I See Dead Plants

Ed Zaworski

Plant Science Stories Rooted in the Everyday The 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.

  1. (S5:E10) Attack of the Spray Drones! Part 1

    3d ago ·  Video

    (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 Wolf's Journey into Plant Sciences 10:28 Understanding Drones: Basics and Types 14:24 The Evolving Drone Market and Manufacturers 18:32 The Technological Advancements in Spray Drones 19:41 The Evolution of Drone Design and Functionality 23:54 Understanding Swath Width and Its Variables 26:32 Challenges in Standardizing Drone Operations 31:44 Understanding the Complexity of Drone Applications 35:15 Training and Certification in Drone Usage 39:30 Who Operates the Drones? 47:05 outro with logo.mp4 Zaworski, E. (Host) and Wolf, T. (Interviewee). S5:E10 (Podcast). Attack of the Spray Drones! Part 1. 6/3/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

    48 min
  2. (S5:E9) Nematode Allies: Exploring Entomopathogenic Nematodes

    May 27 ·  Video

    (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 Entomopathogenic Nematodes 03:21 Life Cycle and Mechanism of Action 06:19 Host Specificity and Target Insects 09:15 Applications in Agriculture 12:04 Production and Formulation of Nematodes 14:55 Cost and Economic Considerations 17:37 Future of Entomopathogenic Nematodes 20:37 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts 28:53 outro with logo Zaworski, E. (Host) and Shapiro-Ilan, D. (Interviewee). S5:E9 (Podcast). Nematode Allies: Exploring Entomopathogenic Nematodes. 5/27/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

    31 min
  3. (S5:E8) Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 2

    May 20 ·  Video

    (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 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46975-z#Sec14 https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/27/5/article-p710.xml https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/news/new-crop-risk-tool-enhances-disease-management-decisions Time Stamps 00:00 Understanding Machine Learning Models 03:23 Choosing the Right Model for the Project 06:13 Metrics for Model Evaluation 08:48 Challenges in Data Collection and Standardization 11:38 Insights on Frog Eye Leaf Spot Modeling 13:44 Future Directions and Improvements 17:40 Understanding Weather Data's Role in Disease Modeling 19:42 Data Collection and Analysis for Disease Severity 21:29 Introduction to Decision Support Systems (DSS) 22:27 The Importance of Decision Support in Agriculture 24:09 Future of Predictive Modeling and Decision Support Systems 28:44 The Role of Farmers in Utilizing Predictive Models 32:14 Economic Benefits of Decision Support Systems 34:29 Elevator Pitch: Explaining Predictive Modeling to the Public 37:58 outro with logo.mp4 Zaworski, E. (Host) and González-Acuña, J. (Interviewee). S5:E8 (Podcast). Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 2. 5/20/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

    39 min
  4. (S5:E7) Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 1

    May 13 ·  Video

    (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 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46975-z#Sec14 https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/27/5/article-p710.xml https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/news/new-crop-risk-tool-enhances-disease-management-decisions Time Stamps 00:44 Introduction to Jose's Academic Journey 03:13 The Path to Plant Pathology 13:45 Understanding Frog Eye Leaf Spot 18:55 Management Strategies for Frog Eye Leaf Spot 21:51 Fungicide Resistance and Its Implications 23:39 The Journey to Predictive Modeling 25:57 The Role of Predictive Models in Agriculture 28:49 Understanding Predictive Modeling 34:26 Types of Predictive Models 40:09 Logistic Regression and Machine Learning Models 45:36 outro with logo.mp4   Zaworski, E. (Host) and González-Acuña, J. (Interviewee). S5:E7 (Podcast). Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 1. 5/13/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

    47 min
  5. (S5:E6) Dr. Banana vs. Tropical Race 4

    Apr 15

    (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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhPEErJnErU   Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Bananas and Fernando's Journey 00:42 Introductions 03:28 The Fascinating World of Bananas 06:12 KeyGene and Banana Breeding Innovations 09:07 Understanding Panama Disease and Its History 12:09 The Impact of Fusarium Wilt on Banana Cultivation 15:00 Banana Propagation and Monoculture Risks 18:17 Challenges in Banana Production 20:56 Fusarium Wilt: Transmission and Biosecurity Measures 23:48 The Global Spread of Fusarium Wilt 27:05 Social Implications of Fusarium Wilt 29:31 Future of Banana Cultivation and Breeding 39:30 The Impact of Fusarium on Banana Production 39:44 Understanding Banana Races and Their Threats 41:43 Geographical Spread of Fusarium Race 4 43:38 Banana Production: Global Insights 45:41 Management Strategies Against Fusarium 49:38 Symptoms and Effects of Fusarium Wilt 53:33 Breeding for Resistance: The Future of Bananas 57:55 Consumer Acceptance and Market Challenges 01:00:29 Exploring Banana Diversity and Flavor Profiles 01:04:38 The Future of Banana Production 01:08:38 Public Awareness and the Importance of Bananas 01:16:25 Outro Zaworski, E. (Host) and Garcia-Bastidas, F. (Interviewee). S5:E6 (Podcast). Dr. Banana vs. Tropical Race 4. 4/15/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

    1h 17m
  6. (S5:E5) Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 2

    Mar 25

    (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/ https://www.americanforests.org/champion-trees/ https://nationalchampiontree.org https://soundcloud.com/user-954267106 Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to Gathering Growth Foundation (01:12) Adventures in Tree Photography (15:02) The Importance of Documenting Trees (25:05) Future Projects and Aspirations (35:03) Engaging the Public with Tree Awareness Zaworski, E. (Host) and Kelley, B. (Interviewee). S5:E5 (Podcast). Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 2. 3/25/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

    40 min
  7. (S5:E4) Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 1

    Mar 18

    (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/ https://www.americanforests.org/champion-trees/ https://nationalchampiontree.org https://soundcloud.com/user-954267106 Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to I See Dead Plants Podcast (01:34) Brian Kelly and the Gathering Growth Foundation (05:32) The Journey from Skateboarding to Tree Photography (12:54) The Importance of Documenting Trees (16:01) Understanding Champion Trees (25:30) The Role of State and Global Tree Registries (27:49) Why Documenting Trees Matters (33:55) Documenting Trees: The Process and Outputs Zaworski, E. (Host) and Kelley, B. (Interviewee). S5:E4 (Podcast). Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 1. 3/18/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

    44 min
  8. (S5:E3) Silent Yield Killer: Soybean Cyst Nematode and the SCN Coalition

    Mar 11

    (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 ICDeadPlants Podcast (05:57) Understanding Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) (12:08) The Impact of SCN in North Dakota (17:59) The SCN Coalition: A Public-Private Partnership (23:58) Reviving the SCN Coalition and Its Strategies (31:18) Building Partnerships for Agricultural Success (41:06) Advice for Future Public-Private Partnerships (46:09) Recognizing Achievements and Future Directions (51:01) The Impact of the SCN Coalition on Farmers Zaworski, E. (Host) and Markell, S. (Interviewee). S5:E3 (Podcast). Silent Yield Killer: Soybean Cyst Nematode and the SCN Coalition. 3/11/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

    56 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Plant Science Stories Rooted in the Everyday The 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ed Zaworski
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    I See Dead Plants

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