Research Article
Microgravity-Induced Morphological Differences in Cowpea Seedlings
- By Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel Ezeh, Timothy Adejoh Attah, Abubakar Adamu, Olayinka Daniel Oyedola, Charity Onyisi Dumbiri, Hadiza Abdulrasheed, Funmilola Adebisi Oluwafemi, Solomon Jonathan Hussaini, Jefferree Leleji, Elizabeth Adenike Aregbe, Amina Emidowo - 03 Aug 2026
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemical Engineering, Volume: 6(2026), Issue: 2(Jul-Dec), Pages: 1 - 8
- https://doi.org/10.58612/jafce621
- Received: 04.07.2026; Accepted: 26.07.2026; Published: 03.08.2026
Abstract
Background: Understanding the pattern of plant growth in microgravity environment is important for space science and sustainability of life in space environment. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of clinorotation on cowpea seedlings. Method: Cowpea seedlings were soaked in 3% bleach solution for 10 minutes and rinsed off 3-5 times with running water. Agar solution was prepared and poured in three petri dishes. The seeds were randomly assigned to the three petri dishes representing horizontal, 90◦ and clinorotation placement. Plants were subjected to treatment and observed for 24 and 48 hours. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS. Result: After 24 hours, short root growth was observed in all groups. After 48 hours, root growth was higher in clinorotated and 90◦ placed compared to horizontally placed seedlings. The median root growth was higher in 90◦ (4.45cm) and clinorotated (2.78cm) compared to horizontally (2.59cm) placed groups. Also, median root curvature was higher in clinorotated (65.02◦) and 90◦ (60.94◦) compared horizontally (57.57◦) placed group. The median root growth and curvature after 24 and 48 hours were not statistically significantly different (P>.05). Although the difference in the median root curvature was not statistically different after 24 hours (P>.05), this was statistically significantly different between groups after 48 hours (P<.05). Conclusion: This study shows that while there was no significant difference in root growth, clinorotation had significant effect on the curvature of cowpea seedlings. It is important to study the longterm effect of microgravity on other morphologic, biochemistry, proximate and nutritional parameters.