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PODCAST

Plants, People, Science

American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)

Horticultural science is the only discipline that incorporates both the science and aesthetics of plants. It is the science and art of producing edible fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and ornamental plants, improving and commercializing them. Plants, People, Science, a podcast by the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), will bring you the recent advancements in science, technology, innovation, development, and education for economically important horticultural crops and plants

science life sciences

All Episodes

38:11

Study Abroad Through a Horticulture Lens

Plants, People, Science ·

2026/09/29

We can learn about horticulture from slides in a classroom, sure. But everything changes when the classroom is perhaps Rome, or the lab is a botanic garden in Scotland, and the homework might be noticing what’s growing on the hills and valleys outside the bus window. In this episode, our co-host, Curt Rom, talks with Co-Host Samson Humphrey about the value of studying abroad and how it can make the world feel bigger and smaller at the same time - something that Curt has learned not only from ...

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49:33

In Pursuit of Roses: A Master Rosarian's Insights on...

Plants, People, Science ·

2026/07/30

Roses have a reputation for being high-maintenance, but the best rose breeders are chasing a different future: roses that bloom for months, shrug off disease, and succeed for everyday gardeners. We sit down with Dr. David Zlesak, a master rosarian and rose breeder, to unpack how roses went from ancient treasures traded across regions to the modern plants you see at big box stores and independent nurseries. We dig into the deep history of cultivated roses, including how genetics is rewriting ...

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49:27

Inside Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Living Collections

Plants, People, Science ·

2026/07/02

A great public garden can change your whole day and sometimes your whole life. We sit down with Seth Hamby, Director of Living Collections at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, to talk about the real work behind a place that feels effortless to visitors: the plant records, the people, the science, and the stories that turn a landscape into a living collection. We trace Seth’s path into horticulture through volunteering, fieldwork, and conservation genetics, including research on an endemic ...

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52:36

From Grad School To Syngenta Flowers: Building A...

Plants, People, Science ·

2026/05/20

Many of horticulture students feel like they have to choose early: academia or industry, teaching or “real world” work, research or marketing. We wanted to test that assumption, so we sat down with Dr. Alicain Carlson from Syngenta Flowers, a cut flower scientist who built a career that blends floriculture research, technical problem-solving, leadership, and science-backed marketing. Alicain is currently serving as the ASHS Industry Division Vice President and was named ASHS Outstanding Indus...

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45:37

Participatory Plant Breeding For Better Tasting...

Plants, People, Science ·

2026/04/22

Most of us think new crop horticulture cultivars are invented behind closed doors, then handed to farmers as a finished product. We wanted to explore that assumption, so we sat down with Dr. Ambar Carvallo Lopez, currently a Post Doctoral Research Associate at the University of British Columbia and an ASHS award-winning author and plant breeder whose work shows how research progresses when growers and consumers Participate in the science. If you care about better-tasting tomatoes, resilient o...

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49:41

Breeding Breakthroughs and Mentorship Insights with...

Plants, People, Science ·

2026/02/03

A sunrise ride to an apple orchard changed everything for Dr. Gina Fernandez—and it might change how you think about berries. We sit down with the NC State distinguished professor and berry breeder to trace the path from cold-hardy apple rootstocks in Minnesota, to thornless blackberries in Arkansas, to a career defining strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries across the Southeast. Along the way, Gina reveals what makes a cultivar truly stand out: not just yields or firmness, but flavor t...

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50:03

What It Takes To Make A Super Cold-Hardy Wine Grape

Plants, People, Science ·

2026/01/05

Think a great wine grape can’t survive where winters drop to minus forty? We sit down with breeder Dr. Harlene Hatterman-Valenti from North Dakota State University to unpack how a young industry, a focused research program, and some stubborn optimism produced two new cultivars built for the northern plains. From the early days of variety trials and policy hurdles to the release of Dakota Primus and Radiant, Harlene shares how hybrid genetics, gritty selection, and clever management turned a h...

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29:02

The ASHS Annual Conference: Gathering the...

Plants, People, Science ·

2025/10/28

We sit down with our podcast teammate Lena Wilson—fresh off a first-place PhD Graduate Student Poster Competition win—to unpack what it takes to thrive at a major scientific conference, from crafting a clear two-minute story to turning a poster row into a collaboration engine. Lena takes us inside a week in New Orleans at her first ASHS Annual Conference. We trade practical tactics for session planning, using the conference app without becoming a prisoner to it, and scheduling specific...

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40:21

The Art of Teaching: Dr. Chad Miller's Innovative...

Plants, People, Science ·

2025/09/12

Dr. Chad Miller from Colorado State University shares his innovative approach to teaching horticulture through a classroom trade show format that transforms traditional plant identification courses into engaging, multidimensional learning experiences. As the 2024 ASHS Outstanding Undergraduate Educator award winner, he discusses how he combines plant knowledge with professional skill development to prepare students for success beyond the classroom. • Creating a trade show environment where s...

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40:13

Hydrangea Genomics: Dr. Lisa Alexander's Path to...

Plants, People, Science ·

2025/07/25

The science behind your garden hydrangeas involves far more than just planting and watering. Dr. Lisa Alexander, a research geneticist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, takes us on a fascinating journey from her first days pollinating chestnut trees in a 70-foot bucket truck to her current work revolutionizing hydrangea breeding at the National Arboretum. Working from the heart of Tennessee's nursery country, Dr. Alexander explains how she's mapping the genetic diversity of oaklea...

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44:04

Ready for ASHS: Tips and Tricks for Conference Success

Plants, People, Science ·

2025/06/25

Unlock the secrets to making the most of the American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference with insider tips from seasoned attendees. As the 2025 New Orleans conference approaches (July 28-August 1), discover strategies that transform overwhelming events into career-defining opportunities. Veteran conference-goer Curt Rom (46 conferences and counting!) and graduate student Samson Humphrey share perspectives on navigating everything from travel logistics to networking technique...

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48:44

Growing Global Leaders in Horticulture: A...

Plants, People, Science ·

2025/04/17

A simple microscope gift during a childhood illness sparked a lifelong passion for horticulture that would take Dr. Daniel Leskovar from Argentina to leadership in American plant science. As the current President of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Dr. Leskovar shares the remarkable journey that began with his father's work in hop production and led him through prestigious institutions across three continents. The conversation reveals how formative experiences—observing agricu...

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48:06

Dr. Kirk Pomper: Journey into the World of Pawpaw...

Plants, People, Science ·

2025/02/17

Dr. Kirk Pomper, a Professor of Horticulture at Kentucky State University, is an expert on the pawpaw. He takes us on a journey through the lush history and remarkable qualities of this native North American fruit. With its unique tropical notes the pawpaw stands out as both a horticultural gem and a culinary curiosity. Together, we unravel the complexities of cultivating pawpaws, exploring everything from grafting techniques to the challenges of pollination. Learn how these trees rely on le...

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46:12

Dr. Carl Motsenbocker: Transforming Horticultural...

Plants, People, Science ·

2024/12/13

Unlock the secrets of sustainable agriculture with us as we welcome Dr. Carl Motsenbocker from Louisiana State University. Discover how his work in local foods and sustainable farming is reshaping horticultural education and community connections. We'll guide you through the discussions at the 2024 American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, where we gained insights into the shift from large-scale farming to small-scale environmentally conscious agricultural practices....

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18:05

Failure Is Not Final

Plants, People, Science ·

2024/08/29

In a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mengmeng Gu from Colorado State’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, we explore the broader implications of resilience and the belief that failure is not the end. This engaging dialogue delves into how these concepts are not only vital in horticultural science but also in personal growth and development. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration and actionable insights.Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural...

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49:22

Dr. Ryan Contreras: Breeding Plants to Prevent...

Plants, People, Science ·

2024/07/12

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 Englis...

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14:02

John Ertle: Behind the Scenes at the 2022 ASHS...

Plants, People, Science ·

2024/06/14

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 pa...

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40:04

Far Out! Erik Runkle on Far-Red Radiation: Shining...

Plants, People, Science ·

2024/05/30

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 li...

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45:41

Things are Rosy for Mother's Day! - A Visit with Dr....

Plants, People, Science ·

2024/05/07

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 h...

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41:51

The Art and Science of Cider Making - A Discussion...

Plants, People, Science ·

2024/02/12

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32 results

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