Symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Phaseolus vulgaris under simulated microgravity conditions: preliminary evaluation

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of simulated microgravity on the symbiosis between Phaseolus vulgaris and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, focusing on plant growth, root colonization, and protein content. The significance of this study lies in understanding how plants might adapt to space environments, which is essential for developing sustainable agricultural systems on long-duration missions. Plants were grown for 27 days under simulated microgravity conditions using a 2D clinostat and terrestrial gravity, with and without mycorrhizal fungi inoculation. Microscopic analysis revealed an increase in mycorrhizal colonization under simulated microgravity, with a greater presence of hyphae and vesicles, indicating enhanced symbiotic activity. Additionally, the Bradford method recorded a significant decrease in root protein concentration under microgravity, possibly as a metabolic adaptation to stress. Although no significant differences in root length were observed between treatments, a trend toward reduced growth in microgravity conditions was identified, potentially linked to hormonal alterations. These results highlight the potential for optimizing mycorrhizal symbiosis in simulated microgravity conditions to improve crop growth in various environments, with applications in both terrestrial and space agriculture. This study represents the first analysis of this symbiosis under simulated microgravity in Central America.