What's the issue?
The issue is that, based on a recent study conducted by a team at the University of Delaware, cultivating leafy plants like lettuce and spinach in space may come with a side dish of germs. It was discovered that plants grown in artificial microgravity are more vulnerable to the disease Salmonella enterica than usual.
We already know that the International Space Station harbors a high pathogenic bacteria and fungi population. Should these microorganisms spread among the astronaut crew, their lives might be in jeopardy.
What were the opinions of the scientists?
Plant biologist Harsh Pais of the University of Delaware says, "We don't want the entire mission to fail just because of a disease outbreak that threatens food safety."
Pace and his colleagues created a laboratory environment in which lettuce plants were comparable to what they would be in zero gravity by using a gadget called a clinostat to execute some brilliant spinning antics. The bacteria S. enterica was then introduced to the leaves.
The small stomatal openings in the lettuce opened up to enable bacteria inside the plant, which was an intriguing and unexpected development. In addition to assisting in breathing, stomata typically repel potentially harmful invaders.
The researchers then introduced a more advantageous kind of bacteria that often shields plants from outside stresses. Once more, the defenses were ineffective under zero gravity, indicating that something interfered with the chemical processes lettuce typically utilizes to protect itself.
Botanist Noah Totslein of the University of Delaware states, "It was unexpected that [the stomata] remained open when subjecting them to what appeared to be stress."
The small stomatal openings in the lettuce opened up to enable bacteria inside the plant, which was an intriguing and unexpected development. In addition to assisting in breathing, stomata typically repel potentially harmful invaders.
The researchers then introduced a more advantageous kind of bacteria that often shields plants from outside stresses. Once more, the defenses were ineffective under zero gravity, indicating that something interfered with the chemical processes lettuce typically utilizes to protect itself.
Botanist Noah Totslein of the University of Delaware states, "It was unexpected that [the stomata] remained open when subjecting them to what appeared to be stress."
According to Callie Knell, a microbiologist at the University of Delaware, "We need to prepare and reduce risks in space for those who live on the International Space Station and those who may live there in the future."
It is imperative to gain a deeper comprehension of the interactions between bacterial pathogens and zero gravity to devise suitable mitigation tactics.
Conclusion
Growing salads or other crops in space presents unique challenges requiring careful planning, advanced technology, and ongoing research. While there are significant risks, it is possible to cultivate safe and nutritious food for astronauts on long-term space missions with the proper precautions and innovations.
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