Enhancing Plant Growth in Space through Mechanical Stimulation

Resum

In space, plants are exposed to a different environment than they are on Earth, including microgravity reducing mechanical loads and altering the spectrum of mechanical signals the plant experiences. By characterizing the plant molecular sensing system through the response to mechanical touch, we can understand stress response in plants on Earth, define how this may be altered in spaceflight, and potentially increase plant durability in both environments. Calcium signaling is also known to be an important pathway that initiates these touch-triggered responses. To evaluate the role of calcium signaling in the plants’ stress response, plants were mechanically stimulated in a controlled and reproducible way using the Automated Botanical Contact Device (ABCD). To better understand the link between calcium signals and stress response, three mutants (cpk1, cpk5, and glr3.3glr3.6) were evaluated and compared to the wild type Col-0. We found that mutants with disturbed calcium signaling had altered growth phenotype when mechanically stimulated for 5 days. By understanding the impact of touch stress on root system morphology, we can develop strategies for improving plant growth both on Earth and in spaceflight conditions.