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Plantopia

Plantopia

By: The American Phytopathological Society (APS)
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Healthy plants are the foundation for life on our planet. They produce the oxygen we breathe and over 80% of the food we eat. The Plantopia podcast series explains how protecting plant health can ensure a sustainable future. Inspired by the United Nations declaration of 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health, the American Phytopathological Society created Plantopia so you can explore the world of plant health in company with plant pathologists—people on a mission to protect plants and our food supply.


© 2025 The American Phytopathological Society (APS) Biological Sciences Earth Sciences Science
Episodes
  • Good Fellows Part I

    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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Tim Widmer.
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    35 mins
  • A Conversation with APS President Dr. Karen Garrett

    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 (https://associationbriefings.com). Special Guest: Karen Garrett.
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    40 mins
  • Plants Get Parasitic Worms Too

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

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