Show overview
I See Dead Plants has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 152 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 130 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 5th season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 41 min and 59 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 5 days ago, with 10 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 47 episodes published. Published by Ed Zaworski.
From the publisher
Plant Science Stories Rooted in the Everyday The I See Dead Plants podcast shares the stories of people and plants, pests and pathogens, and the conflicts among them. Join us as we speak to the folks who are helping the rest of us live healthier, more productive lives through pest management research and education. We strive to make science accessible.
Latest Episodes
View all 152 episodes(S5:E10) Attack of the Spray Drones! Part 1
(S5:E9) Nematode Allies: Exploring Entomopathogenic Nematodes
(S5:E8) Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 2
(S5:E7) Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 1
(S5:E6) Dr. Banana vs. Tropical Race 4
S5 Ep 5(S5:E5) Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Brian Kelley of the Gathering Growth foundation. They discuss Brian's mission to photograph and document some of the nation's oldest and largest trees to raise awareness and preserve their legacy. Additional Resources https://www.gatheringgrowth.org/ https://www.americanforests.org/champion-trees/ https://nationalchampiontree.org https://soundcloud.com/user-954267106 Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to Gathering Growth Foundation (01:12) Adventures in Tree Photography (15:02) The Importance of Documenting Trees (25:05) Future Projects and Aspirations (35:03) Engaging the Public with Tree Awareness Zaworski, E. (Host) and Kelley, B. (Interviewee). S5:E5 (Podcast). Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 2. 3/25/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
(S5:E4) Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Brian Kelley of the Gathering Growth foundation. They discuss Brian's mission to photograph and document some of the nation's oldest and largest trees to raise awareness and preserve their legacy. Additional Resources https://www.gatheringgrowth.org/ https://www.americanforests.org/champion-trees/ https://nationalchampiontree.org https://soundcloud.com/user-954267106 Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to I See Dead Plants Podcast (01:34) Brian Kelly and the Gathering Growth Foundation (05:32) The Journey from Skateboarding to Tree Photography (12:54) The Importance of Documenting Trees (16:01) Understanding Champion Trees (25:30) The Role of State and Global Tree Registries (27:49) Why Documenting Trees Matters (33:55) Documenting Trees: The Process and Outputs Zaworski, E. (Host) and Kelley, B. (Interviewee). S5:E4 (Podcast). Documenting the Nations Grandest Trees: The Gathering Growth Foundation Part 1. 3/18/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S5 Ep 3(S5:E3) Silent Yield Killer: Soybean Cyst Nematode and the SCN Coalition
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Sam Markell of North Dakota State University. They discuss the emerging threat of SCN in North Dakota and how the SCN coalition aims to combat this ever-present threat. Additional Resources https://www.thescncoalition.com/ Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to the ICDeadPlants Podcast (05:57) Understanding Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) (12:08) The Impact of SCN in North Dakota (17:59) The SCN Coalition: A Public-Private Partnership (23:58) Reviving the SCN Coalition and Its Strategies (31:18) Building Partnerships for Agricultural Success (41:06) Advice for Future Public-Private Partnerships (46:09) Recognizing Achievements and Future Directions (51:01) The Impact of the SCN Coalition on Farmers Zaworski, E. (Host) and Markell, S. (Interviewee). S5:E3 (Podcast). Silent Yield Killer: Soybean Cyst Nematode and the SCN Coalition. 3/11/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S5 Ep 2(S5:E2) When Life Doesn't Give you Lemons: Citrus Greening Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Lauren Diepenbrock, Entomologist from University of Florida. They discuss the devastating and complicated insect/plant disease complex, citrus greening. Additional Resources https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/research/citrus-production/disease-identification/citrus-greening-huanglongbing/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261219424002990 Time Stamps (00:00) Understanding Citrus Greening and Its Impact (03:03) The Role of Alternate Hosts and Landscape Changes (06:03) Geographical Spread of Citrus Greening (09:13) Global Challenges in Citrus Production (11:50) Management Strategies for Citrus Greening (15:03) Innovative Approaches to Pest Management (23:11) Managing Citrus Pests and Diseases (27:51) Innovative Approaches in Citrus Research (30:43) International Collaboration in Citrus Management (35:10) Future Research Directions in Citrus Greening (42:38) Understanding Citrus Greening's Complexity Zaworski, E. (Host) and Diepenbrock, L. (Interviewee). S5:E2 (Podcast). When Life Doesn't Give you Lemons: Citrus Greening Part 2. 3/4/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S5 Ep 1(S5:E1) When Life Doesn't Give you Lemons: Citrus Greening Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Lauren Diepenbrock, Entomologist from University of Florida. They discuss the devastating and complicated insect/plant disease complex, citrus greening. Additional Resources https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/research/citrus-production/disease-identification/citrus-greening-huanglongbing/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261219424002990 Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to Citrus Greening and Guest Background (14:03) Understanding the Citrus Industry and Its Challenges (20:07) Innovative Solutions in Citrus Growing (25:34) Challenges in Citrus Production (31:14) Understanding Citrus Greening (39:42) The Role of Psyllids in Citrus Health Zaworski, E. (Host) and Diepenbrock, L. (Interviewee). S5:E1 (Podcast). When Life Doesn't Give you Lemons: Citrus Greening Part 1. 2/25/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S4 Ep 45(S4:E45) Blights Get Sick Too: Chestnut Blight and Hypovirulence
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Danielle Mikolajewski a postdoctoral candidate in the plant pathology department at the University of Florida. Ed and Danielle discuss some of Danielle's Ph.D. research on chestnut blight and one of the methods being studied in attempt to bring back the American Chestnut; hypovirulence. Additional Resources https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/13033/ Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to ICDeadPlants Podcast (10:04) Journey into Plant Pathology (19:52) Understanding Chestnut Blight (30:01) Exploring Hypovirulence and Its Implications (30:30) The Super Donor Concept (34:25) Challenges and Limitations of the Super Donor (38:47) Potential Environmental Impacts of Hypoviruses (42:57) The Importance of American Chestnut (45:47) Future of American Chestnut Research (49:33) Exploring Hypovirulence in Other Pathogens (52:44) Summarizing the Research Impact Zaworski, E. (Host) Mikolajewski, D. (Interviewee). S4:E45 (Podcast). Blights Get Sick Too: Chestnut Blight and Hypovirulence. 12/31/2025. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S4 Ep 44(S4:E44) Boring Problems?: Managing the Dectes Stem Borer Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Adam Varenhorst of South Dakota State University. They discuss Adam's work with an emerging insect problem in soybeans, Sunflowers and other plants the dectes stem borer. Additional Resources https://academic.oup.com/jee/article/118/5/2338/8177282 Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to I See Dead Plants Podcast (01:24) Understanding the Dectes Stem Borer (03:29) Historical Context and Pest Management Challenges (05:27) Larvae Behavior and Infestation Indicators (12:25) Crop Rotation and Trap Cropping Strategies (16:33) Non-Chemical Management Strategies (20:39) Future Research Directions (31:42) Key Takeaways for Growers (37:34) Acknowledgments and Resources Zaworski, E. (Host) Varenhorst, A. (Interviewee). S4:E44 (Podcast). Boring Problems?: Managing the Dectes Stem Borer Part 2. 12/24/2025. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S1 Ep 2(S1:E2) Alternate Hosts: Lack of Chestnuts on an Open Fire
In this episode of Alternate Hosts Ed is Joined once again by Dr. Madeline Henrickson to interview Dr. Danielle Mikolajewski, post-doctoral candidate at University of Florida. In order to get you into the holiday spirit they discuss the disease that whipped out the American Chestnut and left us all wondering what chestnuts roasting on an open fire may have been like. Thanks for listening and Happy Holidays! Transcript
S4 Ep 43(S4:E43) Boring Problems?: Managing the Dectes Stem Borer Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Adam Varenhorst of South Dakota State University. They discuss Adam's work with an emerging insect problem in soybeans, Sunflowers and other plants the dectes stem borer. Additional Resources https://academic.oup.com/jee/article/118/5/2338/8177282 Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to ICDeadPlants Podcast (14:37) Understanding the Dectes Stem Borer (20:18) Agricultural Landscape of South Dakota (24:31) Life Cycle and Impact of Dectes Stem Borer (30:20) Adaptation and Host Preferences of Dectes Stem Borer (38:55) Nationwide Distribution and Future Research Zaworski, E. (Host) Varenhorst, A. (Interviewee). S4:E43 (Podcast). Boring Problems?: Managing the Dectes Stem Borer Part 1. 12/17/2025. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S4 Ep 42(S4:E42) The Bug Crusade: Adventures of the Indiana Jones of Entomology Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Mark Hoddle of University of California Riverside. They discuss some of Mark's worldly adventures while trying to track down biological control agents and his work with the South American palm weevil. Additional Resources Entomology's Indiana Jones Biocontrol lab Center for Invasive Species South American Palm Weevil Time Stamps (01:08:56) Flight Capacity and Energy Dynamics (01:10:23) Analyzing Flight Patterns and Dispersal (01:11:51) Implications of Dispersal Patterns (01:13:55) Urban Environments and Invasive Species (01:15:39) Host Preferences and Economic Impact (01:17:30) Management Strategies for Invasive Weevils (01:19:56) Innovative Control Methods in Agriculture (01:22:01) Economic Considerations in Pest Management (01:24:25) Trapping and Monitoring Techniques (01:27:17) Attract and Kill Strategies (01:30:09) Field Trials and Efficacy of Treatments (01:38:26) Proactive Management of Invasive Pests (01:42:01) Proactive Approaches to Invasive Pests (01:51:44) Biological Control Innovations (01:59:42) Future of Invasive Species Management (02:06:52) Public Awareness and Invasive Species (02:12:22) Closing Thoughts and Resources Zaworski, E. (Host) Hoddle, M. (Interviewee). S4:E42 (Podcast). The Bug Crusade: Adventures of the Indiana Jones of Entomology Part 2. 12/3/2025. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S4 Ep 41(S4:E41) The Bug Crusade: Adventures of the Indiana Jones of Entomology Part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Mark Hoddle of University of California Riverside. They discuss some of Mark's worldly adventures while trying to track down biological control agents and his work with the South American palm weevil. Additional Resources Entomology's Indiana Jones Biocontrol lab Center for Invasive Species South American Palm Weevil Time Stamps (00:00) Introduction to Dr. Mark Hoddle (02:43) Mark's Journey into Entomology (05:50) Transition to Biological Control Agents (08:34) Diverse Insect Pests and Their Management (11:54) Adventures in Field Research (14:40) International Collaborations in Entomology (17:34) The Importance of Networking in Academia (20:33) Upcoming Research and Challenges Skip to the main topic: (23:55) The South American Palm Weevil and Its Impact (35:15) The Charismatic Palm Tree and Its Weevil Invader (36:18) Understanding the South American Palm Weevil (39:06) The Journey of the Weevil to California (42:19) The Invasion of Two Weevil Species (46:55) The Impact of Human Activity on Weevil Spread (49:40) The Complex Life Cycle of Palm Weevils (58:04) Culinary Delights: Eating Weevil Larvae (01:04:44) Flight and Spread of the Palm Weevil (01:06:34) Understanding Insect Flight Mechanics Zaworski, E. (Host) Hoddle, M. (Interviewee). S4:E41 (Podcast). The Bug Crusade: Adventures of the Indiana Jones of Entomology Part 1. 11/26/2025. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S4 Ep 40(S4:E40) Dr. Doom's Crash Course in Ag Economics Part 2
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Chad Hart Ag economist at Iowa State University. They discuss the basics of ag economics, the current state of the ag economy and what the future may hold. Additional Resources https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/chart/extension-presentations https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/ https://www.card.iastate.edu/ Time Stamps How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E. (Host) Hart, C. (Interviewee). S4:E40 (Podcast). Dr. Doom's Crash Course in Ag Economics Part 2. 11/12/2025. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S4 Ep 39(S4:E39) Dr. Doom's Crash Course in Ag Economics part 1
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Chad Hart ag economist at Iowa State University. They discuss the basics of ag economics, the current state of the ag economy and what the future may hold. Additional Resources https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/chart/extension-presentations https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/ https://www.card.iastate.edu/ Time Stamps (0:00) Introductions Skip to the main topic: (7:08) What is economics? (9:25) what is the ag economy? (15:16) How much of a role do pests and diseases play in the ag economy (29:05) Changes to the ag economy over time How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E. (Host) Hart, C. (Interviewee). S4:E39 (Podcast). Dr. Doom's Crash Course in Ag Economics Part 1. 11/5/2025. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript
S1 Ep 1(S1:E1) Alternate Hosts: Was Ergot To Blame For The Salem Witch Trials?
In this episode of alternate hosts Ed Zaworski, Maddle Henrickson and Chelsea Harbach embrace the spirit of Halloween and discuss the salem witch trials. One possible explaination for the witch hunt is that the people of salem consumed grains infested with a plant disease called ergot. Whatever you believe, join us for a fun conversation shedding light on a historically significant plant disease! Happy Halloween! Transcript
S4 Ep 38(S4:E38) Blightmare on Stem Street: Alfalfa Bacterial Stem Blight
In this episode Ed interviews Dr. Deb Samac of the USDA-ARS. They discuss the long-overlooked disease of alfalfa, bacterial stem blight. Additional Resources https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PHYTO-02-23-0059-R?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed Time Stamps (0:00) Introductions (4:06) Overview of alfalfa production Skip to the main topic: (16:30) Bacterial stem blight (21:33) The role of frost (25:00) Pathogen differentiation (30:15) Pseudomonas and ice nucleation (39:02) Disease management (49:15) wrap-up How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E. (Host) Samac, D.(Interviewee). S4:E38 (Podcast). Blightmare on Stem Street: Alfalfa Bacterial Stem Blight. 10/22/2025. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network. Transcript