FIELD OBSERVATION OF MIRCOGRAVITY EXPOSED MAIZE SEEDS AFTER CHEMO PRIMING

With Earth facing challenges such as increased urbanization, land degradation, pollution, and population growth, the search for alternative human settlement sites has gained momentum. Scientists are exploring space colonization as a potential solution, but microgravity presents significant obstacles to plant growth and food production in space. This study investigates the growth of maize seeds under simulated microgravity conditions using a clinostat. Maize seeds treated with growth stimulators (Vitamin C and Indole butyric acid) were subjected to clinorotation for 120 hours. Conducted at the Space-Earth Environment Research Laboratory, University of Benin, the experiment revealed morphological changes in maize seedlings exposed to microgravity. Height and length increased, while girth decreased compared to the control group. Minimal differences were observed in leaf number, sugar, and protein content between the control and microgravity-stimulated groups. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand the molecular mechanisms driving plant responses to microgravity and optimize space agriculture for future human habitation beyond Earth.