Effects of Clinorotation on the Enzyme Activities and Morphology of Zea mays Seedlings

For sustainable space exploration there is need for torrential food supply. Apart from food in storage, constant production is vital as this could also serve as a source of Oxygen when activated during space expedition. However, the impact of gravity in crop development is significant. This study therefore, investigated the morphological and physiological responses of Maize (Zea mays) seedlings subjected to clinorotation. Agar Agar was used as source of nutrient for the developing seedlings. The Agar was prepared by measuring 1 – 1.5 g and made up to 100 ml with tap water. Seeds were collected in the seed bank of the Space-Earth Environment Research Laboratory, Benin City. Three sets of petri dishes were prepared and marked; one for normal surface, one rotated at 90°C and another set for clinorotation. Those for clinorotation were rotated at three different times; with 1, 2, and 3 rpm for 6 hrs respectively. The plumule, radicle and Enzyme activities were measured and analysed after four days. Results showed significant difference in germination parameters as occasioned by microgravity. Where as clinorotation enhanced radicule length (1.8-2.1cm), effect on plumule was minimal (p>0.05). Significant increase in CAT activity in the plumule was reported (7.59mol/sec) in the clinorotated (1rpm) seed compared to the control (2.56mol/sec). MDA activity in both radicle and plumule were higher than that of the control (p<0.05). Microscopic study of the cells was carried out using a binocular microscope (Labo) with a camera and result showed that the normal surface sample cells were arranged concentrically with spaces, while that of clinorotated seeds were arranged concentrically but highly packed with little spaces for the plumule. For the radicle, the normal surface sample cells were scattered within the plant with more spaces, while that of clinorotated were mostly clustered throughout.