In the quest to sustain human life in space, scientists are turning to an unlikely hero: chicory. A recent study led by Alberto Battistelli of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), has revealed that chicory could be the key to producing prebiotics in space, with significant implications for both astronaut health and Earth-based vertical farming.
The research, published in ‘Heliyon’, focused on Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS), which are crucial for long-term space missions. These systems aim to recycle resources and produce food to support astronauts. Prebiotics, which promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, are essential for maintaining health in the challenging conditions of space.
Battistelli and his team evaluated seven candidate species for prebiotic production, with chicory emerging as the top contender. “Chicory exhibited the most appropriate characteristics among the candidates,” Battistelli said. “Its ability to accumulate high levels of inulin, a type of prebiotic, in its young taproot makes it an ideal crop for space prebiotic production systems.”
The study delved into the effects of different light intensities and growing cycle lengths on chicory’s performance. The findings were compelling: chicory thrived under fully controlled growing conditions, even with a short growing cycle. This adaptability is a game-changer for space agriculture, where resources are limited, and growing conditions are far from ideal.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the research is its potential to shape future developments in both space and terrestrial agriculture. The study found that a growing area of just 6.3 square meters could produce enough inulin to support astronauts’ health. This has significant implications for vertical farming on Earth, where space is at a premium.
“Our findings establish important baselines for prebiotic production in BLSS or Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA),” Battistelli explained. These baselines could pave the way for designing fully controlled cropping systems for space and Earth-based vertical farming facilities.
The energy sector could also benefit from this research. Vertical farming, with its controlled environments and efficient use of resources, could reduce the energy demands of traditional agriculture. By integrating prebiotic production into these systems, we could create a more sustainable and resilient food system.
As we look to the stars and consider the future of agriculture on Earth, chicory might just be the unexpected hero we need. Its remarkable adaptability and high prebiotic content make it a strong candidate for space-based and vertical farming systems. With further research and development, chicory could play a pivotal role in sustaining human life in space and revolutionizing agriculture on Earth.