Commercial blueberry production in Louisiana had its beginning more than 40 years ago with the introduction of improved varieties of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei). Commercial blueberry potential in Louisiana can be measured in terms of how well you select a site, choose cultivars and plan for cultural practices.This publication includes information on soils, site preparation, fertilization and pruning. (PDF Format Only)

A publication series focusing on improving sweet potato production efficiency, including optimization of the root initiation process, soil moisture management and transplant quality as they relate to maximizing yield and crop quality.

The proper curing, storage and handling of sweet potatoes are the first steps in the management of post-harvest diseases. The importance of packinghouse sanitation should not be overlooked, however. Use these recommendations to prevent sanitation problems in your packinghouse. (PDF Format Only)

The market demand for uniform appearance of sweet potatoes often brings about the use of long and complicated packing lines to allow for grading and sizing of the roots. This unfortunately results in many opportunities for mechanical damage to the roots, including skinning, cuts, bruises and breaking of ends that detract from the appearance of the roots and increase the possibility of disease development. Use these recommendations to reduce damage on packing lines. (PDF format only)

Sustainable and profitable commercial sweet potato production requires proper management of nitrogen fertilizer. Inadequate or excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizer can be detrimental to a sweet potato crop and can negatively affect yield potential. What Amount of Nitrogen Fertilizer Does My Sweet Potato Crop Need? When Should Nitrogen Be Applied? How Should a Sweet Potato Crop Look 30 Days After Transplanting? Find these answers and more in this publication. (PDF Format Only)

This publication contains recommendations for commercial production of vegetables ranging from artichokes, asparagus and beets to strawberries, tomatoes and watermelons. Among its guidelines for more than 30 different vegetables are recommended seeding rates, planting dates and varieties. It also includes information about days from planting to harvest, the approximate time from pollination to market and optimum soil temperatures for the various vegetables covered in this guidebook.

Food safety has always been a concern and is an important issue with respect to both domestic and international food supplies. This brochure introduces the concepts of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as they relate to food safety and sweet potato production. (PDF format only)

This comprehensive publication covers the importance of harvesting techniques, as well as curing and storage conditions, that will promote quality and extend the storage life of sweet potatoes. It also includes information on packing line sanitation, product safety, certification standards and USDA grade standards for sweet potatoes. (Produced by North Carolina State University and the LSU AgCenter -- PDF Format Only)

Figs are tasty and can be eaten fresh, made into preserves and jams, or used in baking. Figs are commonly grown in all areas of Louisiana. All fig varieties discussed in this publication produce a main crop. Learn cultural practices and fertilization, disease and insect control, how to handle and process your fruit, and how to prune the trees. 8 pages (PDF Format Only)