - Wieger Wamelink
- Biodiversity and Policy, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Gerard W. Korthals
- Bioindications and Plant Health, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Ohana Y. A. Costa
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands; (H.W.); (A.P.); (O.Y.A.C.)
| | - Eiko E. Kuramae
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands; (H.W.); (A.P.); (O.Y.A.C.)
- Ecology and Biodiversity, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Prescott RD, Chan YL, Tong EJ, Bunn F, Onouye CT, Handel C, Lo CC, Davenport K, Johnson S, Flynn M, Saito JA, Lee H, Wong K, Lawson BN, Hiura K, Sager K, Sadones M, Hill EC, Esibill D, Cockell CS, Santomartino R, Chain PS, Decho AW, Donachie SP. Bridging Place-Based Astrobiology Education with Genomics, Including Descriptions of Three Novel Bacterial Species Isolated from Mars Analog Sites of Cultural Relevance. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:1348-1367. [PMID: 38079228 PMCID: PMC10750312 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Democratizing genomic data science, including bioinformatics, can diversify the STEM workforce and may, in turn, bring new perspectives into the space sciences. In this respect, the development of education and research programs that bridge genome science with "place" and world-views specific to a given region are valuable for Indigenous students and educators. Through a multi-institutional collaboration, we developed an ongoing education program and model that includes Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, free bioinformatic platforms, and teacher training workshops to address our research and education goals through a place-based science education lens. High school students and researchers cultivated, sequenced, assembled, and annotated the genomes of 13 bacteria from Mars analog sites with cultural relevance, 10 of which were novel species. Students, teachers, and community members assisted with the discovery of new, potentially chemolithotrophic bacteria relevant to astrobiology. This joint education-research program also led to the discovery of species from Mars analog sites capable of producing N-acyl homoserine lactones, which are quorum-sensing molecules used in bacterial communication. Whole genome sequencing was completed in high school classrooms, and connected students to funded space research, increased research output, and provided culturally relevant, place-based science education, with participants naming three novel species described here. Students at St. Andrew's School (Honolulu, Hawai'i) proposed the name Bradyrhizobium prioritasuperba for the type strain, BL16AT, of the new species (DSM 112479T = NCTC 14602T). The nonprofit organization Kauluakalana proposed the name Brenneria ulupoensis for the type strain, K61T, of the new species (DSM 116657T = LMG = 33184T), and Hawai'i Baptist Academy students proposed the name Paraflavitalea speifideiaquila for the type strain, BL16ET, of the new species (DSM 112478T = NCTC 14603T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca D. Prescott
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yvonne L. Chan
- Office of Community Science, ‘Iolani School, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Eric J. Tong
- Office of Community Science, ‘Iolani School, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Fiona Bunn
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chiyoko T. Onouye
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Christy Handel
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Chien-Chi Lo
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Karen Davenport
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Shannon Johnson
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Mark Flynn
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Saito
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Herb Lee
- Pacific American Foundation, Kailua, Hawai‘i, USA
| | | | - Brittany N. Lawson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Kayla Hiura
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Kailey Sager
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Mia Sadones
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | - Ethan C. Hill
- Office of Community Science, ‘Iolani School, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
| | | | - Charles S. Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Santomartino
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick S.G. Chain
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Alan W. Decho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Stuart P. Donachie
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA
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Koehle AP, Brumwell SL, Seto EP, Lynch AM, Urbaniak C. Microbial applications for sustainable space exploration beyond low Earth orbit. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:47. [PMID: 37344487 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00285-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
With the construction of the International Space Station, humans have been continuously living and working in space for 22 years. Microbial studies in space and other extreme environments on Earth have shown the ability for bacteria and fungi to adapt and change compared to "normal" conditions. Some of these changes, like biofilm formation, can impact astronaut health and spacecraft integrity in a negative way, while others, such as a propensity for plastic degradation, can promote self-sufficiency and sustainability in space. With the next era of space exploration upon us, which will see crewed missions to the Moon and Mars in the next 10 years, incorporating microbiology research into planning, decision-making, and mission design will be paramount to ensuring success of these long-duration missions. These can include astronaut microbiome studies to protect against infections, immune system dysfunction and bone deterioration, or biological in situ resource utilization (bISRU) studies that incorporate microbes to act as radiation shields, create electricity and establish robust plant habitats for fresh food and recycling of waste. In this review, information will be presented on the beneficial use of microbes in bioregenerative life support systems, their applicability to bISRU, and their capability to be genetically engineered for biotechnological space applications. In addition, we discuss the negative effect microbes and microbial communities may have on long-duration space travel and provide mitigation strategies to reduce their impact. Utilizing the benefits of microbes, while understanding their limitations, will help us explore deeper into space and develop sustainable human habitats on the Moon, Mars and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P Koehle
- Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie L Brumwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Anne M Lynch
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- ZIN Technologies Inc, Middleburg Heights, OH, USA.
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Pirhanov GG. Sinorhizobium meliloti AS A PERSPECTIVE OBJECT FOR MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY. BIOTECHNOLOGIA ACTA 2021. [DOI: 10.15407/biotech14.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sinorhizobium meliloti is a Gram-negative soil nitrogen-fixing bacterium that increases the yield of legumes. There is information in the literature about the complete genome sequence of this bacterium, in addition, the polysaccharide composition of the biofilm, which is actively involved in nitrogen fixation, has been studied. The well-known nucleotide sequence, as well as the genetic and biochemical features of S. meliloti make this organism an ideal model for biotechnological research. The purpose of this work was to analyze the current data provided in the literature on the symbiotic interaction of Sinorhizobium meliloti with the host plant, and to characterize the main directions of the use of this bacterium in agriculture, bioremediation and medicine.
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