(For Release On Or After 08/19/05) Plants under heat stress are weakened, and we generally see an increase in disease and insect problems at the end of the summer. Keep an eye out this time of year for pests, and be sure to monitor population levels and damage carefully.

(For Release On Or After 08/26/05) It would be hard to find a more dazzling flowering tropical plant than the bougainvillea. The bougainvillea is a tropical shrubby vine, and its bright magenta, pink, white, gold or purple flowers positively glow.

(For Release On Or After 08/05/05) There’s something particularly satisfying about putting quality, nutritious food on the table as a direct result of your gardening efforts, and August is a transitional time in the vegetable garden. Although planting of cool-season vegetables will begin in earnest next month, some of the more heat-tolerant ones, such as the cole crops, can be planted now.

(For Release On Or After 08/12/05) Right about now is a good time to look over your landscape and evaluate how things are growing. Some of your plants may need your guiding hand.

(Distributed 08/16/05) Agronomic crop research will be the focus of the 2005 Red River Research Station Field Day slated for Sept. 8 at the LSU AgCenter research facility near here.

(Distributed 08/24/05) LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Jack Baldwin says soybean insect pests, especially the leaf-feeding ones, generally have been light this year, but he cautions August always is a critical month for major insect outbreaks.

(Distributed 08/28/05) While most eyes are focused on New Orleans, the surrounding countryside has suffered a severe blow from Hurricane Katrina that’s expected to affect several Louisiana agricultural commodities.

(Distributed 08/03/05) The fourth annual LSU AgCenter Rapides Parish/Dean Lee Research Station Field Day will be Aug. 25 at the Dean Lee Research Station, south of Alexandria, beginning at 3 p.m.

(Distributed 08/16/05) Louisiana farmers are pleased with the 2005 rice harvest so far, but good yields are being offset by uncertainty and low prices.

(Distributed 08/15/05) Keeping Louisiana’s waterways clean takes everyone working together, and meetings such as the LSU AgCenter’s Northwest Louisiana Watershed Summit help keep the channels of communication open.

(Distributed 08/15/05) Jacob Stout is riding the technology wave across the country to learn new things and to meet new people.

(Distributed 08/03/05) Passage of the free-trade agreement with Central America, known as CAFTA, has set the stage for possible changes in Louisiana agriculture, say experts from the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 08/04/05) The LSU AgCenter is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Southern Rural Development Center at Mississippi State University to bring the Southern Institute for Rural Development conference to Louisiana Sept. 12-15.

(Distributed 08/16/05) LSU AgCenter researchers are studying how cows’ temperaments affect profitability of cattle herds in Louisiana.

(Distributed 08/04/05) The LSU AgCenter will host a field day on managing mourning doves in Louisiana on Aug. 20 at the Dean Lee Research & Extension Center near Alexandria. “This is an opportunity for hunters, farmers, landowners and others to learn about land management and laws regulating food plots,” said LSU AgCenter forestry and wildlife specialist Dr. Don Reed.

(Distributed 08/26/05) The LSU AgCenter is once again offering Louisiana gardening enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about their craft and enjoy beautiful garden photos with the publication of its 2006 Get It Growing Calendar.

(Distributed 08/22/05) The LSU AgCenter is once again opening its Farm Financial Assistance Hotline to help farmers who may be facing tough financial decisions because of stagnant commodity prices and increased production costs.

(Distributed 08/25/05) With the opening of dove hunting season Sept. 3, the LSU AgCenter and others recently held a dove field day to help Louisiana hunters and landowners develop habitat for doves, understand the rules of hunting and enjoy the outdoors.

(Distributed 08/24/05) Eight LSU AgCenter inventors who received patents during the past year were inducted into the LSU AgCenter’s Patent and PVP Club during a recognition reception at the Lod Cook Conference Center here Wednesday (Aug. 24).

(Distributed 08/24/05) Making pecans profitable is the idea behind a new orchard being planted at the LSU AgCenter’s Pecan Research and Extension Station near Shreveport. The new orchard is just one topic that will be discussed during the station’s field day Sept. 22.

(Distributed 08/15/05) Louisiana farmers will have an opportunity to learn about the latest in organic vegetable and fruit production at a workshop and farm tour Sept. 13-14 at LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed August 2005) Schools strive to produce competent learners and healthy intellects. But is that enough? asks LSU AgCenter 4-H character education expert John Arceneaux.

(Distributed August 2005) If you hope to do well with your fall garden, you really should have a suitable plan. That’s the advice from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed August 2005) Early childhood educational programs using developmentally appropriate and theme-based curricula have the highest levels of success in preparing children for a life of learning.

(Distributed August 2005) Active children are better able to meet the demands of daily life, gain greater self-esteem, confidence and discipline, school achievement, social connectedness and positive family relationships than their sedentary peers, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed August 2005) Homeowners are reminded of certain care fig trees need for good production. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner examines fig cultural practices and fertilization.

(Distributed August 2005) Studies suggest that moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time physical activity protects against the development of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. In the past, structured exercise programs have been emphasized for reducing diabetes risk, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed August 2005) The LSU AgCenter is inviting nominations for two programs of interest to cattle producers - the Louisiana Calf-to-Carcass program and the Louisiana Forage-Based Bull Performance testing program.

(Distributed August 2005) "Most people do not consume enough fruits and vegetables," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Consuming fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancers of the pharynx, larynx, lung, esophagus, stomach and colon-rectum.

(Distributed August 2005) Cooking on a hot summer day may seem unbearable. Even with air conditioning, you may not want to heat up the kitchen by turning on the oven. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers "cool" strategies.

(Distributed August 2005) Most people are familiar with the "sell-by" date on foods. Other date labels may not be so obvious, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed August 2005) We usually associate warm-season bedding plants with the spring and summer growing seasons. Many of these plants, however, actually do better from mid- and late summer through the fall, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed August 2005) Unrealistic goals for a fit and healthy body can lead teens into dangerous habits. This is especially true for girls, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed August 2005) Basic lawn care is essential to a new sod's success. Basic care involves fertilizing, watering and mowing properly, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed August 2005) With the heat and humidity of August, we think twice before working outdoors. In wet summers, the extra turf growth and extra mowing also may squelch enthusiasm. But don’t stop! says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed August 2005) Certain oyster lovers have to be cautious about eating the shellfish during August. Levels of Vibrio vulnificus (Vv) bacteria are higher when coastal waters are warm, says state education oyster Vv coordinator, Dr. Sally Soileau, a professor with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed August 2005) The weather still may be hot, but summer is mentally packed up for the year with the kids back in school. "It’s a time when you also can start anew," says AgCenter family resource management specialist Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distribued August 2005) Adequate soil moisture is essential for a thriving landscape. Inadequate moisture can mean the loss of newly planted grass or increased diseases, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.