Arkansas State University has secured a $2.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a significant project aimed at enhancing drought tolerance in rice and wheat. This initiative, titled “Collaborative Research: FEC: Boosting Tolerance to Water Stress in Rice and Wheat Using Mycorrhizal Inoculants,” is part of the NSF’s EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement program.
Dr. Argelia Lorence, an expert in metabolic engineering, heads the project, with Dr. Scott A. Mangan, an ecology associate professor, as co-principal investigator. The research involves collaboration among Arkansas State, the University of Kansas, the University of Nebraska, and Kansas State University over four years.
In light of increasing drought conditions, the team will explore the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi—beneficial soil organisms that enhance plant growth and drought resistance. The study aims to develop strategies for improving rice and wheat yields with less water, a crucial endeavor given the rising severity of droughts.
Dr. Travis Marsico, vice provost for research, highlighted the significance of this multi-institutional effort to improve agricultural practices in Arkansas. The project will also provide training for undergraduate and graduate students, advance workforce development, and promote educational outreach in the state and its partners. The research is set to commence on August 1 and will run through July 31, 2030.
