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Horticultural science is the only discipline that incorporates both the science and aesthetics of plants. It is the science and art of producing edible fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and ornamental plants, improving and commercializing them. Plants, People, Science, a podcast by the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), will bring you the recent advancements in science, technology, innovation, development, and education for economically important horticultural crops and plants. Each episode features an interview with an American Society for Horticultural Science member, a discussion of their current work in the field, and the story behind their research. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. In this podcast, you will hear from diverse members across the horticultural community - scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents, and industry professionals.
22 Episodes
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Dr. Chad Miller from Colorado State University shares his innovative approach to teaching horticulture through a classroom trade show format that transforms traditional plant identification courses into engaging, multidimensional learning experiences. As the 2024 ASHS Outstanding Undergraduate Educator award winner, he discusses how he combines plant knowledge with professional skill development to prepare students for success beyond the classroom. • Creating a trade show environment where s...
The science behind your garden hydrangeas involves far more than just planting and watering. Dr. Lisa Alexander, a research geneticist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, takes us on a fascinating journey from her first days pollinating chestnut trees in a 70-foot bucket truck to her current work revolutionizing hydrangea breeding at the National Arboretum. Working from the heart of Tennessee's nursery country, Dr. Alexander explains how she's mapping the genetic diversity of oaklea...
Unlock the secrets to making the most of the American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference with insider tips from seasoned attendees. As the 2025 New Orleans conference approaches (July 28-August 1), discover strategies that transform overwhelming events into career-defining opportunities. Veteran conference-goer Curt Rom (46 conferences and counting!) and graduate student Samson Humphrey share perspectives on navigating everything from travel logistics to networking technique...
A simple microscope gift during a childhood illness sparked a lifelong passion for horticulture that would take Dr. Daniel Leskovar from Argentina to leadership in American plant science. As the current President of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Dr. Leskovar shares the remarkable journey that began with his father's work in hop production and led him through prestigious institutions across three continents. The conversation reveals how formative experiences—observing agricu...
Dr. Kirk Pomper, a Professor of Horticulture at Kentucky State University, is an expert on the pawpaw. He takes us on a journey through the lush history and remarkable qualities of this native North American fruit. With its unique tropical notes the pawpaw stands out as both a horticultural gem and a culinary curiosity. Together, we unravel the complexities of cultivating pawpaws, exploring everything from grafting techniques to the challenges of pollination. Learn how these trees rely on le...
Unlock the secrets of sustainable agriculture with us as we welcome Dr. Carl Motsenbocker from Louisiana State University. Discover how his work in local foods and sustainable farming is reshaping horticultural education and community connections. We'll guide you through the discussions at the 2024 American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, where we gained insights into the shift from large-scale farming to small-scale environmentally conscious agricultural practices....
In a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mengmeng Gu from Colorado State’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, we explore the broader implications of resilience and the belief that failure is not the end. This engaging dialogue delves into how these concepts are not only vital in horticultural science but also in personal growth and development. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration and actionable insights. Learn more about the American Society for Horticultura...
Join us for a rich discussion with our distinguished guest, Ryan Contreras, a leading expert in ornamental horticulture from Oregon State University. Ryan shares his incredible journey from the fields of eastern North Carolina to becoming a renowned professor, revealing pivotal moments and key mentorships that shaped his career. Step into the world of invasive plant species and biotechnology with Ryan as he unpacks the significant ecological threats posed by plants like Scotch broom and Engl...
What if the key to unlocking your garden's full potential lies in a light spectrum most people overlook? Discover the untapped power of far-red radiation in horticulture as we bring you a vibrant discussion straight from the ASHS 2022 Workshop, "What Is Far-Red Light's Role in Plant Science?" Join co-host Sam Humphrey in a fantastic conversation with Dr. John Ertle, who shares his firsthand experience being surrounded by the leading minds in plant science. Feel the buzz and excitement of a pa...
How much do you really know about the light that nurtures your plants? In this enlightening episode of Plants, People, Science, hosts Curt Rom and Samson Humphrey take you on a journey through the multifaceted world of light's influence on horticulture. They start with their own personal experiences with sunlight and artificial light, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion with Dr. Erik Runkle from Michigan State University. Dr. Runkle shares his fascinating journey into the study of li...
Spring has sprung in the world of horticulture, and as Mother's Day nears, we welcome Dr. John Dole, a Professor of Horticultural Science from North Carolina State University. His current research activities focus on cut flowers, including new cultivar evaluations, production, postharvest, and marketing analysis. Dr. Dole opens our eyes to the science of cut flower production, the crucial post-harvest practices, and the flower's voyage from farm to tabletop. With his expertise, you'll h...
Embark on an intoxicating voyage through the storied groves of apple history and the intricate science of cider with Dr. Greg Peck from Cornell's School of Integrative Plant Science. Prepare your palate for a revelation as we uncover why cider apples bear little resemblance to their grocery store relatives, and how a symphony of tannins, sugars, and acidity beautifully ferment into the cider that elevates our dining experiences. Greg's expertise illuminates the journey from orchard to glass, ...
We usher in a new era of the Plants People Science podcast with Curt Rom of the University of Arkansas joining Sam Humphrey as a Co-Host for Season 2. Rom's wealth of knowledge, from his roots as an undergraduate research assistant to his career in teaching and research, is set to invigorate our discussions with fresh insights. This episode introduces Curt with a discussion of his academic journey and explores his work and his contributions to the American Society for Horticultural Science. L...
In the second part of our two-part series on strawberries, and the final episode of Season 1, Sam talks with Dr. Jayesh Samtani, an Associate Professor and Small Fruit Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech. As an extension specialist, he does a lot of work connecting with growers and other extension agents, in Virginia and numerous other states. He also runs a research program, which has covered a variety of strawberry projects, including cultivar evaluations, soil disinfestation, strawberry ...
In the first part of this two-part series on strawberries, Sam and Lara interview Dr. Gerald Holmes, director of the Strawberry Center at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He discusses the challenges that growers face, the costs of producing and harvesting strawberries, the factors that influence the flavor of the berries, and the future of the industry. To learn more about the Strawberry Center at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo go to http...
In this episode of Plants, People, Science, Sam and Lara talk with Dr. Teresita D. Amore, Associate Researcher in the Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She discusses her orchid and anthurium breeding program, the traits that growers and designers are looking for, the rewarding aspects of her job, and what led to her career. To see Dr. Amore's work on the cover of HortScience go to https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/56/8/h...
In the first part of this two part episode on horticultural therapy, Sam and Lara talk to Dr. Candice Shoemaker, Professor Emeritus of Horticulture and Human Health at Kansas State University. Dr. Shoemaker talks about the varied and winding path that eventually led to her career in horticultural therapy, explains the basics and history of the field, and describes the benefits of receiving horticultural therapy versus therapeutical horticulture. She discusses the training needed in both horti...
In the second part of the Plants, People, Science Horticultural Therapy discussion, Lara follows up on the topic with horticultural therapist Abby Jaroslow who leads the horticultural therapy program at the Alice & Herbert Sachs Therapeutic Conservatory at MossRehab Einstein Medical Center in Elkins Park, PA and is also an instructor at the New York Botanical Gardens. She works with individuals recovering from spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, amputation, and other medic...
In this live episode of Plants, People, Science, Sam and Lara interview Dr. Sandra B. Wilson, a Professor in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida, to discuss her research, her career, and her advice for young researchers. The featured article is available on the ASHS HortScience electronic journal website at https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI16123-21. To learn more about Dr. Wilson and her work go to https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty-profiles/sandra-wilson/....
Seed Your Future’s mission is to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. In this episode of Plants, People, Science, Sam and Lara interview Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future, to discuss the movement, its progress with attracting students to plant science careers in the years since Seed Your Future’s start in 2013, and the plan of action going forward. For more information on Seed Your Future check out their website at https://www.se...
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