(Distributed July 2005) Louisiana summers are a tough time for tomatoes to set and hold fruit. The heat causes irregular flower growth in most cultivars, and the result is poor fruit set, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2005) More varieties and sizes of crape myrtles are available than many people realize. One group of crape myrtles being used more because of its smaller size and excellent flowering performance is the semi-dwarf, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings.

(Distributed July 2005) The U.S. Army concerns itself not just with its troops, but with the well-being of the soldiers’ families. Character education is a major part of that commitment and tradition, according to LSU AgCenter character education state expert Sarah Williams.

(Distributed July 2005) Summer pruning of blackberries is an important management tool. It is helpful in fruit harvesting, controlling insects and controlling diseases, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed July 2005) Did you know that Americans consume more ice cream than any other nation in the world? Ice cream is one of the desserts most enjoyed by all ages, from children to grandparents, says LSU AgCenter food and nutrition expert Catrinel Stanciu.

(Distributed July 2005) Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plants and soils, but is often eyed as an element of concern. High levels can spark algae blooms in waterways and decrease water quality, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed July 2005) Two-thirds of Americans with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of diabetes complications because they don't have their blood sugar under control, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are both essential for human health. Americans, however, consume far too many omega-6 fats and not enough omega-3 fats, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

(Distributed July 2005) At least 47 million Americans—or about one in five—has a condition called metabolic syndrome. These people are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and are at higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and other causes, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed July 2005) Metabolic syndrome affects a person when a combination of abnormal clinical measurements are detected at the same time. The condition develops less frequently, however, in physically fit individuals, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.