The cold weather we typically receive now through January can cause problems for home and commercial citrus in our area. It is important to know the critical temperatures and the factors affecting them.

This document describes the diseases that occur most frequently on pecan trees in Louisiana.

The article describes growing bananas in the landscape and steps for possible fruit production.

Citrus trees that survived hurricane damage may have lost significant amounts of foliage. These trees could experience a strong flush as they start their own healing process. This is very important because new foliage will provide nutrients needed for winter survival and faster tree recovery. Producers must implement practices to protect from additional leaf loss which can be caused by the citrus leafminer.

June Drop is a name that pecan growers have given to an event that occurs from mid June through early July. During this period, a large number of "nutlets" drop from pecan trees. The three primary causes of the June drop are inadequate pollination, damage from the insect nut curculio and damage from the hickory shuckworm.

The article contains a brief description of blackberry varieties that are adapted to Louisiana. A description of primocane blackberries is also given.

The intense heat makes moisture critical. This is especially true for newly installed landscapes, vegetable and flower beds and any new plantings in existing landscapes.

Citrus trees, such as satsumas, oranges and grapefruit, are popular for home fruit production. Citrus trees offer gardeners beauty and fragrant flowers as well as a tasty fruit. Their dark, glossy evergreen foliage is attractive year round.

The article describes the symptoms and life history of pecan phylloxera on pecan trees. Pictures of symptoms and nymphs are provided.

The article provides a brief description of factors to consider when harvesting and storing pecans.

The article provides a brief description of feijoa. Information on selecting varieties and cultural practices are included.

LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says to choose Louisiana strawberries for a nutritious, healthy treat.

Loquat, sometimes called Japanese plum or Japanese Medlar, is an attractive small tree or shrub that is frequently planted in landscapes as an ornamental in Louisiana. The tree has large thick evergreen leaves, which thrives in most well-drained soils, can be used as an edible landscape plant.

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)

Blueberries fit into any general home landscape design and can serve as hedges, borders or backgrounds. The blueberry’s native adaptation to both the soil and the climate of the Southeast makes it a productive fruit for Louisiana. Use these guidelines to sucessfully add blueberries to your home landscape. (PDF Format Only)

The most important cultural practice the homeowner with pecan trees needs to consider is proper fertilization. This publication includes information and guidelines for fertilizing pecan trees.

(Radio News 01/07/08) If you enjoyed Louisiana citrus during the past few months, you should consider growing your own. Planting a citrus tree starts with selecting the proper location says LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Dr. Bobby Fletcher. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

February is the best time to prune most fruit trees in Louisiana. The coldest part of winter is usually over, and trees will soon be growing and can heal pruning injuries.

The different types of leaves, abundance of blooms, aroma of flowers and color of mature fruit of different types of citrus add to the aesthetic value of the landscape. Citrus in the landscape also can provide excellent quality, nutritional fruit. So citrus is the ideal fruit for the homeowner. Recommended varieties and descriptions, as well as tips on site selection, planting, spacing and pruning, are included. (Revised February 2007)

Mayhaws are one of the most widely known of the native fruit tree species found in Louisiana. Interest in mayhaws has been building over the last 20 years, and these plants are now managed in fruit orchards around the state.

The performance of 19 watermelons was evaluated at three locations in Louisiana in the summer of 2005.

Fruit thinning is a time-consuming task that is often required to produce good quality fruit. It can be very beneficial for peach, plum and apple trees.

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 and how to handle and process your fruit.

Growing your own fruit can be profitable and satisfying, and many fruit trees can add beauty to your landscape. But you can't expect to grow quality fruit without caring for the plants. This publication explains how your success will depend largely on variety selection, soil management, pruning, fertilization, pest control and other cultural practices.

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.

The pecan tree is prevalent in Louisiana as a shade tree in the landscape and also as a source of nuts for home use. The recommended varieties for home planting are listed and described in this publication.

Blackberries and dewberries are native to Louisiana, and many commercial varieties are well adapted to growing conditions of the state. They can be profitable commercial fruit crops. Blackberries also can be grown in the home garden with few or no pesticides. Types, recommended varieties, location of site, soil preparation, fertilization, pruning, and weed, disease and insect control included.

LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil.

Will the grass come back and how long will it be before vegetable gardens can be planted were questions on the minds of LSU AgCenter faculty members who recently toured the New Orleans area.

Mayhaw Association members met in Alexandria to learn about new developments. The health benefits and commercial uses of the fruit were discussed. New varieties and harvesting techniques were also examined.

(Distributed 03/24/03) Fruit thinning is often an important step in consistently producing good quality fruit. It is a time-consuming task, but it can be very beneficial, especially for peach, plum and apple trees, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.