May Antarctic plants grow on Martian and Lunar soil simulants under terrestrial conditions?

Abstract

Extremophile organisms have been largely studied in Astrobiology. Among them, two antarctic plants emerge as good candidates to become colonizers of other celestial bodies, such as Mars and the Moon. The present research aimed to evaluate survival and growing capacity of Sanionia uncinata and Colobanthus quitensis on Martian (MGS-1) and Lunar (LMS-1) regolith simulants, under terrestrial conditions. The survival responses of both species on the simulators and the original sampling site of Antarctic soil were observed during 15 days, in laboratory conditions at ‘Comandante Ferraz’ Station. Based on physiological parameters changes under the three soil conditions tested, our results suggest that Martian soil can be too harsh for plant growth, showing expressive decay, especially for C. quitensis. While lunar soil might provide more favorable conditions, with less observed changes, similarly to how they would in Antarctic soil from their natural habitat. This preliminary study provides resources and fosters knowledge about the possibility of these Antarctic species to survive in extraterrestrial environments, starting with soil parameters; and discusses the importance and use of Antarctic plants in astrobiology.