Plantopia

The Doctor who chose plant health over human medicine May 29, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Melanie Medina López, postdoctoral researcher in the Roman-Reyna Lab in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at Penn State University, joins host Matt Kasson to discuss phytobiomes, soybean cyst nematode, and biocontrol. She also discusses growing up in Puerto Rico, her time working on vaccine development, and her love of science.

*Show Notes *

Dr. Melanie Medina López PSU profile: https://plantpath.psu.edu/directory/mkm6528

Dr. Melanie Medina López google scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tegwxa8AAAAJ&hl=en

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Melanie Medina López.

Searching for Plantopia's New Host / Co-Host Apr 30, 2026

In this episode, former Plantopia host, Jim Bradeen, joins host Matt Kasson to discuss the origins and current state of APS's Plant Health podcast. In addition to providing a behind the scenes look of putting together a single episode, they also discuss some of their favorite memories and where they see the podcast headed as the search for a new host / co-host gets underway.

*show notes *

Featured episodes

Going Viral: https://www.plantopiapodcast.org/64
Plant Pathology 101: https://www.plantopiapodcast.org/47
Of Peeps and People…and Plant Pathology: https://www.plantopiapodcast.org/25

Arms Race Part 1: Ug99: https://www.plantopiapodcast.org/1

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Jim Bradeen.

Lobbying for Plant Health: A conversation with D.C. lobbyist Madeline Wade Mar 30, 2026

In this episode, D.C. lobbyist Madeline Wade, M.P.P., partner and founder of Brumidi Group, joins host Matt Kasson to discuss all things lobbying including her firm’s role in working on behalf of APS to advance their policy priorities and implement meaningful policy actions. She also discusses her time on The Hill working under U.S. Representative Greg Walden, navigating the crowded D.C. political ecosystem, and the role of social media and its influence on political discourse.

*Show Notes *

Madeline Wade’s Brumidi Group profile: https://www.brumidigroup.com/madeline-wade

Madeline Wade’s Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-wade-a2419639

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Madeline Wade.

A Conversation With Four Clinic Directors Behind The National Plant Diagnostic Network Feb 27, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Carrie Harmon (University of Florida), Dr. Matt Bertone (North Carolina State University), Dr. Alicyn Smart (University of Maine), and Dr. Peng Tian (University of Missouri) join host Matt Kasson to discuss the history and importance of National Plant Diagnostic Network, their various roles in the NPDN and the regional diagnostic networks, and their responsibilities as Directors of their University’s Plant Disease and Pest Diagnostic Clinics. They also discuss some of the misconceptions of diagnostics and share some of the craziest samples they’ve encountered.

*Show Notes *

NPDN Website: https://www.npdn.org/

Dr. Carrie Harmon’s University profile: https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty-pages/carrie-harmon/

UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center: https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/plant-diagnostic-center/

Dr. Matt Bertone’s University profile: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/profile/matt-bertone/

NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic: https://pdic.ces.ncsu.edu/

Dr. Alicyn Smart’s University profile: https://extension.umaine.edu/about/staff-directory/alicyn-smart/

The University of Maine Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab: https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/plant-disease/

Dr. Peng Tian’s University profile: https://cafnr.missouri.edu/directory/peng-tian-phd/

University of Missouri Plant Diagnostic Clinic: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/plant-diagnostic-clinic

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guests: Peng Tian, Alicyn Smart, Carrie Harmon, and Matt Bertone.

Field of Dreams: Plant Pathology in the Corn State Jan 29, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Alejandro Olmedo-Velarde, Assistant Professor of Host-Microbe Interactions in the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa joins host Matt Kasson to discuss his lab’s research program on multi-trophic interactions in vector-borne diseases in corn, soybean, and other crops. He also discusses growing up in Ecuador, his time working on numerous tropical plant viruses in Hawaii and transitioning to working with fastidious prokaryotes and diverse disease vectors.

*show notes *

Dr. Olmedo-Velarde’s Iowa State University profile: https://www.ppem.iastate.edu/people/alejandro-olmedo-velarde

Dr. Olmedo-Velarde's lab website: https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/aolmedov/

Dr. Olmedo-Velarde’s google scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=rBzKiKQAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Alejandro Olmedo-Velarde.

The Accidental Plant Pathologist That Stayed Dec 22, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Lowe-Power, Associate Professor Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis joins host Matt Kasson to discuss her lab’s research program on Ralstonia, her NSF CAREER Award, and her cohort based undergraduate research experience (CURE) focused on integrating the next generation of novel investigations of toxin ecology and evolution (IGNITE) in Ralstonia. She also discusses the importance of good mentorship and navigating academia with a unique phenotype.

Show Notes

Dr. Lowe-Power’s UC Davis profile: https://plantpathology.ucdavis.edu/people/tiffany-lowe-power

Dr. Lowe-Power’s lab website: http://lowepowerlab.ucdavis.edu/

Dr. Lowe-Power’s google scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=aMxz2moAAAAJ&hl=en

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Tiffany Lowe-Power.

Standing Sentry for Sweetpotato and Squash Nov 24, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Lina Quesada, William Neil Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Vegetable Pathology at North Carolina State University joins host Matt Kasson to discuss her lab’s research program on downy mildews and sweet potato diseases. She also discusses her love of extension and how she connects her basic science research with growers’ needs.

*Show Notes
*

Dr. Quesada’s NC State University profile: https://cals.ncsu.edu/entomology-and-plant-pathology/people/lmquesad/

Dr. Quesada’s google scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=im2J9VIAAAAJ

2023 APS Syngenta Award write-up: https://www.apsnet.org/members/give-awards/awards/Syngenta/Pages/2023-Syngenta_Quesada.aspx

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Lina Quesada.

Vampire Plants, Witchweeds, and Other Sinister Parasitic Plants Oct 29, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Jim Westwood, Professor of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University joins host Matt Kasson to discuss parasitic plants and his lab’s work on their novel structures and mechanisms for information exchange with their hosts. He also discusses his time in the Peace Corps in Mauritania and as a Fulbright Scholar in France along with management strategies used against parasitic plants both in the U.S. and abroad.

Show Notes

Dr. Westwood’s Virginia Tech profile: https://spes.vt.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/westwood-james.html

Dr. Westwood’s lab website: https://spes.vt.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/westwood-james/westwood-lab.html

Dr. Westwood’s google scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_Q1dozYAAAAJ&hl=en

Virginia Tech write-up on Dr. Westwood’s NSF Plant Genome Grant using parasitic plants to edit host plant genomes: https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/12/parasitic-weeds-tool-for-altering-plant-genomics-collaboration-nsf.html

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Jim Westwood.

Going Viral Sep 29, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Libby Cieniewicz, Associate Professor of Plant Virology in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Clemson University joins host Matt Kasson to discuss general plant virology and her lab’s work in plant virus ecology and epidemiology across diverse fruit production systems. She also discusses the challenges of managing plant viruses and their disease vectors and advocating for grad student-led associations.

Show Notes

Dr. Cieniewicz’s Clemson profile: https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/faculty_staff/profiles/ecienie

Dr. Cieniewicz’s lab website: https://cieniewiczviruslab.weebly.com/

Dr. Cieniewicz’s google scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=U_Vq9cEAAAAJ

SeedWorld article on Dr. Cieniewicz’s collaborative work on peach diseases: https://www.seedworld.com/us/2023/07/18/climate-change-isnt-the-only-challenge-south-carolinas-peaches-have-faced/

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Libby Cieniewicz.

Lessons in Resilience Aug 28, 2025

In this episode, PhD student Isako (Izzi) Di Tomassi from the Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Program in the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University joins host Matt Kasson to discuss her formative research experiences as an early career plant pathologist, the challenges of losing her graduate advisor due to unprecedented reorganization across the USDA, and her motivation for co-creating and co-organizing the McClintock Letters Initiative. She also discusses her love of teaching and the importance of effective science communication in modern day academia.

Show Notes

Izzi Di Tomassi’s Cornell profile: https://cals.cornell.edu/people/isako-di-tomassi

Izzi Di Tomassi’s website: https://blogs.cornell.edu/isakoditomassi/

Science article on the McClintock Letters Initiative: https://www.science.org/content/article/u-s-researchers-are-speaking-science-local-newspapers

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Isako Di Tomassi.

More than peanuts in the Peach State Jul 29, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Bob Kemerait, Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia, Tipton joins host Matt Kasson to discuss his long career as an extension plant pathologist working primarily on peanut and cotton diseases both across the southeastern U.S. and internationally in the Philippines, Haiti and Guyana. He discusses the busy life of an extension plant pathologist, the importance of international research in providing perspective, and the value of building long-term working relationships with growers and producers. Dr. Kemerait also discusses the future of extension and his hopes for the future of our profession.

Show Notes

Dr. Bob Kemerait's University of Nebraska academic profile: https://plantpath.caes.uga.edu/people/faculty/bob-kemerait.html

Dr. Bob Kemerait's Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=huyXlmwAAAAJ&hl=en

Dr. Bob Kemerait's recent article for Farm Progress 'It may be quiet, but peanut diseases aren’t sleeping': https://www.farmprogress.com/peanut/it-may-be-quiet-but-peanut-diseases-aren-t-sleeping

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Bob Kemerait.

Good Fellows Part III Jun 27, 2025

In this episode, 2025 APS Fellow Dr. Carolyn Young, Professor of Plant Pathology and Department Head of Entomology and Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University joins host Matt Kasson to discuss her non-traditional career path as a research scientist in New Zealand and the U.S. along with her passion for fungal endophytes, effectors and secondary metabolites, and phytobiomes. She also discusses the challenges that academia is currently facing, but also the importance of our communities, outreach, and science communication.

Show Notes

Dr. Young's North Carolina State University academic profile: https://cals.ncsu.edu/entomology-and-plant-pathology/people/cyoung6/

Dr. Young's Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=KKa2eyYAAAAJ&hl=en

Dr. Young's APS Fellow Feature: https://www.apsnet.org/members/give-awards/awards/Fellows/Pages/Carolyn-Young.aspx

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Carolyn Young.

Good Fellows Part II May 29, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Michael Boehm, Professor of Plant Pathology, Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska joins host Matt Kasson to discuss his 2025 APS Fellow Award, his decades long career as an academic leader at both The Ohio State University and The University of Nebraska, and his diverse and meaningful experiences serving in the U.S. military. He discusses the challenges that academia faces along with the opportunities for change. Dr. Boehm also discusses the importance of extension and outreach and service to our profession.

Show Notes

Dr. Michael Boehm's University of Nebraska academic profile: https://nebraska.edu/meet-our-people/chancellors-and-vice-presidents/mike-boehm

Dr. Michael Boehm's Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=m5NYCM8AAAAJ&hl=en

Dr. Boehm's Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet for 'Plants get sick too!': https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-gen-1

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Michael Boehm.

Good Fellows Part I Apr 30, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Tim Widmer, Plant Pathologist and former USDA ARS scientist and National Program Leader joins host Matt Kasson to discuss his 2025 APS Fellow Award, his career as a federal researcher focused on biological control and emerging pathogens, and his more recent role as USDA ARS program leader. He discusses the challenges that service-minded scientists face in today's changing political and funding landscape, while encouraging those that are able to pursue federal positions to do so help shape the future of agriculture and plant health.

Show Notes

Dr. Tim Widmer's USDA Under The Microscope Interview: https://www.ars.usda.gov/oc/utm/so-much-depends-upon-a-strong-green-bough-the-vital-importance-of-plant-health/

Dr. Tim Widmer’s ResearchGate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Timothy-L-Widmer-37720758

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Tim Widmer.

A Conversation with APS President Dr. Karen Garrett Mar 31, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Karen Garrett, Preeminent Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida and current APS President joins host Matt Kasson to discuss her research journey and diverse research program on tropical and international agriculture, microbiomes, epidemiology and disease ecology among others. She discusses the various ways APS is supporting and advocating for its members during a time of uncertainty and rapid policy change. She also highlights some of the exciting workshops and speakers for Plant Health 2025.

Show Notes

Dr. Karen Garrett’s University of Florida Faculty Profile: https://plantpath.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty-pages/karen-garrett/

Dr. Karen Garrett’s Lab Webpage: https://www.garrettlab.com/

Dr. Karen Garrett’s Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8dMWriAAAAAJ&hl=en

APS Member Support and Resources: https://www.apsnet.org/members/engagement/Pages/Support-resources.aspx

Aps Plant Health 2025 Webpage: https://www.apsnet.org/meetings/annual/PH2025/Pages/default.aspx

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Karen Garrett.

Plants Get Parasitic Worms Too Feb 27, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Marisol Quintanilla, Assistant Professor of Nematology in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University joins host Matt Kasson to discuss her research on plant parasitic nematodes in Michigan’s vegetable, fruit, and field crops. She discusses the various life strategies and management approaches for diverse nematodes threatening U.S. soybean, hops, and sugar beet production among other crops. She also talks about the challenges of engaging with the general public outside of growers and farmers given the cryptic lifestyles of these microscopic roundworms that thrive beneath our feet.

Show Notes

Dr. Marisol Quintanilla’s Michigan State University Faculty Profile: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/marisol_quintanilla

MSU Extension Fruit and Nuts article featuring entomopathogenic nematodes: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/advances-on-the-management-of-the-spotted-wing-drosophila-with-entomopathogenic-nematodes

Summary of Dr. Quintanilla’s grant to study Potato Early Dying Disease: https://www.thepacker.com/news/produce-crops/researchers-seek-new-strategies-combat-yield-reducing-potato-disease

Dr. Marisol Quintanilla 's Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=a1XCPT8AAAAJ&hl=en

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Marisol Quintanilla.

The Fastidious and The Curious Jan 30, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Kranthi Mandadi, Professor of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco, Texas, joins host Matt Kasson to discuss his basic and translational research of fastidious (unculturable) plant pathogens including the causal agents of citrus greening disease (HLB) and zebra chip disease. He talks about his lab's innovative approaches to combatting plant diseases throughout the southern U.S. and his Texas-sized ambitions to develop solutions through public-private partnerships with industry. He also discusses the challenges of working with obligate unculturable plant pathogens and the need to balance basic science pursuits with high-risk / high-reward research.

Show Notes

Texas A & M University Plant Pathology and Microbiology Faculty Profile: https://plantpathology.tamu.edu/people/mandadi-kranthi/

Mandadi Lab webpage: https://agrilife.org/mandadilab/group/

2024 APS Syngenta Award Profile: https://www.apsnet.org/members/give-awards/awards/Syngenta/Pages/2024-Syngenta_Mandadi.aspx

Farm Progress article on Dr. Mandadi: https://www.farmprogress.com/fruit/scientists-shift-from-defense-to-offense-to-fight-citrus-greening

Dr. Kranthi Mandadi's Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=rWVhJ94AAAAJ&hl=en ‪

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Kranthi Mandadi.

Why a Collection of Dead Fungi Matters Dec 23, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Castlebury, Research Mycologist and Leader of the Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory with the USDA ARS and Director of the U.S. National Fungus Collections, joins host Matt Kasson to discuss her long career with the U.S.D.A. A.R.S. and her lab’s role in identifying foreign and domestic plant pathogenic fungi and managing over a million accessions housed in the U.S. National Fungus Collections. She also reflects on her early experiences growing up in Illinois and being part of some of the earliest fungal DNA-based studies in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Show notes

USDA ARS Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory official website: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-barc/beltsville-agricultural-research-center/mycology-and-nematology-genetic-diversity-and-biology-laboratory/

USDA ARS Employee Profile: Lisa Castlebury : USDA ARS

Dr. Lisa Castlebury’s Google Scholar profile: ‪Lisa A. Castlebury - ‪Google Scholar

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Lisa Castlebury.

Mexico's agricultural extension ambassador Nov 27, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Ilse Alejandra Huerta Arredondo, Assistant Professor of Agriculture at the Universidad de Guanajuato in Mexico, joins host Matt Kasson to discuss growing up in Mexico and her family ties to agriculture including her great grandfather's and grandfather's friendship with Norman Borlaug. Dr. Huerta Arredondo shares her academic journey in Mexico and in central Pennsylvania where she discovered her love for agricultural extension. She discusses her vision for extension and agricultural education in Mexico.

Show notes

Dr. Huerta Arredondo's North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN) Profile here: https://naaan.csusystem.edu/directory/ilse-alejandra-huerta-arredondo/

Historic photo of Dr. Huerta Arredondo's great grandfather Jose Huerta and grandfather Jose Huerta Jr. with Norman Borlaug, John Gibler, John Pitner at Centro de Investigaciones Agricolas del Noreste (CIANO), Sonora in 1950: http://hdl.handle.net/10883/4315

Universidad de Guanajuato Press release on Dr. Huerta Arredondo's participation in the Global Guides Program, a development program for educators organized by the World Food Prize Foundation and Global Teach Ag: https://www.ugto.mx/noticias/noticias/17674-profesora-ug-participara-en-programa-internacional-de-educacion-para-la-seguridad-alimentaria

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Ilse Huerta-Arredondo.

Ghost Forests and Other Terrifying Tales About Trees Oct 30, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Elena Karlsen-Ayala, Research Plant Pathologist with The USDA Forest Service in Hamden, Connecticut, joins host Matt Kasson to discuss present day threats to U.S. forests and landscapes. Dr. Karlsen-Ayala shares her journey including her return to New England, mycorrhizal fungi, and how to build more resilient landscapes.

Show notes

Dr. Karlsen-Ayala Profile here: https://research.fs.usda.gov/about/people/elena.karlsen-ayala

USDA Forest Service Region 9 page on Zombie trees: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r9/home/?cid=FSEPRD965797

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Elena Karlsen-Ayala.

Searching for Cereal Killers Sep 30, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Jacobs, Associate Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases at The Ohio State University, joins host Matt Kasson from Uruguay where he is currently investigating emerging and ongoing threats to U.S. and Uruguay cereal production. Dr. Jacobs discusses he globe-trotting academic journey studying plant bacterial diseases in France, Belgium, Uruguay, and the U.S.A. along with his philosophy on mentoring,

Show notes

Dr. Jacobs Ohio State University Faculty Profile here: https://plantpath.osu.edu/our-people/jonathan-m-jacobs

Dr. Jacobs OSU Lab page: Emerging infectious disease ecology laboratory | Biology and evolution of plant pathogenic bacteria and food crops (osu.edu)

News Release of Dr. Jacobs Fulbright Award: Jacobs awarded Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to Uruguay | Office of International Affairs (osu.edu)

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Jonathan Jacobs.

Insights Into Industry Aug 13, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Terence Mhora, Senior Global R&D Scientist at FMC Agricultural Solutions, joins host Matt Kasson for an insightful discussion on building an interdisciplinary career in plant pathology. Dr. Mhora shares how his upbringing in Zimbabwe sparked his passion for agriculture and led him down this path. The conversation delves into the critical balance between molecular research and fieldwork in plant pathology, the importance of collaboration with specialized labs for federal approvals, and the challenges and opportunities within the industry. They also explore how publications, patents, and networking play pivotal roles in advancing a career in this field.

Show notes

Plantopia is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Terence Mhora.

The Clubroot King of Canada Jun 28, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Edel Pérez-López, Associate Professor of Phytopathology at Université Laval, joins host Matt Kasson for an engaging conversation about growing up in Cuba, taking risks and navigating language and cultural barriers in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, and the challenges of working with understudied obligate parasitic protists and Mollicutes.

*Show notes *

Université Laval Faculty Profile here: https://www.ibis.ulaval.ca/en/research/research-teams/edel-perez-lopez-en/#1533234462662-d003f18e-51c6

Seed World Feature on Dr. Perez Lopez: https://www.seedworld.com/canada/2024/02/14/redefining-success-edel-perez-lopezs-approach-to-science-and-well-being/

2024 MPMI article on Protist Effectors: https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/full/10.1094/MPMI-11-23-0196-CR

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Edel Perez Lopez.

Planting the Seeds of Innovation May 31, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Niklaus Grunwald, Research Plant Pathologist with the Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, joins host Matt Kasson for an engaging conversation about emerging phytophthora diseases, the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in addressing global agricultural challenges, and exciting developments in plant health research, including gene editing, high-throughput data analysis, and robotic phenotyping.

Special Guest: Niklaus Grunwald.

Chaos in the Clinic Apr 29, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Romina Gazis, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology and Director of the Plant Diagnostic Clinic at the University of Florida, joins host Matt Kasson for an engaging conversation about growing up in Peru, her love of mycology and fungal diseases, and her tireless work to diagnose and manage tropical fruit diseases in Florida.

Show notes

University of Florida Tropical Research & Education Center Faculty Profile: https://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/people/romina-gazis/

Find Romina Gazis on X (formerly Twitter): @ClinicPlant

Recent APS Press Publication: Belizaire, C.M., Gañán-Betancur, L. and Gazis, R., 2024. Avocado scab caused by Elsinoe perseae: A diagnostic guide. Plant Health Progress, pp.PHP-10. https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PHP-10-23-0084-DG

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Romina Gazis.

Plant Pathology 101 Mar 29, 2024

In this episode, Dr. Mannon Gallegly, centenarian and Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology at West Virginia University, joins host Matt Kasson for an engaging conversation about Mannon’s storied 80+ year career as a plant pathologist. Dr. Gallegly shares stories of working alongside Wood Food Prize recipient John S. Niederhauser and Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug in Mexico in the 1950s and 1960s.

Show notes

West Virginia University Faculty Profile here: https://www.davis.wvu.edu/faculty-staff/directory/mannon-gallegly

News Release of Mannon’s Majesty, a Late Blight and Septoria Leaf Blight resistant Tomato Variety: https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/01/24/wvu-professor-emeritus-and-creator-of-the-people-s-tomato-unveils-final-variety-makes-limited-seeds-available-for-growers

Donate to the Mannon E. Gallegly Student Travel Fund: https://www.apsnet.org/members/give-awards/donate/giving/funds/Pages/Gallegly.aspx

Phytopathology News article on Mannon’s fund: https://www.apsnet.org/members/community/phytopathology-news/2024/march/Pages/Mannon-Gallegly.aspx

APS link to the 1948 APS North Central Meeting at the University of Minnesota and the 1965 Potato Association of America Meeting in Mexico City: https://www.apsnet.org/members/give-awards/donate/giving/funds/Pages/Gallegly.aspx

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Mannon Gallegly.

Soilborne in the U.S.A. Feb 28, 2024

In this episode, join host Matt Kasson as he engages in a conversation with Dr. Megan McCaghey, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. McCaghey shares insights into her career journey shaped by agriculture, the deliberate choice to pursue a master's degree before a PhD, and her ongoing research on Southern blight and Phytophthora sojae. The discussion also explores her current and future teaching commitments, the transformative impact of the pandemic on her teaching methods, mentoring and networking approaches, and valuable advice for early-career scientists.

Show notes

UMN Department of Plant Pathology Faculty Profile here: https://plpa.cfans.umn.edu/people/megan-mccaghey

McCaghey Lab Website: https://mccagheylab.cfans.umn.edu/

Find Megan McCaghey on X (formerly Twitter): @MN_Soil_Fungi

2023 Research Highlight on Dr. McCaghey’s work on Soybeans by the Soybean Research and Information Network: Improving Tools for Soybean Breeders to Fight White Mold

Recent APS Press Publication: Webster, R.W., McCaghey, M., Mueller, B.D., Groves, C.L., Mathew, F.M., Singh, A.K., Kabbage, M. and Smith, D.L., 2023. Development of Glycine max Germplasm Highly Resistant to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. PhytoFrontiers™, 3(3), pp.629-638. https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/full/10.1094/PHYTOFR-01-23-0009-R

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Megan McCaghey.

Spurring Onward: Confessions of a Midwestern Plant Pathologist Jan 30, 2024

In the season 4 premier of Plantopia, new host Matt Kasson, associate professor of forest pathology and mycology at West Virginia University, talks to Dr. Jim Bradeen, season 2 and 3 host of Plantopia, professor of plant pathology, and associate vice president at Colorado State University Spur Campus. The two discussed what interested Jim in plant sciences, what he's passionate about, the importance of pursuing a master's degree, his impact on the establishment of CSU's Spur Campus, advice for students and people in academia, leadership, and the future of Plantopia.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/5n8zrkfs

Colorado State University Faculty Profile here: https://president.colostate.edu/presidents-office-team/

CSU SPUR Profile: https://csuspur.org/profiles/jim-bradeen/

Find Jim Bradeen on X (formerly Twitter): @JimBradeen

Find Jim Bradeen on BlueSky: @jimbradeen.bsky.social

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Jim Bradeen.

A Perfect Trifecta: A Plant Health Career in Government, Academia and the Private Sector Dec 28, 2023

In this episode, Dr. Rubella Goswami, director for the Plant Protection Division at USDA’s-National Institute of Food and Agriculture, joins host Jim Bradeen to talk about her vast career in plant pathology, how a global perspective influenced her career, transitioning from academia to industry, the challenges for women in science, and advice for young professionals in the field.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/3buv4jse

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Rubella Goswami.

Plant Health is a Global Affair Nov 30, 2023

In this episode, recorded live at the 12th International Congress of Plant Pathology in Lyon, France, Dr. Yong-Hwan Lee, president of the International Society for Plant Pathology, joins host Jim Bradeen to talk about global plant health, his career in plant pathology, opportunities and challenges facing the industry, academic leadership, international collaborations, and a preview of the next International Congress of Plant Pathology, held in Australia in 2028.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yc7a5vfk

For more information on that International Society for Plant Pathology: https://www.isppweb.org

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Yong-Hwan Lee.

Making a Big WAVE in Food Security Oct 30, 2023

In this episode, recorded live at the 12th International Congress Of Plant Pathology in Lyon, France, Dr. Justin Pita, Executive Director
for the West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) for Food Security, joins host Jim Bradeen to talk about plant health opportunities and challenges throughout the 10 countries represented by the WAVE, his career in plant pathology, the need to build or equip facilities for viral diagnoses, the importance of cassava in Western and Central Africa, and moving beyond your comfort zone.

Special Guest: Justin Pita.

Saying “Yes” to Mungbeans and Multi-disciplinarity Sep 30, 2023

In this episode, Evelyn Planter Heidt, a masters student in both plant pathology and entomology at Iowa State University, joins host Jim Bradeen for a conversation about her passions, goals and impact in plant pathology. The two chat about her career journey in the field; her involvement in the World Food Prize; her ongoing research on mung beans, its importance to the U.S., and its genetic diversity; and the use of AI in agriculture.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/2tdvyu5c

You can find her on LinkedIn @Evelyn Planter Heidt

Publication: Batzer, J.C., Sing, A., Platner, E., Kandel, Y. and Mueller, D.S. 2022. Screening Mungbean Accession for Susceptibility to Soybean Fungal Diseases in Iowa. Plant Health Progress Volume 23:456-465.

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Evelyn Planter Heidt.

One Health, One Epic Conference (ICPP Edition) Aug 29, 2023

In this episode, recorded live at the 12th International Congress Of Plant Pathology in Lyon, France, Mathias Choquer, co-chair of ICCP23, joins host Jim Bradeen to talk about this year's event, the French Society of Plant Pathology, reasons why early career professionals should get involved in their societies, his research into the gray mold fungus Botrytis cinerea and vesicular trafficking, and his passion for education.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/2ec4c6v9

French Society of Plant Pathology: https://www.sfp-asso.org/presentation-in-english

International Congress of Plant Pathology: https://www.icpp2023.org

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Mathias Choquer.

Plant Health from the Ground Up Jul 31, 2023

In this episode, Dr. Prasanna Kankanala, director of research and development at Trace Genomics, joins host Jim Bradeen for a conversation about her career in plant pathology. The two chat about her career journey in the field, the advantages of having a career in industry, some of the most common misperceptions of industry careers in plant pathology, the importance of mentorship, microbiomes, and some of the biggest opportunities available for agriculture.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/3vkr3as9

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Prasanna Kankanala.

West Wing Confidential: Tales of a Career in Mycology Jun 26, 2023

In this episode, Dr. Mary Palm, former National Mycologist with USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine, joins host Jim Bradeen for a conversation about her career in mycology. The two chat about her career journey in mycology, her passion for fungi, her impactful career with USDA APHIS and the influential people she met along the way, the skills needed to be a national mycologist, her leadership roles in the American Phytopathological Society and the Mycology Society of America, and the importance of getting involved.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yv2zp5mp

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Mary Palm.

No Stowaways: The Science of International Seed Trade and Plant Health May 26, 2023

In this episode, Ric Dunkle, PhD, Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade for the American Seed Trade Association, joins host Jim Bradeen for an engaging conversation about seed quality and research. The two chat about Ric's career journey in seed pathology, seed pathogens and microbes, international seed trade, the importance of the American Seed Trade Association, and advice for young professionals wanting to have a career in seed pathology.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/PlantopiaS3E5

For more information on the American Seed Trade Association, visit https://www.betterseed.org

For more information on APS courses, visit https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/resources/Courses/Pages/default.aspx

For more information on APS' Professional Development for Educators, visit https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/resources/Courses/Pages/default.aspx

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Ric Dunkle, PhD.

Collecting Samples, Bridging Silos: Plant Diagnostics and the NPDN Apr 27, 2023

In this episode, Dr. Carrie Harmon, an extension specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, joins host Jim Bradeen for a fun conversation about plant diagnostics. The two chat about recommended standards of diagnostic validation for reference collections, how she got her start in plant pathology, desktop diagnoses, and the National Plant Diagnostic Network.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3n2AaQF

Visit Carrie Harmon's Twitter at @flplantdr

Lapaire Harmon, C. et al. (2023) Standards of Diagnostic Validation: Recommendations for Reference Collections PhytoFrontiers https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/epdf/10.1094/PHYTOFR-05-22-0050-FI

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Carrie Harmon.

On the Right Footing Mar 29, 2023

In this episode, Febina Mathew, an associate professor of Plant Pathology at North Dakota State University, joins host Jim Bradeen for a conversation about her career in plant pathology. The two chat about her journey, the importance of practical research, making research decisions, the future of plant pathology, mentorship, and even some dance pointers!

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3lX1ZJn

Visit Febina Mathew's Twitter at @febina_m

LinkedIn: Febina Mathew

Natalia Ingebretsen Kucirkova (2023) Academia’s culture of overwork almost broke me, so I’m working to undo it. Nature. 614:9 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00241-8

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Febina Mathew.

When Research Goes Up In Smoke Feb 27, 2023

In this episode, Dr. Jason Smith, Professor of Forest Pathology at the School of Forest, Fisheries & Geomatics Sciences at the University of Florida, joins host Jim Bradeen for an engaging conversation about Pyroaerobiology - the aerosolization and transport of viable microbial life by wildland fire. The two chat about his research in the field, his study of laurel wilt and valley fever, environmental management strategies, and insights for early career scientists who are interested in plant pathology.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3EAuoLB

Visit Dr. Smith's Twitter at @ForestPathLab

Kobziar, L.N., M.R.A. Pingree, H. Larson, T.J. Dreaden, S. Green, and J.A. Smith. (2018) Pyroaerobiology: the aerosolization and transport of viable microbial life by wildland fire. Ecosphere 9:e02507 https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.2507

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Jason Smith.

A Feeling for the Organism: Perspectives on a Career in Plant Pathology Jan 26, 2023

In this episode, Dr. Jan Leach, the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Agriculture and a University Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University, joins host Jim Bradeen for an engaging conversation about careers in plant pathology. The two chat about the importance of mentorship, working internationally, research, and how to get involved in various societies within the plant pathology field.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3JgqLgU

Dr. Jan Leach is the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Agriculture and a University Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University. In her role as Associate Dean for Research, she provides strategic vision for research within the College, and works with faculty to build collaborative research teams. Her research group studies the molecular basis of durable plant disease resistance. Other projects in her laboratory are related to bioenergy (genetics of biomass production) and understanding the interactions of bacteria-insects-plants in plant health.

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Jan Leach.

The Science Behind Healthy Christmas Trees Nov 22, 2022

In this episode, Gary Chastagner, a professor of plant pathology and an extension specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at Washington State University, joins host Jim Bradeen for a timely conversation about the science behind Christmas trees. The two chat about his initial interests in plant pathology, his research specific to Christmas trees and diseases impacting them, genetically modified Christmas trees, and the interactions between root rotting Phythophthora, Abies Christmas trees and the environment.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3EUC4cc

McKeever, K.M. and Chastagner, G.A. 2019. Interactions Between Root Rotting Phythophthora, Abies Christmas Trees, and Environment. Plant Disease. 103:538-545. https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS-01-18-0174-RE

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Gary Chastagner.

Graduate student professional development, industry careers, and plant defense Nov 07, 2022

In this episode, Dr. Karen Ferreira da Silva, Field Scientist at Corteva Agrisciences, joins host Jim Bradeen for a candid conversation about her perspectives in plant pathology.The two chat about her career journey to plant pathology, her unique PhD research on plant responses to biotic challenges and her experimental approach, and leadership development opportunities for graduate students in plant sciences

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3zOOXS0

Da Silva, K.F., Everhart, S.E., and Louis, J. (2021) Impact of maize hormonal interactions on the performance of Spodoptera frugiperda in plants infected with Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis. Arthropod-Plant Interactions 15:699-706. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11829-021-09849-x

Find Dr. Ferreira da Silva on LinkedIn: @KFDSilva

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Karen Ferreira da Silva.

The Science of Plant Pathology and Indigenous Ways of Knowing Oct 18, 2022

In this episode, Dr. Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu, postdoctoral scientist at Bioprotection Aotearoa and Plant and Food Research, joins host Jim Bradeen for a conversation about her perspectives as an Indigenous woman and a scientist.The two chat about Indigenous ways of knowing, what shaped her career path, and her research on phyllosphere composition.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3SfxqJ4

Ehau-Taumauna, H. and Hockett, K. (2022) Passaging phyllosphere microbial communities develop suppression towards bacterial speck disease in tomato. Phytobiomes. https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PBIOMES-05-22-0030-FI

Tuhononga: The Interconnection of Maori and Nature (Phipps Conservatory) https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/green-innovation/for-the-world/nature-of-place-symposium/nature-of-place-symposium-2020/session-3/hanareia-ehau-taumaunu-m.s

Find Dr. Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu on Twitter: @hanareiaehau

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu.

Small RNAs: From Plant/Microbe Interactions to COVID Vaccines Sep 28, 2022

In this episode, Juliana Gonzalez-Tobon from Cornell University, joins host Jim Bradeen to talk about her research on small non-coding RNAs and the role they play in regulating plant pathogen interactions. The two also discuss her social media presence and what she's doing to fight COVID misinformation and raise the profile of science communication.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3LMPB7r

See Juliana's social media on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TicToc: @epiplantpath

Juliana Gonzaělez-Toboěn, Alejandra Rodriěguez-Jaramillo, Laura Milena Forero, Laura Natalia Gonzaělez, Giovanna Danies, and Silvia Restrepo (bioRxiv preprint), Evaluation of small non-coding RNAs as a possible epigenetic mechanism mediating the transition from biotrophy to necrotrophy in the life cycle of Phytophthora infestans

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Juliana Gonzalez-Tobon.

Brains Like to Think Sep 14, 2022

In this episode, recorded live at Plant Health 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Leonor Leandro professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at the Iowa State University, joins host Jim Bradeen to talk about her passion for teaching, her unique approach to the classroom and team-based learning (TBL), and her insights in plant pathology education.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3Ucik9B

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Leonor Leandro.

Leveraging the Social Sciences for Greater Plant Health Aug 31, 2022

In this episode, Sara García Figuera , agricultural engineer, plant pathologist and agri-business consultant for Prospero & Partners, joins host Jim Bradeen for a conversation about social sciences and its impact on plant health. The two chat about her career path, her research on Huanglongbing, collective action, and the importance of mentorship.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3TnpiIe

Figuera, S.G., Babcock, B., Lubell, M., and McRoberts, N. (2022) Collective action in the area-wide management of an invasive plant disease. Ecology & Society. 27:12. https://ecologyandsociety.org/vol27/iss2/art12/

Find Sara Figuera on Twitter: @saragfiguera

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Sara García Figuera .

APS Leadership: Unified Vision Even in Times of Change Aug 15, 2022

In this episode, recorded live at Plant Health 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, outgoing APS president Dr. Amy Charkowski, and incoming APS president Ron Walcott, join host Jim Bradeen for an engaging conversation wrapped around serving the APS membership, challenges of leading during times of change, and advice for others looking to move up in the organization.

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3QLXVpm

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guests: Amy Charkowski and Ron Walcott.

Of Peeps and People…and Plant Pathology Jul 21, 2022

In this episode, Matthew Kasson, associate professor of forest pathology and mycology at West Virginia University, joins host Jim Bradeen for an engaging conversation wrapped around SciComm and a viral experiment involving injecting Peeps with certain types of fungi. The two also get personal, discussing mental health issues in academia; the responsibilities of organizations to speak out on social issues; and the importance of social media in advancing interests in plant pathology.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3cpYoyt

Check out Fungal Peeps here: https://twitter.com/kasson_wvu/status/1112826811879182336

Find Matt Kasson on Twitter: @kasson_wvu

Klein, JoAnna. (March 29, 2019) Injecting Marshmallow Peeps With Fungi, for Science. New York Times https://nyti.ms/3zkItuk

Swift et al. (2020) From Hastag to High School: How Viral Tweets Are Inspiring Young Scientists to Embrace STEM. Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education 21(3):1-5. https://journals.asm.org/doi/pdf/10.1128/jmbe.v21i3.2133

Kasson, Matt. (December 14, 2021) Finding mental-health clarity under pandemic pressures. Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03760-4

The Mystery of the Mummified Twinkie. Short Wave, National Public Radio. October 27, 2020 https://www.npr.org/transcripts/925437726

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Matt Kasson.

When plant health meets human health: Is agriculture contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant human pathogens? Jun 17, 2022

In this episode, Marin Talbot Brewer, Fungal enthusiast and professor of mycology and plant pathology at the University of Georgia, joins host Jim Bradeen for an in-depth conversation about plant pathogenic fungi and emerging crop diseases. The two discuss her research of population biology of emerging fungal diseases in plants and people; the discovery of a new Neofusicoccum fungus species; and her career as a plant pathologist and getting her students interested in a similar career.

Show notes

The full transcript for this episode can be found here: https://bit.ly/3yysQPm.

Find her on Twitter: @marintalbrew

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Marin Talbot Brewer.

Rising to the Occasion: Moving Up Through the Plant Pathology Industry Jun 09, 2022

In this episode, Don Mathre, Professor Emeritus at Montana State University and veteran plant pathologist, joins host Jim Bradeen and provides his perspective on our field. He talks about his vast career; the rationale behind California’s One-Variety Law and the ‘political side’ of plant pathology; advice for young professionals just entering the field and the importance of mentorship; and his many roles in the American Phytopathological Society.

Show notes

For a full transcript of this episode, go here: https://bit.ly/3AfuZAZ

Student Travel Fund referenced during our discussion: https://www.apsnet.org/members/give-awards/donate/giving/funds/Pages/DonaldEMathre.aspx

“Naughty Peat: a case study in plant pathology, with emphasis on Koch’s Postulates and disease etiology:” https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/foreducators/TeachingNotes/Pages/NaughtyPeat.aspx

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Don Mathre.

Insights on Streak Mosaic Virus and Its Impact on Cereal Crops Jun 09, 2022

In this episode, Uta McKelvy, Associate Extension Specialist Plant Pathology at Montana State University, joins host Jim Bradeen for a fascinating discussion about her passion for plants and how they fit into the environment. The two discuss streak mosaic virus and its implications on wheat and other cereal crops; the challenges and opportunities of being an extension plant pathologist; and being an impactful woman in plant pathology.

Show notes

For a full transcript of this episode, go here: https://bit.ly/3ywp358

McKelvy’s publication mentioned in the podcast: https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/full/10.1094/PHP-10-20-0083-RS

The AWaRe tool referenced in the episode: https://tim-msu-ecol.shinyapps.io/Wheat_Streak_Mosaic_Risk_MT/

Find her on Twitter @UtaMcKelvy

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

Special Guest: Uta McKelvy.

Season 2 Coming Soon! May 04, 2022

New host. New guests. Same great topics! Season 2 of Plantopia launches June 2022.

Robotics Revolution: Part 2 Dec 14, 2020

Phytopatholobot & scouting from space

Special Guests: Katie Gold and Yu Jiang.

Robotics Revolution: Part 1 Nov 30, 2020

A quiet revolution is underway in agriculture.

Special Guests: Gary Wishnatzki and Lance Cadle-Davidson.

Cranberries Nov 16, 2020

Where do they come from? Are they really grown in water? Which pathogens are vying to ruin your Thanksgiving dinner? What challenges do cranberry growers face and what exactly is Ocean Spray?

Special Guests: Erika Saalau Rojas and Leslie Holland.

Resist! Nov 02, 2020

Microscopic battlefields, how plants resist pathogens, and how far we’ve come in understanding the strategies employed by both sides in this conflict.

Special Guest: Shavannor Smith.

For the Greater Good...of Wine Oct 19, 2020

From education on the dangers of "suitcase" plant material, to creating islands of habitat for beneficial insects, to the collective agreement on a set of rules by which crops can be produced in a more sustainable fashion; it all works better when we look out for each other.

Special Guest: Stephanie Bolton.

Links:

**A Distinct Amount of Human Suffering** Oct 05, 2020
If you thought that human misery due to plant diseases was only from our distant past, that our technology has placed us beyond the reach of plague and famine, then you have not kept up to date on Phytopthora infestans.
Special Guests: Bill Fry and Nina Zidack.
Sponsored By:
Conviron:

Untitled — **The Adventures of Sooty Blotch & Flyspeck** Aug 10, 2020
What's up with all those tiny spots on your apples?
Special Guest: Mark Gleason.
Sponsored By:
Conviron:
Percival Scientific:

Seeds! Jun 29, 2020

Just about every plant we want to grow comes from a seed, but where do all of those seeds come from?

Special Guest: Lindsey du Toit.

Willie Nelson's Bag of Spinach Jun 15, 2020

Fresh produce tastes great and is part of a healthy diet, but we all have a part to play in the war against microbial hitchhikers...even Willie.

Special Guests: Betsy Bihn and JP Dundore-Arias.

Editing Plant Genes Jun 01, 2020

How revolutionary methods can be used to disarm some of the most destructive pathogens that imperil the world's food supply.

Special Guest: Morgan Carter.

Antibiotics, Soil Microbiome, and Biological Control May 18, 2020

Your backyard is full of antibiotics. What they're there doing might surprise you.

Special Guests: Linda Kinkel and Soledad Benitez Ponce.

Ants as Farmers May 04, 2020

They’ve been farming for a lot longer than we have, and they are really good at it.

Special Guest: Ted Schultz.

Arms Race Part 2: AI + Cassava Apr 27, 2020

There's a farmer walking around in a developing country applying a convolutional neural network to make decisions.

Special Guest: James Legg.

The New American Chestnut Apr 20, 2020

This is the story of the demise of the American Chestnut and how we are poised, after a century of waiting, to see its return.

Special Guest: William Powell.

Links:

Arms Race Part 1: Ug99 Apr 09, 2020

The striking parallels between wheat rust and global human epidemics.

Special Guest: Dave Hodson.

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