Dr. Candy Hirsch: Germplasm Collections for Crop Improvement | Ep. 143

In this episode of The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Candy Hirsch, Professor at the University of Minnesota, explains why germplasm collections are essential for crop improvement. She discusses how gene banks preserve genetic diversity, protect valuable alleles, and support breeding for future environmental conditions. Dr. Hirsch also examines how sequencing and computational tools can prioritize limited conservation resources. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Germplasm collections preserve genetic diversity from wild ancestors, locally adapted varieties, and modern cultivars, providing essential resources for continued crop improvement and adaptation."

Meet the guest: Dr. Candy Hirsch https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-hirsch-b1875524 is a professor at the University of Minnesota, where her work spans plant breeding, bioinformatics, genetics, maize genomics, and translational crop research. She earned a PhD in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics and a BS in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Learn more from Dr. Hirsch on The Crop Science Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.

Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!

https://www.wisenetix.com/blog?tag=the+crop+science+podcast+show

What you will learn:

(00:00) Highlight

(00:34) Introduction

(03:35) Maize genomics research

(08:49) Genotype and environment

(09:53) Germplasm conservation

(13:04) Prioritizing genetic diversity