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<p>In preparation of a flight experiment, ground-based studies for optimizing the growth of radishes (Raphanus sativus) were conducted at the ground-based Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) unit at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The APH provides a large, environmentally controlled chamber that has been used to grow various plants, such as Arabidopsis, wheat, peppers, and now radish. In support of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s goals to provide astronauts with fresh vegetables and fruits in a confined space, it is important to extend the cultivation period to produce substantial biomass. We selected Raphanus sativus cv. Cherry Belle as test variety both for preliminary tests and flight experiments because it provides edible biomass in as few as four weeks, has desirable secondary metabolites (glucosinolates), is rich in minerals, and requires relatively little space. We report our strategies to optimize the growth substrate, watering regimen, light settings, and planting design that produces good-sized radishes, minimizes competition, and allows for easy harvesting. This information will be applicable for growth optimization of other crop plants that will be grown in the APH or other future plant growth facilities.</p>
</abstract>

In preparation of a flight experiment, ground-based studies for optimizing the growth of radishes (Raphanus sativus) were conducted at the ground-based Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) unit at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The APH provides a large, environmentally controlled chamber that has been used to grow various plants, such as Arabidopsis, wheat, peppers, and now radish. In support of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s goals to provide astronauts with fresh vegetables and fruits in a confined space, it is important to extend the cultivation period to produce substantial biomass. We selected Raphanus sativus cv. Cherry Belle as test variety both for preliminary tests and flight experiments because it provides edible biomass in as few as four weeks, has desirable secondary metabolites (glucosinolates), is rich in minerals, and requires relatively little space. We report our strategies to optimize the growth substrate, watering regimen, light settings, and planting design that produces good-sized radishes, minimizes competition, and allows for easy harvesting. This information will be applicable for growth optimization of other crop plants that will be grown in the APH or other future plant growth facilities.

Space Flight Cultivation for Radish (<italic>Raphanus sativus</italic>) in the Advanced Plant Habitat

Gravitational and Space Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Space Flight Cultivation for Radish () in the Advanced Plant Habitat

In preparation of a flight experiment, ground-based studies for optimizing the growth of radishes (Raphanus sativus) were conducted at the ground-based...

Space Flight Cultivation for Radish (Raphanus sativus) in the Advanced Plant Habitat

Article Category: Research Note

Published Online: Aug 23, 2021

Page range: 121 - 132

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gsr-2021-0010

Keywords
Advanced Plant Habitat, Arcillite, Red and Blue light, Raphanus sativus, Science Carrier

© 2021 Susan John et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Space Flight Cultivation for Radish (Raphanus sativus) in the Advanced Plant Habitat

Article Category: Research Note

Published Online: Aug 23, 2021

Page range: 121 - 132

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gsr-2021-0010

KeywordsAdvanced Plant Habitat, Arcillite, Red and Blue light, Raphanus sativus, Science Carrier

© 2021 Susan John et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Advanced Plant Habitat, Arcillite, Red and Blue light, Raphanus sativus, Science Carrier