In this week's episode of the Plant Passion Podcast, we learn a little bit more about an amazing newly domesticated crop called Pennycress (CoverCress). I spent this summer at Western Illinois University with mentors Dr. Winthrop Phippen and Tad Wesely learning about this amazing crops and the way that it is revolutionizing farming practices of the future. Hope you enjoy!

IPREFER: https://www.iprefercap.org

Internship page (my research): https://www.iprefercap.org/about/2022-undergraduate-research-experience/

CoverCress: https://www.covercress.com

News articles:

1. https://www.agupdate.com/illinoisfarmertoday/news/crop/pennycress-shows-potential-in-the-midwest/article_96cac3f2-e744-11ec-9da6-c7d8d3b23b91.html

2. https://kqeducationgroup.com/wiu-project-studying-impact-of-new-cover-crop/ (I am mentioned in this article)

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As we welcome fall and winter for 2021, the question on all our mind's is, "What should I do with all these leaves?!" Well, in this epidode, I do my best to explain the benefits of leaf litter and show how it can be utilized to our benefit. Leaves have many secrets to them and be more than just piles set out for the city to collect and dispose of.

Helpful papers for further information:

https://www.amnh.org/content/download/35188/518925/file/LifeInTheLeafLitter.pdf

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-spend-10-years/

https://virginiagreen.com/news/why-its-good-for-your-lawn-to-remove-fallen-leaves/

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-leaf-litter-biodiversity/

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What an incredible experience. I got to go to the Morton Arboretum yesterday for the Undergraduate Open House, and it was the best experience of my life. I will include the link for all of the researchers down below, in case you would like to find out more about them or the work they are doing. Enjoy!

Scientific Staff at the Morton Arboretum: https://mortonarb.org/science/staff/

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