Microgravity's Effects on Solanum tuberosum Resistance to Phytophthora infestans
Experiment conducted by high school students to test the resistance of blight-resistant potato variety Solanum tuberosum to Phytophthora infestans in microgravity. Aim is to provide insights on growing stable food sources in space. Utilizing materials like P. infestans and Solanum tuberosum cubes, the experiment will be sent to the ISS for further investigation of tuber tissue vulnerability to P. infestans.
Uploaded on Sep 15, 2024 | 0 Views
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
From Bullard High School in Bullard, TX, with Alaina Cannon as Teacher Facilitator Co-Principal Investigators Emma Rhyne (9thgrade) and Valerie Vierkant (9thgrade) With Co-Investigators Emmalie Ellis (9thgrade) and Raelee Walker (9thgrade) Are proud to present . Microgravity s Effects on Solanum tuberosum Resistance to Phythophthorainfestans
An Introduction to Our Experiments Cast The fungus-like protistP. infestans caused the Irish Potato Famine, during which millions starved. The blight-resistant potato variety Solanum tuberosum is a tuber. It is resistant to P. infestans on earth.
Abstract Our experiment s purpose is to provide information to the scientific universe about growing stable food sources in microgravity without danger. Phytophthora infestans, or the late potato blight, devastated the past. Now that humanity dares to live in space, there is a potential for it to once again wreak havoc. Our experiment tests whether Solanum tuberosum (or blight resistant potatoes) remain blight-resistant in space. By exposing S. tuberosum to sporangia from P. infestans in microgravity, we will ascertain whether tubers are affected.
So Why Potatoes? Potatoes have been a staple food from the dawn of the known world However, based on previous experiments, potatoes can be more susceptible to disease in space The scientific community doesn t know much about how P. infestans works This experiment could further protection methods against P. infestans
Materials Four full loops of P. infestans Solanum tuberosum cut into cubes of .5 cm X .5 cm X .5 cm, with skin included on one side of all cubes. A growth medium in the form of potato dextrose agar, 2 pippettes. A ten percent bleach solution (made from 720 mL water and 80 mL bleach) Handling devices include: FME Knife Tongs 1000 mL beaker
Step-by-Step Process Step 3: Move and Assemble Involves: FME P. infestans Potato Agar Step 1: Sterilization Involves: 10% bleach Knife, tongs, and FME Step 2: Cutting Involves: Potato Knife 10% bleach Step 4: After in the FME Involves: Unclamping FME
Expected Results Our experiment will be flying to the ISS in November. In the meantime, we have some hypotheses. The tuber tissue will become more vulnerable to P. infestans in microgravity on account of a lack of permeability.
Future Questions If the potato remains resistant: What is the effect of P. infestans on blight resistant Solanum lycopersicum? What is the effect of P. infestans on non blight resistant Solanum tuberosum? If the potato does not remain resistant: What would be the resistance of Solanum tuberosum to Phytophthora infestans with the protection of name brand fungicides? What is the effect on the lifespan of Phytophthora infestans in a microgravity environment?
Acknowledgements Scott Franks, Principal of Bullard High School, Co-Director Alaina Cannon, Teacher Facilitator Jennifer Smith, Co-Teacher Facilitator Amanda Goode, SSEP Coordinator & Co-Director Chris Pawlak, Co-Director Dr. Ali Azghani, Professor at U.T. Tyler Todd Schneider, Superintendent of Bullard ISD The Bullard School Board
Partners in Funding Bullard Independent School Board Bullard Education Foundation Texas Space Grant Consortium Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), SSEP National Partner Subaru of America, Inc., SSEP National Partner
