Best Applied Horticultural Research Podcasts (2025)

1
Stuart Whitehall and Umberto Calvo on drip irrigation & supplements 52:24

2M ago52:24

52:24

In this MushroomLink podcast, Stuart discusses the strategic use of drip irrigation with AHR’s own mushroom grower Umberto Calvo. Umberto has conducted trials with a similar system at the March Lawson Mushroom Research Unit. With the potential to improve later flushes and even create nutritionally enhanced mushrooms, our panel discuss the mixed cha…

1
Aimee McKinnon - complementing management with biological agents 26:21

2M ago26:21

26:21

Aimee is a research scientist for Agriculture Victoria in the Microbial Sciences, Pests, and Diseases (MSPD) group. With expertise in microbial-based biopesticides (biorationals) for use in integrated pest and disease management (IPDM), Aimee’s research focuses on understanding how microbial agents work to control insect pests and pathogens when ap…

1
Growing more with less: Input use efficiency 11:11

5M ago11:11

11:11

Monitoring and managing key inputs such as irrigation and nutrients can lead to improved productivity and reduced input costs on farm, ultimately improving a grower's bottom line. Tune in to this podcast where Soil Wealth ICP team member Carl Larsen chats to industry experts Ivor Gaylard (Swan Systems), Medi Zaboli (Sentek) and Doris Blaseing (RMCG…

1
Regenerative Potatoes at the 2024 World Potato Congress Ep. 008 28:42

11M ago28:42

28:42

PotatoLink recently attended the World Potato Congress where regenerative agriculture was a major topic. Two of the presenters, Dr Kelvin Montagu from Applied Horticultural Research, and Ryan Barrett from the Prince Edward Island Potato Board, discuss their experiences with regenerative agriculture in potatoes. This conversation covers the main top…

1
Eoin O'Connor and cutting edge mushroom disease research 45:18

11M ago45:18

45:18

In this podcast recorded at the 2024 ISMS congress, Dr Jenny Ekman chats to Eoin O'Connor, post-doctoral scholar at Penn State University, about his studies in Ireland, where he was inspired and mentored by Dr. David Fitzpatrick and Dr Helen Grogan, the latter of whom opened his world to mushroom science, and particularly virus X, and his current r…

1
Dr Mark Loftus (Sylvan Spawn Company) 25:16

1y ago25:16

25:16

In this podcast Dr Jenny Ekman chats to Dr Mark Loftus from Sylvan Spawn company. Mark’s career commenced in Manchester, UK, where he obtained a PhD and then completed a two-year post doc in human genetics. So how did Mark go from human to mushroom geneticist? What is mushroom genetics anyway, and how can understanding mushroom genetics help streng…

1
Lachlan Heysen at the 2022 World Potato Congress Dublin Ep. 007 11:04

1y ago11:04

11:04

In 2022 PotatoLink hosted a grower tour to the 2022 World Potato Congress (WPC) in Dublin, Ireland. Lachlan Heysen, a grower from south east South Australia, attended. In this podcast he speaks with PotatoLink team member Ryan Hall about their experiences and learnings from the congress. They also discuss the upcoming congress in Adelaide. Read mor…

1
Getting the most out of mycorrhizae: 2023 biological product demonstration at Springbank, Vic - Ep. 006 22:09

1+ y ago22:09

22:09

Back in 2023 the PotatoLink team ran a biological product demonstration at the PotatoLink Springbank demonstration site. A mycorrhizal fungi product was applied. Following the results from the 2022 Bolwarrah demonstration site, changes to the fertiliser and fungicide programs were made. Join PotatoLink team members Stephanie Tabone and Kelvin Monta…

1
Phorid ecology and management - Audio article 15:33

1+ y ago15:33

15:33

Dr Jenny Ekman reads the article: Phorid ecology and management, from the 5th issue (winter 2023) of the MushroomLink magazine. Click here to read the article Click here to read the entire 5th issue. This podcast is part of the Hort Innovation funded project MU21003: Mushroom industry communications programme. It was funded through the Mushroom lev…

1
Storing chemicals safely - Audio article 14:59

1+ y ago14:59

14:59

Dr Jenny Ekman reads the storing chemicals safely article from the 3rd Issue (Summer 2022) of the MushroomLink magazine. Read the article here Read the entire 3rd Issue here This podcast is part of the Hort Innovation funded project MU21003: Mushroom industry communications programme. It was funded through the Mushroom levy fund and contributions f…

1
Introducing the MUSHRoom with Dr Emma Beckett 18:40

1+ y ago18:40

18:40

In this episode, MushroomLink’s Dr Jenny Ekman chats with Dr Emma Beckett about the Hort Innovation project MU22006, Online resource for mushroom health & nutrition science for healthcare professionals. Emma and the team at FoodIQ Global (Formerly Nutrition Research Australia – NRAUS) are creating the ‘go to place’ for credible and authoritative in…

1
Potato genetics at the James Hutton Institute - Ep. 005 16:13

1+ y ago16:13

16:13

Breeding a new potato variety is not easy. For starters, whereas most plants have two copies of each gene, potatoes have four. As a result, potatoes have a particularly large and complicated genome. Finally sequenced in 2011, a printout on paper would cover the distance from Melbourne to Cairns! Growing and screening new varieties takes time and sp…

1
Global perspectives from Erik de Groot 17:11

1+ y ago17:11

17:11

Erik de Groot - Consultant Mushroom Business Following his recent trip to Australia, where he delivered training workshops to local growers, Erik de Groot took some time to chat with MushroomLink’s Dr Jenny Ekman. From a childhood spent in a small village of only 4000 people (but with 15 mushroom farms!) – to becoming a sought-after global mushroom…

1
Geoff Price and the American mushroom industry - part two 31:39

1+ y ago31:39

31:39

Geoff Price Giorgi Mushroom Company. Geoff Price may be the son of our own mushroom-growing legend Graham Price, but he has definitely forged his own way in the industry. A mushroom grower since he was eight years old, perhaps it is not surprising he’s now not only technical director of Giorgi Mushroom Company in Pennsylvania, but also chair of the…

1
Geoff Price and the American mushroom industry - part one 25:11

2y ago25:11

25:11

Geoff Price Giorgi Mushroom Company. Geoff Price may be the son of our own mushroom-growing legend Graham Price, but he has definitely forged his own way in the industry. A mushroom grower since he was eight years old, perhaps it is not surprising he’s now not only technical director of Giorgi Mushroom Company in Pennsylvania, but also chair of the…

1
Going Dutch: New mushroom technology from the Netherlands 11:38

2y ago11:38

11:38

Tom Peeters GTL Europe Recently Dr Jenny Ekman visited the Netherlands where she spoke with GTL Europe's Tom Peeters. Tom and Jenny talk about a new mushroom farm in the Netherlands and how new technology has been implemented. They discuss tilting shelves and transferable shelves and future-proofing packing to be consistent with new robotics. This …

1
Investigating oxalis troubles in Tasmanian potato crops - Ep. 004 16:32

2y ago16:32

16:32

Tim Walker, WalkerAg Consultancy, Tasmania Worldwide there are 570 species of oxalis and approximately 30 species in Australia. Recently, PotatoLink's Tasmanian regional representative Tim Walker, has noticed that one type of Oxalis, (Oxalis latifolia) known as fishtail wood-sorrel, is becoming a problem on more and more properties in Northern Tasm…

1
The Mycionics robotic harvesting system 33:00

2y ago33:00

33:00

Canadian company Mycionics Inc has combined AI with robotics in a challenging horticultural setting which could revolutionise the future of mushroom farming. Looking for a solution to Canada’s workforce shortage, grower Murray Good took his frustrations to the University of Western Ontario in 2012. Two research theses and a decade of hard work late…

1
Magnesium demonstration at the Canowindra NSW - Ep. 003 8:09

2y ago8:09

8:09

Marc Hinderager, 4 Leaf Ag, Applied Horticultural Research, Cowra NSW Magnesium (Mg) is essential to plants. It is strongly involved in photosynthesis and transporting carbohydrates from leaves to roots, which is particularly important for tuber development. Yet, it may be overlooked within fertiliser programs focused on N, P and K. In this Podcast…

1
Chad Hutchinson talks about soil fumigation - Ep. 002 26:42

2y ago26:42

26:42

Chad Hutchinson, TriCal, Indiana United States of America In this episode, Applied Horticultural Research's Dr Jenny Ekman discusses soil fumigation with Chad Hutchinson of the TriCal group. This podcast was recorded at the 2023 Ballarat growing better potatoes workshop. You can view recordings from this event here: https://potatolink.com.au/resour…

1
Potassium demonstration at Canowindra, NSW - Ep. 001 8:39

2y ago8:39

8:39

Marc Hinderager, 4 Leaf Ag, Applied Horticultural Research, Cowra NSW Potassium is essential for many processes in both plants and the human body. If people want potassium they most likely reach for a banana. However, the best source of potassium is actually the potato, with approximately 600 mg per medium-sized tuber. In this Podcast Stephanie Tab…

1
MushroomLink at the AMGA conference 2022: Flavia Fayet-Moore and Damien Belobrajdic - Nutrition from mushrooms 21:33

2+ y ago21:33

21:33

CSIRO researcher Dr Damien Belobrajdic and nutritionist Dr Falvia Fayet-Moore (NRAUS) are each advancing the case of mushrooms as a super food through research and advocacy. We know mushrooms are healthy, but to inspire and promote their wider use in the food industry, evidence is required. Australian research is providing this evidence by showing …

1
MushroomLink at the AMGA conference 2022: Ralph Noble - Peat alternatives 11:30

2+ y ago11:30

11:30

Dr Ralph Noble Rockwool, clay minerals, coal tailings, coconut coir, green wastes. There is a long list of potential peat alternatives, but how realistic are they in replacing peat in a commercial mushroom farm and what are the challenges? If anyone can help us navigate this new era of sustainable casings it is Dr Ralph Noble. Dr Noble has been res…

1
MushroomLink at the AMGA conference 2022: Folkert Moll - The future of Mushroom sustainability 5:43

2+ y ago5:43

5:43

Folkert Moll, Kekkilä-BVB As the pressure to move away from peat mining grows, coupled with other global supply chain pressures, alternative sources of casing substrates is the key issue for the sustainable future of the mushroom industry. Despite these pressing challenges, Folkert Moll from Kekkilä-BVB in the Netherlands believes that the future i…

1
MushroomLink at the AMGA conference 2022: Jack Lemmen - Efficient harvesting systems part two 14:18

2+ y ago14:18

14:18

Jack Lemmen, GTL, The Netherlands While many aspects of mushroom production have been mechanised, with computer-controlled compost production, bulk phase 3 compost, automatic casers and fillers, and many other technical aids, harvesting and packaging is still mostly a manual process. With many growers in Australia struggling with labour costs and s…

1
MushroomLink at the AMGA conference 2022: Roland van Doremaele - Efficient harvesting systems part one 13:34

2+ y ago13:34

13:34

Roland van Doremaele, Christiaens, The Netherlands Robotic harvesting in mushrooms has been in development for decades, with earlier harvesters having limited success. The drawer system from the Christiaens Group in The Netherlands is a fully integrated approach to growing, harvesting, and packing mushrooms. In this system, the shelves move between…

1
Keep Calm and Carry On: Episode three - The strawberry industry crisis 23:54

3y ago23:54

23:54

In a complicated and diverse media landscape, where everyone, everywhere can share information, how can you keep control of the story, particularly one that may be damaging to your brand and reputation? Analysing the ‘needle in strawberries’ crisis concludes the series, with special guest Rachel Mackenzie (now executive director of Berries Australi…

1
Keep Calm and Carry On: Episode two - The facts 26:06

3y ago26:06

26:06

In a complicated and diverse media landscape, where everyone, everywhere can share information, how can you keep control of the story, particularly one that may be damaging to your brand and reputation? In episode 2 of the series, Patrick and Clare cite examples of types of issues specific to the mushroom industry, including product relates risks (…

1
Keep Calm and Carry On: Episode one - How to avoid an issue becoming a crisis 24:36

3y ago24:36

24:36

In a complicated and diverse media landscape, where everyone, everywhere can share information, how can you keep control of the story, particularly one that may be damaging to your brand and reputation? In a new three-part podcast series Keep Calm and Carry On, reputation and communication expert Patrick McClelland of Porter Novelli Australia and f…

1
The Carbon Series: Developing carbon neutral sweet corn 30:33

3+ y ago30:33

30:33

The Soil Wealth ICP team developed this podcast as part of The Carbon Series: An introduction to carbon farming and soil carbon management in the Australian vegetable industry. Hear more about Mulgowie Farming Company's journey to develop certified carbon neutral sweet corn in Queensland. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the ve…

1
Saving time and money with strip-till in WA 6:57

3+ y ago6:57

6:57

In this podcast vegetable grower Jake Ryan, from Three Ryans in Western Australia, speaks about the journey to transition the farm's fallow and conventional cultivation to strip-till. Jake was impressed with the substantial time and cost savings of the strip-till method alongside the use of cover crops, combined with observable improvements in soil…

1
The drone is no longer just a toy: Rules, regulations, risks and responsibilities to be considered by drone owners 9:44

4+ y ago9:44

9:44

In this podcast, John Coulombe, Head of Training and Development at Complete AUV and the Virtual Drone Academy, provides valuable information and sound advice regarding the rules, regulations and responsibilities for those using drones in the horticultural industry. John has spent over eight years working in horticulture and, since branching out in…

1
Cover crops used for weed suppression in snow pea production 7:17

5y ago7:17

7:17

Kim Ngov grows snow peas on trellises with the alleys heavily infested with weeds and the added problem of heavy foot traffic causing the soil to become soggy following rainfall. Recently, Kim took up the suggestion from the SoilWealth & ICP team of seeding cover crops into the alleys of snow pea for weed suppression, creating an easier working env…

1
Soil biology and biological products; an introduction podcast 30:23

5y ago30:23

30:23

Soil biology is a complex, dynamic and broad field. This podcast will introduce you to the concept of why biology is important to soil fertility and maximising crop production. We also briefly explore the complexities, risks and potential of biological crop products. This podcast was developed in conjunction with our Soil Wealth ICP Partnership Net…

1
Integrated Weed Management, using cover crops and strip-till 6:50

5y ago6:50

6:50

Agronomists, Dr Pieter Van Nieuwenhuyse and Marc Hinderager, discuss the outcomes from a case study carried out on a pumpkin farm in Bathurst, NSW. You will hear how inter-row ground cover may assist you in suppressing weeds and a more integrated approach, using cover crops and strip-till, might help you reduce the use of herbicides and, by not dis…

1
Benefits of cover crops and strip-till for pumpkin production – Interview with Michael Camenzuli, Bathurst 5:41

5y ago5:41

5:41

In this podcast, members of the Soil wealth ICP team speak with pumpkin grower Michael Camenzuli about the benefits of cover crops and strip-till for pumpkin production. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. This project is supported by App…

1
Cover crop trial at Cowra, NSW, with Marc Hinderager 5:43

5y ago5:43

5:43

Agronomist, Marc Hinderager, has been working with the growers in Cowra and reports on the results of this cover crop trial. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development …

1
Mixed cover crops trial for soil health: Soil First Tasmania demonstration site 14:21

5y ago14:21

14:21

This podcast looks at the value of on-farm trials, and the support given to practice change by membership of a grower group. We meet two Tasmanian farmers, Rebecca Addison and Yuri Wolfert, who trialled mixed cover crops for soil health before potatoes in 2019; with the support of grower group Soil First Tasmania, and funding from Landcare Tasmania…

1
Precision ag pays off in bumper celery crop: Koo Wee Rup demonstration site 15:15

5y ago15:15

15:15

Over the past two years, Victorian vegetable growing operation Schreurs & Sons and the Soil Wealth ICP team have partnered to explore the application of precision agriculture in celery, leek and baby leaf production systems. The demonstration site is located at Adam Schreurs’ Cora Lynn farm, about 80km south-east of Melbourne, Victoria. During that…

1
Potato soft rot podcast 8:35

5y ago8:35

8:35

Management of rots, both in the field and post-harvest, is an ongoing challenge for potato producers. Agronomists Marc Hinderager and Dr Pieter Van Nieuwenhuyse discuss a trial that was set up to explore the effect of sanitisers and/or drying on the development of post-harvest bacterial soft rot in potatoes. This project has been funded by Hort Inn…

1
Cover Crops with Harvest Moon 17:39

6y ago17:39

17:39

The Soil Wealth ICP team look at how Harvest Moon, a large volume vegetable producer in North West Tasmania, are using cover crops to protect and improve their precious red soil. We also talk to other growers and explore cover cropping more generally. This podcast covers an introduction to cover crops, species and their benefits, how to plan for co…

1
Compost Trial Virginia, SA 9:24

6y ago9:24

9:24

Soil Wealth ICP follows the implementation of a compost trial for vegetable growers in Virginia SA. We speak to the growers, the compost supplier and Dr Doris Blaesing. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-own…

1
Full interview with Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture researcher John McPhee 24:46

6+ y ago24:46

24:46

An interview with agricultural scientist John McPhee about his long standing interest in controlled traffic farming and why he thinks it's an important practice for soil health. This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the g…

1
Controlled Traffic Farming with Harvest Moon 10:28

6+ y ago10:28

10:28

Soil Wealth ICP present this podcast about controlled traffic farming, featuring the best practice agriculture of Harvest Moon, with Agriculture Director Mark Kable, John McPhee, a controlled traffic farming researcher from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, as well as grower James Addison. Keep roads as roads, and beds as beds for high perfor…

1
The Ripper Mulcher In Tasmania 7:44

6+ y ago7:44

7:44

Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection, a Hort Innovation project, presents an exploration of a unique machine, the ripper mulcher. Invented and built in Tasmania by Bill Cotching to control erosion on sloping ground under cultivation. The ripper mulcher is one of the soil health tools being used by Harvest Moon, an intensive vegetable producti…

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Applied Horticultural Research Podcasts

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