In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Jan Leach from Colorado State University shares her research on strategies to make plants resilient to climate change-imposed stress. She discusses how plant disease resistance is shaped by microbial interactions, climate stress, and pathogen adaptation. Dr. Leach also explored her work on rice and how the Russian wheat aphid microbiome influences the insects’ aggressiveness to plants. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The microbiome of the Russian wheat aphid is essential for its ability to cause symptoms on wheat."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jan Leach is a University Distinguished Professor in Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University, specializing in plant disease resistance and the phytobiome. An internationally recognized plant pathologist, she is the Immediate Past President of the International Society of Plant Pathology and a Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society. Dr. Leach earned her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and both her BS and MS from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with postdoctoral research at East Malling Research in the UK.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:55) Introduction
• (02:18) Pathway to plant pathology
• (05:11) Rice disease resistance
• (13:08) High temperature effects
• (14:36) Russian wheat aphid microbiome
• (21:56) Breeding for microbial resistance
• (23:57) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Vipan Kumar from Cornell University shares his journey in weed science and his work addressing weed management challenges in field crops. He explains the spread of invasive species, such as Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, crop rotation dynamics, and silage-related weed issues. Dr. Kumar also highlights current research on herbicide resistance, integrated management strategies, and new opportunities for growers. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Diversifying crop rotation and agronomic practices helps control at least 70% of weed issues."

Meet the guest: Dr. Vipan Kumar, Associate Professor and Extension Weed Specialist at Cornell University, holds a Ph.D. in Weed Science from Montana State University, an M.S. in Agronomy from Louisiana State University, and a B.Sc. in Crop Science from Punjab Agricultural University. His research focuses on weed biology, herbicide resistance, and the development of integrated weed management strategies for field crops.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:52) Introduction
• (02:30) Dr. Kumar’s career journey
• (06:19) Crop system differences
• (10:40) Crop rotation challenges
• (13:50) Silage weed concerns
• (23:22) Current research focus
• (28:42) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Phuong Dao from Colorado State University shares cutting-edge insights into how remote sensing, AI, and geospatial science are transforming precision agriculture. Learn how high-resolution hyperspectral imaging and machine learning are helping detect crop issues, optimize yields, and prepare the next generation of agricultural data scientists. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Remote sensing provides a non-destructive and rapid method to detect and monitor disturbances in crops."

Meet the guest: Dr. Phuong Dao earned his Ph.D. in Physical Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Toronto and currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University. His research integrates remote sensing, machine learning, and plant ecology to improve agricultural outcomes.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:56) Introduction
• (04:16) Remote sensing use
• (05:51) Hyperspectral imaging
• (13:01) Future of ag tech
• (15:26) AI in crop science
• (17:58) Workforce development
• (22:49) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. John Jones from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explains how phosphorus and potassium recommendations are developed and why nutrient test methods vary by region. He explores nutrient behavior in soils, calibration approaches, and how agronomists can make better data-driven fertilizer decisions. Learn how to fine-tune your nutrient management strategies and why accurate soil testing matters. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We treat phosphorus and potassium as more immobile nutrients that remain in the soil for years or even decades, which makes soil testing a reliable tool for guiding fertilization decisions."

Meet the guest: Dr. John Jones is an Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Soil Fertility Extension Specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With extensive research experience in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and nutrient management, he focuses on practical strategies for optimizing phosphorus and potassium recommendations in U.S. crop systems.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:42) Introduction
• (02:00) Guest background
• (05:29) P and K calibration
• (08:17) Nutrient interaction effects
• (13:11) Regional test differences
• (18:42) Data-driven decisions
• (24:07) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Tieneke Trotter from Central Queensland University discusses the opportunities and challenges in northern Australia’s farming landscape. She shares strategies for optimizing spice and pulse crops, refining sustainable agronomic practices, and integrating sesame into existing cropping systems. Tune in on all major platforms!

"What we're looking to do is find options for producers to grow new crops that are high-value, profitable, and fit well into their systems."

Meet the guest: Dr. Tieneke Trotter, Lecturer in Agriculture at Central Queensland University, holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Agronomy from the University of New England. As a crop and pasture agronomist, her research focuses on spice and pulse crop optimization, sustainable farming systems, and agritech applications. She collaborates with producers to address industry challenges and advance agricultural sustainability.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:59) Introduction
• (07:32) Spice crop challenges
• (09:61) Sesame in Australia
• (12:34) Sustainable irrigation methods
• (15:51) Optimizing crop rotations
• (18:30) Dual-purpose cropping systems
• (25:24) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Crop Science Podcast Show

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In this special episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, celebrating National Corn Month, Dr. Seth Murray from Texas A&M University shares how high-throughput phenotyping and UAV-based data are transforming modern corn breeding. He explores the role of environmental interactions, what drone imagery is revealing about crop traits, and how phenomics is shaping the future of genetic improvement. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We’re starting to model corn height growth over time with UAV data, and it’s more predictive of yield than just taking an end-of-the-season single measurement."

Meet the guest: Dr. Seth Murray holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Cornell University and a B.S. in Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University. As Professor and Eugene Butler Endowed Chair at Texas A&M University, his work focuses on corn breeding, phenomics, and quantitative genetics to improve crop sustainability in challenging southern environments.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:53) Introduction
• (05:18) Drone-based phenotyping
• (06:53) Environmental-genetic interaction
• (10:29) Region-specific genetics
• (17:16) Technology in breeding
• (23:13) Future breeding outcomes
• (27:12) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- S&W Seed Co.

- KWS

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Kirsten Kurtz, Assistant Director of the Cornell Soil Health Lab, shares her approach to understanding and advancing soil health. She discusses lab tests that assess chemical, physical, and biological soil properties. Kirsten also highlights the growing importance of soil health in crop management and shares how her art is helping raise awareness about the essential role soil plays in agriculture. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We look at the chemical, physical, and biological aspects of soil together in a holistic way to assess health effectively."

Meet the guest: Kirsten Kurtz, Assistant Director of the Cornell Soil Health Lab at Cornell University, combines her expertise in soil science and her artistic talent. With a Master’s degree in Natural Resources and the Environment from Cornell University, Kirsten has dedicated her career to studying soil health and promoting sustainable land management practices.

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What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:11) Introduction
• (04:55) Soil health testing
• (09:38) Soil health reporting
• (12:52) Recommendations for farmers
• (14:34) Soil health in different regions
• (19:18) Communicating soil science
• (25:48) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- KWS

- S&W Seed Co.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Crop Science Podcast Show

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In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dener Lazzari, Hybrid Rye Product Manager at KWS Group, breaks down the agronomic and economic benefits of hybrid rye for U.S. growers. From yield stability to nitrogen efficiency, he shares key insights from field trials and market trends across various states. Explore how hybrid rye is shaping cropping decisions nationwide. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We are seeing very good yield stability for hybrid rye across the United States. So it's a very stable crop, a very reliable crop."

Meet the guest: Dener Lazzari holds a Bachelor's and a Master's in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from the State University of Maringá in Brazil. With global experience in genetics and agronomic research, he is currently the Hybrid Rye Product Manager at KWS Group. Lazzari focuses on aligning crop performance with market demands through data-driven variety testing and cross-regional collaboration.

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Dr. Becca Brattain: Hybrid Rye Benefits | Ep. 35

Sally Jones-Diamond: Rye’s yield potential | Ep. 46

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:30) Introduction
• (07:12) Hybrid rye benefits
• (09:15) Seeding rate dynamics
• (10:52) Economic tradeoffs
• (12:28) Biomass comparison
• (14:30) Yield trends
• (21:48) Final three questions

The Crop Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:

- KWS

- S&W Seed Co.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Crop Science Podcast Show

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