TAMUC Teams up With Tarleton State to Receive Massive Grant for Drought and Pollinator Research

Texas A&M University-Commerce and Tarleton State University jointly received nearly $300,000 in research funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The funds will support research into plant drought response and insect pollinator studies, also known as Plant DRIPS. A&M-Commerce is the prime recipient of funds with an award of $159,124. Tarleton will receive $140,743. A&M-Commerce professor of horticulture Derald Harp said the project will evaluate perennials commonly used in ornamental landscapes in the area along with their performance under low-input conditions. The project will specifically look at three different irrigation programs related to water loss from evapotranspiration. The project will also examine flower production and nectar quality and quantity. Harp added that one of the main goals of the project is to generate information about the relationship between plants and pollinators, especially during periods of drought stress. Researchers aim to identify ways to design and manage landscapes to benefit pollinators. The project will run until August 31, 2024.