An unprecedented experiment
Inside terraXcube’s hypobaric chambers, a number of species that can be found in the Val di Mazia (1500 m.a.s.l) are being artificially brought to higher altitudes with other factors such as temperature, humidity and the amount of light being kept constant.
"In this way we are able to observe, over the course of a few weeks, how the lower atmospheric pressure present at high altitudes will affect how plants function," explains Matteo Dainese. In particular, changes in the mechanisms regulating photosynthetic activity and transpiration will be observed.
"Transpiration in vascular plants regulates gas exchange between the plant and the atmosphere. During the day, C02 enters the plant organism and water in the form of condensation escapes," says the researcher. Plants regulate these exchanges by keeping the stomata, small pores found mainly on the underside of leaves, open or closed. "Our hypothesis is that plants transpire more at higher altitudes, becoming more vulnerable to water stress." These studies will reveal which plants are adaptable and which are likely to go into stress at high altitudes.