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De Micco V, Arena C, Di Fino L, Narici L. Radiation environment in exploration-class space missions and plants' responses relevant for cultivation in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1001158. [PMID: 36212311 PMCID: PMC9540851 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1001158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
For deep space exploration, radiation effects on astronauts, and on items fundamental for life support systems, must be kept under a pre-agreed threshold to avoid detrimental outcomes. Therefore, it is fundamental to achieve a deep knowledge on the radiation spatial and temporal variability in the different mission scenarios as well as on the responses of different organisms to space-relevant radiation. In this paper, we first consider the radiation issue for space exploration from a physics point of view by giving an overview of the topics related to the spatial and temporal variability of space radiation, as well as on measurement and simulation of irradiation, then we focus on biological issues converging the attention on plants as one of the fundamental components of Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS). In fact, plants in BLSS act as regenerators of resources (i.e. oxygen production, carbon dioxide removal, water and wastes recycling) and producers of fresh food. In particular, we summarize some basic statements on plant radio-resistance deriving from recent literature and concentrate on endpoints critical for the development of Space agriculture. We finally indicate some perspective, suggesting the direction future research should follow to standardize methods and protocols for irradiation experiments moving towards studies to validate with space-relevant radiation the current knowledge. Indeed, the latter derives instead from experiments conducted with different radiation types and doses and often with not space-oriented scopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica De Micco
- Laboratory of Plant and Wood Anatomy, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Arena
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Di Fino
- Physics Department, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Livio Narici
- Physics Department, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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Vitale E, Izzo LG, Amitrano C, Velikova V, Tsonev T, Simoniello P, De Micco V, Arena C. Light Quality Modulates Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Properties of B. vulgaris L. Plants from Seeds Irradiated with High-Energy Heavy Ions: Implications for Cultivation in Space. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1816. [PMID: 35890451 PMCID: PMC9316636 DOI: 10.3390/plants11141816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Beta vulgaris L. is a crop selected for cultivation in Space for its nutritional properties. However, exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) can alter plant photosynthetic performance and phytochemical production in the extraterrestrial environment. This study investigated if plant growth under different light quality regimes (FL-white fluorescent; RGB-red-green-blue; RB-red-blue) modifies the photosynthetic behavior and bioactive compound synthesis of plants sprouted by dry seeds irradiated with carbon or titanium high-energy ions. The study evidenced that: (i) the plant response depends on the type of heavyion; (ii) control and C-ion-irradiated plants were similar for photosynthetic pigment content and PSII photochemical efficiency, regardless of the LQ regime; (iii) under FL, net photosynthesis (AN) and water use efficiency (iWUE) declined in C- and Ti-ion plants compared to control, while the growth of irradiated plants under RGB and RB regimes offset these differences; (iv) the interaction Ti-ion× RB improved iWUE, and stimulated the production of pigments, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. The overall results highlighted that the cultivation of irradiated plants under specific LQ regimes effectively regulates photosynthesis and bioactive compound amounts in leaf edible tissues. In particular, the interaction Ti-ion × RB improved iWUE and increased pigments, carbohydrates, and antioxidant content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermenegilda Vitale
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (L.G.I.); (C.A.); (V.D.M.)
| | - Luigi Gennaro Izzo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (L.G.I.); (C.A.); (V.D.M.)
| | - Chiara Amitrano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (L.G.I.); (C.A.); (V.D.M.)
| | - Violeta Velikova
- Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (V.V.); (T.T.)
| | - Tsonko Tsonev
- Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (V.V.); (T.T.)
| | - Palma Simoniello
- Department of Science and Technology, Parthenope University of Naples, Via Acton 38, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Veronica De Micco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (L.G.I.); (C.A.); (V.D.M.)
| | - Carmen Arena
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy;
- BAT Center—Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, 80055 Portici, Italy
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Vitale E, Velikova V, Tsonev T, Costanzo G, Paradiso R, Arena C. Manipulation of light quality is an effective tool to regulate photosynthetic capacity and fruit antioxidant properties of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. 'Microtom' in a controlled environment. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13677. [PMID: 35795173 PMCID: PMC9252183 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Light quality plays an essential role in setting plant structural and functional traits, including antioxidant compounds. This paper aimed to assess how manipulating the light spectrum during growth may regulate the photosynthetic activity and fruit bioactive compound synthesis in Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. 'Microtom' to improve plant physiological performance and fruit nutritional value. Plants were cultivated under three light quality regimes: red-green-blue LEDs (RGB), red-blue LEDs (RB) and white fluorescent lamps (FL), from sowing to fruit ripening. Leaf functional traits, photosynthetic efficiency, Rubisco and D1 protein expression, and antioxidant production in fruits were analyzed. Compared to FL, RGB and RB regimes reduced height and increased leaf number and specific leaf area, enhancing plant dwarf growth. The RGB regime improved photosynthesis and stomatal conductance despite lower biomass, favoring Rubisco synthesis and carboxylation rate than RB and FL regimes. The RB light produced plants with fewer flowers and fruits with a lower ascorbic acid amount but the highest polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities. Our data indicate that the high percentage of the green wavelength in the RGB regime promoted photosynthesis and reduced plant reproductive capacity compared to FL and RB. Conversely, the RB regime was the best in favoring the production of health-promoting compounds in tomato berries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Violeta Velikova
- Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tsonko Tsonev
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Giulia Costanzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Paradiso
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Carmen Arena
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy,BAT Center-Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, Portici, Italy
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De Micco V, De Francesco S, Amitrano C, Arena C. Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Carbon- and Titanium-Ions Irradiation on Morpho-Anatomical and Biochemical Traits of Dolichos melanophthalmus DC. Seedlings Aimed to Space Exploration. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10112272. [PMID: 34834635 PMCID: PMC8618800 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The realization of manned missions for space exploration requires the development of Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs) to make human colonies self-sufficient in terms of resources. Indeed, in these systems, plants contribute to resource regeneration and food production. However, the cultivation of plants in space is influenced by ionizing radiation which can have positive, null, or negative effects on plant growth depending on intrinsic and environmental/cultivation factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of high-LET (Linear Energy Transfer) ionizing radiation on seed germination and seedling development in eye bean. Dry seeds of Dolichos melanophthalmus DC. (eye bean) were irradiated with two doses (1 and 10 Gy) of C- and Ti-ions. Seedlings from irradiated seeds were compared with non-irradiated controls in terms of morpho-anatomical and biochemical traits. Results showed that the responses of eye bean plants to radiation are dose-specific and dependent on the type of ion. The information obtained from this study will be useful for evaluating the radio-resistance of eye bean seedlings, for their possible cultivation and utilization as food supplement in space environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica De Micco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (S.D.F.); (C.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara De Francesco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (S.D.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Chiara Amitrano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (S.D.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Carmen Arena
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Portici, Italy
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