(Distributed 05/25/12) Alligator gar are declining in numbers across much of the country. Researchers at the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Station have successfully spawned gar in tanks to be used in studies to better understand this ancient fish.

(Distributed 05/25/12) The LSU AgCenter recognized the volunteer efforts of the Louisiana Master Gardener program with an appreciation day at the Hammond Research Station on May 18.

(Distributed 05/22/12) MANSURA, La. – A dozen individuals recognized for their dedication to youth were inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame here Saturday (May 19).

(Distributed 05/21/12) CROWLEY, La. – Representatives of a company selling new fungicides for rice and soybeans will hold a meeting at the Acadia Parish Extension Office at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 24.

(Distributed 05/18/12) MONROE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the University of Louisiana at Monroe signed a memorandum of understanding on May 18 that will establish cooperative research projects between the two institutions.

(Distributed 05/18/12) Gardenias are blooming in Louisiana landscapes now. Known as cape jasmine to some Southern gardeners, gardenias are one of the most widely planted landscape shrubs in Louisiana.

(Distributed 05/17/12) East Feliciana 4-H clubs hope their school-community garden project will help decrease the incidence of diabetes and high blood pressure in elementary and junior high students in the parish.

(Distributed 05/17/12) White-tailed deer researchers at the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station in Clinton are using sperm from dead bucks to keep their favorable genes alive.

(Distributed 05/16/12) CROWLEY, La. – Louisiana rice farmers who plan to harvest crawfish from their fields next year should consider restocking crawfish once their rice crops have been flooded.

(Distributed 05/15/12) CROWLEY, La. – Louisiana farmers let out a collective sigh of relief as word spread recently that federal officials had approved release of a new fungicide for rice.