Podcast
Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast
Hosted by Tad Hussey · EN
Welcome to the Cannabis Cultivation and Science podcast, I’m your host, Tad Hussey of KIS Organics. This is the podcast where we discuss the cutting edge of organic growing from a science based perspective and draw in top experts from around the industry to share their wisdom and knowledge. If you want to hear the latest in growing technology and methods, this is the place..
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 164: Mycotoxins & Microclimates: The Science of Cannabis Pathology with Dr. Nicole Gauthier
2w ago01:05:22Tap to summarizeo keep the audience engaged while highlighting the technical value of the episode, this version focuses on the "why" and the high-level takeaways, leaving the "how" for the audio. Podcast Summary In this episode, Tad Hussey of KIS Organics talks with plant pathologist Dr. Nicole Gauthier to separate fact from fiction regarding cannabis pathogens. The discussion moves past the basics of "mold" to look at the specific science of Fusarium, Botrytis, and the reality of mycotoxins in the supply chain. From the limitations of soil testing to the importance of bud microclimates, Dr. Gauthier provides a professional framework for understanding how plant diseases actually function and how to manage them without relying on "curative" myths. Key Takeaways The Mycotoxin Reality: Why species identification matters more than ever, and a look at which common pathogens actually pose a toxic risk to consumers. Microclimates vs. Room Environment: Understanding why your sensors might say your room is safe while your "chunky buds" are harboring high-humidity infections. The Problem with Broad Testing: A critical look at why generic soil tests and "Total Yeast and Mold" plates often provide misleading or incomplete data for growers. Biological Controls & SAR: The science of "priming" a plant’s immune system and the differing persistence levels of Bacillus and Trichoderma on the leaf surface. The Pathology "Lightning Round": Dr. Gauthier’s professional advice on sanitation protocols, rogueing diseased plants, and the most effective ways to manage an outbreak. Featured Expert Dr. Nicole Gauthier is a researcher and extension specialist at the University of Kentucky. Her work focuses on sustainable disease management and helping growers navigate the intersection of plant health and regulatory compliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Episode 163: Concrete Botany: Reconnecting with the Living World in the Age of Disturbance with Joey Santore
3w ago01:02:57Tap to summarizeKey Takeaways & Discussion Highlights The Railroad Roots: Joey’s transition from a Union Pacific engineer to a "vigilante botanist." He discusses the influence of Carl Sagan’s The Demon-Haunted World and using science as a "candle in the dark" in a consumerist society. Botany for the "Jaded Working Class": Why academic botany often fails to connect with the public and why Joey targets the "cynical, maladjusted stiff" who needs the living world the most. Horticultural Atrocities: A critique of "horticultural fluff"—boxwoods, crepe myrtles, and cloned cultivars that offer no ecological value. Joey explains why he’d rather see a lawn than a line of "garbage" cultivars. The Concrete Cage & Mental Health: How our disconnection from the land and our "unwalkable sprawling excerpts" contribute to a massive mental health crisis. The Field Record: Joey’s process in the wild—using iNaturalist, herbarium vouchers, and photography to document the "living machine." Geology & Evolution: An exploration of edaphic endemics (plants that grow only on specific soils like serpentine or gypsum) and how stressful geology creates new species. Disturbance Ecology: Why "weeds" are actually pioneer species and how disturbance—when understood correctly—is the engine that enables diversity. Beyond "Is it Edible?": Why the question "Can I eat it?" is the most common and least interesting way to interact with a plant. Concrete Botany: A preview of Joey’s new book and his fascination with "unintentional ecology" in neglected urban spaces like railroad tracks and abandoned warehouses. Resources Mentioned Book: Concrete Botany: The Ecology of Plants in the Age of Human Disturbance (Released April 2026) YouTube/Podcast: Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t App: iNaturalist (Joey’s primary tool for citizen science) Literature: The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan Project: Thornscrub Sanctuary (South Texas conservation) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Episode 162: Dips, Sprays, & Phytotoxicity: Mastering Oils in Cannabis Cultivation with Julie Graesch
Apr 700:55:57Tap to summarizeWhy can't you just use canola oil from your kitchen to kill spider mites? If you’ve ever wondered about the true science behind oil-based pesticides, this episode is a deep dive into the physics and chemistry of plant protection. Tad and Julie Graesch explore why oils remain one of the most effective tools for managing resistant pest populations like two-spotted spider mites and thrips. In this episode, we cover: Physical Modes of Action: How oils kill through suffocation and desiccation, and why pests can’t develop resistance to being physically smothered. Mineral vs. Essential Oils: The functional differences between horticultural mineral oils (like SuffOil-X) and 25B essential oils (like Epishield). The Power of Formulation: Why inert ingredients, surfactants, and molecular weight are just as important as the active ingredients for preventing phytotoxicity. Dipping vs. Spraying: The high-stakes world of plant dips and how to target specific life stages—including the elusive thrips egg. Tank Mixing & Compatibility: Best practices for combining oils with microbials like Beauveria bassiana to create a synergistic knockdown effect. Whether you are a small-scale hobbyist or a large-scale commercial cultivator, understanding how to master oils will help you maintain a cleaner garden with fewer chemical interventions. You can order Bioworks products through KiS Organics, just reach out if you have any questions. About the Guest: Julie Graesch is the Technical Services Manager for BioWorks. With over 18 years of experience as a biological scientist, Julie has worked in laboratory, greenhouse, and field research, specializing in integrated pest management (IPM) for the horticulture industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Episode 161: The Secret Lives of Pathogens with Dr. Zamir Punja
Mar 1701:10:31Tap to summarizeKey Takeaways for Cultivators The Week 3 Strategy: Preventive sprays for Botrytis must occur when the flowers are still small and "open." Once the bud swells (Weeks 6+), the pathogen is already locked inside. Airflow is Everything: Buds act as heat sinks. Use fans 24/7 to cool the internal temperature of the flower, which is significantly higher than your room’s ambient temperature. Identify Your Mold: If your bud rot looks pink or white rather than grey, it may be Fusarium. This is a systemic issue that requires a different mitigation strategy and poses a mycotoxin risk. HLVd Survival: In living soil, HLVd may break down much faster than on sterile surfaces because the microbes decompose the host root tissue. Watch the Silica: Over-applying potassium silicate can cause the plant to excrete white crystals onto the leaves and stems—don't mistake this "silica vomit" for PM or resin! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Foundations Series #5: Reading the Soil: Agronomy, Soil Testing & Crop Health with Lee Briese
Mar 1001:17:26Tap to summarizeKey Topics & Notes • Why experienced crop consultants rely heavily on chemical soil analysis for making management decisions • The limitations of relying solely on biological soil testing • Why soil structure and aggregation play a critical role in plant health • How soil physical properties influence water movement, aeration, and root development • The importance of walking fields and directly interacting with soil • Using smell, texture, and visual indicators to understand soil conditions • How agronomists diagnose soil problems using multiple indicators at once • Why soil management is similar to medical diagnosis — identifying root causes rather than symptoms • The role of experience and pattern recognition in interpreting soil tests • Bridging lab data with real-world field observations Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Foundations Series #4: What's Your Garden Missing? Cracking the Code of Applied Horticulture with Don Marshall
Mar 301:09:44Tap to summarizeKey Takeaways: Botany vs. Hacks: Moving past "quick fixes" to understand the biological lens of plant science. The Limiting Factor: Learning to identify the specific environmental or nutritional gaps holding your plants back. Timeless Principles: Why botanical fundamentals are the most reliable tools in a cultivator’s shed, regardless of changing trends. Applied Horticulture: Bridging the gap between academic theory and high-level landscape maintenance. About Don Marshall: Don is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist, Certified Arborist, and ecoPro. He founded the Environmental Horticulture program at Lake Washington College, where he taught for over 40 years. He is the owner of Plant Designs, a fine gardening firm, and the co-author of Home Landscaping, Northwest Region. The Botany Foundations Course: Don and I have spent the last few years collaborating on a comprehensive online botany course. We designed this specifically for industry professionals and serious growers who want a university-level understanding of plant science without the time constraints of traditional schooling. This course provides the professional lens needed to evaluate and improve your grow. Stay Updated: www.kisorganics.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Foundations Series #3: The Soil Food Web: Science, Dogma, and Controlled Ecosystems with Tad Hussey
Feb 2400:19:40Tap to summarizeThe Underground Economy: Carbon as Currency Biological Gold: Why photosynthesis isn't just about plant growth—it’s about minting the "carbon currency" required to hire a microbial workforce. The Exudate Menu: A breakdown of Monosaccharides (fast cash), Polysaccharides (savings accounts), and Organic Acids (specialized mining tools). The Trading Post: How the plant uses targeted "buy orders" to trade energy for the specific minerals it needs. The Rhizophagy Revolution The "Commuter" Microbes: Understanding the research from Dr. James White’s lab at Rutgers. The Microbial Car Wash: A technical look at how plants lure, strip, "milk," and eject bacteria to scavenge for nutrients. Endophytes vs. Rhizophagy: Distinguishing between long-term "tenants" inside the plant and the transient "workers" in the root tip. The Biomimicry Reality Check Ecology vs. Agronomy: Why nature optimizes for survival, while growers optimize for yield, quality, and consistency. The Managed System: Why an indoor grow or greenhouse is not a wilderness, and why treating it as such often leads to inefficiencies and "natural" bottlenecks. The "Selfish" Microbe: Understanding Immobilization and Stoichiometry—why microbes sometimes "rob" your plants of nitrogen to build their own populations. Precision Biology & Biosecurity The Risk of Raw Inputs: Why compost can be the highest risk factor for heavy metals, PFAs, herbicide residues, and pathogens like Pythium. The Specialist Shop: Utilizing lab-grown consortiums for a cleaner, scalable facility. Mycorrhizal Fungi: The role of Rhizophagus irregularis in Phosphorus mining. Nutrient Unlockers: Using high-CFU strains like Microbial Mass or Mammoth P for data-backed biomass increases. Trichoderma: Beyond biocontrol—how it uses siderophores to "magnetize" insoluble iron and trigger Induced Systemic Resistance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transcribe →Foundations Series #2: Lean Farming & Efficient Cultivation Systems with Ben Hartman (Originally Episode 20)
Feb 1700:57:52Tap to summarizeThis episode is part of the Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series — a selection of conversations that continue to influence how I approach soil health, plant performance, and cultivation systems. I’ve added a short new intro to each re-release with updated perspective and context.Originally released as Episode 20My guest for this episode is Ben Hartman, farmer and author of The Lean Farm.Ben operates Clay Bottom Farm in Goshen, Indiana, and is known for applying lean manufacturing principles to agriculture. His work focuses on improving farm efficiency, reducing wasted time and materials, and designing production systems that prioritize value and profitability.In this conversation we discuss:What lean farming means and how it applies to cultivationIdentifying and eliminating wasted time, labor, and inputsDesigning efficient workflows and production systemsHow simplifying systems can improve consistency and profitabilityApplying lean principles to indoor and greenhouse cultivationWhile this conversation comes from outside traditional cannabis production, the principles discussed are directly applicable to any cultivation operation looking to improve efficiency and long-term sustainability.Part of the Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Foundations Series #1: Silicon in Plant Health & Stress Resistance with Dr. Wendy Zellner (Originally Episode 98)
Feb 1001:20:53Tap to summarizeMy guest for this episode is Dr. Wendy Zellner.Dr. Zellner received her doctorate from the University of Toledo in 2012, where she trained in molecular and cellular biology with a focus on the role of silicon in plant defense responses. She then completed a four-year postdoctoral position with the USDA-ARS, continuing her research on how silicon can alleviate both abiotic and biotic stress in crops such as tomato and tobacco.Her work has included developing standard methods for quantifying silicon uptake from fertilizer materials, identifying uptake mechanisms for silicon in model species, and evaluating how those pathways function across a range of crop systems.In this conversation we cover:The role of silicon in plant physiology and structureSilicon and plant defense against abiotic and biotic stressHow plants take up and utilize siliconMisconceptions around silicon fertilizers and supplementsPractical considerations for growers using silicon inputsThis remains one of the most comprehensive discussions we’ve had on silicon and plant health, and it continues to be highly relevant for growers looking to better understand how this element functions within a complete fertility program. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Episode 155: Entomopathogenic Fungi Explained: Blastospores, Beauveria, and Smarter IPM with Julie Graesch
Jan 701:15:37Tap to summarizeGuest: Julie GraeschBiological Scientist | IPM SpecialistCurrently with BioWorksFormerly: BASF, Becker Underwood, Iowa State UniversityTopics Covered:What “entomopathogenic fungi” actually meansHow fungi like Beauveria and Metarhizium infect insect pestsDifferences between blastospores and conidiaWhy formulation and environmental conditions matterCommon reasons fungal biocontrol applications failPreventative vs. reactive use of entomopathogenic fungiIntegrating fungal biologicals into a broader IPM strategyKey Takeaways:Entomopathogenic fungi are biological tools, not chemical knockdownsUnderstanding fungal life cycles improves consistency and outcomesBlastospores behave differently than traditional spore formulationsSuccessful IPM relies on timing, environment, and integration—not rescue sprays Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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