Abstract
To colonise other planets, self-sufficiency of space missions is mandatory. To date, the most promising technology to support long-duration missions is the bioregenerative life support system (BLSS), in which plants as autotrophs play a crucial role in recycling wastes and producing food and oxygen. We reviewed the scientific literature on duckweed (Lemnaceae) and reported available information on plant biological traits, nutritional features, biomass production, and space applications, especially of the genus Wolffia. Results confirmed that the smallest existing higher plants are the best candidate for space BLSS. We discussed needs for further research before criticalities to be addressed to finalise the adoption of Wolffia species for space missions.
Highlights
To date, artificial ecosystems such as the bioregenerative life support system (BLSS) are the expected technology to support long interplanetary missions [1,2]
The present review focuses on additional new candidate crops, with attention to duckweeds, and the possible use of Wolffia species as plants to be cultivated in BLSSs in space
We considered that all these traits could pave the way for Wolffia species to be suitable for space cultivation
Summary
Artificial ecosystems such as the bioregenerative life support system (BLSS) are the expected technology to support long interplanetary missions [1,2]. Candidate species for space farming are increasing; plants at a different stage of development are considered; they include leafy greens, microgreens (e.g., Brassica oleracea, Rumex acetosa, Lepidium bonariense, Coriandrum sativum, Amaranthus hypochondriacu), fruit crops (e.g., Fragaria vesca, Solanum lycopersicum), and tuber crops (Solanum tuberosum) [8] These candidate species were chosen from among crop species commonly used on Earth, and current efforts focus on improving these crops with respect to, e.g., small size (dwarf varieties), fast growth and optimal nutrient content for the astronaut diet [9]. The present review focuses on additional new candidate crops, with attention to duckweeds (family Lemnaceae), and the possible use of Wolffia species as plants to be cultivated in BLSSs in space. Besides the nuanced morphological differences, important traits are common to all Lemnaceae and include small size, structural simplicity, exponential growth and genetical uniformity due to the predominant vegetative reproduction Such traits have led scientists to suggest species of the family Lemnaceae as suitable candidates for space cultivation [16,17]. We focused our attention on plant biological traits, nutritional features, biomass production, and space applications
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