The University of Minnesota Duluth received a $250,086 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Emerging Frontiers under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) for the period May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2029. This collaborative research initiative investigates the integration and functional coordination of xylem and phloem tissues—the plant vascular systems responsible for water and sugar transport—and their influence on photosynthesis, growth, and drought resilience across diverse plant species. The project combines physiological measurements with mechanistic modeling across leaf, whole-plant, and ecosystem scales to advance fundamental understanding of how coordinated anatomy and physiology of leaf carbon and water transport determines plant growth, drought resilience, and geographic distribution.
The deliverables include comprehensive databases documenting leaf structure, function, and plant drought responses; training for undergraduate students in research methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing; and public engagement initiatives developed in collaboration with artists featuring lectures, demonstrations, hands-on activities, virtual reality experiences, and visual pieces. Additionally, the project provides specialized outreach to the grape and wine industry, offering insights into how sugar and water transport interactions in grapevine leaves influence stress responses and wine quality. These outputs contribute to both the advancement of fundamental plant science and practical applications for agricultural and natural ecosystem management.