Episode 18

Nepeta cataria (catnip) with William Reichart of Rutgers University!

Published on: 3rd January, 2022

What is the compound in the oil of Nepeta cateria that makes it such an effective insect repellent? How were higher essential oil yielding catnip plants developed? What has the research concluded about the effectiveness and potential for this herb? How can you grow it at home for yourself, your pollinators and your feline friends to enjoy? I was joined by William Reichert to explore all things Nepeta cataria!

To contact William Reichert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-reichert-ph-d-053565169/

The Rutgers lab with which he did this work: https://newuseag.rutgers.edu/

William Reichert's dissertation (breeding and nepetalactone repellent efficacy): https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/60974/

Opening tune: Botanical Berceuse by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)

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About the Podcast

Song and Plants
Botanical musings and music
Learning the binomial nomenclature (scientific names) of biota is a fascinating way to glean insight into the natural world. Though daunting at first, they can become familiar and accessible with the help of melody and context. This podcast will present tunes where the scientific names of species comprise the lyrical content. Episodes will describe habitats, growing conditions, nutritional information, and locate species within their taxonomic hierarchy. Historical significance, interviews and anecdotal stories will also be presented. Each musical release will inspire eight weekly episodes. Come grow with me!

About your host

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Carmen Porter

Growing up, my playground was the forest and orchard behind my house which were teeming with fascinating flora and fauna. I was the little girl singing to her extensive plant collection and pet caterpillars. After leaving home for too many years to pursue higher education and wander around the world, I returned to plant a garden. There are currently more than 500 cultivars of fruits and vegetables growing around my house.

'Song and Plants' came about when I started writing music to help me learn the binomial nomenclature (scientific names) of local biota. The podcast accompanies the tunes by providing information that extends beyond the lyrical content.