In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Jeri Barak of the University of Wisconsin. They discuss the work of Jeri and her lab on food safety and how in some instances plant pathogens can increase the chances that you encounter a human pathogen when eating fresh produce.

Additional Resources

https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.01330-22

https://journals.asm.org/doi/epub/10.1128/aem.01311-24

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Microbial Research and Background

06:34 Transition from Marine Biology to Plant Pathology

09:56 Understanding Enteric Human Pathogens

11:46 Overview of Current Research in Food Safety

16:37 The Role of Salmonella in Agriculture

22:01 Interaction Between Plant Pathogens and Human Pathogens

28:34 The Role of Plant Pathogens in Human Health

31:19 Management Strategies for Bacterial Diseases

35:08 Future Directions in Research

39:20 Consumer Awareness and Food Safety

42:30 The Importance of Research in Food Security

48:21 outro with logo.mp4

Zaworski, E. (Host) and Barak, J. (Interviewee). S5:E14 (Podcast). What's Lurking in the Lettuce?. 7/22/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.

Transcript

In this epsiode Ed, Maddle Henrickson and Zach Schum talk fireflies just in time for the the 4th! In this episode we talk firefly basics and speculate on recent firefly news.

Transcript

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