2019 ISSRDC Award: Identifying Long-Distance Signaling Methods Plants Use to Sense Stresses and Trigger Response

Each year, the International Space Station (ISS) Research and Development (R&D) Conference, held in coordination with the ISSInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the American Astronautical Society, highlights individuals who have pushed the boundaries of space-based research through the presentation of research awards. This week, we are spotlighting awardees in the category of “compelling results.” Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Simon Gilroy of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, for compelling results in the field of plant science.

In preparation for a series of spaceflight projects, Dr. Simon Gilroy and his team found that in the model plant Arabidopsis, when herbivorous (caterpillars) and mechanical (cutting the leaf) damage is administered, stress from the damage triggers the release of glutamate, which functions as a “wound signal.” This signal alerts neighboring leaves of the damage and jump-starts defense mechanisms in the plant. The team’s results were published in Science and featured in many media outlets, including The New York Times. A better understanding of plant responses to stresses could not only help scientists determine which plants might best handle the stresses involved in long-duration spaceflight missions but could also help improve plant growth on Earth.