Bernard Grodzinski, University of Guelph
Adjunct Professor
Retired Professor
Guelph, Ontario
bgrodzin@uoguelph.ca
Office:
(519) 824-4120 ext. 53439
Expert In
Bio/Research
Dr. Grodzinski's primary interests are photosynthesis, C-partitioning and productivity. Physiology and biochemical studies include studying leaf photosynthesis and export. In addition, Grodzinski's lab is investigating CO2 and hydrocarbon exchanges of plants in sealed environments such as commerc...
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Bio/Research
Dr. Grodzinski's primary interests are photosynthesis, C-partitioning and productivity. Physiology and biochemical studies include studying leaf photosynthesis and export. In addition, Grodzinski's lab is investigating CO2 and hydrocarbon exchanges of plants in sealed environments such as commercial greenhouses and specialized chambers being designed for the manned space program (Grodzinski 1992, Bioscience 42:517-525).
Grodzinski's lab is also developing methods for the early detection of diseases in plants by using the plant as the sensor. For example, they are using photosynthesis, export and respiration profiles to monitor host/pathogen interactions.
Grodzinski directs SALSA (Space and Life Support Agriculture) at U of G, which works with Canadian greenhouse industries, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Kennedy Space Centre (NASA). In life support programs plants are viewed as essential machines for long-term missions because they are a sustainable food source, engines of gas exchange (CO2 scrubbing, O2 production) and water purifiers (leaf transpiration). A better understanding of natural ecotype variation, genetics and physiology of photosynthesis and productivity is fundamental to both the space program and the commercial greenhouse industry. Genetic approaches currently being pursued include modifying plants for better light interception. Candidate species are being selected for more efficient photosynthesis and growth at low light simplifying many constraints and limitations to hardware design in sealed environments. In all plantings reduced productivity results from mutual shading and low light.
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Grodzinski's lab is also developing methods for the early detection of diseases in plants by using the plant as the sensor. For example, they are using photosynthesis, export and respiration profiles to monitor host/pathogen interactions.
Grodzinski directs SALSA (Space and Life Support Agriculture) at U of G, which works with Canadian greenhouse industries, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Kennedy Space Centre (NASA). In life support programs plants are viewed as essential machines for long-term missions because they are a sustainable food source, engines of gas exchange (CO2 scrubbing, O2 production) and water purifiers (leaf transpiration). A better understanding of natural ecotype variation, genetics and physiology of photosynthesis and productivity is fundamental to both the space program and the commercial greenhouse industry. Genetic approaches currently being pursued include modifying plants for better light interception. Candidate species are being selected for more efficient photosynthesis and growth at low light simplifying many constraints and limitations to hardware design in sealed environments. In all plantings reduced productivity results from mutual shading and low light.
Click to Shrink <<