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[Growth of wheat from seed-to-seed in space flight]
In our earlier space experiment with super dwarf wheat we found the spikes developed in space to be barren. The cause of the full crop sterility was sensitivity of this wheat species to the ethylene concentration of 0.3-0.8 mg/m3 during the experiment. The follow-up ground experiments were made to identify species of dwarf wheat that could be raised in space greenhouse Svet and are distinguished by partial tolerance of their reproductive organs to elevated ethylene in air. The choice fell on the USU-Apogee cultivar specially developed for planting in growth chambers as an integral part of various bioregenerative life support systems, including the space ones. An experiment with wheat Apogee was performed in greenhouse Svet on board MIR. The period of the full crop vegetation cycle was not significantly altered under the spaceflight conditions. The experiment yielded 508 seeds from 12 plants, i.e. by 38% less than in laboratory experiments and by 69% more as compared with results of growing crops in ethylene-contaminated atmosphere (1 mg/m3). Mass of the space seeds was low if compared with the laboratory crops. This was the first time when the feasibility of gathering seeds from wheat that had passed the whole vegetation cycle in space flight was demonstrated. The experiment will give mightly impetus to the advancement of research on space biological LSS and gravitational biology.
Raspberry Pi–powered temperature monitoring of growth chamber microclimates
While controlled environments are desirable for growing and measuring plants, growth chambers and greenhouses typically have microclimates that impact plant growth, development, and stress responses. Furthermore, opening and closing the doors of a controlled environment introduces variation in the environment, especially at temperature extremes, affecting both the measurements and the organisms within. Using multiple temperature data loggers to normalize results can be cost-prohibitive and rarely offers real-time feedback on temperature status. We used low-cost single-board computers, cameras, and temperature sensors to manage and capture growth chamber temperatures while acquiring plant image data. Detailed here are methods to document microclimates within a growth chamber so that data can be normalized to measured temperature information. This protocol describes a low-cost method for automated temperature monitoring, which enables both high-throughput measurements of temperature along with plant growth and stress responses via plant imaging.
Data from Bioenergy Sorghum Maintains Photosynthetic Capacity in Elevated Ozone Concentrations
Elevated tropospheric ozone concentration (O3) significantly reduces photosynthesis and productivity in several C4 crops including maize, switchgrass and sugarcane. However, it is unknown how O3 affects plant growth, development and productivity in sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L.), an emerging C4 bioenergy crop. Here, we investigated the effects of elevated O3 on photosynthesis, biomass and nutrient composition of a number of sorghum genotypes over two seasons in the field using free-air concentration enrichment (FACE), and in growth chambers. We also tested if elevated O3 altered the relationship between stomatal conductance and environmental conditions using two common stomatal conductance models. Sorghum genotypes showed significant variability in plant functional traits, including photosynthetic capacity, leaf N content and specific leaf area, but responded similarly to O3. At the FACE experiment, elevated O3 did not alter net CO2 assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (gs), stomatal sensitivity to the environment, chlorophyll fluorescence and plant biomass, but led to reductions in the maximum carboxylation capacity of phosphoenolpyruvate and increased stomatal limitation to A in both years. These findings suggest that bioenergy sorghum is tolerant to O3 and could be used to enhance biomass productivity in O3 polluted regions.
Development of Biocompatibility Procedures for Assessment of Plant Growth in Ground Test Hardware for the EMCS
The European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) is an European Space Agency-developed facility designed to support plant research in microgravity on the IS NASA is responsible for providing US specific hardware to use within the EMCS. In preparation for flight, research will be developed and tested at Ames Research Center in the EMCS ground test hardware, the Experiment Reference Module (ERM) In order to determine the acceptability of the ERM for such purposes, biocompatibility tests will be performed to determine that the hardware functions as intended and successfully supports the' growth of plants. In this report, we describe the development of procedures and the collection of baseline data against which to compare ERM function, e.g. biocompatibility testing. A simple and robust system was developed to grow whole Arabidopsis thaliana plants within the confined volumes characteristic of spaceflight hardware. Our system for growing plants eliminated the necessity of a water/nutrient delivery system and allowed for quantifiable assessment of individual plants, as well as entire population dynamics. To insure uniform germination, seeds were started in small straw segments and transplanted into modified scintillation vials. Seedlings were selected prior to transplantation to decrease genetic variability. Plants were grown for a total of 24 days in standard laboratory plant growth chambers under controlled conditions. Sequential digital still images were taken on a daily basis. Analysis of these images allowed for the quantification of even minute environmental effect, on growth dynamics whole plants. The data collected provide reliable growth curves against which to compare plants grown in the ERM.
Bioenergy sorghum maintains photosynthetic capacity in elevated ozone concentrations
Abstract Elevated tropospheric ozone concentration (O 3 ) significantly reduces photosynthesis and productivity in several C 4 crops including maize, switchgrass and sugarcane. However, it is unknown how O 3 affects plant growth, development and productivity in sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L.), an emerging C 4 bioenergy crop. Here, we investigated the effects of elevated O 3 on photosynthesis, biomass and nutrient composition of a number of sorghum genotypes over two seasons in the field using free‐air concentration enrichment (FACE), and in growth chambers. We also tested if elevated O 3 altered the relationship between stomatal conductance and environmental conditions using two common stomatal conductance models. Sorghum genotypes showed significant variability in plant functional traits, including photosynthetic capacity, leaf N content and specific leaf area, but responded similarly to O 3 . At the FACE experiment, elevated O 3 did not alter net CO 2 assimilation ( A ), stomatal conductance ( g s ), stomatal sensitivity to the environment, chlorophyll fluorescence and plant biomass, but led to reductions in the maximum carboxylation capacity of phosphoenolpyruvate and increased stomatal limitation to A in both years. These findings suggest that bioenergy sorghum is tolerant to O 3 and could be used to enhance biomass productivity in O 3 polluted regions.
Surface Modified Fly Ash for Value Added Products (SuMo Fly Ash)
The objective of this project is to develop a technology to encapsulate coal fly ash particles in sulfurized vegetable oil, enhancing physical and mechanical properties of the fly ash as a filler material when applied in commercial products. This project significantly advances the knowledge base and technology for synthesizing coated fly ash particles for application in different polymer matrices to increase cross-linking, compatibility, air-entrainment and to decrease the leaching potential of metals of concern. Specifically, the project focuses on (a) collection, and characterization of fly ash material from coal power plants; (b) development of Sulfurized Vegetable Oil (SVO) modified (SuMo) fly ash and their detailed characterization; (c) evaluation of the mechanical properties of the SuMo fly ash incorporated plastic and rubber composites for potential replacement of CaCO 3 or carbon black as filler materials with SuMo fly ash in plastic and rubber composites; (d) leaching potential of SuMo fly ash and SuMo fly ash-incorporated plastic and rubber composites to determine the rate of release of trace metals. The major findings of this project are: i) Sulfurized Vegetable Oil coated fly ash (SuMo fly ash) was successfully prepared with a particle size of ≤ 45 micron which exhibited hydrophobicity of contact angle > 90°; ii) the coating reduces leaching of metals (e.g., B, Cr) from fly ash when exposed to water; iii) incorporation of SuMo fly ash increases thermal stability and yield strength of plastics; iv) SuMo coating helps disperse fly ash particles into cured rubbers, natural rubber; (v) SuMo fly ash-incorporated plastic/cured rubbers compounds protects against leaching of toxic elements.
W Photoprotection in Tropical Marine Organisms
Increasing levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the earth's surface which results from stratospheric ozone depletions could have serious implications for terrestrial plants and for aquatic organisms within the euphotic zone. A documented 9% decline in ozone at mid-latitudes is considered to produce a 12% increase in harmful UV radiation. The biologically damaging effects of higher UV levels, particularly W-B (280-320 rim), could manifest earlier in the tropics because of the relative thinness of the earth's equatorial ozone layer. Tropical marine organisms are also living close to their upper tolerance levels of water temperature, However, despite the large potential effects on plants and animals, little is known about UV effects on tropical ecosystems. Long-term ecological studies are needed to quantify the effects of increased UV radiation on terrestrial and marine ecosystems and to produce reliable data for prediction. Plants have developed several mechanisms to protect themselves from harmful UV radiation, one of which is the production of secondary leaf pigments that absorb W-B radiation (screening pigments). A higher concentration of screening pigments (e.g. flavonoids) in leaves may be interpreted as a natural response to increased W radiation. If higher concentrations of flavonoids filter out the excessive W radiation, no damage will occur, as suggested by Caldwell et al. (1989) and Tevini (1993). Failure to screen all W-B may result in deleterious effects on photosynthesis, plant genetic material, and plant and leaf morphology and growth. Eventually this will have an impact on ecosystem processes, structure, species composition, and productivity. This paper describes an ongoing project that is assessing the responses of mangroves, seagrasses and corals to W radiation by studying pigment concentrations, biophysical parameters, and variations in spectral reflectance in the field and in W-reduction experiments. Preliminary results on the distribution of W-absorbing flavonoid compounds in red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) and the seagrass Thalassia testudinum, are presented. This research also provides, for the first time, a permanent record of daily W irradiance measurements at a tropical -location.
LDIP cooperates with SEIPIN and LDAP to facilitate lipid droplet biogenesis in Arabidopsis
Cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) are evolutionarily conserved organelles that store neutral lipids and play critical roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their biogenesis at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) remain obscure. Here we show that a recently identified protein termed LD-associated protein [LDAP]-interacting protein (LDIP) works together with both endoplasmic reticulum-localized SEIPIN and the LD-coat protein LDAP to facilitate LD formation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Heterologous expression in insect cells demonstrated that LDAP is required for the targeting of LDIP to the LD surface, and both proteins are required for the production of normal numbers and sizes of LDs in plant cells. LDIP also interacts with SEIPIN via a conserved hydrophobic helix in SEIPIN and LDIP functions together with SEIPIN to modulate LD numbers and sizes in plants. Further, the co-expression of both proteins is required to restore normal LD production in SEIPIN-deficient yeast cells. These data, combined with the analogous function of LDIP to a mammalian protein called LD Assembly Factor 1, are discussed in the context of a new model for LD biogenesis in plant cells with evolutionary connections to LD biogenesis in other eukaryotes.
Heliostat Observation System Commercialization Qualification HOS-C-Q (Final Technical Report)
Heliostat fields are one of the main components of a concentrated solar thermal plant. As GEN3 technology has been developed at pilot plant level targeting higher temperatures >700C, having a precise Heliostat field control system will enable the success of the GEN3 technology. Heliogen Inc. has developed the next generation of control systems for heliostat fields. Their early development was on single facet heliostats at their R&D facility in Lancaster, California. This new system allows for a closed loop integration to a current open loop setup of a regular Heliostat control system. Sandia National Laboratories and Heliogen Inc. have partnered together to test Heliogen’ s innovative new SOHOT system at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility.
Launch vehicle integration requirements for SP-100
SP-100 is the designation for a nuclear reactor-based power plant being developed for both civil and military missions beginning in the 1990s for such potential space applications as communication satellites, space radar, electric propulsion and space stations. Typically, a system using the SP-100 along with a selected upper stage system would be launched by the National Space Transportation System (NSTS) Space Shuttle System into a near-earth orbit, deployed, and through upper stage propulsion burn(s) be inserted/transferred to its mission orbit. The nature of the advanced design SP-100 gives rise to a set of issues that require special attention to assure that payloads using this power plant are physically and functionally compatible with the NSTS and meet the safety requirements thereof. The purpose of this document is to define and present the requirements and interface provisions that, when satisfied, will ensure technical compatibility between SP-100 systems and the NSTS.
Mutations in the Pectin Methyltransferase QUASIMODO2 Influence Cellulose Biosynthesis and Wall Integrity in Arabidopsis
Abstract Pectins are abundant in the cell walls of dicotyledonous plants, but how they interact with other wall polymers and influence wall integrity and cell growth has remained mysterious. Here, we verified that QUASIMODO2 (QUA2) is a pectin methyltransferase and determined that QUA2 is required for normal pectin biosynthesis. To gain further insight into how pectin affects wall assembly and integrity maintenance, we investigated cellulose biosynthesis, cellulose organization, cortical microtubules, and wall integrity signaling in two mutant alleles of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) QUA2, qua2 and tsd2. In both mutants, crystalline cellulose content is reduced, cellulose synthase particles move more slowly, and cellulose organization is aberrant. NMR analysis shows higher mobility of cellulose and matrix polysaccharides in the mutants. Microtubules in mutant hypocotyls have aberrant organization and depolymerize more readily upon treatment with oryzalin or external force. The expression of genes related to wall integrity, wall biosynthesis, and microtubule stability is dysregulated in both mutants. These data provide insights into how homogalacturonan is methylesterified upon its synthesis, the mechanisms by which pectin functionally interacts with cellulose, and how these interactions are translated into intracellular regulation to maintain the structural integrity of the cell wall during plant growth and development.
Jasmonate activates secondary cell wall biosynthesis through MYC2–MYB46 module
Formation of secondary cell wall (SCW) is tightly regulated spatiotemporally by various developmental and environmental signals. Successful fine-tuning of the trade-off between SCW biosynthesis and stress responses requires a better understanding of how plant growth is regulated under environmental stress conditions. However, the current understanding of the interplay between environmental signaling and SCW formation is limited. The lipid-derived plant hormone jasmonate (JA) and its derivatives are important signaling components involved in various physiological processes including plant growth, development, and abiotic/biotic stress responses. Recent studies suggest that JA is involved in SCW formation but the signaling pathway has not been studied for how JA regulates SCW formation. We tested this hypothesis using the transcription factor MYB46, a master switch for SCW biosynthesis, and JA treatments. Both the transcript and protein levels of MYB46, a master switch for SCW formation, were significantly increased by JA treatment, resulting in the upregulation of SCW biosynthesis. We then show that this JA-induced upregulation of MYB46 is mediated by MYC2, a central regulator of JA signaling, which binds to the promoter of MYB46. We conclude that this MYC2-MYB46 module is a key component of the plant response to JA in SCW formation.
F‐Box Protein‐Mediated Proteolytic Regulation of Phenylpropanoid Metabolism in Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
Protein ubiquitination is a central regulatory mechanism governing plant growth, development and environmental adaptation. Ubiquitylomic studies have revealed that many enzymes in phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathways are subject to ubiquitination. Increasing evidence indicates that specific F-box proteins target key enzymes in these pathways, including PAL, CCR, CAD, COMT and peroxidases in the lignin biosynthetic branch, and CHS in the flavonoid biosynthetic branch, thereby promoting their ubiquitination and selective degradation. These F-box proteins act in response to diverse developmental and environmental cues, including cellular carbon status, light quality and intensity, and biotic stresses (e.g., pathogen and insect attack). By regulating the stability and activity of both enzymes and regulatory proteins involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, F-box proteins modulate the accumulation of simple phenolics and lignin polymers, ultimately contributing to plant resilience. This review summarizes recent advances in the characterization of F-box proteins involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism and their regulatory roles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses and identifies key knowledge gaps that limit mechanistic understanding of F-box protein-mediated proteolytic regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism. In conclusion, insights into ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic control of phenylpropanoid metabolism offer promising avenues for enhancing bioactive phenolic production, advancing biofuel feedstock engineering and improving crop stress tolerance.
Boiler Health Monitoring Using a Hybrid First Principles-Artificial Intelligence Model
Due to increased penetration of the intermittent renewables to the grid, pulverized coal (PC) plants are being forced to cycle their load frequently and rapidly, operate at low load condition for sustained period, and start up and shut down several hundred times in a year in the worst case. These severe operations are causing substantial damage to the boiler components compromising the reliability of PC plants. An online health monitoring tool can be instrumental in understanding the impacts of load-following and can eventually help PC plants to develop advanced process control strategies for improved flexibility without compromising safety nor reliability.
γ-Aminobutyric acid modulates terpene biosynthesis through the ATG8a-mediated pathway
Terpenes play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. The biosynthesis of terpenes is influenced by abiotic stress factors, such as drought, temperature, or light. Here, however, the molecular network underlying how terpenes are regulated in response to environmental stimuli remains largely unknown. Here, we identified the autophagy protein SgATG8a as a key mediator of GABA-regulated terpene production and drought tolerance in Sindora glabra. SgATG8a, evolutionarily related to the animal GABA receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) subfamily, localizes in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Exogenous GABA treatment not only increased the expression level of terpene synthase genes (SgTPSs) but also led to enhanced accumulation of six main terpene components in Sindora glabra. In addition, GABA alleviated the photosynthesis damage and enhanced leaf biomass under drought conditions. Consistently, overexpression of SgATG8a in Arabidopsis increased terpene synthase gene (SgTPS) expression, leading to the enhanced production of four major terpenes and improved the tolerance of transgenic plants to drought stress by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging systems. Moreover, the transcription factors SgWRKY13 and SgERF4 were identified as interacting partners of SgATG8a, activating SgTPS3 expression. Lectin receptor-like kinase (LecRK1) is involved in the GABA-mediated pathway by interacting with the SgWRKY13/SgERF4-SgATG8a proteins, and the LecRK1-SgWRKY13/SgERF4 phosphorylation module fine-tunes the transcription of the downstream SgTPS3 gene. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel role for GABA in regulating terpene biosynthesis and drought tolerance, providing insights into the molecular mechanism underlying GABA-mediated terpene production.
Automating Detection and Diagnosis of Faults, Failures, and Underperformance in PV Plants
The project developed hybrid physics-based and machine-learning methods for near-real-time detection of balance-of-system faults (e.g., string, combiner, and tracker outages) in utility-scale Photovoltaic plants, achieving over 50% true positive rates with under 10% false positives and significantly reducing engineering setup time. In the extended phase, the scope expanded to plant-level underperformance analysis and industry benchmarking through the SUPER.epri.com platform. SUPER standardizes data processing and performance metrics across more than 9 GWac and 120+ plants, enabling robust comparisons and insights into loss rates, inverter downtime, and capacity degradation.
Let’s Get Real: Are Wearable Plant Sensors Ready for Crop Monitoring?
In recent years, the number of publications describing new and exciting developments in wearable plant sensors (WPSs) has skyrocketed. These small, lightweight sensors hold promise to assist precision agriculture and may thus help reduce crop losses, increase resource use efficiency, and automate crop production. However, WPSs are often not adequately tested in environments relevant for crop growth, and the majority of experimental WPS studies reveal a glaring lack of basic knowledge of plant biology. This review aims to bridge the communication gap between WPS developers and the wider plant research community by (1) providing essential physiological and environmental background information for engineers in relation to WPS sensing capabilities, (2) offering a step-by-step guide to conduct sensor tests on plants correctly, and (3) highlighting potential challenges and suggesting WPS applications in the open field, greenhouses, and vertical farming systems. We hope this review facilitates the development of WPSs and guides them to be truly “ready for the world”.