Horticulture & Related FieldsNate Gilbert
2026 The Garden Club of America Montine M. Freeman Scholarship in Native Plant Studies
Understanding Perennial Organ Microbiomes to Improve Bare Root Establishment of Dutchman’s Breeches
This project will characterize the perennial organ microbiome of the native spring ephemeral Dutchman's breeches. Despite recognition of the importance of roots in structuring the belowground microbiomes of plants, we do not understand the role of other belowground organs, such as the perennial organs of spring ephemerals, in retaining or supporting beneficial microbial communities. By determining the importance of Dutchman's breeches perennial organs in retaining beneficial microbial communities, this project may clarify the reasons for bare root establishment failure; for example, disturbed microbiomes of bare root transplant may hinder root regeneration or stress response.
The Garden Club of America Montine M. Freeman Scholarship in Native Plant Studies
To encourage the understanding, development, and use of underutilized native plants. Established to encourage the development of research, documentation, and teaching skills in the field of horticulture.
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