Leaf Temperature of Radish (Raphanus sativus) in Response to Increased Transpiration under Hypobaric Conditions
Increasing interest in the possibility of a human mission to Mars has generated a growing desire to understand how plants respond to growth in low-pressure environments. This research seeks to establish a relationship between plant transpiration and leaf temperature at low pressures.
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The Project
Radishes were subjected to tests of two hours at pressures of 10 kPa, 25 kPa, 50 kPa and 101 kPa. Infrared temperature sensors and thermocouples inserted into the leaf were used to measure changes in temperature as transpiration increased. Variables such as air temperature and humidity were controlled and recorded during the experiments.
Left: Bell-Jar Apparatus during low-pressure test
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Results
• Leaf temperature decreased under hypobaria in response to increased transpiration.
• These results impact our understanding of how plants react to low pressures.
More detailed research is needed in which various species of plants are subjected to similar tests at wider temperature and pressure ranges.
Author: Justin Peterson, Midland Lutheran College, Fremont Nebraska
Principal Investigator: Phil Fowler, Dynamac Corporation
Click here to download a printable Microsoft PowerPoint version of this research.
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