I See Dead Plants
by Ed Zaworski
Plant Science Stories Rooted in the EverydayThe I See Dead Plants podcast shares the stories of people and plants, pests and pathogens, and the conflicts among them. Join us as we speak to the folks who are helping the rest of us live healthier, more productive lives through pest management research and education. We strive to make science accessible.
Episodes
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(S5:E20) Cloudy with a Chance of Sclerotia: Disease Forecasting and White Mold
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Wade Webster of North Dakota State University. They discuss soybean white mold, disease forecasting models and the use of AI in agriculture. Additional Resources https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/crop-disease-forecasting Chapters 00:42 Introduction to Plant...
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(S5:E19) From the Field to the Phone Lines: Montana Ag Live
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Jack Reisselman of Montana State University. They discuss the longtime Montana PBS program Montana Ag live. Additional Resources https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFz2HaLWoSAOxqr4NdtypRyirvYZAK895 Chapters Zaworski, E. (Host) and Riesselman, J.…
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(S5:E18) The Crimson Crown: Soybean Red Crown Rot Uncovered
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Boris Camiletti of the University of Illinois. The topic is red crown rot of soybeans, new research findings, updated distributions and more. Additional Resources https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.11.744294v1.full.pdf...
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(S5:E17) The Return of the Jassid: New Insights on Cotton Jassid in 2026
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Issac Esquivel of the University of Florida, Dr. Phillip Roberts of the University of Georgia and Dr. Scott Graham of Auburn University. They discuss the ongoing surveillance and damage caused to cotton by the cotton jassid or two-spot cotton leafhopper.…
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(S5:E16) Bugging the Bugs: Inside the Insect Eavesdropper
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Emily Bick of the University of Wisconsin Madison. They discuss the work of Emily's lab with regards to the insect eavesdropper project. Tune in to learn how we can listen to insects inside of plants and how it might help farmers. Additional Resources...
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(S5:E15) Aisles Under Attack: Food Distribution and Plant Pests
In this episode Ed interviews Dr Sylvain Charlebois who studies food distribution at Dalhousie University. They discuss economics, logistics, the power of the consumer and more. Additional Resources Time Stamps 00:00 – Introduction: Why Food Distribution Matters 03:45 – How the Modern Food Supply...
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(S5:E14) What's Lurking in the Lettuce?
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Jeri Barak of the University of Wisconsin. They discuss the work of Jeri and her lab on food safety and how in some instances plant pathogens can increase the chances that you encounter a human pathogen when eating fresh produce. Additional Resources...
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(S5:E13) Cultivating Connections: Leading Extension Across Diverse Agricultural Systems
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Rachel Vann of the University of Illinois. They talk about Rachel's experiences with extension in different regions as well as her work with the science for success program Additional Resources https://resources.ipmcenters.org/resource.cfm?rid=45271&vid=30391...
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(S1:E3) Alternate Hosts: What's Up with Fireflies?
In this epsiode Ed, Maddle Henrickson and Zach Schum talk fireflies just in time for the the 4th! In this episode we talk firefly basics and speculate on recent firefly news. Transcript
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(S5:E12) Seeing the Unseen: New Technologies for Studying Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Sebastian Eves-van den Akker of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. They discuss how Sebastian and his lab are using tech such a machine learning and 3d printing to gather data regarding plant parasitic nematodes. Additional Resources List of...
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(S5:E11) Attack of the Spray Drones! Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Tom wolf of Agrimetrix research and training. They discuss spray drones past, current and future, with regards to agriculture. Additional Resources https://sprayers101.com/about/ Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Spray Drones and Pesticide Applications 00:55 Who...
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(S5:E10) Attack of the Spray Drones! Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Tom wolf of Agrimetrix research and training. They discuss spray drones past, current and future, with regards to agriculture. Additional Resources https://sprayers101.com/about/ Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Spray Drones and Pesticide Applications 02:21 Tom...
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(S5:E9) Nematode Allies: Exploring Entomopathogenic Nematodes
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. David Shapiro-Ilan of the USDA-ARS. They discuss the work of David's lab using entomopathogenic nematodes as a form of biocontrol. Additional Resources https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=411611 Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to...
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(S5:E8) Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. José González-Acuña, recent Ph.D. graduate at Iowa State University. They discuss José's Thesis work on frogeye leaf spot and efforts to expand the ever growing library of plant disease predictive models. Additional Resources...
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(S5:E7) Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. José González-Acuña, recent Ph.D. graduate at Iowa State University. They discuss José's Thesis work on frogeye leaf spot and efforts to expand the ever growing library of plant disease predictive models. Additional Resources...
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(S5:E6) Dr. Banana vs. Tropical Race 4
In this episode Ed interviews Fernando Garcia-Bastidas, also known as Dr. banana. They discuss banana production and the very destructive disease known as banana wilt. Additional Resources https://www.keygene.com/banana-research-and-breeding-keygene/ https://linktr.ee/DrBananaGarcia...
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(S5:E5) Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Brian Kelley of the Gathering Growth foundation. They discuss Brian's mission to photograph and document some of the nation's oldest and largest trees to raise awareness and preserve their legacy. Additional Resources https://www.gatheringgrowth.org/...
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(S5:E4) Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Brian Kelley of the Gathering Growth foundation. They discuss Brian's mission to photograph and document some of the nation's oldest and largest trees to raise awareness and preserve their legacy. Additional Resources https://www.gatheringgrowth.org/...
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(S5:E3) Silent Yield Killer: Soybean Cyst Nematode and the SCN Coalition
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Sam Markell of North Dakota State University. They discuss the emerging threat of SCN in North Dakota and how the SCN coalition aims to combat this ever-present threat. Additional Resources https://www.thescncoalition.com/ Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to the...
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(S5:E2) When Life Doesn't Give you Lemons: Citrus Greening Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Lauren Diepenbrock, Entomologist from University of Florida. They discuss the devastating and complicated insect/plant disease complex, citrus greening. Additional Resources...
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(S5:E1) When Life Doesn't Give you Lemons: Citrus Greening Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Lauren Diepenbrock, Entomologist from University of Florida. They discuss the devastating and complicated insect/plant disease complex, citrus greening. Additional Resources...
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(S4:E45) Blights Get Sick Too: Chestnut Blight and Hypovirulence
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Danielle Mikolajewski a postdoctoral candidate in the plant pathology department at the University of Florida. Ed and Danielle discuss some of Danielle's Ph.D. research on chestnut blight and one of the methods being studied in attempt to bring back the American...
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(S4:E44) Boring Problems?: Managing the Dectes Stem Borer Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Adam Varenhorst of South Dakota State University. They discuss Adam's work with an emerging insect problem in soybeans, Sunflowers and other plants the dectes stem borer. Additional Resources https://academic.oup.com/jee/article/118/5/2338/8177282 Time Stamps...
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(S1:E2) Alternate Hosts: Lack of Chestnuts on an Open Fire
In this episode of Alternate Hosts Ed is Joined once again by Dr. Madeline Henrickson to interview Dr. Danielle Mikolajewski, post-doctoral candidate at University of Florida. In order to get you into the holiday spirit they discuss the disease that whipped out the American Chestnut and left us…
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(S4:E43) Boring Problems?: Managing the Dectes Stem Borer Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Adam Varenhorst of South Dakota State University. They discuss Adam's work with an emerging insect problem in soybeans, Sunflowers and other plants the dectes stem borer. Additional Resources https://academic.oup.com/jee/article/118/5/2338/8177282 Time Stamps...
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(S4:E42) The Bug Crusade: Adventures of the Indiana Jones of Entomology Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Mark Hoddle of University of California Riverside. They discuss some of Mark's worldly adventures while trying to track down biological control agents and his work with the South American palm weevil. Additional Resources Entomology's Indiana Jones Biocontrol lab...
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(S4:E41) The Bug Crusade: Adventures of the Indiana Jones of Entomology Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Mark Hoddle of University of California Riverside. They discuss some of Mark's worldly adventures while trying to track down biological control agents and his work with the South American palm weevil. Additional Resources Entomology's Indiana Jones Biocontrol lab...
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(S4:E40) Dr. Doom's Crash Course in Ag Economics Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Chad Hart Ag economist at Iowa State University. They discuss the basics of ag economics, the current state of the ag economy and what the future may hold. Additional Resources https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/chart/extension-presentations...
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(S4:E39) Dr. Doom's Crash Course in Ag Economics part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Chad Hart ag economist at Iowa State University. They discuss the basics of ag economics, the current state of the ag economy and what the future may hold. Additional Resources https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/chart/extension-presentations...
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(S1:E1) Alternate Hosts: Was Ergot To Blame For The Salem Witch Trials?
In this episode of alternate hosts Ed Zaworski, Maddle Henrickson and Chelsea Harbach embrace the spirit of Halloween and discuss the salem witch trials. One possible explaination for the witch hunt is that the people of salem consumed grains infested with a plant disease called ergot. Whatever…
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(S4:E38) Blightmare on Stem Street: Alfalfa Bacterial Stem Blight
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Deb Samac of the USDA-ARS. They discuss the long-overlooked disease of alfalfa, bacterial stem blight. Additional Resources https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PHYTO-02-23-0059-R?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed...
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(S4:E37) A New Threat to Cotton: The Cotton Jassid
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Isaac Esquivel of the University of Florida and Dr. Phillip Roberts of the University of Georgia. They discuss a new pest of cotton, the cotton jassid or two-spot leaf hopper, that has very rapidly become a new concern for cotton growers. Additional Resources...
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(S4:E36)The IPM Triangle: Making a Plan to Use Integrated Pest Management
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Adam Ingrao. They discuss Adam's Heroes to hives program and his philosophy on implementing integrated pest management. Additional Resources https://miffs.org/heroes-to-hives/ https://miffs.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QvEc6_Hook...
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(S4:E35) Island IPM: CTAHR Sustainable Pest Management Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews the sustainable pest management lab from the university of Hawaii at Manoa, led by Dr. Koon-Hui Wang. Along with graduate students Roshan Paudel, Lauren Braley and Ben Wiseman they discuss various projects the lab is working on across several different crops....
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(S4:E34) Island IPM: CTAHR Sustainable Pest Management Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews the sustainable pest management lab from the university of Hawaii at Manoa, led by Dr. Koon-Hui Wang. Along with graduate students Roshan Paudel, Lauren Braley and Ben Wiseman they discuss various projects the lab is working on across several different crops....
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(S4:E33) Wicked Corn Curveball: Insights on Curvularia Leafspot of Corn
In this episode Ed is joined by co-host Dr. Travis Faske of University of Arkansas to interview Dr. Tom Allen of Mississippi State University. They discuss curvularia leaf spot of corn, which has recently been showing up in some midwestern states. Additional Resources...
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(S4:E32) Cursed Chiles: An Overview of Chile Pepper Diseases Part 2
In this episode Ed talks with Dr. Steve Hanson of New Mexico State University. They discuss chile (not chili ) pepper diseases. Additional Resources https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/epdf/10.1094/PHP-12-20-0112-BR https://cpi.nmsu.edu/ How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E. (Host) Hanson, S....
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(S4:E31) Cursed Chiles: An Overview of Chile Pepper Diseases Part 1
In this episode Ed talks with Dr. Steve Hanson of New Mexico State University. They discuss chile (not chili ) pepper diseases. Additional Resources https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/epdf/10.1094/PHP-12-20-0112-BR https://cpi.nmsu.edu/ How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E. (Host) Hanson, S....
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(S4:E30) Drowned in Dread: Phytophthora capsici
In this episode Ed talks with Dr. Lina Quesada-Ocampo of North Carolina State University. They discuss Lina's work with the pathogen Phytophthora capsici and the damage it can do on various vegetable crops. Additional Resources...
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(S4:E29) Symp-tomb Check: Evolving Plant Disease Diagnostics
In this episode Ed Interviews Dr. Carrie Harmon of the University of Florida plant diagnostic center. They discuss plant diagnostics, how they have evolved over time and how the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) unites diagnosticians across the country. Additional Resources…
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(S4:E28) A Scarlet Plague: Red Crown Rot of Soybean
In the episode Ed interviews Dr. Carl Bradley of the University of Kentucky. They discuss red crown rot of soybeans. Additional Resources https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PHP-04-22-0041-DG https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/ppfs-ag-s-25.pdf...
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(S4:E27) Smells Like Trouble: A Stinkbug Overview Part 2
This week Ed interviews Zach Schumm, entomologist with the Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic. They discuss Zach's role in diagnostics and stinkbugs. Additional Resources https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/pidc https://npdn.org/ How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E....
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(S4:E26) Smells Like Trouble: A Stinkbug Overview Part 1
This week Ed interviews Zach Schumm, entomologist with the Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic. They discuss Zach's role in diagnostics and stinkbugs. Additional Resources https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/pidc https://npdn.org/ How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E....
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(S4:E25) Taxonomic Tumult: Cercospora Species and Soybean Diseases Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews a podcast alumni, Dr. Vinson Doyle of Louisiana State University. They discuss the evolution of cercospora taxonomy and how it may relate to soybean diseases. Additional Resources https://bsppjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ppa.13261...
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(S4:E24) Taxonomic Tumult: Cercospora Species and Soybean Diseases Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews a podcast alumni, Dr. Vinson Doyle of Louisiana State University. They discuss the evolution of cercospora taxonomy and how it may relate to soybean diseases. Additional Resources https://bsppjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ppa.13261...
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(S4:E23) Tunnels of Terror: Soybean Tentiform Leafminer
In this episode Ed discusses the Soybean tentiform leafminer, an emergent insect pest of soybean, with Dr. Bob Koch of the University of Minnesota. Additional Resources Initial detections in soybean: https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmab038 Laboratory rearing methods:...
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(S4:E22) Crawlers of Compact Corn: Insect Pests and Short Stature Corn
In this episode Ed interviews Devin Radosevich, Ph.D. Student at Iowa State University. They discuss Devin's work, in the Gassmann lab, with short stature corn and insect pests. Additional Resources How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E. (Host) Radosevich, D. (Interviewees). S4:E22 (Podcast)....
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(S4:E21) Tubers of Terror: Unearthing the Potato Cyst Nematode Part 3
In this Episode Ed Talks with Dr. Matt Back and Dr. Kasia Dybal of Harper Adams University. We discussed the complicated system of potato cyst nematode in the United Kingdom. Additional Resources https://www.pcnhub.ac.uk/ https://horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/pcn-grower-guide...
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(S4:E20) Tubers of Terror: Unearthing the Potato Cyst Nematode Part 2
In this Episode Ed Talks with Dr. Matt Back and Dr. Kasia Dybal of Harper Adams University. We discussed the complicated system of potato cyst nematode in the United Kingdom. Additional Resources https://www.pcnhub.ac.uk/ https://horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/pcn-grower-guide...
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(S4:E19) Tubers of Terror: Unearthing the Potato Cyst Nematode Part 1
In this Episode Ed Talks with Dr. Matt Back and Dr. Kasia Dybal of Harper Adams University. We discussed the complicated system of potato cyst nematode in the United Kingdom. Additional Resources https://www.pcnhub.ac.uk/ https://horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/pcn-grower-guide...
About this show
Plant Science Stories Rooted in the EverydayThe I See Dead Plants podcast shares the stories of people and plants, pests and pathogens, and the conflicts among them. Join us as we speak to the folks who are helping the rest of us live healthier, more productive lives through pest management research and education. We strive to make science accessible.
Hosted by
Ed Zaworski
Categories