Research Article
Morphologic Features of Zea Mays Subjected to Simulated Microgravity
- By Timothy Adejoh Attah, Nebechukwu William Eneh, Abubakar Adamu, Amina Mahmoud Yusuf, Elizabeth Adenike Aregbe, Olayinka Daniel Oyedola, Bashira Isah, Salamatu Bashar Buhari, Leleji Jefferree Ogbevire, Augustine Oko Otum, Olusola Abosede Aworinde, Nazi - 26 Aug 2026
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemical Engineering, Volume: 6, Issue: 2, Pages: 9 - 15
- https://doi.org/10.58612/jafce622
- Received: 06.08.2026; Accepted: 21.08.2026; Published: 26.08.2026
Abstract
Background: Giving man’s quest for prolonged space mission and the need for sustainable food systems, it is important to study how plant adapt to space conditions such as microgravity. The aim of this study is to examine the morphological difference of Zea mays subjected to simulated microgravity. Methods: Zea mays seedlings were sterilized in a 3% bleach solution for 10 minutes which was followed by rinsing in running water for three times. Seedlings were placed in an Agar Agar solution and randomly assigned to three petri dishes labelled horizontal, 90◦, and cinorotation. Clinorotated group was mounted on a clinostat and observed for 24 and 48 hours. Changes in morphology was observed and results analyzed using SPSS. Result: After 24 and 48 hours, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean root growth of clinorotated (0.23, 2.31) compared to horizontally (0.00, 0.57) placed seedlings (P<.05). Although mean curvature was lower in clinorotated compared with horizontal and 90◦ placed groups, this was not statistically significant (P>.05). Conclusion: Findings from this study shows that Zea mays seedlings adapt to simulated microgravity with better short root growth. However, it is important the other studies are conducted to determine the long-term effect of microgravity on seedlings beyond morphological differences.