Project: Sustaining ecological and economic services of coastal land resources during sea level rise (R/ECO-5)

Principal Investigators: John Gallagher and Denise Seliskar, University of Delaware

Along the coast, seashore mallow, a salt-tolerant plant known for its hibiscus-like blooms, may bring a whole new meaning to “flower power” thanks to work being done by Delaware Sea Grant researchers Jack Gallagher and Denise Seliskar. Along with graduate student Jen Halchak, they are examining seashore mallow’s potential both as a biofuel and as a viable crop to grow on low-lying farmland that is increasingly exposed to salt water.

With further understanding of the native marsh perennial’s many strengths, including its oil-rich seeds, ability to grow on non-arable land, and erosion-fighting deep-root system, Delaware farmers may soon have a new option for sustaining the ecological and economic uses of agricultural land threatened by sea-level rise.