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Pythium invasion of plant-based life support systems: biological control and sourcesInvasion of plant-based life support systems by plant pathogens could cause plant disease and disruption of life support capability. Root rot caused by the fungus, Pythium, was observed during tests of prototype plant growth systems containing wheat at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). We conducted experiments to determine if the presence of complex microbial communities in the plant root zone (rhizosphere) resisted invasion by the Pythium species isolated from the wheat root. Rhizosphere inocula of different complexity (as assayed by community-level physiological profile: CLPP) were developed using a dilution/extinction approach, followed by growth in hydroponic rhizosphere. Pythium growth on wheat roots and concomitant decreases in plant growth were inversely related to the complexity of the inocula during 20-day experiments in static hydroponic systems. Pythium was found on the seeds of several different wheat cultivars used in controlled environmental studies, but it is unclear if the seed-borne fungal strain(s) were identical to the pathogenic strain recovered from the KSC studies. Attempts to control pathogens and their effects in hydroponic life support systems should include early inoculation with complex microbial communities, which is consistent with ecological theory.
Document ID
20040088806
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Jenkins, D. G.
(University of Illinois at Springfield Springfield, IL 62794-9243, United States)
Cook, K. L.
Garland, J. L.
Board, K. F.
Sager, J. C.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2000
Publication Information
Publication: Life support & biosphere science : international journal of earth space
Volume: 7
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1069-9422
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems
NASA Center KSC
Non-NASA Center

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