Plantopia

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 of Emerging Infectious Diseases at The Ohio State University, joins host Matt Kasson from Uruguay where he is currently investigating emerging and ongoing threats to U.S. and Uruguay cereal production. Dr. Jacobs discusses he globe-trotting academic journey studying plant bacterial diseases in France, Belgium, Uruguay, and the U.S.A. along with his philosophy on mentoring, Show notes Dr. Jacobs Ohio State University Faculty Profile here: https://plantpath.osu.edu/our-people/jonathan-m-jacobs Dr. Jacobs OSU Lab page: Emerging infectious disease ecology laboratory | Biology and evolution of plant pathogenic bacteria and food crops (osu.edu) (https://u.osu.edu/doctorjj/) News Release of Dr. Jacobs Fulbright Award: Jacobs awarded Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to Uruguay | Office of International Affairs (osu.edu) (https://oia.osu.edu/news/jacobs-awarded-fulbright-u-s-scholar-award-to-uruguay) This episode 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, new host Matt Kasson, associate professor of forest pathology and mycology at West Virginia University, 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. The two discussed 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. Show notes The full transcript for this episode can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/5n8zrkfs (http://tinyurl.com/5n8zrkfs) Colorado State University Faculty Profile here: https://president.colostate.edu/presidents-office-team/ CSU SPUR Profile: https://csuspur.org/profiles/jim-bradeen/ Find Jim Bradeen on X (formerly Twitter): @JimBradeen Find Jim Bradeen on BlueSky: @jimbradeen.bsky.social This episode is produced by Association Briefings (https://associationbriefings.com). 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.