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Measurement of VOC production and assessment of Biophysical Characteristics of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) in a Biomass Production Chamber.   J.J. Batson1, I. Eraso2, and G. Stutte2,1State University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA,  2Dynamac Corporation, Kennedy Space Center, FL.

   Long duration space missions are no longer uncommon. For astronauts to have successful missions it is important to have a healthy diet composed, in part, of fresh produce. Buildup of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in enclosed spaces may be detrimental to plants. The Biomass Production Educational System (BPES) growth chamber was used to study the effects of VOCs on radish (Raphanus sativus L.) plants. Hydroponic, substrate-based, and capillary mat nutrient delivery systems (NDS) were used for plant growth. The VOC levels within each NDS were monitored daily to determine the effect on the radishes. Plants grown using the hydroponics system exhibited high chlorophyll content, dry weight, photosynthesis rate, leaf area, and harvest index, indicating that the hydroponic system is preferred for the production of large, edible radish plants.