Using Genetics to Avoid Spraying in the Vegetable Garden

Using Genetics to Avoid Spraying in the Vegetable Garden

From Growing Greener by Tom Christopher

April 1, 2026 · 29 min · Episode 356

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of selecting disease-resistant cultivars in vegetable gardening to reduce pesticide use, featuring insights from plant pathologist Nicole Gauthier.

Selecting disease-resistant cultivars is an essential tool for avoiding the use of pesticides in the vegetable garden. Plant pathologist Nicole Gauthier of the University of Kentucky explains how to identify cultivars appropriate to your region and your garden, and why "tolerance" may serve you as well as "resistance."

People in this episode

Host: Tom Christopher

Guest: Nicole Gauthier

Topics covered

  • genetics
  • disease resistance
  • vegetable gardening
  • pesticide alternatives
  • plant pathology

Keywords

  • disease-resistant cultivars
  • vegetable garden
  • pesticides
  • plant pathologist
  • cultivar selection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Kentucky

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