In the world of agriculture, the spotlight usually falls on the harvest, but what happens beneath the surface and within the plants is vital. In this episode of Science Behind the Glass, Dr. Karen Muñoz Cárdenas, a leading researcher in crop biodiversity, we discover how tiny organisms — mites, nematodes, bacteria, and more — not only sustain our crops, but also forge a crucial alliance with farmers.
Karen shares her passion for these mites and how her life, shaped by Colombian landscapes, led her to uncover the tiny world of animals that protect our crops.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Tiny Allies in Agriculture
02:58 Karen’s Journey and Inspiration for Biodiversity
08:45 The Role of Farmers in Biodiversity
11:55 Understanding Biological Controllers
16:01 Experiences with Mites and Their Impact
18:48 The Fascination with Balloustium Mites
22:05 The Life Cycle of Mites and Soil Importance
25:47 Research and Discoveries in Biological Control
29:19 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship in Biological Solutions
37:25 Sustainable Agriculture: Moving Beyond Monocultures
48:08 Empowering Scientists and Communities for Change
Follow us:
nstagram: sciencebehindtheglass
X: @sbtg_podcast @daniesguerra @LINDAHE1988
FB: Science behind the Glass
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbtgpodcast?_t=ZS-8u2DmABj4Us&_r=1
References