Spatial Characterization of Microbial Communities on Multi-Species Leafy Greens Grown Simultaneously in the Vegetable Production Systems on the International Space Station

Life

Mary E. Hummerick¹  Lashelle E. Spencer¹  Anirudha R. Dixit¹  Gretchen J. Maldonado-Vasquez¹  Cory J. Spern¹  Jason A. Fischer¹  Christina L. M. Khodadad¹  Jennifer L. Gooden¹  Raymond M. Wheeler²  Ye Zhang²  Matthew W. Romeyn²  Nicole Dufour²  Gioia D. Massa²  Trent M. Smith² 

[1] Kennedy Space Center, Amentum Services, Inc., LASSO, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA;Kennedy Space Center, Utilization and Life Sciences Office, NASA, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA;

关键词: veggie;    ISS;    microbiome;    lettuce;    mizuna;    phyllosphere;   

DOI  :  10.3390/life11101060

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The establishment of steady-state continuous crop production during long-term deep space missions is critical for providing consistent nutritional and psychological benefits for the crew, potentially improving their health and performance. Three technology demonstrations were completed achieving simultaneous multi-species plant growth and the concurrent use of two Veggie units on the International Space Station (ISS). Microbiological characterization using molecular and culture-based methods was performed on leaves and roots from two harvests of three leafy greens, red romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. ‘Outredgeous’); mizuna mustard, (Brassica rapa var japonica); and green leaf lettuce, (Lactuca sativa cv. Waldmann’s) and associated rooting pillow components and Veggie chamber surfaces. Culture based enumeration and pathogen screening indicated the leafy greens were safe for consumption. Surface samples of the Veggie facility and plant pillows revealed low counts of bacteria and fungi and are commonly isolated on ISS. Community analysis was completed with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Comparisons between pillow components, and plant tissue types from VEG-03D, E, and F revealed higher diversity in roots and rooting substrate than the leaves and wick. This work provides valuable information for food production-related research on the ISS and the impact of the plant microbiome on this unique closed environment.

【 授权许可】

Unknown