Grass-legume interactions are key components both in native prairie ecosystems and agricultural systems through a mutualistic relationship that maximizes nutrient availability and uptake. Community ecologists and crop scientists alike have studied these dynamics and the resulting impact on plant development, but little research has been conducted to uncover the genetic mechanisms behind them. The benefits of pinpointing these genetic mechanisms are twofold. First, it allows ecologists to identify specific mixtures of prairie species that have a highly mutualistic relationship and benefit the overall health of the prairie within prairie restoration efforts. Second, it provides a launching point for plant breeders to select crop varieties that most efficiently work together in inter or intra-year interactions to reduce fertilizer inputs and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed research will investigate the genomics of grass-legume interactions across spatial and temporal scales in prairie and crop systems. Aimee will also participate in Cedar Creek’s Eco Extravaganza and field days led by the UMN Soybean Research center, UMN Research and Outreach Centers, and the Forever Green Initiative to disseminate my research to the general public and industry partners who attend these events. She will also work with local high schools to teach my previously developed plant domestication curriculum and collaborate with the recently developed 4-H Plant Science project, where youth learn about plant science and develop plant-related projects to display at their county fair.
Collaborators: Aimee Schulz (PI - NSF PRFP Fellow), Aaron Lorenz (Co-Mentor), David Tilman (Co-Mentor)
Funding Agency: NSF
Project Timeline: 2025-2027
