(For Release On Or After 04/22/05) There’s much more to the cucumber family than cucumbers.

(For Relsease On Or After 04/01/05) This message is for tomato lovers. It’s time to plant! More specifically, if you want to grow fresh, flavorful, vine-ripened tomatoes in your garden, you need to get them planted by the middle of April. Early planting ensures more production and higher-quality tomatoes.

(For Release On Or After 04/29/05) Mulching makes gardening easier, and I think more gardeners should take advantage of this important labor-saving technique.

(For Release On Or After 04/08/05) The more thought you put into your planting decisions, the more satisfactory the results are likely to be.

(Distributed 04/08/05) Volunteer leaders from across the state will gather for the 16th Louisiana Community Economic Development Seminar May 17-18 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 04/20/05) Louisiana rice farmers have taken advantage of recently improved weather for planting their 2005 crop, making up for a slow start.

(Distributed 04/28/05) The LSU AgCenter is working to bring a national training program to Louisiana to help teach residents about leadership development.

(Distributed 04/06/05) A maggot that wreaked havoc on several rice fields last year has been identified as a species previously found in Peru and Costa Rica.

(Distributed 04/20/05) In the few weeks he’s been with the LSU AgCenter, one Northeast Louisiana faculty member already is trying to make remarkable strides to help boost economic development in one of the poorest regions of the nation.

(Distributed 04/14/05) The LSU AgCenter is teaching youngsters across Louisiana to adopt healthier lifestyles.

(Distributed 04/07/05) Work is under way on a new poultry demonstration facility at the LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station at Homer.

(Distributed 04/08/05) Mayhaw growers can learn the latest research about producing their crops during the 10th Annual Mayhaw Conference and Field Day slated for April 30 at the LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock.

(Distributed 04/08/05) Weed management in wheat is just one of the topics that will be discussed during the Wheat and Oat Field Day scheduled for April 25 at the LSU AgCenter’s Scott Research, Extension and Education Center.

(Distributed 04/06/05) An LSU AgCenter nutritionist recently received the 2005 Louisiana Dietetic Association Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award.

(Distributed 04/13/05) The LSU AgCenter’s Rosepine Research Station will host its annual Beef Cattle and Forage Field Day May 6.

(Distributed 04/22/05) They’re creepy, crawly and wiggly, and some of them sting. Parts of Louisiana have been overwhelmed by caterpillars, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet.

(Distributed 04/08/05) As Louisiana enters the pecan-growing season, LSU AgCenter specialists warn growers to be on the lookout for a dot-sized insect known as the phylloxera.

(Distributed 04/28/05) LSU AgCenter and Southern University AgCenter faculty were honored last week (April 21) during the Louisiana Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Conference in Vicksburg, Miss.

(Distributed 04/15/05) Young people from across Louisiana learned what it takes to operate a cooperative business during the Co-op Youth Conference this month at the LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock.

(Distributed 04/28/05) "We encourage youth to accumulate wealth and not debt," Ken Uffman, president and CEO emeritus of the Credit Bureau of Baton Rouge, told Louisiana legislators at Youth Financial Day at the Capitol Thursday (April 28).

(Distributed 04/13/05) LSU AgCenter researchers recently completed a study that examines the marketing and economic feasibility of using sugarcane rind as a supplemental raw material for manufacturing oriented strand board (OSB) and similar products.

(Distributed 04/28/05) Several times a year, scientists from the LSU AgCenter travel to the Caribbean. But they’re not taking the trip to lounge on a beach and sip frozen daiquiris.

(Distributed 04/14/05) A Winnsboro man was recognized earlier this month as one of the country’s outstanding 4-H volunteers.

(Distributed 04/14/05) Highway construction moves a lot of dirt around, and with construction comes the potential for erosion.

(Distributed 04/11/05) The second phase of Louisiana’s Master Farmer Program will officially begin this month with the first "model farm" field day – where participants can witness the latest in conservation practices.

(Distributed 04/20/05) A succulent plant grown in a remote, mountainous region of southwestern China, where it’s used as a tea and herbal remedy, has become the latest plant being studied for its medicinal properties by researchers at the LSU AgCenter and Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.

(Distribtued 04/15/05) As spring and summer picnics take the stage and outdoor activities swing into motion, LSU AgCenter experts say it’s important to remember the importance of good hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases.

(Published April 2005) The LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic at its Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge April 12-22 delighted approximately 9,000 schoolchildren and adults with the magic of agriculture. See photos from that event.

(Distributed 04/08/05) The LSU AgCenter is expanding a successful crop demonstration program again this year. The program provides farmers with useful information that can help them decide which crop varieties to plant.

(Distributed 04/15/05) Schoolchildren visiting Parker Coliseum in Baton Rouge for AgMagic aren’t just learning about the wonders of agriculture and our natural resources.

(Distributed 04/22/05) More than 100 farmers and industry leaders participated in a Master Farmer Model Farm Field Day and Forage Tour Tuesday (April 19) – to see conservation practices being followed by leading producers.

(Distributed 04/20/05) Springtime is buzzing with insects, and bees are making a big buzz recently, according to an LSU AgCenter expert. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says swarms of bees are showing up in backyards and near houses – which presents problems for homeowners. But they aren't the only insects bugging people.

(Distributed 04/06/05) Researchers at the LSU AgCenter’s Southeast Research Station here discussed several new projects and changes in the Louisiana dairy industry at their annual Dairy Field Day last week (March 31).

(Distributed April 2005) Choosing the right location for your garden plays an important role in your success, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Several factors determine the best spot.

(Distributed April 2005) April offers the opportunity for young adults to learn about money management, savings, investing and the use of credit, according to LSU AgCenter family resource management professor Dr. Ann Berry. It is Youth Financial Literacy Month.

(Distributed April 2005)In observance of April as National Cancer Control Month, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says it’s never too late to begin healthy eating and exercise habits.

(Distributed April 2005) Round galls 1/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter can sometimes be found on twigs and leaves of pecan trees in late April, May and early June. These galls are formed by a dot-size insect called phylloxera, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed April 2005) Hundreds of organizations around the country will celebrate the Week of the Young Child April 3-9, 2005.

(Distributed April 2005) Obesity is an epidemic in this country. It is a chronic disease that is leading the huge increase in diabetes and other chronic diseases, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed April 2005) As the end of the school year approaches, your teen will be more and more involved in end-of-the-year social events. You will also note that he or she is getting older and seeking more opportunities for independence, says LSU AgCenter Family Development professor Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed April 2005) The Louisiana Department of Social Services offers a variety of programs designed to help children and families – particularly in the area of ensuring quality child care is available.

(Distributed April 2005) Many people feel they know the symptoms of diabetes. But LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames points out that an estimated 30 percent to 50 percent of people who have diabetes don't suffer from any noticeable symptoms.

(Distributed April 2005) Louisiana gardeners are now getting into their main growing season. Mid-spring is our most productive time, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed April 2005) "Choose Louisiana strawberries for a nutritious and delicious treat," advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. She says strawberries have important nutrients, which may help maintain a healthy heart.

(Distributed April 2005)Okra is a favorite vegetable of the South, but even more valuable to Louisiana for its gumbos, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. The mucilage (affectionately called slime) on this nutritious vegetable acts as a thickening agent.

(Distributed April 2005) Lantana is one of our most popular herbaceous perennials for home and commercial landscape. Over the last couple of years, many new varieties with new flower colors and growth habits have become available, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed April 2005) Nutrition plays an important role in a child’s physical and mental growth, as well as his or her future health, stresses LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distribtued April 2005) An important risk factor to consider in child health is food security, that is, securing an adequate diet, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition professor Dr. Annrose Guarino.

(Distributed April 2005) Soy foods have become very popular because of their nutritional content and health benefits, according to LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed April 2005) The transition of youth from high school to adulthood should be a time of dreams and expectations, but for many it is one of anxiety and frustration, according to LSU AgCenter 4-H character education expert John Arceneaux.

(Distributed April 2005) Poor diet and physical inactivity are preventable causes of death, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed April 2005) One group of roses that is not necessarily new, but has been receiving more and more attention over the last few years, is the shrub rose. "This variety has great potential," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed April 2005) "Coleus have been all the rage for the past 10 years or so," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. Most of the new varieties have been sun loving, but a new shade-loving coleus being studied at the AgCenter looks promising, according to the horticulturist.

(Distributed April 2005) Many researchers believe that the recent increase in obesity is being driven by environmental factors rather than biological ones. The environmental factors of particular concern are sedentary lifestyle and increased energy consumption, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed April 2005) April is an ideal time to start your lawn-growing season, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed April 2005) "When it comes to agriculture, home gardening and the local environment in general, spring is probably the most important season of the year from a weather perspective," says LSU AgCenter Climatologist Jay Grymes. "For most years, late winter and spring rainfall establishes the moisture situation for the entire mid-year growing season across the state."

(Distributed April 2005) In addition to being drier-than-normal for most parishes, the 2004-2005 winter has been relatively mild in terms of seasonal temperatures, according to AgCenter Climatologist Jay Grymes.