On this show, we'll digest data from scientific research and popular science magazines (such as GrowerTalks) related to horticultural sciences; whether we're talking about insects or plant production practices. The two hosts are:Erfan Vafaie, E

Using Lady Bugs to Manage Pests

Jun 30th, 2021 31m 27s

Every year we get asked whether lady bugs can be used to manage pests. In this episode, we discuss a review paper on the effectiveness of exotic lady beetles to manage insect pests, but we'll also discuss the use of lady beetles in biological c

Ep. 13. Horntail snail pest alert and growing plants on Mars

Nov 24th, 2020 21m 4s

A new invasive snail has been observed near Miami (Florida) in August of 2020. If established, the snail can be problematic in nursery, greenhouse, fruit and vegetable production. Recognition is vital - if you see this snail, please report to s

Ep. 12. Fraternal Twin of Ethylene in Plants

Nov 10th, 2020 20m 20s

ACC, or more commonly known as 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid on the streets, is a precursor to ethylene, the compound most known for its ability to ripen fruit. ACC was not thought to have its own set of functions, but this recent artic

Ep. 11. Bacteria in Whiteflies and Diabolical Ironclad Beetles

Oct 27th, 2020 34m 20s

I've received reports of large migrations of whiteflies recently in the landscape, from Dallas, Austin and even east Texas regions. It's not uncommon to see large clouds of whiteflies when cotton is 'defoliated' in preparation for harvest; howe

Ep. 10. Murder Hornet 'Slaughter Phase' and Plant Guttation

Oct 13th, 2020 30m 2s

The Asian Giant Hornet is one of the many plagues that's hit us in 2020; but as fall approaches, it's thought they will enter the slaughter phase, when they can take out an entire bee hive within hours. Fortunately for us in Texas, recent model

Ep. 9. Poison Ivy Getting Worse and Beetles Escape Through Frog's Rear End

Sep 29th, 2020 25m 27s

Increasing levels of CO2 is one of the driving factors for global climate change. This same CO2 also happens to be vital for plant growth via photosynthesis. As a result, fast-growing plants, such as poison ivy, are actually becoming more abund

Ep. 8. Watering potted poinsettias

Sep 15th, 2020 29m 30s

Potted plants are arguably overwatered in the greenhouse and nursery industry. Over-watering can be considered a waste of water, results in leaching of pesticides and fertilizers, and can promote plant pathogens. In this episode, we discuss a s

Ep. 7. Whiteflies on Poinsettias

Sep 1st, 2020 29m 35s

A common assumption is that ornamental plants must be perfectly clean when they hit the retailer. No pests. Nada. This assumption is unrealistic and rather harmful. By making this assumption, we limit our pest management decisions to options th

Ep. 6. Jolly Green Crime

Aug 18th, 2020 33m 22s

We often associated federal crimes with illegal drugs, guns or human trafficking, but rarely do we consider that selling plants and insects can be illegal, especially if imported without a permit. In this episode, we discuss two popular science

Ep. 5. Cucumber Mosaic Virus Increases Plant Fertility

Aug 4th, 2020 30m 12s

The cucumber mosaic virus is a plant virus vectored by aphids. The virus can decrease yields, which would ultimately result in the plant produce less progeny. In a natural environment, we would expect high virus pressure to quickly result in se

Ep. 4. Impact of Soil Fungi on Milkweed Plants

Jul 21st, 2020 32m 45s

The soil harbors all kinds of fungi; some beneficial and some detrimental to the health of plants. A specific class of fungi, known as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of plants that's associated w

Ep. 3. Basil Downy Mildew, Crown Shyness and Hating on Bradford Pears

Jul 7th, 2020 25m 30s

Mr. Stanton Gill wrote an article in GrowerTalks (https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=24625) entitled Basil Downy Mildew Field Observations. We'll discuss some of is main discussion points there, from when it first showed up in the U

Ep. 2. Great Basin Bristlecone Pine vs the Pine Killer

Jun 23rd, 2020 29m 49s

The mountain pine beetle is a devastating pest of pine forests in the west coast of North America. The beetle will bore into and kill healthy trees, much like the Emerald Ash Borer that has recently been detected in Texas. In this episode, we e

Ep. 1. Intro & Insecticides Causing Secondary Pest Outbreaks

Jun 9th, 2020 28m 48s

Learn a bit about the two hosts of the show, Erfan Vafaie and Vikram Baliga, how their aspirations to become medical doctors led to become lowly poor scientists, and how they found their passion for insects sand plants.In this episode, we also