This guide for 2012 contains suggestions for management of the most important or more prevalent diseases of Louisiana plants. It includes information on fungicides, bactericides and nematicides, as well as safety precautions for using them.

This 2012 guide was compiled by LSU AgCenter experts and includes regulations, precautions and suggestions for pest control in Louisiana. Detailed topics include drift of pesticides, hazards of pesticides to beneficial insects and wildlife, phytotoxicity and use of beneficial insects to control pest populations. A section on organic gardening also is included.

The external parasites that attack Louisiana dairy cattle include several species of insects, mites and ticks that feed externally or from the outside. Recommendations for control in and around dairy barns, fly control in the milk room and insecticide precautions and limitations included. (PDF Format Only)

The blood-sucking fly pests of Louisiana beef cattle include the horn fly, stable fly and many species of tabanids. By understanding the biology and life cycle of each pest, producers will be better able to devise more effective fly control programs. This publication explains how, in most cases, an integrated approach, whereby more than one control method is used, will prove more effective for long-term fly control. (PDF Format Only)

This publication includes information on the description, behavior and control of the sugarcane beetle. (PDF format only)

This publication deals with some of the insects that attack sweet potatoes in Louisiana. It covers such pests as beet armyworms, soybean loopers and cabbage loopers and includes background information, descriptions of the pests and details on the damage they can cause. PDF format only.

The red imported fire ant, a Louisiana resident since the early 1950s, can be a painful pest or a beneficial friend. Depending on your situation, you may want to manage these ants or simply let them go about their helpful way. Eradication vs. management of the fire ant is discussed in this fact sheet. (PDF Format Only)

The Argentine ant, an exotic species brought to New Orleans from South America in the late 1800s, is found throughout the state after being transported in nursery stock and by cars, boats and RVs. Their huge colonies, with millions of workers and hundreds of queens, extend for miles. Identifying characteristics, areawide management and cultural controls incuded. (PDF Format Only)

Flies are the most important insect pests of horses. Among this large, diverse group of insects, the pests of horses include bloodsucking or biting flies, filth or irritation flies, mosquitoes and bot flies. The description, biology, economic/health significance and control are included. (PDF Format Only)

External parasites of beef cattle include several species of insects, mites and ticks. Most of these pests feed on blood, but some feed only on the skin. External parasites infest cattle of all ages, but the economic loss is usually measured in reduced weight gain of growing animals. Insect descriptions and control measures included. (Revised March 2008 - PDF Format Only)

The South American rice leaf miner, Hydrellia wirthi Korytkowski, is an insect pest of rice in the United States. It affected several rice fields in southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas in 2004. Topics include description and life cycle, injury, scouting and managment. Color photos also included. (PDF Format Only)

Three important species of corn-stalk-boring caterpillar pests infest Louisiana corn. These are the European corn borer, the southwestern corn borer and the sugarcane borer. Descriptions, life cycles, biology, feeding behavior, damage, scouting and managment information are included. (PDF format only)

The red imported fire ant, a Louisiana resident since the early 1950s, can be a painful pest or a beneficial friend. Depending on your situation, you may want to manage these ants or simply let them go about their helpful way. Eradication vs. management of the fire ant is discussed in this fact sheet. (PDF Format Only)

Ants range from mildly irritating to highly annoying. Knowing the species, its biology and potential control methods can help you manage them. This is a useful reference for pest management professionals, extension personnel and homeowners. A key to ants, color photographs, diagrams and a glossary are included. Spiral-bound copies are available for $12.50 each. To purchase using a major credit card, click on "order publication."

What is avian influenza (bird flu)? What are the hosts for avian influenza? How is avian influenza transmitted from bird to bird? What are the signs of avian influenza in birds? Find these answers and more in this one-page fact sheet. (PDF Format Only)

This publication includes information on the identification and management of carpenter bees. (PDF format only)

The process of removing honeybees from walls in a house is complex. This publication explains how to safely and properly remove the bees from your walls. (PDF format only)

This publication includes a description and information on the distribution and hosts, life cycle, types of injury to your trees and control of the fall webworm. (PDF format only)

Pecan scab disease is the most economically damaging disease of pecan production in the southeastern United States. The disease affects stem, leaf and nut growth, causing reduced yield. This publication includes information on the development, symptoms and control of the disease. (PDF format only)

2011 recommended treatments and thresholds for corn and grain sorghum insects. Brief biological sketches of pests included. (PDF Format Only)

The chinch bug is commonly found in all areas of Louisiana feeding on a variety of grass crops and wild grasses. In some years it is an economic pest on corn and grain sorghum, especially if high populations migrate into these crops in the early spring when plants are young. To prevent stand loss and yield reductions, it is important to understand the biology and behavior of this pest as it relates to corn and grain sorghum.

A Southern IPM Center publication. When choosing a broadcast bait to control imported fire ants, consumers and professional pesticide applicators face a confusing array of brand names and active ingredients with varying product performances. This guide addresses common concerns about broadcast baits to help consumers and professionals choose products that best fit their needs and situations. (PDF Format Only)

Cutworms are early-season pests that damage cotton by reducing plant stand densities below optimum levels. Damage generally occurs in poorly drained areas where winter vegetation is still present. This publication includes information on biology, field habits, control, and the description and field identification for the various types of cutworms.

Blackberries are a favorite springtime fruit in Louisiana. The blackberry (raspberry) crown borer is a serious pest of blackberry plantings and causes loss of plant vigor, loss of yield and plant destruction. Damage, life cycle, monitoring and control recommendations included. (PDF Format Only)

Cucumber beetles (rootworms) are significant insect pests of sweet potatoes in Louisiana. Adults and larvae of these insects feed on sweet potatoes, but larvae are the most damaging. Descriptions of the banded cucumber beetle and the spotted cucumber beetle, as well as management strategies for these insects, are included in this publication. (PDF Format Only)

Downy mildew is a potentially devastating disease of all cucurbits. Disease symptoms, development, control measures and color photographs of symptoms on pumpkin, cucumber and watermelon are included. (PDF format only)

Soil insect pests can be extremely problematic in Louisiana sweet potato production. The majority of insect damage in sweet potatoes occurs on the root surface and consists of unattractive scars and holes. The market tolerance for this cosmetic injury is very low, and minimal insect damage can drastically affect the marketability of the crop. (PDF format only)

Fleas developed on Earth thousands of years ago and have adapted many survival techniques. In Louisiana, they are pests in and around homes and on pets and other animals year round. Control measures and insecticides to use included. (PDF Format Only)

The twospotted spider mite is one of the most persistent and damaging pest problems affecting strawberry production in Louisiana. Damage, description, life cycle, monitoring, control information and color photos included. Spanish version also included. (PDF Format Only)

Nematodes are a diverse group of roundworms found throughout Louisiana. Many are important in the environment because they feed on bacteria, fungi and even insects. This publication includes information on nematodes, plant symptoms, field size and the soil sampling procedure. (PDF format only)

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and Western equine encephalitis (WEE) virus infections occur in horses and other equids. Where does EEE come from? What's the best way to protect a horse? Find these answers and more. (PDF Format Only)

Blast is the most important disease of rice worldwide and the second most important in Louisiana. Yield losses as high as 75 to 90 percent have been observed in Louisiana due to this disease. Use this fact sheet to help you identify and manage rice blast. (PDF Format Only)

Sheath blight has been the most economically significant disease of rice in Louisiana since the early 1970s. The disease is caused by a fungal pathogen of both rice and soybeans. This fact sheet describes the symptoms of the disease and gives suggested management procedures.

Blackberries are a favorite springtime fruit in Louisiana. The blackberry (raspberry) crown borer is a serious pest of blackberry plantings and causes loss of plant vigor, loss of yield and plant destruction. Damage, life cycle, monitoring and control recommendations included. (PDF Format Only)

The twospotted spider mite is one of the most persistent and damaging pest problems affecting strawberry production in Louisiana. Damage, description, life cycle, monitoring, control information and color photos included. Spanish version also included. (PDF Format Only)

Citrus greening is one of the most serious citrus diseases, and a pest responsible for spreading it has now been found in Louisiana. Information on what to look for and where to look, what plants are preferred by the disease and where to report suspected disease symptoms or insect sightings is included. (PDF format only)

This publication emphasizes the use of a total integrated management system to reduce wheat diseases and the damage they cause in the field. (PDF format only)

2011 recomended controls and thresholds for soybean insect pests. Brief biological sketches of soybean insect pests are included. Soybeans can be damaged by insects any time from plant emergence until near to harvest in Louisiana. Many kinds of insects feed on leaves, stems, roots, nodules and pods, but only a few require control with insecticides. (PDF Fomat Only)

The rice disease identification and management series provides descriptions, epidemiology and control options for each rice disease present in Louisiana.

This publication describes the major rice diseases in Louisiana and the southern United States rice-growing region. Detailed color images of bacterial panicle blight, blast, grain smuts, narrow brown leaf spot, shealth blight, sheath rot, stem rot, water mold and stem rot are included. (PDF format only)

Plant-parasitic nematodes can damage plants in many ways and are considered to be a serious threat to sweet potato production in Louisiana. This publication describes problematic nematode species and management strategies available for these pests. (PDF format only)

Angular leaf spot is a common disease of strawberries in Louisiana, particularly during periods of cool, wet weather. This publication describes the disese and how to manage it. (PDF Format Only)

Botrytis fruit rot (or gray mold) is a common and damaging disease of strawberries in Louisiana -- particularly during periods of cool to moderate temperatures, high humidity and prolonged periods of free water on the plants. This publication describes the disease and how to manage it. (PDF Format Only)

This 52-page pocket guide is designed to help you identify pests commonly found in and around buildings. It includes photos and information about various pests, such as ants, roaches, flies, rats, mice, termites, spiders, wasps, bees, bedbugs, fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and more. Diagrams and scales showing the size of some of the pests are included to help in identification. A spiral-bound, heavyweight, coated-paper copy is available for $12.

This guide can be used to aid in the identification of soybean insects in Louisiana. (PDF Format Only)

The Mexican rice borer is a devastating pest of sugarcane and a serious pest of rice. It was first collected in Louisiana in two pheromone traps on Dec. 15, 2008, near two rice fields northwest of Vinton, La. Identification, injury, scouting and management infomation included. (PDF Format Only)

Identification of citrus greening and the Asian citrus psyllid.

Plant-parasitic nematodes attack every field crop grown in Louisiana, including cotton, soybeans, corn, milo, rice, sugarcane, sweet potatoes and wheat. There are certain times of the year when nematode samples should be collected. The best time usually is during fall or early winter. Sampling time, procedures and handling included. (PDF Format Only)

Pecan spittlebugs are found throughout the pecan-producing regions of Louisiana and can be a serious pest. The severity of infestations varies from year to year and from orchard to orchard. Life cycle, type of injury and control information are included. (PDF Format Only)

The Mexican rice borer is a devastating pest of sugarcane and a serious pest of rice. It was first collected in Louisiana in two pheromone traps on Dec. 15, 2008, near two rice fields northwest of Vinton, La. Identification, injury, scouting and management infomation included. (PDF Format Only)

Scurf is a common disease of sweet potatoes. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. Use this fact sheet to help you identify and manage this disease. (PDF Format Only)

During the past two decades, the reniform nematode has emerged as one of the most important nematode species of plant crops in Louisiana. It attacks a wide range of plant types and is particularly damaging to crops such as cotton, sweet potato, soybeans and many vegetables. Symptoms, management strategies and color images included. (PDF Format Only)

Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of phytophthora blight on peppers.

Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in distinguishing among three common foliar diseases of watermelon. (PDF Format Only)

Identification and scouting information for rice water weevils, rice stink bugs, panicle rice mites, rice leafminers and rice stem borers. (PDF format only)