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 English ivy. Learn about the origins and impacts of these species and how new biotechnological tools like CRISPR are revolutionizing plant breeding. Ryan's insights shed light on the potential of precision tools in maintaining desired plant traits while eliminating undesirable ones, making this a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about plant science and environmental conservation.

Explore groundbreaking developments in drought-resistant plant varieties and the collaborative efforts in bioinformatics and genomics aimed at tackling climate change. Ryan discusses his innovative work on Hibiscus syriacus and other ornamental plants, sharing the excitement around new technologies like the Plant Array system for drought stress evaluation. This episode promises to inspire and educate, offering a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-evolving field of plant science through the eyes of one of its most dedicated experts.

See below for more information about Ryan Contreras and his work:
https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/47/9/article-p1210.xml
https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/57/4/article-p558.xml
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxRnV4cDhT8&ab_channel=OregonAgricultureintheClassroom

Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) at https://ashs.org/.
HortTechnology, HortScience and the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science are all open-access and peer-reviewed journals, published by the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Find them at journals.ashs.org.

Consider becoming an ASHS member at https://ashs.org/page/Becomeamember!

You can also find the official webpage for Plants, People, Science at ashs.org/plantspeoplesciencepodcast, and we encourage you to send us feedback or suggestions at https://ashs.org/webinarpodcastsuggestion.

Podcast transcripts are available at https://plantspeoplescience.buzzsprout.com.

On LinkedIn find Sam Humphrey at linkedin.com/in/samson-humphrey. Curt Rom is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-rom-611085134/. Lena Wilson is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-wilson-2531a5141/.

Thank you for listening!

...

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 packed room where every corner was brimming with curiosity and groundbreaking insights.

In this episode, John Ertle recounts his journey from a master's project on vegetable grafting to engaging with top scientists about the nuances of far-red light. From the thrill of securing a seat behind the renowned Bruce Bugbee to the dynamic, open discussions among students and professors alike, John paints a vivid picture of the workshop's atmosphere. Listen as we uncover how this relatively obscure topic is making waves in controlled environment agriculture. This episode promises a front-row seat to the complexities and possibilities that far-red radiation holds for the future of horticulture.

ASHS 2022 Workshop What Is Far-Red Light's Role in Plant Science? https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2022/meetingapp.cgi/Session/11349

Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) at https://ashs.org/.
HortTechnology, HortScience and the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science are all open-access and peer-reviewed journals, published by the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Find them at journals.ashs.org.

Consider becoming an ASHS member at https://ashs.org/page/Becomeamember!

You can also find the official webpage for Plants, People, Science at ashs.org/plantspeoplesciencepodcast, and we encourage you to send us feedback or suggestions at https://ashs.org/webinarpodcastsuggestion.

Podcast transcripts are available at https://plantspeoplescience.buzzsprout.com.

On LinkedIn find Sam Humphrey at linkedin.com/in/samson-humphrey. Curt Rom is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-rom-611085134/. Lena Wilson is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-wilson-2531a5141/.

Thank you for listening!

...

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 light and its effects on plant growth, detailing how light intensity, quality, and duration play critical roles in flowering and biomass production. We also tackle the technological advancements that have revolutionized lighting, particularly the shift from traditional bulbs to cutting-edge LED technology.

For more information on the ASHS 2022 Workshop "What Is Far-Red Light's Role in Plant Science?" go to https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2022/meetingapp.cgi/Session/11349.

Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) at https://ashs.org/.
HortTechnology, HortScience and the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science are all open-access and peer-reviewed journals, published by the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Find them at journals.ashs.org.

Consider becoming an ASHS member at https://ashs.org/page/Becomeamember!

You can also find the official webpage for Plants, People, Science at ashs.org/plantspeoplesciencepodcast, and we encourage you to send us feedback or suggestions at https://ashs.org/webinarpodcastsuggestion.

Podcast transcripts are available at https://plantspeoplescience.buzzsprout.com.

On LinkedIn find Sam Humphrey at linkedin.com/in/samson-humphrey. Curt Rom is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-rom-611085134/. Lena Wilson is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-wilson-2531a5141/.

Thank you for listening!

...

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 harvest a bouquet of knowledge on how to keep those purchased petals perky for longer, and you'll catch a glimpse into the science that ensures these flowers keep their sparkle from field to vase. You're sure to leave this episode with a fresh perspective on the cut flowers that brighten your life, and perhaps even a green thumb's itch for the season ahead.

To read more about this topic, check out Dr. Dole’s paper, “South and Central America Cut Flower Production and Postharvest Survey” published in HortTechnology at https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04484-19.

Additional papers of interest by Dr. Dole in the ASHS journals can be found by going to https://journals.ashs.org/search?f_0=author&pageSize=10&q_0=John+M.+Dole&sort=datedescending.

More information about Dr. John Dole is available at https://cals.ncsu.edu/horticultural-science/people/jmdole/.

Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) at https://ashs.org/.
HortTechnology, HortScience and the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science are all open-access and peer-reviewed journals, published by the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Find them at journals.ashs.org.

Consider becoming an ASHS member at https://ashs.org/page/Becomeamember!

You can also find the official webpage for Plants, People, Science at ashs.org/plantspeoplesciencepodcast, and we encourage you to send us feedback or suggestions at https://ashs.org/webinarpodcastsuggestion.

Podcast transcripts are available at https://plantspeoplescience.buzzsprout.com.

On LinkedIn find Sam Humphrey at linkedin.com/in/samson-humphrey. Curt Rom is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-rom-611085134/. Lena Wilson is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-wilson-2531a5141/.

Thank you for listening!

...

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, revealing the transformative art that turns simple apples into complex beverages with every press and ferment. Our conversation is a rich blend of natural chemistry and meticulous craft, sure to deepen your appreciation for cider's robust charm.

This episode also delves into the practical research that guides orchard optimization—think sunlight exposure, phenolic development, and the pivotal role of nitrogen in fermentation. It's a masterclass in managing apple varieties and maximizing yields to shape the future of fine cider.

Read the HortTechnology article "Growing Apples for Hard Cider Production in the United States—Trends and Research Opportunities" at https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04488-19.

The HortScience article "Fruitlet Thinning Improves Juice Quality in Seven High-tannin Cider Cultivars" is available at https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17096-23 and "Fruitlet Thinning Reduces Biennial Bearing in Seven High-tannin Cider Apple Cultivars" is at https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17455-23.

Additional information about Dr. Greg Peck is available at https://cals.cornell.edu/gregory-michael-peck.

Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) at https://ashs.org/.
HortTechnology, HortScience and the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science are all open-access and peer-reviewed journals, published by the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Find them at journals.ashs.org.

Consider becoming an ASHS member at https://ashs.org/page/Becomeamember!

You can also find the official webpage for Plants, People, Science at ashs.org/plantspeoplesciencepodcast, and we encourage you to send us feedback or suggestions at https://ashs.org/webinarpodcastsuggestion.

Podcast transcripts are available at https://plantspeoplescience.buzzsprout.com.

On LinkedIn find Sam Humphrey at linkedin.com/in/samson-humphrey. Curt Rom is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-rom-611085134/. Lena Wilson is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-wilson-2531a5141/.

Thank you for listening!

...

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.

Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) at https://ashs.org/.
HortTechnology, HortScience and the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science are all open-access and peer-reviewed journals, published by the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Find them at journals.ashs.org.

Consider becoming an ASHS member at https://ashs.org/page/Becomeamember!

You can also find the official webpage for Plants, People, Science at ashs.org/plantspeoplesciencepodcast, and we encourage you to send us feedback or suggestions at https://ashs.org/webinarpodcastsuggestion.

Podcast transcripts are available at https://plantspeoplescience.buzzsprout.com.

On LinkedIn find Sam Humphrey at linkedin.com/in/samson-humphrey. Curt Rom is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-rom-611085134/. Lena Wilson is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-wilson-2531a5141/.

Thank you for listening!

...

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 plant nutrition, and season extension with high tunnels.

To learn more about Dr. Samtani go to https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/hampton-roads/people/samtani-bio.html.

To read the HortTechnology article "The Status and Future of the Strawberry Industry in the United States" go to https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04135-18.

Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) at https://ashs.org/.
HortTechnology, HortScience and the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science are all open-access and peer-reviewed journals, published by the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Find them at journals.ashs.org.

Consider becoming an ASHS member at https://ashs.org/page/Becomeamember!

You can also find the official webpage for Plants, People, Science at ashs.org/plantspeoplesciencepodcast, and we encourage you to send us feedback or suggestions at https://ashs.org/webinarpodcastsuggestion.

Podcast transcripts are available at https://plantspeoplescience.buzzsprout.com.

On LinkedIn find Sam Humphrey at linkedin.com/in/samson-humphrey. Curt Rom is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-rom-611085134/. Lena Wilson is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-wilson-2531a5141/.

Thank you for listening!

...

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 https://strawberry.calpoly.edu/.

For the HortTechnology article "The Status and Future of the Strawberry Industry in the United States" go to https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04135-18.

Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) at https://ashs.org/.
HortTechnology, HortScience and the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science are all open-access and peer-reviewed journals, published by the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Find them at journals.ashs.org.

Consider becoming an ASHS member at https://ashs.org/page/Becomeamember!

You can also find the official webpage for Plants, People, Science at ashs.org/plantspeoplesciencepodcast, and we encourage you to send us feedback or suggestions at https://ashs.org/webinarpodcastsuggestion.

Podcast transcripts are available at https://plantspeoplescience.buzzsprout.com.

On LinkedIn find Sam Humphrey at linkedin.com/in/samson-humphrey. Curt Rom is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-rom-611085134/. Lena Wilson is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-wilson-2531a5141/.

Thank you for listening!

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