The Effect of Gravity Variation on the Growth of Okra Root

Abstract

Space exploration is man's greatest means to subdue his environment and accelerate development. Many spinoff of the exploration has brought relief for mankind. If man is to survive in space, the gravitational effects on the root of indigenous plants became our concern. The project was carried out at the laboratory of African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The indigenous seed used was okra. Image J application software and Microsoft excel was used for data analysis. Six readings were taking at 30 minutes interval to determine the growth rate. The research has shown the possible growth of plant under variation of gravitational force. There was decrease in the value of angle of Curvature comparing its value at each 30 minutes interval for clinostat sample and 90 0 turned sample. There are increases in the length per time with 90 0 turned with the largest value of 0.283cm followed by 1g sample (0.253) and clinostat experiencing the least growth of 0.218cm. This implies that the root of okra will grow faster in 90 0 turned position (while Gravitational force is acting on it) than micro gravity position (Clinostat sample). It was discovered that there are differences in the growth of the root of plants because of gravity influence. It has been practically established that the gravitational variation influences the growth of the root of plant. Plant under weak gravitational force (micro gravity) has stunted growth in comparison with others under full gravitational force (earth).