Episode #5
BONUS EPISODE: Humans in the (Plant Trait Selection) Loop! A Wide-Ranging Discussion with Irwin Goldman
For this lively bonus episode of “A Botanical Podcast,” host Shiran Ben-Zeev and guest Irwin Goldman share their enthusiasm for a subject of great mutual interest: plant breeding and domestication. In addition to discussing research, they introduce anecdotes, poetry, and the ideas expressed by economists, plant breeders, and even our human ancestors to the conversation. In determining what makes a vegetable palatable and delicious, humans often choose traits that are counter to what’s best for a plant’s fitness. Shiran and Irwin provide many examples and touch on the debates around plant breeding vs. gene editing. Irwin Goldman is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a faculty member in the Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics program. He teaches courses in vegetable crops, plant breeding, evolutionary biology, indigenous food systems, and plants and human well-being. His research is focused on breeding and genetics of vegetable crops, including human health attributes of vegetables. Irwin and his students have helped develop new strains of beet, carrot, and onion that are in use in many vegetable-growing regions around the world. Irwin has a BS degree from the University of Illinois, an MS from North Carolina State University, and a PhD from Wisconsin. He completed postdoctoral work at the University of Illinois. Lab webpage: https://goldman.horticulture.wisc.edu/ Institutional affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Plant and Agroecoystem Sciences Disclaimer The Botanical Society of America (BSA) has produced and provides this podcast for people who love plants, plant research, and BSA journals. The information presented is based on current scientific understanding and may be subject to change as new research emerges. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are the personal views of the host and guests, and not the views, policies, or opinions of BSA or any of its officials. The appearance of any host or guest does not imply an endorsement by BSA of them, their employer, any entity they represent, or any view or content they express or create outside of this podcast. Reference to any product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BSA. This podcast may not be republished or repurposed without the consent of the BSA. Websites / Social Media Handles Botanical Society of America Bluesky Botanical Society of America Instagram Botanical Society of America American Journal of Botany Applications in Plant Sciences Plant Science Bulletin ...
