Education

UF researchers launch plant disease experiment to International Space Station

A University of Florida team led by UF/IFAS researchers Andrew Schuerger, Robert Ferl, and Anna-Lisa Paul sent an investigation called MVP-Plant-02 to the International Space Station on Oct. 13 to study how a fungal pathogen affects plants in microgravity. The experiment examines whether the space environment weakens plant defenses and makes infections more severe, using a specialized device to inoculate plants with powdery mildew spores after they are already in orbit. The findings are intended to advance the development of bioregenerative life support systems that could provide fresh food for astronauts on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Sources: UF News