Measurement of VOC production and assessment of Biophysical Characteristics of Radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) biomass production chamber
The three objectives of this research are:
1) to identify Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) within the biomass production chamber using Gas Chromatography (GC),
2) to monitor the biophysical characteristics of radishes, and
3) to determine which Nutrient Delivery System (NDS) produces the healthiest radish.
The NDS systems include 1) hydroponics 2) substrate-based 3) capillary mats using conventional potting.
The VOC levels of each NDS were monitored daily in order to determine their effects on the radishes. The biophysical characteristics include chlorophyll, dry weight, photosynthesis rate, leaf area and harvest index.
Main Story
The most consistent gases that appeared in the biomass chambers were ethylene, acetaldehyde, methanol, acetone, and occasionally ethanol. The graph below shows the concentration of the gases.
Above: Hydroponics
Above: Potting
Above: Substrate
Acknowledgements
Sciences Training Program funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The authors recognize the support of the Dynamac Corporation, the NASA Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program Academic Partner Alliance and the United States Department of Agriculture. Oscar Monje, Charles Stinston III, and Aylan Tansel for the construction of the BPES. Ignacio Eraso for his guidance in pursuit of this research.
Author: Justin Batson, SLSTP 2004, State University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA
Principal Investigator: Ignacio Eraso, Dynamac Corporation
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