Worcester Polytechnic Institute Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Title page for ETD etd-0121104-221651


Document Typethesis
Author NameRomagnano, Joseph F.
Email Address joe at joeswebhut.net
URNetd-0121104-221651
TitleAeration and Mode of Nutrient Delivery Affects Growth Of Peas in a Controlled Environment
DegreeMS
DepartmentBiology & Biotechnology
Advisors
  • Dr. Pamela J. Weathers, Advisor
  • Dr. Ronald Cheetham, Committee Member
  • Dr. John Sullivan, Committee Member
  • Dr. Jill Rulfs, Department Head
  • Keywords
  • advanced life support
  • ethylene
  • carbon dioxide
  • pisum sativum
  • root hypoxia
  • oxygen
  • bioregenerative life support
  • Date of Presentation/Defense2003-12-16
    Availability unrestricted

    Abstract

    Abstract

    The development of a plant growth chamber capable

    of sustaining plant growth over multiple generations is a

    necessary step towards the attainment of a Controlled

    Ecological Life Support System (CELSS). The studies herein

    examine the effects of aeration abilities and rates on plants

    grown in three model nutrient delivery systems during

    germination and over the life-cycle of the plant. These

    studies are the first time a porous tube nutrient delivery

    system was compared to another active nutrient mist

    delivery system. During germination an indicator of hypoxic

    stress, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, was measured

    and was more affected by aeration rate than mode of

    nutrient delivery. Over the life-cycle of the plant, however,

    plants grown in the porous tube system had the least ADH

    activity and the highest levels of shoot (leaf + stem), root

    and leaf biomass. None of the plants in any system,

    however, produced viable seed. This study highlights the

    need to optimize aeration capabilities in the root zone of

    enclosed chambers.

    Files
  • jromagnano.pdf

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