The main focus of the LSU AgCenter Coastal Plants Program is to use traditional plant breeding and agricultural biotechnology techniques to develop improved native plant varieties for coastal restoration. It has expanded in recent years to investigate production practices and delivery systems. The LSU AgCenter's Coastal Plants Program is the only program in the nation developing improved plant varieties for coastal wetland restoration and is on the forefront of plant restoration technologies.

This publication outlines some of the options for design, operation and maintenance of ornamental ponds and discusses basic environmental requirements of fish and plants commonly grown in these ponds. 20 pages. Full color. (PDF Format Only)

Most people are aware of the damage fire and severe weather can do to their homes, but many overlook the threat of termites. Photos of termite damage and signs of termite infestation are included in this publication, which covers Formosan subterranean termites and other subterranean termites.

BMPs for aquaculture enterprises are a specific set of practices used by growers to reduce the amount of soil, nutrients, pesticides and microbial contaminants entering surface water and groundwater while maintaining or improving productivity. This BMP manual is a guide for the selection, implementation and management of practices that will help growers conserve soil and protect water and air resources. (PDF format only)

Best management practices (BMPs) are a set of practices used by farmers to reduce the amount of soil, nutrients, pesticides and microbial contaminants entering surface water and groundwater while maintaining or improving the productivity of agricultural land. This list of BMPs is a guide for selection and implementation of practices that will help swine farmers conserve soil and protect water and air resources by reducing pollutants. (PDF format only)

The best management practices that apply most directly to the beef industry are in this publication. A brief description, purpose and conditions to which the practice applies are given for each of the BMPs listed. (PDF Format Only)

Louisiana accounts for 80 percent of the nation's coastal wetland loss. Simply put, a large proportion of Louisiana acreage is wetland. Much of the state's economy depends upon wetlands. Find information on causes of wetland loss, definitions of wetlands and wetland functions and values. (PDF format only)

BMPs for poultry farms are a specific set of practices used by farmers to reduce the amount of soil, nutrients, pesticides and microbial contaminants entering surface water and groundwater while maintaining or improving the productivity of agricultural land. This BMP manual is a guide for the selection, implementation and management of those practices that will help poultry farmers conserve soil and protect water and air resources. (PDF format only)

Facts and information on the West Nile virus and how it's affecting Louisiana. (PDF format only)

Information on recirculating production systems, fingerling sources, stocking and harvest management, regulatory considerations, economics and markets are included in this publication. (PDF Format Only)

Innovative and practical information on biodiesel for the homeowner, farmer and small-business owner. (PDF format only)

This publication is intended to help local and municipal governments address potential concerns or problems between the public and beekeepers. (PDF Format Only)

This publication includes information and tips to maintain the market value of forest products as well as information to ensure maximum revenue generation and good land stewardship through careful marketing strategies. (PDF Format Only)

Smooth cordgrass is a perennial grass native to intertidal saline marshes along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts. It is important for coastal areas because it reduces coastal erosion. Smooth cordgrass stems reduce wave energy and build land. The roots stabilize existing land. Reducing coastal erosion is especially important in Louisiana because the state has the highest erosion rate in the continental United States. (PDF Format Only)

Africanized honeybees were brought to Brazil in 1956 to improve local strains. In 1957, several colonies escaped. Once established in Brazil, the Africanized honeybees moved north up the east coast of South America and into Central America. During the next few years, they increased their northward expansion through central Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, reaching Southern California in 1994. (PDF format only)

This publication was designed to serve as a guide to aquaculture-related red drum (redfish) literature. The intended audience includes red drum producers as well as potential producers, investors and lenders. (PDF Format Only)

Wood is a renewable natural resource that, if properly treated, maintained and placed in service, will last indefinitely. It is critial for us to use our wood resources efficiently. Wood decay and most insect problems can be prevented for years by properly using and protecting wood. This publication is intended to increase your knowledge of the causes and control of wood decay, degradation and stain.

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.

Trees on home grounds or in parks are assets to everyone. Trees also are long-term investments for property owners. Like any investment, trees require effort to maintain their value. That means tree owners must make careful decisions about care and maintenance, which may require the occasional advice and service of a professional – an arborist. (PDF format only)

Importance of Soil Fertility, Method for Proper Soil Sampling, Interpreting Soil Tests, Adjusting pH, Available Forms of Lime, Available Forms of Sulphur, Applying Fertilizer and Examples of Applications included. (PDF Format Only)

Sweet potatoes are an important commodity in Louisiana. These best management practices, also known as BMPs, provide sweet potato growers guidelines on what practices they can implement to reduce the effect agricultural practices may have on the environment. (PDF Format Only)

The purpose of this publication is to document what is deemed as accepted and approved planting, management and harvest procedures for a variety of species planted in Louisiana for wildlife management purposes by LSU AgCenter personnel. In all cases, the greatest possible window of opportunity has been provided as to planting dates, planting practices and other management activities as they relate to overall management. (PDF Format Only)

This publication provides information on some of problems and basic principles involved in seasoning lumber, wood disks and other small pieces of wood. It is intended to help individuals who would like to season small quantities of wood inexpensively and without sacrificing quality. Small mill owners may also find this information useful in the manufacture of dried wood products.

It is imperative to understand the properties of a particular wood species before selecting it for any application. The woods of Louisiana vary considerably in density and hardness, so the workability of species in terms of machining, nailing, gluing and carving will also vary. This publication is designed as a reference to assist in learning about the properties of our native Louisiana woods. Use it to make a more informed choice for your woodworking project, no matter how big or small.

This guide will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about tree planting in the area. It suggests native and well-adapted trees for our region and describes how to grow them successfully. The tree illustration fold-out can also be used as a poster (22" x 34").

Information card on places to look for Formosan subterranean termite Infestations

Information card on tackling termite problems when beginning a renovation project

Information card on where to look for termites in trees.

Hunters and land managers are always seeking new and more innovative ways to improve the quality and attractiveness of their hunting areas. “What should I plant to attract and hold deer on my hunting area?" Find your answers in this publication. (PDF Format Only)

This publication provides information on some of problems and basic principles involved in seasoning lumber, wood disks and other small pieces of wood. It is intended to help individuals who would like to season small quantities of wood inexpensively and without sacrificing quality. (PDF Format Only)

Gluing can be a simple operation, but many complex factors affect the gluing process and, when not properly done, can make the gluing operation a nightmare. This publication explains how, with proper planning, care and correct choices, the gluing operation can be done with great success. (PDF Format Only)

A trailer that breaks down on the road can ruin a good fishing trip. It is even worse if an accident results from the breakdown. To help prevent breakdowns, it is important to service your trailer regularly. Here are typical items to consider in establishing a maintenance program. (PDF Format Only)

The process of removing honeybees from walls in a house is complex. Most people think they only have to spray and kill the bees. This would be effective if they were yellow jackets or hornets or even bumblebees. Honeybees, however,require a more demanding process. (PDF format only)

The living drill, as the carpenter bee has been appropriately named by many homeowners, has the ability to bore into and structurally damage timbers and other painted or unpainted wooden materials. These holes are actually the nesting sites the bees use to raise their young. (PDF format only)

The Equine Water Quality Series informs horse owners and the technical specialists who work with them about the potential water-quality effects from horse farms and highlights several practical best management practices (BMPs) that can be used to reduce these effects. Bulletin topics include: horses and water quality, controlling stable runoff, rotational grazing for horses, pasture management, composting horse manure and soil stabilization options for horse owners.

The Formosan subterranean termite was spread to Louisiana around the end of World War II. Described as the most important structural pest of the new millennium, the Formosan subterranean termite is now considered the most destructive insect in Louisiana. This publication includes information on how to decrease the spread of Formosan subterranean termites. (PDF format only)

Dairying, by its nature, requires specific practices to conserve and protect soil and water resources. Best management practices (BMPs) are an effective and practical means of reducing point- and nonpoint-source water pollutants at levels compatible with environmental quality goals. (PDF Format Only)

This publication inventories the functions and values of the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary System at the interface of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, and it chronicles the serious plight of landscape deterioration facing its inhabitants. (PDF format only)

All fires in a natural environment do some damage, and prescribed burns are no exception. It is a matter of accepting a risk of loss to obtain a desired gain. Properly planned and executed, prescribed burning can accomplish many objectives at reasonable cost and minimum risk. This publication explains how this can be done. (PDF Format Only)

This publication includes information on conserving existing trees, planting and transplanting, pruning, tree fertilization, street and parking area plantings, tree evaluation, tree lists and a quick tree selection guide. (PDF Format Only)

One important key for successful management of a pest is to identify it. This publication can help you differentiate between ants and the dry-wood and subterranean termites that are pests in Louisiana. It also contains specific information on Formosan subterranean termites.

Commercial sales of crawfish in Louisiana date back to the late 1800s, and today's crawfish industry includes millions of pounds harvested from farms and natural habitats in the state. This publication covers a wide range of topics on crawfish production, including crawfish biology, pond design, forage management, stocking, water quality, harvesting, marketing and much more.

This fact sheet will assist you, as a farmer, in understanding your obligations under the Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures program, otherwise known as the SPCC program. (PDF format only)

Why be concerned? Too often, we think of ourselves as external to our environment. We ignore the many relationships among people, other living creatures and our surroundings. We ignore these relationships at our own risk. Solutions to environmental problems are far more effective when all life forms are considered part of the ecosystem.

For most cabinet makers and furniture makers, wood is the raw material of choice. Wood has thousands of uses. Although wood may appear to be a relatively simple substance, closer examination shows that wood is one of the most complicated and unusual natural materials. This publication includes helpful information for understanding wood and its complicated materials. (PDF format only)

Agronomic crops are important commodities in Louisiana. The intent of this publication about best management practices is to provide the growers of soybeans, cotton, corn, grain sorghum and wheat with guidelines about practices they can implement to reduce the effects agricultural production may have on the environment. (PDF format only)

A farm pond or recreational pond can serve many purposes: a source of food, an aesthetic enhancement to property, a sportfishing opportunity, a swimming area, wildlife habitat, or a reservoir for livestock, irrigation and fire fighting needs. The intended purpose or purposes should be well thought out before construction and stocking. This publication reviews planning considerations and management recommendations relating to a number of potential uses for small ponds in Louisiana.

Hunting doves in agricultural areas is considered by many to be one of the most enjoyable forms of hunting, but hunters must be familiar with the regulations, especially those about baiting. These regulations, along with other important information for managing agricultural areas for bird hunting, are included in this publication. (PDF Format Only)

Sugarcane is the highest-valued row crop grown in Louisiana. For sugarcane production to continue to thrive in Louisiana, responsible management of soil and water resources should be a priority. This guide lists the Best Management Practices (BMPs) to use in Louisiana sugarcane production. (PDF Format Only)

Small hive beetles were first detected in the United States in 1996. Although they are relatively harmless pests in their native South Africa, they have become serious pests of honey bees, especially in the southeastern region of the United States. Information on damage, life cycle, best management practices and control included. (PDF Format Only)

This BMP manual is a guide for the selection, implementation and management of practices that will help growers conserve soil and protect water and air resources. (PDF format only)

Keeping bees can be a fascinating and profitable hobby in Louisiana. Start with one or two colonies and, as you learn the mechanics of beekeeping, establish additional colonies. Two or three colonies of bees in a good location, properly cared for, should provide enough honey for your family and some to give to friends and neighbors.

Is re-treating for termites necessary after hurricanes and flooding? Find those answers and also find information on preventing Formosan subterranean termites from spreading, disposing of termite-infested wood and debris, transporting mulch and other wood debris, inspecting and re-treating, signs of infestation and differences between termites and ants. (PDF format only)

Blueprints to help you build a beehive or honey extractor. (PDF format only)

This publication contains a variety of information about 53 Louisiana plants that can serve as nectar sources for honeybees. Illustrated by color photos of each plant, the 32-page guide includes descriptions of the plants and the honey produced from each source. It also includes a handy chart showing the blooming season for each plant. Cost: $10 plus tax and shipping. You can order this book through our online store by using the Order Publication link below.

This handbook serves as a quick reference or guide to aid in understanding and solving problems that require calculations. Aquaculture involves problem solving and knowing how to perform various calculations correctly. This capability can translate into economic benefits and sound management decisions. (PDF Format Only)

Learning to identify trees can be fun. It is easy to identify the common trees of Louisiana with this guide – particularly because pictures instead of long, written descriptions used to identify the leaves. Common trees include the native ones as well as trees introduced from other parts of the United States or from foreign countries.

Washwater is a necessary part of alligator production, but so is the management of the water. (PDF Format Only)

This publication gives several tips on how to pump less water and to make sure your pumping plant is being used as efficiently as possible. (PDF Format Only)

A description of how biomass is being used for energy in Louisiana with an emphasis on the potential for expansion in the industry. (PDF format only)