Weeds, Rye, and Political Intrigue in the Soviet Union

Weeds, Rye, and Political Intrigue in the Soviet Union

Constant Wonder - Season 2022, Episode 882 , Segment 1

Weeds: Not Always the Enemy

Episode: Weeds: Not Always the Enemy

  • Feb 22, 2021 7:00 pm
  • 34:39 mins

Sometimes weeds, as in the case of rye, mimic the plants we cultivate, and the results can be quite beneficial. It’s a process called Vavilovian mimicry, named for a Soviet scientist who was arrested (and died) for being an enemy to the state, despite his dedication to feeding starving Russians. Guest: Scott McElroy, Professor of Weed Science at Auburn University