Productivity Evaluation of Hormone-primed Maize Seedlings Exposed to Microgravity Environment Simulated with 2d Clinostat

The biggest challenges in long space exploration has been sustainable supply of basic life support. Plants are reliable sources of sustenance and survival because of their ability to produce Oxygen, Water, and Food. This is much more important as it provides a more sustainable energy source during space travel. Unfortunately, microgravity which is a common phenomenon in space could be hindrance to plant growth and development. This study investigated response of plant growth promoters to enhance survival, yield and development of a <i>Zea</i><i> </i><i>mays</i><i> </i>exposed to Microgravity simulated environment using 2D Clinostat. Plant growth stimulators that were used are Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) and Thiourea (TU) at concentrations of 100 ppm and 500 ppm respectively. The <i>Zea</i><i> </i><i>mays</i><i> </i>seeds were subjected to clinorotation at 0.5 rpm, and 2.5 rpm, and were observed for 120 hr. After 120hrs, the microgravity-exposed seedlings were acclimatized in experimental plants in a well-ventilated screen house for 5 days and thereafter transplanted on the field, where plant growth and yield responses were observed for 12 weeks. The study showed that addition of growth stimulators enhanced significant positive association between plant total dry weight and oxygen production efficiency. This study addresses Millennium Development Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. This it does by providing information on the possible adoption of a combination of microgravity and growth stimulation as a measure for improvement of maize, as yield increase was more than 50% through the adoption of this technology. Conclusively, growth chemo-stimulation with IAA and SNP enhanced plant growth, development and high yield of maize exposed to simulated microgravity using 2D-Clinostat.