Song and Plants

How do the different Cucurbita species indicate ripeness? Subtle cues signal that the time is right for harvest. What is squash curing? Under optimal conditions, Cucurbita spp can be enjoy all winter!

Opening song: Beeloved by Carmen Porter (www.carmenporter.com)

References:

https://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Brochures/PG_Squash.pdf

Introducing three common, North American, pest insects that love squash as much as I do! When do they emerge? Where do they lay their eggs? What problems can they cause if their populations are high? What can be done to reduce their numbers?

Opening song: Beeloved by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

References:

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/VEG/BEAN/striped_cucumber_beetle.html

https://extension.psu.edu/why-are-my-cucurbits-wilting

https://ipm.illinois.edu/diseases/rpds/926.pdf

https://rodaleinstitute.org/science/articles/verification-of-parasitism-of-striped-cucumber-beetles-and-bacterial-wilt-of-cucurbits-using-molecular-analyses/

https://www.thomas.k-state.edu/lawnandgarden/docs/squashbugs.pdf

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/squash-bug-anasa-tristis/

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/squash_bug.htm

https://extension.psu.edu/squash-vine-borer

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/leaf/squash_vine_borer.htm

When are the optimal conditions for Cucurbita seed germination? What location characteristics are favorable for planting squash? Is indoor or direct seeding right for your situation? Keep records!

Opening tune: 'Beeloved' by Carmen Porter

Contact at https://carmenporter.com

Squash and mastodons? Do bumble and honey bees collect Cucurbit pollen? What does some of the current research suggest about the history of squash distribution and Cucurbit bee (Peponapis pruinosa) habitat expansion?

Opening and closing tune: 'Beeloved' by Carmen Porter

References:

Logan Kistler, Lee A. Newsom, Timothy M. Ryan, Andrew C. Clarke, Bruce D. Smith, George H. Perry. Gourds and squashes (Cucurbita spp.) adapted to megafaunal extinction and ecological anachronism through domestication. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dec 2015

Brochu, K.K., van Dyke, M.T., Milano, N.J. et al. Pollen defenses negatively impact foraging and fitness in a generalist bee (Bombus impatiens: Apidae). Scientific Reports 10, Article 3112 (2020)

Horticulture Seminar Series Fall 2020: Margarita Lopez-Uribe, Penn State University: https://media.oregonstate.edu/media/t/1_1k6dxy8h

Cucurbitacin: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cucurbitacin

Meet Peponapis pruinosa (Eastern cucurbit bee or squash bee)! This native bee is the most efficient pollinator for the Cucurbita genus (squash). Where do they nest? What is their life cycle? How can you encourage them to live in your garden?

The opening tune is called 'Beeloved' by Carmen Porter. It is available for listening at https://carmenporter.com and on all streaming platforms.

References:

Mathewson, John A. (1968), Nest Construction and Life History of the Eastern Cucurbit Bee, Peponapis pruinosa (Hymenoptera: Apoidea), Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, Vol. 41, No.2.

Paul D. Hurd, Jr., E. Gorton Linsley, and A. E. Michelbache (1974), Ecology of the Squash and Gourd Bee,Peponapis pruinosa, on CultivatedCucurbits in California(Hymenoptera: Apoidea), Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, Number 168.

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/57679-Peponapis-pruinosa

Cucurbitaceae is a family with many familiar and tasty members. In anticipation of the first tune, this episode will focus on the Cucurbita genus. What are the most commonly grown species of the Cucurbita genus? And (briefly) what differentiates them from each other?

If you want to chat about squash, hit contact at https://carmenporter.com/

What is bionomial nomenclature? Why is it important? What is a taxonomic hierarchy? This episode offers a brief yet practical introduction to the scientific classification system of living organisms. Did you know that there is a spider named after Johnny Cash? We'll touch on that too.

If you have any favorite scientific names or stories, sent them my way at https://carmenporter.com/

Welcome to Song and Plants! In this episode we will explore the why and how this podcast came to be and what to expect moving forward!

For more songs, plants, videos and smiles visit me at https://carmenporter.com