The physiology of plants in the context of space exploration
Massimo E. Maffei, Raffaella Balestrini, Paolo Costantino, Luisa Lanfranco, Michele Morgante, Alberto Battistelli, Marta Del Bianco
Abstract
The stress that the space environment can induce on plant physiology is of both abiotic and biotic nature. The abiotic space environment is characterized by ionizing radiation and altered gravity, geomagnetic field (GMF), pressure, and light conditions. Biotic interactions include both pathogenic and beneficial interactions. Here, we provide an overall picture of the effects of abiotic and biotic space-related factors on plant physiology. The knowledge required for the success of future space missions will lead to a better understanding of fundamental aspects of plant physiological responses, thus providing useful tools for plant breeding and agricultural practices on Earth. A review summarizes the effects of abiotic (ionizing radiation, altered gravity, geomagnetic field, pressure, and light conditions) and both beneficial and pathogenic biotic space-related factors on plant physiology.