Plantopia

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Michael Boehm.

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Tim Widmer.

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Karen Garrett.

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Marisol Quintanilla.

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Kranthi Mandadi.

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 (https://www.ars.usda.gov/people-locations/address/?person-id=10294) Dr. Lisa Castlebury's Google Scholar profile: ‪Lisa A. Castlebury - ‪Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iGCZIKsAAAAJ) This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Lisa Castlebury.

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.

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Elena Karlsen-Ayala.

In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Jacobs, associate professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University, joins host Matt Kasson to share how his global experiences have influenced his career in plant pathology. Drawing from his postdoctoral research in France, Belgium, and Colorado, Dr. Jacobs discusses his work on bacterial blight and leaf spot pathogens, along with his current role as a Fulbright scholar in Uruguay. He emphasizes the value of international collaboration, mentorship, and outreach, while also exploring the challenges of climate resilience in crops and the necessity of interdisciplinary solutions. Show notes Plantopia is produced by Association Briefings (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Jonathan Jacobs.

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 Briefing (https://associationbriefings.com)s. Special Guest: Terence Mhora.

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Edel Perez Lopez.

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.

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Romina Gazis.

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Mannon Gallegly.

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): @MNSoilFungi 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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Megan McCaghey.

In the season 4 premier of Plantopia, we give hosting reins to Matt Kasson, associate professor of forest pathology and mycology at West Virginia University in Morgantown. He 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. They talk about 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. Special Guest: Jim Bradeen.

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 (http://tinyurl.com/3buv4jse) This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Rubella Goswami.

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 (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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Yong-Hwan Lee.

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.

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 (https://tinyurl.com/2tdvyu5c) You can find her on LinkedIn @Evelyn Planter Heidt (https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-platner-heidt-7955811a0/) 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 (https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PHP-03-22-0026-RS). Plant Health Progress Volume 23:456-465. This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Evelyn Planter Heidt.

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 (https://tinyurl.com/2ec4c6v9) French Society of Plant Pathology: https://www.sfp-asso.org/presentation-in-english (https://www.sfp-asso.org/presentation-in-english) International Congress of Plant Pathology: https://www.icpp2023.org (https://www.icpp2023.org) This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Mathias Choquer.

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 (https://tinyurl.com/3vkr3as9) This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Prasanna Kankanala.

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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Mary Palm.

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 (https://tinyurl.com/PlantopiaS3E5) For more information on the American Seed Trade Association, visit https://www.betterseed.org (https://www.betterseed.org) For more information on APS courses, visit https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/resources/Courses/Pages/default.aspx (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 (https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/resources/Courses/Pages/default.aspx) This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Ric Dunkle, PhD.

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 (https://bit.ly/3n2AaQF) Visit Carrie Harmon's Twitter at @flplantdr (https://twitter.com/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 (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Carrie Harmon.

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 (https://bit.ly/3lX1ZJn) Visit Febina Mathew's Twitter at @febina_m LinkedIn: Febina Mathew (https://www.linkedin.com/in/febina-mathew-893423/) 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 (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Febina Mathew.

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 (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 (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Jason Smith.

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 (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 (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Jan Leach.

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 (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 (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Gary Chastagner.

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 (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 (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Karen Ferreira da Silva.

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 (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Hanareia Ehau-Taumaunu.

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 (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 (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.10.30.466584v1.full.pdf) This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Juliana Gonzalez-Tobon.

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 (https://bit.ly/3Ucik9B) This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Leonor Leandro.

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 (https://www.twitter.com/saragfiguera) This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Sara García Figuera .

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 (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guests: Amy Charkowski and Ron Walcott.

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 (https://www.associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Matt Kasson.

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 Find her on Twitter: (https://twitter.com/marintalbrew)@marintalbrew Special Guest: Marin Talbot Brewer.

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 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 Special Guest: Don Mathre.

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 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/WheatStreakMosaicRiskMT/ Find her on Twitter @UtaMcKelvy (https://twitter.com/utamckelvy) Special Guest: Uta McKelvy.

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

Phytopatholobot & scouting from space Special Guests: Katie Gold and Yu Jiang.

A quiet revolution is underway in agriculture. Special Guests: Gary Wishnatzki and Lance Cadle-Davidson.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We turn to photobiology for answers on how to produce healthier crops. Special Guests: Arne Stensvand and Mark Rea.

Tracking, testing, and stopping viruses that would otherwise wreak havoc within a population is the everyday work for some plant pathologists. Special Guests: Ana Cristina Fulladolsa and David Carlyle.

Charles Darwin was fascinated by earthworms. You should be too. Special Guest: Wade Elmer.

What's up with all those tiny spots on your apples? Special Guest: Mark Gleason.

They are social and devious. They are far more complex, sophisticated, and organized than you might ever imagine. Special Guest: Gwyn Beattie.