I See Dead Plants

Ed Zaworski
  • 4.9 (11)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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:E12) Seeing the Unseen: New Technologies for Studying Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

    Jun 17 ·  Video

    (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 Contributors: Siyuan Wei, Jie Zhou, Olaf Prosper Kranse, Unnati Sonawala, Gang Sun, Ziyang He, Beatrice Senatori, Clement Pellegrin, Andrea Díaz-Tendero Bravo, Roberta Healey, Victor Hugo Moura de Souza, Vincent C.T. Hanlon, George Harpum, Tithira Wijayathilake, Adela Gaja Jezierska-Suwinska, Anika Damm, Kerry VerMeulen, Thomas Baum, Lida Derevnina, Ji Zhou, Sebastian Eves-van den Akker. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Background of the Speaker 02:45 Sebastian's Journey into Plant Sciences 05:43 Exploring Nematodes and Their Impact 08:54 Research Focus: Cyst Nematodes and Their Mechanisms 11:40 Drivers of Nematode Research in the UK 14:34 Innovative Methods in Nematode Research 17:47 High-Throughput Imaging and AI in Research 20:31 Logistics of Large-Scale Experiments 24:28 The Greenhouse Imaging Project 26:48 The Challenges of Lab Work 29:57 Designing the Imaging Machine 33:14 Collaborative Engineering in the Lab 36:23 AI and Nematode Detection 42:08 Building Growth Curves from Data 43:51 Nematode Interactions: Cooperation or Competition? 45:47 Genetic Screening for Nematode Traits 49:29 Future Directions: AI and Nematode Research 51:54 Innovations in Screening Technology 55:36 Communication Between Plants and Animals 56:28 Advancements in Nematode Management 01:00:26 Understanding Nematodes as Orphan Diseases 01:07:50 outro with logo.mp4 Zaworski, E. (Host) and Eves-van den Akker, S. (Interviewee). S5:E12 (Podcast). Seeing the Unseen: New Technologies for Studying Plant-Parasitic Nematodes. 6/17/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

    1h 9m

  2. Jun 10 ·  Video

    (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 Operates the Drones? 01:17 Challenges of Pesticide Application with Drones 11:10 Practical Applications and Future of Drone Technology 14:37 The Evolution of Drone Technology in Agriculture 19:01 Challenges and Limitations of Drone Spraying 25:05 Cost vs. Efficiency: The Drone Dilemma 30:04 Future Prospects of Spray Drones 36:58 Key Takeaways for Farmers on Drone Usage 44:08 outro with logo.mp4 Zaworski, E. (Host) and Wolf, T. (Interviewee). S5:E10 (Podcast). Attack of the Spray Drones! Part 2. 6/10/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

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

    Jun 3 ·  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
  4. (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
  5. (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
  6. (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
  7. (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
  8. (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
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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
    154
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    I See Dead Plants

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