Horticulture & Related FieldsBlaire Kleiman

Examining How Climate Change Impacts Crop and Pollinator Responses to Heat Stress, Interaction, and the Importance of Pollinators in Changing Environments

My PhD dissertation study examines how climate change may impact this croppollinator system by studying the plant and pollinator response to heat stress, interactions, and the importance of pollinators in changing environments. This study links natural and human systems to determine how climate change may impact plants, pollinators, and people in agriculture. Results will be shared as part of a collaborative effort with the USDA for sustainable climate-smart agriculture. My questions seek to answer how 1. Temperature rises influence the squash-bumblebee mutualism; 2. Heat waves influence squash plants and pollinator responses; and 3. Overall temperature and floral plantings effect on squash pollinators and farmers opinions.