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PODCAST

Smarty Plants

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Smarty Plants is a podcast exploring invasive insects and noxious weeds that threaten Minnesota’s natural and agricultural resources. Experts from the MDA’s Plant Protection Division cover important topics engaging the public in efforts to protect our environment.

science nature

All Episodes

44:18

Creepy Crawlies

Smarty Plants ·

2025/10/24

Spiders tend to elicit fear from people. Their eight legs, extra eyes, fast moves, and love for dark, hidden places can be startling. However, the wonderful world of spiders isn't as scary as it seems. Angie Ambourn with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Chad Hiens from Bethany Lutheran College join host Jennifer Burrington to discuss spiders in Minnesota and help calm our fears a bit on this episode of Smarty Plants. Happy Halloween Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesot...

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53:23

Are Invasive Plants Just a Click Away?

Smarty Plants ·

2025/09/26

Shopping online is now easier then ever, making our favorite products often accessible and delivered to our homes with just a click or two. On this episode of Smarty Plants, Amy Morey from the University of Minnesota joins host Jennifer Burington to discuss her research into purchasing invasive plants online and what she could get delivered. Rachel Wandrei from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture joins to talk about our Minnesota Grown marketing program and easy ways to buy local. ...

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20:59

EAB Biocontrol

Smarty Plants ·

2025/08/20

Emerald ash borer (EAB) has become widespread in Minnesota and is a major threat to our state's ash trees. Efforts to limit EAB populations using biocontrol in Minnesota are underway. Learn about these efforts with Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s EAB experts, Jonathan Osthus and Chris Mallet, on this episode of Smarty Plants. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/smarty-plants for more episodes. Look for a ...

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32:18

Painful Plants

Smarty Plants ·

2025/07/22

Not only do noxious and invasive weeds damage our natural resources, but they also can be harmful to people. Emilie Justen from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Roger Becker from the University of Minnesota join us to cover which weeds to watch out for and problems that can occur when we have contact with them, as we kick off the second season of Smarty Plants. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/smarty-pl...

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39:50

Participatory Science: Your Involvement Matters

Smarty Plants ·

2025/06/24

The public's involvement in invasive species work is a powerful tool in successful management. Angie Ambourn, Entomologist from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and Angela Gupta, Regional Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, introduce the topic of participatory science, explore why it is important, share successful past projects, and provide more ways for the public to get involved on the latest episode of Smarty Plants. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Depar...

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44:09

Tribal Weed Management

Smarty Plants ·

2025/05/20

Weed management is important throughout Minnesota, with many different entities doing essential work to minimize the effects noxious and invasive weeds have on our environment. Minnesota's 11 indigenous tribes are sovereign nations, each contributing their own perspective on ways to manage weeds. In this episode, Phil Defoe from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Raining White from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe join host Jennifer Burington to discuss their tribes' weed m...

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29:33

Making a Fuss about Red Star Rust

Smarty Plants ·

2025/04/16

Junipers, crab apple, and apple trees are all important tree species in Minnesota. In fact, apple varieties of Minnesota origin are among the top sellers in the country, making the health of these trees a priority to many. Recently a new danger to these trees, red star rust, was found in Minnesota. Plant disease experts Michelle Grabowski from the MDA and Tiffany Enzenbacher from the University of Minnesota discuss the basics of red start rust, new research being done, and steps to protect th...

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29:32

Living with EAB

Smarty Plants ·

2025/03/20

Minnesota has been living with emerald ash borer (EAB) since it was first found here in 2009. Over the years, the invasive insect and its effect on trees have become more widespread, causing communities to create action plans to respond as they lose ash trees. The southern half of Minnesota is considered generally infested with EAB and it continues to push its way north. EAB experts Jonathan Osthus and Karen Zumach join host Jennifer Burington to give advice on keeping our forests as healthy ...

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40:07

Harmful Weeds Make the List

Smarty Plants ·

2025/02/25

There are many different weeds that can cause harm to our landscapes, forests, and agricultural land. Weeds that are of high concern for their dangerous impacts often land on the Noxious Weed List. Learn from two noxious weed experts what noxious weeds are, how weeds get placed on the Noxious Weed List, and tips for protecting your properties from these harmful plants. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/smarty...

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22:50

Making Plans for a Healthy Garden

Smarty Plants ·

2025/01/22

An essential part of garden planning is making sure that seeds or plants that you are planting are free from diseases and noxious weeds. Do some proactive planning for this spring and learn the key aspects of obtaining healthy plants and seeds in this episode of Smarty Plants. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/smarty-plants for more episodes. Look for a new episode of Smarty Plants every month.

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32:12

Invasive Pests vs. Minnesota Cold

Smarty Plants ·

2024/12/19

Minnesota's cold weather can have a big impact on invasive pest such as insects and noxious weeds. Learn how cold temperatures affect pest behaviors and the consequences of warmer winters. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/smarty-plants for more episodes. Look for a new episode of Smarty Plants every month.

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25:26

Unwanted Holiday Pests

Smarty Plants ·

2024/11/25

Making the holidays extra festive with Christmas trees, wreaths, and other greenery is something many of us love. However, invasive insects and noxious weeds can be hiding in our beautiful décor. Learn about these dangerous pests and ways to prevent spreading them into our environment with three Minnesota Department of Agriculture experts. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/smarty-plants for more episodes. Look...

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33:32

Irritating Insects

Smarty Plants ·

2024/10/29

Fall can be a particularly irritating time when it comes to bugs, as often times you will see many taking up residence in your toasty home. In fact, sometimes it can feel like an all-out invasion. Arm yourself with knowledge of these pests with entomologists Angie Ambourn and Val Cervenka. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/smarty-plants for more episodes. Look for a new episode of Smarty Plants every month.

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39:24

Plants Get Sick Too

Smarty Plants ·

2024/09/17

Just like people, plants can get sick. Fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens are common causes of plant diseases. Learning to identify when plants are sick and taking proper steps to contain these diseases is an important part of keeping your plants healthy. Michelle Grabowski, research scientist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, covers the basics of plant disease and how you can help ensure the health of your plants. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Agricu...

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26:18

Worrisome Weeds

Smarty Plants ·

2024/08/20

Managing weeds can sometimes feel overwhelming. But a little knowledge can make the job easier. Learn what noxious weeds are, what to look for on your property, weed management, and tips for fall yard clean-up with Emilie Justen, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Coordinator, and Bob Dunning, Stearns County Ag Inspector. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/smarty-plants for more episodes. Look for a new...

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29:43

The Plant Protectors!

Smarty Plants ·

2024/07/19

Plant protection experts Mark Abrahamson and Tony Cortilet introduce the important work of the Plant Protection Division within the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The division’s work is essential and effects all Minnesotans in numerous ways, this includes large picture work that protects our environment from invasive pests, down to the safety of the food we eat. Learn more about plant protection and its importance to you. Smarty Plants is a podcast of the Minnesota Department of Ag...

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16 results

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