About Trinity Griffus

In situ resource utilization will be essential for self-sufficiency for astronauts in future space missions on other extraterrestrial planets. One of the most abundant materials available is regolith, the loose rock and dust covering planetary surfaces. This research investigates how we can improve the conditions of the regolith to be better suited for growing plants. The overarching research question for this project is will the fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis) assist in plant resource acquisition, water stress reduction, and improved growth for the sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) grown in the regolith? The research questions that were answered during this experiment were as follows. How does the overall growth of sunflowers change based on which substrate and treatment the plant receives? Do the plants with the fungi treatment grow more successfully compared to without? Factors such as temperature and light are maintained at fixed levels in a plant growth tent. Using measurements to monitor growth rates and plant physiology, progress can be tracked for each plant within the different regoliths with two treatment types (plants with fungi and plants without fungi). Preliminary results show that fungi assisted differently in each regolith. The fungi improved root development in the Martian regolith and improved growth height in the Lunar regolith. Current results from the plants grown in only Lunar regolith simulant indicated that when the sunflowers were inoculated with the fungi, they showed improved growth and photosynthetic rates. Further measurements are needed to understand the fungi’s impact fully. Mycorrhizae could improve plant resource acquisition and reduce water stress, benefiting extraterrestrial agriculture and boosting food productivity in drought-affected regions.