ISHS Acta Horticulturae 481: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
THE GROWTH OF WHEAT IN THREE NUTRIENT-PROVIDING SUBSTRATES UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR SPACEFLIGHT APPLICATION |
| Author: | Howard G. Levine |
| Keywords: | Balkanin, Bion, peat vermiculite, Space Station, Triticum aestivum, zeolite |
| Abstract:
Three nutrient-providing substrates were evaluated for application in the growth of plants under spaceflight conditions. A synthetic zeolite pre-loaded with the essential elements for plant growth was compared to similarly loaded Balkanin and Bion-312 substrates. For each treatment, 1-day-old wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Super Dwarf) seedlings (n=45) were planted in trays (31 cm x 17 cm x 9 cm) and grown for 95 days 300 μmoles m-2 s-1 photosynthetically active radiation; 20:4 day:night cycle; 20–22 °C; 70–85% relative humidity) with only deionized water inputs. A peat-vermiculite control received ½ strength Hoagland's nutrient solution. Each plant tray included a cover (with 45 plant openings) to simulate the microgravity configuration required to prevent loss of particulates. Whereas all three substrates released nutrients in sufficient concentrations to support wheat growth and seed development, the greatest overall yield was obtained with the peat-vermiculite control which received nutrient medium supplementation. Wheat grown within the zeolite treatment displayed a prolonged period of vegetative growth, resulting in the continual production of new tillers (averaging over 10 per plant by day 95 vs 2–5 for all other treatments). | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
