History and mission of the Hammond Research Station.

Established as the Fruit and Truck Experiment Station in 1922, the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station in Hammond has served the needs of the strawberry and vegetable industries in Southeast Louisiana for more than 80 years. While continuing to serve this industry, the station has now embarked on a new initiative to provide research and education for the green service industry.

A current effort at the Hammond Research Station is the development of a “firewise” landscape around the new office building. We do not hear a lot about this topic in Louisiana, but “firewise” effort in home construction and landscaping needs to be considered.

A total of 38 caladium varieties were evaluated at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station during the summer of 2009 for their landscape performance, including foliage color, fullness and plant uniformity. The top 10 performers are presented here. (Caladium tubers were donated by Classic Caladiums and Happiness Farms.)

The new 'Plush' series of petunias are the newest of the seed propagated spreading type petunias. They are available from S & G Flowers. Here is photo gallery of the cultivars.

The newest ornamental sweet potato cultivars are the 'Sweet Caroline' series. These are being evaluated in LSU AgCenter landscape plant trials.

(News Distributed 11/06/2009) HAMMOND, La. – Landscape and nursery professionals heard about the latest plant varieties and LSU AgCenter plant evaluations at a plant materials conference here Oct. 29.

Landscape beds, parking lots, and construction activities around trees are all possible without harming the trees if you understand where the tree roots are and what they need to survive. Use these guidelines to protect trees in potentially damaging situations.

The 'Wave' series of petunias is very popular with commercial landscapers and home gardeners. Here is a photo gallery of the cultivars.

In the last couple of years, a number of new Liriope muscari and Liriope gigantea cultivars have been released. These are being evaluated in landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station.

The 'Easy Wave' series of petunias are smaller versions of the original 'Wave' series. This group has also allowed for the expansion of flower color options in the series. Here is a photo gallery of the cultivars. Several "mixes" are available also.

The 'Tidal Wave' series of petunias are hedgiflora type petunias. They are the tallest growing and widest spreading of these petunia groups. Here is a photo gallery of the four cultivars in this series.

CV for Richard Parish

The 'Drift' series roses from Conard-Pyle are being evaluated in landscape studies at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center. Here is some information on performance.

The 'Drift' series roses from Conard-Pyle are being evaluated in landscape studies at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center. Colors are red, pink, coral and peach. New for 2010 will be apricot and sweet.

(Distributed 10/28/09) The LSU AgCenter has received two specialty crop block grants for two research and promotion projects to enhance the competitiveness of Louisiana-grown sweet potatoes and nursery crops.

(Distributed 10/15/09) More than 100 commercial turf and landscape professionals from across Louisiana heard about the latest research with ornamental plants and turfgrass at an LSU AgCenter field day Oct. 15.

The LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station has established the Margie Yates Jenkins Azalea Garden in recognition of one of Tangipahoa Parish’s most widely known nursery owners.

What mulch in your landscape using colors from your favorite teams. The newest mulch to debut in south Louisiana in the last couple months is Sports Mulch. This new mulch is one display at the Landscape Horticulture Research and Extension Center located at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station.

(Video 09/14/09) It’s definitely not fall yet, but one plant that’s showing beautiful fall color right now is the coleus. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains a basic consideration when selecting a coleus plant. (Runtime: 1:34)

Pest management in urban landscape presents unique challenges because of the tremendous diversity of ornamental plants, each with its own complement of insect pests. A new research project has been initiated at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station focusing on alternative pest monitoring approaches. One approach will be using phenology events of flowering landscape plants as indicators to predict pest activities.

We have many trees recommended for South Louisiana landscapes. Some of these are common and known by home gardeners and green industry professionals, but there are great trees that are less known and underutilized. Here is a list.

Photo gallery of varieties in the 'Songbird' series columbines from landscape trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

Caladiums are excellent summer accents in Louisiana gardens. New varieties with improved sun tolerance, unique color combinations, and better growth habits have been introduced by breeding programs in recent years. Caladium landscape trials were conducted at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in 2006 and 2007 to identify varieties that adapt to landscape conditions in southeastern LA and provide selection guidance to landscape processionals.

Herbaceous perennials are continuously gaining popularity in landscape plantings. However, nutrient requirement of many species in this group during their first year establishment in landscape is still unknown. Seven herbaceous perennials were studied for their growth, flowering, and overwintering survival in respond to a variety of fertilization regimes and fertilization recommendations were generated based on the restuls.

Vinca series were evaluated at Burden Center in Baton Rouge in 2005 for landscape performance. Series evaluated were: ‘Sunstorm’ (8 cultivars and a mix), ‘Cooler’ (12 cultivars and a mix), ‘Victory’ (9 cultivars), ‘Titan’ (3 cultivars), ‘Pacifica’ (13 cultivars and two mixes), ‘Sunglow’ (1 cultivar), ‘Sundress’ (1 cultivar), ‘Sunshower’ (5 cultivars), ‘Mediterranean’ (6 cultivars and a mix) and ‘Nirvana’ (2 cultivars). The results are in the attached PDF file.

The Profusion series of zinnias from Sakata Seed continues to expand. Starting in 2009, 13 varieties will be available. New double-flower forms are debuting. In addition, we still have the old, good-performing standbys -- Orange, White, Cherry (improved), Fire, and Apricot. See photos of all the Profusion zinnias in this PowerPoint presentation.

Ball FloraPlant, a division of Ball Horticulture, debuted three exciting new coleus varieties this year. These are vegetatively propagated and recommended for full sun plantings. Henna and Indian Summer have been top performers in our LSU AgCenter landscape trials at the Hammond Research Station in 2008 and Mocha Mint has been an above average performer.

A demonstration of different landscape mulch materials is on-going at the Hammond Research Station. Here are photos of the different mulches currently being evaluated.

Diseases can be a limiting factor to the commercial production of strawberries in Louisiana. This document provides information on the fungicides available to manage these diseases.

Forty three coleus varieties were trialed in landscape evaluation plots at the Hammond Research Station in 2008. Top performers were Red Hot Rio, Big Red Judy, Zen Moment, Lancelot, Ruby Ruffles, Mariposa, Henna, Indian Summer (not pictured), Royal Glissade, Pineapple Splash and Fishnet Stockings. Here is a photo gallery. Results are based on plant vigor, foliage attractiveness, and resistance to flowering. Plants were grown in full sun.

Three new canna varieties from Horn Canna Farm in Oklahoma debuted in 2008. They are being evaluated in landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station.

A phenology research garden was planted in fall 2007 at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station in Hammond, La. Data collected in 2008 indicated that a sequence of phonological events in advance of pest activities is available from 15 ornamental plants for predicting landscape pest activity.

Green industry professionals attending the landscape horticulture field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station in June were given the opportunity to “pick their winning plants” from the sun garden evaluation trial gardens at the station. Over 340 varieties were planted this year. The planting mostly consists of annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials, but new roses and some “companion” woody ornamental shrubs (such as Southern Living plants) are also included.

Calculation conversions for producers to use when converting fertilizer recommendation for a small area

All vegetable seeders require openers, coverers and presswheels to provide a furrow for the seeds and to then cover the seeds and assure proper soil contact. These devices must be matched to the soil type and condition for optimum germination and seedling vigor.

A standard sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of cultivating vegetable crops once the plants reach 4-6 inches, but it must run very slowly in small crops (1-2 inches) and has a tendency to throw soil over the crop plants. An alternative is a rotary tiller/cultivator.

Growing commercial vegetables is different from growing agronomic crops and requires a different approach to equipment. A precision cultural system (PCS) developed by the LSU AgCenter can make commercial vegetable production much easier.

Cone guide wheels are the heart of a precision cultural system (PCS). Cone guide wheels allow an implement to follow along a shaped bed with no effort on the part of the tractor driver.

A seeder can be a tremendous aid in planting a vegetable garden. With it, you can stand and walk along the row pushing a seeder instead of having to make a furrow with a hoe, going back along the row bent over dropping seeds, and then covering and packing the row.

The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for strawberry and vegetable growers, but there are two major problems with plastic mulch: it is expensive to install and at some point it has to be removed from the field. Several machines are available that help simplify the removal of the mulch.

The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for nearly all strawberry growers and most vegetable growers. Installing the mulch is easier than it used to be when mulch was installed by hand, but it can be challenging.

(Distributed 06/17/08) The LSU AgCenter has conducted a considerable amount of evaluation research on crape myrtles over the last 10-plus years, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. “Probably 40-50 varieties are worthy of being grown and sold in Louisiana,” Owing says.

The beginnings of the Margie Jenkins Azalea Garden at the Hammond Research Station.

Here is some information on what you will see on a self guided or faculty guided tour of the Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 07/10/09) Several varieties of gardenias work well in the landscape, but dwarf gardenias are more prone to problems.

The establishment of the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden means that the Hammond Research Station will have a continuing feature to honor a remarkable woman. This garden will be a source of information, an inspiration, a delight to visit….much as Ms. Margie is and has been during her lifetime. The beginnings of Ms. Margie's nursery career are discussed here.

Descriptions on what you can see on a self-guided or guide lead tour of the Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 07/01/09) HAMMOND, La. – Ornamental plants like cannas can provide a simple, effective and aesthetic method of removing excess nutrients in storm water or nursery production runoff, according to research conducted at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

Photo gallery of the Matrix series pansies from landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009. Data also included.

Photo gallery of the Matrix series pansies from landscape performance trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009. Data also included.

Photo gallery of varieties in the Swan series columbines from landscape trials at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

A photo gallery of the 'XXL' pansy varieties from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

A photo gallery of the 'XXL' pansy varieties from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station, spring 2009.

Ornamental sweet potatoes have gained considerable interest among land¬scape industry professionals and home gardeners over the past 10 years. Varieties include plants that are chartreuse-lime green (Margarita), blackish purple (Blackie) and tricolored (Pink Frost).

(Distributed 06/19/09) Crape myrtles continue to be one of the most widely used landscape trees in the southeastern United States.

Results from landscape performance trials on Lucky and Landmark series lantanas from Ball FloraPlant at the Hammond Research Station in 2008.

A photo gallery of the new 'Sun Spun' petunia varieties (Ball FloraPlant) from landscape trial plantings at the Hammond Research Station.

Studies in other states have suggested that cover crops, especially brassicas, can provide some of the benefits of a fumigant. A study was conducted at the Hammond Research Station to evaluate this concept.

This series provides a variety of information for home vegetable gardeners. Topics include beans, cabbage, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, peppers, onions, shallots, garlic and many more of the favorites of home gardeners.

(Distributed 05/08/09) Summer is rapidly approaching, the time when our evergreen azaleas often have difficulty dealing with our heat and humidity.

(Distributed 04/20/09) Crape myrtles are one of the most widely used summer-flowering trees in Louisiana landscapes. Many of us are not familiar with the tremendous array of varieties and sizes available. One group of crape myrtles being used more because of its smaller size and excellent flowering performance is the semi-dwarf.

(Distributed 05/29/09) The most popular summer-blooming tree in Louisiana is the crape myrtle with its lovely, long-lasting flowers. Crape myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June and continue flowering for 80 to100 days depending on the variety.

(Distributed 05/21/09) Every year, new shrub varieties are introduced for landscape use. At the same time, some varieties debuted in prior years are new in that they’re just catching on.

(Video 05/18/09) The baldcypress tree is readily identified with swamps, but it’s also a species that has become popular as a landscape tree. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why a cypress is a good tree to plant. (Runtime: 1 minute, 31 seconds)

Vegetable growers have many choices in tractors, ranging from older, smaller tractors to large, new tractors. Many are designed specifically for vegetable work.

Provides driving directions indicating how to find the Hammond Research Station from any direction.

This article provides links to sources for plastic mulch lifters.

Cultivation is essential for nearly all commercial vegetable crops since herbicide choices are limited and vegetable crops cannot tolerate much weed competition. A basic sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of precision cultivation if set up and equipped properly.

A handy reference chart with information on changing soil pH with lime and sulfur applications.

(Video 04/20/09) Trying to figure out what type of shrub you want to plant? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill takes a look at a shrub that was popular, then later unpopular and now, thanks to a new variety, may become popular again. (Runtime: 1 minute, 42 seconds)

(Video 04/13/09) Roses are beautiful in the landscape. But which ones are right for you? On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill takes a look at the shade-tolerant and relatively disease-resistant, Knock Out rose and its different variations. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

Gardening is one of Louisiana’s most popular activities, and this publication is designed to provide Louisiana vegetable gardeners with a comprehensive guidebook to help them get the most from their gardens. The 120-page, spiral-bound, full-color guide provides a variety of photos and illustrations. Cost: $20 plus tax (free shipping). You can order this book through our online store, by using the Order Publication link below.

The Hammond Research Station has an urban forestry effort to plant native tree species. Read about it here.

Many years of testing at the LSU AgCenter have demonstrated that precision belt seeders deliver the best seed spacing uniformity of any type of vegetable seeder – if the seeds are spherical (round) or nearly so. Belt seeders are versatile and can meter a wide range of seed types and sizes.

Precision vertical plate seeders are available for planting many vegetable crops. These seeders use a vertical metal plate with the cells (holes) on the edge.

A key component of a precision cultural system is precision bed shaping. A precisely shaped bed is essential to locate the crop row properly when planting and to provide a basis for guidance of subsequent operations.

A written overview of plants being evaluated in the sun garden landscape area at the Hammond Research Station in 2008.

The 'Explorer' petunias are from Sakata Seed and are seed propagated spreading type petunias. They have performed very well in LSU AgCenter landscape trials the last five years.

Flame weed control can be an effective adjunct to cultivation for some vegetable crops and some weeds. Flame weed control fits especially well in organic operations.

Most commercial vegetable growers apply granular fertilizer in a preplant operation, and many also make sidedress applications of granular fertilizer. An excellent way to apply granular materials in either a broadcast or banding mode is with a pendulum-action spreader.

Established as the Fruit and Truck Experiment Station in January 1922, the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station has served the needs of the strawberry and vegetable industries in Southeast Louisiana for more than 80 years.

When growing carrots for commercial production, it is helpful to run a knife in the soil beside the rows. This breaks up any soil compaction, allowing the carrot roots to grow straight.

The LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station evaluates landscape plants for adaptability to Louisiana's growing conditions. Here are some photos of "nice looking" plants from late April 2009.

The LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station evaluates landscape plants for adaptability to Louisiana's growing conditions. Here are some photos of "nice looking" plants from late March 2009.

The LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station evaluates landscape plants for adaptability to Louisiana's growing conditions. Here are some photos of "nice looking" plants from early and mid April 2009.

Knock Out roses are the most popular roses in the country. There are seven varieties - Knock Out, Pink Knock Out, Blushing Knock Out, Double Knock Out, Pink Double Knock Out, Rainbow Knock Out and Sunny Knock Out. Here is a photo gallery of these plants from the trial gardens at the Hammond Research Station.

Vacuum seeders are popular among larger commercial vegetable growers. They do a good job of singulating most vegetable seeds. They are especially useful for singulating the oddly shaped seeds that cause problems for most other types of seeders.

Many growers pick up plastic mulch but several machines are available for this job. Work at the LSU AgCenter has demonstrated that, in some cases, plastic mulch can be picked up by a hay baler.

A basic sweep cultivator can do an excellent job of cultivating vegetable crops but must be run slowly (1-2 mph) when the crop plants are small. A simple modification to a sweep cultivator allows high-speed cultivation of small vegetable crops.

There is a wide range of seeder types and models available for direct seeding vegetable crops. Smaller growers typically use the less expensive seeders; larger growers can justify more expensive precision seeders.

CV for Yan Chen.

Regina P Bracy, Resident Coordinator

Maps showing how to find the Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 03/25/09) Athens Select is a plant evaluation program that measures a variety’s heat and humidity tolerance. Founded in 1999 at the University of Georgia, the program includes trials at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge and the Hammond Research Station in Hammond.

Growing roses in Louisiana is a challenge for industry professionals and home gardeners. A major problem in production and the landscape enjoyment of roses is disease pressure (primarily blackspot and powdery mildew) brought on by environmental conditions of the region.

Forty-six ornamental pepper varieties commercially available to growers and gardeners were evaluated during 2007 and 2008 for their garden performance in the Gulf States at three locations: Hammond (La.), Crystal Spring (Miss.) and Verona (Miss.). Variety performance from the Hammond Research Station trials are presented in the attached PDF file. Top ten cultivars were highlighted. Please see related article for their photos.

Unfortunately, some plants used for landscapes in Louisiana are considered poisonous in some situations. Click on the link for a list of some that are commonly grown.

The LSU AgCenter provides annual outlooks for different agriculture commodities in Louisiana. 2008 was a tough year for nursery growers with the national economic slowdown, along with damage to the industry from Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike and snowfall in December. Here is an overview of the current national and state situation.

The newest series of crape myrtles are the 'Razzle Dazzle' series. There are hybrids and are dwarf in form. Landscape performance evaluations are underway at the LSU AgCenter.

The LSU AgCenter has a landscape trial of Knock Out rose varieties at Burden Center in Baton Rouge and also at the Hammond Research Station in Hammond. Blackspot ratings for 2008 are included here.

With gardeners always wanting something new, 2009 brings the newest member of the ‘Knock Out’ rose family – ‘Sunny Knock Out’. This variety is the seventh variety in the ‘Knock Out’ rose group and has bright golden yellow flower buds that open to yellow.

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 2009 Vegetable Crop Handbook is a 200-plus-page glossy publication that includes all the latest information on vegetable production as well as insect, disease and weed control put together by a cooperative effort of extension vegetable specialists in the southeastern states. This is an effort to take advantage of research efforts from other states to provide up-to-date research-based information to help vegetable growers.

Louisiana's warm, humid weather encourages the development of several serious diseases that can damage rose bushes. This publication describes the major rose diseases found in Louisiana and offers disease management tips.

It would be hard to find a flower more universally loved than the rose. Over humanity’s long history with this plant, the rose has found its way into our gardens, cuisine, medicine, art and cultures. It is easier than ever to find undemanding, reliable roses that will enhance your landscape. This publication will help you decide what types of roses to grow, as well as explaining how to plant and take care of them. (revised 4/07)

Snowfall across the southern and central portions of the state on December 11, 2008, caused considerable damage to Louisiana's nursery industry via damage to greenhouse structures and plant material. Here is a report on the estimate of economic damage.

(Distributed 01/16/09) Three new roses representing three classes of roses are the 2009 All-America Rose Selections winners. The three are Pink Promise, a hybrid tea; Cinco de Mayo, a floribunda; and Carefree Spirit, a landscape shrub.

Detailed information on current rose research projects being conducted at the LSU AgCenter.

New shrubs and trees are continuing to debut. From Indian hawthorn to loropetalums and crape myrtles. The LSU AgCenter conducts landscape evaluation studies on these new plants.

Home landscaping news articles from the Hammond Daily Star from Fall 2008. Included is information on pansies, bluebonnets, kale/cabbage, dianthus, confederate roses, digging caldiums, sweet peas, sweet bay magnolias, landscape bed weed control, garden mums and more.

Annual bedding plants (cool season and warm season) are evaluated at the LSU AgCenter. In addition, landscape performance of herbaceous perennials are part of on-going research at the Hammond Research Station.

Roses are included in LSU AgCenter research at the Hammond Research Station. Current efforts include evaluation of AARS winners, Oso Easy shrubs, Knock Out varieties, Earth Kind roses and Griffith Buck rose varieties.

The LSU AgCenter conducts landscape performance evaluations on a wide range of plants for Louisiana. Included are annual bedding plants, roses, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, trees and more. Much of this research is conducted at the Hammond Research Station, Hammond, LA (USDA hardiness zone 8B).

The Zahara series of zinnias are new from Ball Horticulture Company for 2009. There are four cultivars and a mix available. This is a Zinnia marylandica species.

Landscape evaluation observations were taken on new plants from Ball Seed, Pan American Seed and Ball Flora Plant (now collectively referred to as Ball Horticulture) in 2008. Here is the completed report from LSU AgCenter work at the Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 01/18/08) With the New Year come announcements of ornamental plant winners. One popular competition is the All-America Rose Selections. AARS winners for 2008 are Mardi Gras and Dream Come True.

The 2009 All-America Rose Selection (AARS) winners are Pink Promise, Cinco de Mayo and Carefree Spirit. A landscape study on these three cultivars was initiated in spring 2008 at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge, LA. The purpose of this study was to determine the overall landscape performance of these new AARS winners as measured by visual quality ratings and blackspot susceptibility.

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.

Annual vinca, also referred to as periwinkle by many home gardeners and industry professionals, is one of the best-selling bedding plants in the Southeastern United States. LSU AgCenter researchers are working to prevent on the diseases that plagues this plant, leaf spot.

(Distributed 12/15/08) Although the exact costs aren’t in yet, the unexpected snowfall on Dec. 11 caused more damage to Louisiana’s commercial ornamental horticulture industry than hurricanes Gustav and Ike. “Wholesale growers in the Forest Hill area and the Florida parishes saw the most damage, and these areas represent the two major nursery production areas in the state,” said Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter horticulture specialist at the Hammond Research Station.

Record snowfall occurred in Hammond and other areas of Tangipahoa Parish on December 11th. See some photos from the Hammond Research Station.

Daylily is an economically important nursery crop for Louisiana growers. It was relatively disease-free before the arrival of daylily rust in 2000. Commercial growers and homeowners rely solely on fungicides for rust control, which is expensive and time consuming. Biofungicides are biological or bio-rational alternatives that control disease by different modes of action. If effective, they can reduce control cost and provide resistance management tools.

Interest in daylilies is still strong despite rust problems over the past several years. New daylily selections and All-American daylily winners need to be evaluated in the Gulf South for landscape performance.

(Distributed 06/18/08) Landscape professionals and consumers alike received valuable information at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station’s second annual landscape horticulture field day on June 11.

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. (PDF Format Only)

Citrus leaves, blooms, aroma and color add to the aesthetic value of the landscape. This 16-page, full-color guide includes recommended varieties and descriptions; tips on site selection, planting, spacing and pruning; and images of citrus insect pests and common citrus diseases. Cost: $5 plus tax (free shipping). You can order this book through our online store, by using the Order Publication link below.

Number of seeds/pound, seeding rate/acre, spacing, planting dates, optimum soil temperature range for germination, depth to plant seed, days to germinate, days from planting to harvest begins, approximate time from pollination to market and recommended varieties included. Revised May 2009.

(Distributed 06/19/08) A new bug has joined the population of pests in Louisiana that can potentially destroy an agricultural crop. It’s the Asian citrus psyllid and its target is any kind of citrus tree. Smaller than the capital A on this page and mottled brown in color, the psyllid sucks the sap out of the leaves, resulting in curling. Sooty mold will develop on the leaves from the honeydew produced by the psyllid.

(Distributed March 2005) Two varieties top the list for the 2005 All-American Daylily Selections, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed April 2006) A relatively new category has been added to All-America Selections, home of the popular All-America Rose Selections, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. That group is daylilies.

In addition to flowers, bedding plants may be grown for their colorful foliage or interesting forms or textures. With proper selection, they can be used to provide color throughout the year. Use this publication to help you with bedding plant selection and proper care.

(Distributed 02/22/08) Mulching is one of the most important tasks for a successful landscape. Ornamental plants benefit greatly from it. Mulching should be part of garden maintenance at least twice a year, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

Nursery and Landscape Notes is a quarterly newsletter for Louisiana's green industry professionals. It includes production information for nursery growers and cultural practice recommendations for landscape contractors. New plant information is also included.

A quarterly newsletter from the Horticulture Division of the LSU AgCenter's School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.

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.