This $501,592 National Science Foundation project grant supports research at the University of Sacramento to study the genetic and environmental factors influencing nectar variation in the Aquilegia genus of plants. The goal is to identify genes controlling variation in nectar volume, composition and metabolites between closely related Aquilegia species adapted to different pollinators like hummingbirds and hawk moths. Researchers will analyze nectar characteristics of four Aquilegia species using developmental assays, transcriptomics and metabolomics. High-resolution genetic mapping will identify loci controlling nectar trait variation. Environmental effects on nectar production and composition will also be examined. This comprehensive research aligns with the NSF Biological Sciences program's objectives to advance biological knowledge and understanding of major scientific problems through basic research support. Results have the potential to improve pollinator-dependent crop production by enhancing nectar quality and efficiency. The $501,592 award period runs from August 2022 to July 2025.