(Radio News 05/15/06) Wheat prices are between $3 and $3.50 a bushel, but the outlook going into fall has prices reaching $. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says this will likely increase the acreage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/15/06) The wheat is turning an amber hue, and that signals the start of the harvest, which will be early this year thanks to dry weather. Growers in Louisiana planted around 110,000 acres of wheat this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/15/06) Sugarcane growers have two new options when planting sugarcane this year. Two varieties were released to growers that should alleviate some of the problems they are having with the most popular variety. The varieties, called L 99-226 and L 99-233, have greater yield potential than 384. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/15/06) Recent rains have brought a wave of mosquitoes to Louisiana. LSU AgCenter entomologist and mosquito expert Dr. Wayne Kramer says the public can help keep mosquito populations down. To eliminate all possible mosquito habitats, keep yards clear of standing water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/15/06) Louisiana had a dry start to the year with little rain in the winter and spring. While this was bad for some crops, it could be good news for sugarcane growers. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/22/06) It’s May. You’re driving down the highway. Your car is being bombarded by love bugs. The dry weather may have kept them at bay for a while, but LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says they are making their spring appearance and that environmental conditions are right for high populations in some areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/22/06) Swarms of honey bees can cause great concern for homeowners, especially if the swarms turn up next to areas where children play or pets stay. Solitary bees are not so alarming, but they do play a beneficial role. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/22/06) May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Yet about one quarter of American adults report doing no significant physical activity. People are beginning to realize the importance of exercise in reducing the risks of chronic diseases. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers tips to keep you exercising. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/29/06) To learn more about West Nile virus LSU AgCenter mosquito researcher Dr. Wayne Kramer must learn more about the birds and mosquitoes that carry and transmit the virus. Kramer’s work involves catching wild birds to determine when the virus is active in their blood. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/29/06) As mosquitoes become more abundant and active each year, attention turns to mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus. LSU AgCenter mosquito researcher Dr. Wayne Kramer is studying the cycle of West Nile virus. Beyond helping him understand the virus, Kramer says ultimately his research could lead to protecting the public from this potentially dangerous disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/29/06) New methods of controlling mosquito populations could lie in breaking the reproductive cycle. LSU AgCenter mosquito researcher Dr. Wayne Kramer explains they are looking at egg-laying females and that he is interested in testing new products, especially those active in the larval stage where it is most cost-effective and mosquitoes are easiest to manage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/29/06) Fire ants are moving now. Fire ant mating season – which is late in New Orleans because of flooding from hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the droughts that followed – has begun. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Hooper-Bui is working to get bait spread throughout the city to disrupt fire ants from starting new colonies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/29/06) While the city of New Orleans is working hard to get residents back, LSU AgCenter entomologists are working to keep fire ants out. Flood waters destroyed fire ants in many areas. The researchers launched a campaign to stop fire ants from re-infesting flood-damaged areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Hurricanes Katrina and Rita demonstrated the force and destructive power of water. Coastal and water issues have long been a priority in Louisiana, but last year they catapulted to the forefront. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Hundreds of scientists from around the world gathered in Baton Rouge to participate in a hydrology and water quality conference hosted by the LSU AgCenter. Planning for the conference started two years ago, but last year’s storms changed its focus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Summer camp can be an adventure for a child, but choosing the right one can be an adventure for parents. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents and children should discuss goals for camp. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Preparing for overnight camp can be an exciting and apprehensive time for a child. Parents must first determine if their children are ready for such an experience.Visiting the camp or looking at photos could ease a child’s fears. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/05/06) Homesickness can be a normal feeling for children away from home during the summer. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents must be careful when dealing with the anticipation of homesickness. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) No two hurricane seasons are alike, but we learned in 2001 that storms can form early and catch many off guard. A lesson from Tropical Storm Allison that year is to prepare early. With hurricane season just getting under way, experts say families should make plans and preparations now before a storm approaches. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) Many lessons were learned during last year’s hurricane season. We learned the necessity to evacuate and evacuate early, the need to be prepared and the importance of flood insurance. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) This year’s hurricane season could bring a lot of anxiety for adults and children alike. LSU AgCenter family development expert Dr. Diane Sasser advises not waiting until a storm is approaching to talk to your children about hurricanes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) The unseasonably cool and wet weather at the end of April and the beginning of May were not conducive for cotton growing or planting, but at the end of May warm weather returned. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/12/06) Many cotton growers are planting a new variety this year that could help them with weed control, says LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Sandy Stewart. This variety can tolerant glyphosate and will allow growers to apply herbicides almost up until harvest. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Summer often affords people more leisure time than normal. LSU AgCenter family development expert Dr. Diane Sasser says family time doesn’t have to be a big vacation. She says plan some together time throughout the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Later into the crawfish season, many crawfish farmers take to the waters of the Atchafalaya Basin. There the wild harvest is gathered, but this year there isn’t much of a wild catch to speak of. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Summer usually spells the end for crawfish season, but farmers are still harvesting crawfish in what has turned out to be a decent, and somewhat odd, year, says LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Greg Lutz. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Last year’s dry summer coupled with hurricanes Katrina and Rita took a toll on many crawfish ponds. LSU AgCenter crawfish specialist Dr. Greg Lutz says the recovery could be difficult. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/19/06) Anyone who has traveled with youngsters has heard this question: "Are we there yet?" LSU AgCenter family development expert Dr. Diane Sasser has suggestions to make family travel a pleasureable experience. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) There is a heightened awareness this hurricane season. LSU AgCenter disaster preparedness associate Pat Skinner says people should heed the lessons from last year. Many people are building new homes or rebuilding damaged structures. Skinner says hazard resistance should be the focus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) The tarnished plant bug is the No. 1 pest on Louisiana’s cotton crop. Growers have become dependent on one insecticide to treat for this pest. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Ralph Bagwell says overuse could make the insecticide ineffective. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) Since LSU AgCenter researchers discovered Asian soybean rust in the fall of 2004, growers have become more vigilant about the disease. Researchers are monitoring sentinel soybean plots growing across the state, and LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett says they also are looking outside of soybean fields. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) Sentinel plots are an important strategy in monitoring and tracking the presence of Asian soybean rust in the state. There are 15 sentinel plots across the state. They were planted before the crop and are designed to act as a trap for the disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/26/06) Dry conditions in 2005 suppressed the development of Asian soybean rust. LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett says if the weather remains hot and dry throughout this summer, growers may see another rust-free year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/03/06) Keep it clean when cooking or eating outdoors, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. No one wants a picnic or cookout spoiled by foodborne illness. Reames stresses the importance of keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/03/06) School is out, and that means youngsters have a lot of free time on their hands. While summer is a time for children to take a break from school work, experts say it is not unreasonable for parents to expect school-aged children to help out around the house. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/05/06) Logging onto the Internet can leave youngsters and teens vulnerable to online predators. New social sites give young people a place to chat with and meet new friends, but LSU AgCenter family development expert Dr. Diane Sasser says it also can give them a false sense of security. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/03/06) The microwave is a ubiquitous kitchen appliance, and the little box can offer a quick fix for any meal. Now LSU AgCenter researchers are using technology similar to the home microwave as a quick means of extracting antioxidants from plant materials. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/10/06) Water and electrolytes like sodium and potassium are important for energy levels. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says it’s easy to get the proper amount of water each day. But while people are getting enough water, they also are consuming too much sodium, she says. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/03/06) Blueberries are brimming with nutrients and flavor, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Blueberries are low in calories and high in fiber. Reames says to choose dark blue berries that are not too soft. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio New 7/10/06) More than 300 people die each year from heat-related illnesses. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says drinking enough fluids can help you avoid dehydration during the hot summer months. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/10/06) Ripe, juicy watermelon makes for a refreshing summer treat. In Louisiana, Washington Parish leads the state in the amount of watermelons acreage planted, but according to LSU AgCenter county agent Henry Harrison, the number of growers in that parish is declining. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 7/10/06) Ten months ago U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore was charged with overseeing the relief effort of the worst natural disaster to hit the United States – Hurricane Katrina. He credits the lessons he learned as a Louisiana 4-H Club member with helping him during that difficult time. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) Growers fight a standing battle against weeds. For growers who rotate Roundup Ready soybeans and cotton, sprouting growth from the previous season’s crop can become a weed, says LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Donnie Miller. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) The dry weather across the state could result in yield reductions for corn, but LSU AgCenter corn specialist Dr. David Lanclos says he still thinks most corn farmers will fare well this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) Corn farmers will be in their fields harvesting early this year. According to LSU AgCenter corn specialist Dr. David Lanclos, the crop matured early, pushing the harvest up by two weeks. He says the crop across the state is mixed – depending on whether farmers irrigated or not or if they received adequate rainfall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) Recent years have been rough on Louisiana rice farmers. Even though they produced near-record crops, low prices have left some struggling, and this year their struggles continue with added problems of salt-water contamination from Hurricane Rita. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/17/06) Many Louisiana rice growers spent the early part of the planting season waiting on rain to flush their fields of salt. Despite the difficult start, experts say rice that made it into the fields is doing well. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/24/06) Navigating the insurance claim process can be difficult, as many people found out following the 2005 hurricanes. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker advises that in the event of damage, consumers should contact their insurance agents immediately and keep records of all calls. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/24/06) The rainfall deficit in many areas of the state has growers worried about their crops. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. David Lanclos says the state’s soybean crop looks good despite the lack of rain. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/24/06) Robert Thevis learned about conservation methods farmers could implement through the Louisiana Master Farmer program. As it turns out, he had been practicing some of them for years, but there were some changes he made to his farm to help him become a Master Farmer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 0724/06) Thirteen Louisiana farmers can officially call themselves Master Farmers. The group was the first to complete the Louisiana Master Farmer program, which is a joint effort of the LSU AgCenter, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/24/06) For several years now Clearfield technology has been helping rice growers battle the red rice weed, but the Clearfield lines available to growers didn’t perform as well as conventional varieties. Fortunately, experts say an experimental Clearfield variety could change that trend. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 04/24/06) Horses are at risk for a number of diseases. Several years ago West Nile virus caused a scare for horse owners. While the scare has died down, the need for vaccinations against West Nile virus is still very important. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds)

(TV News 03/27/06) A hulking piece of equipment is a blessing to the commercial fishermen in Plaquemines Parish and the people of Valdez, Alaska, are their guardian angels. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on a boat lift that will put a community back in business. (Runtime: 1 minute 44 seconds)

(TV News 04/03/06) Louisiana’s boll weevil eradication program has been successful at eliminating the weevil from most cotton fields, but some pockets of the insect exist. This summer the program will make a push to get these last remaining weevils. (Runtime: 1 minute, 16 seconds)

(TV News 04/10/06) Louisiana's crawfish season is reaching its peak. The catch is improving, which is good news for consumers who crave the Cajun crustacean this time of the year. It's also good news for crawfish farmers. (Runtime: 1 minute, 32 seconds)

(Video News 04/17/06) The effects of Hurricane Rita linger in rice fields scattered across Southwest Louisiana. The storm surge brought in salt and salt water that, because of little rainfall, have stuck around. (Runtime 1 minute, 43 seconds)

(Video News 05/01/06) For many youngsters their closest encounter with agriculture is the grocery store. But LSU AgCenter events such as AgMagic bring children face to face or foot to hoof with animals, plants and insects. (Runtime: 1 minute, 11seconds)

(Video News 05/08/06) The storm surge from Hurricane Katrina inundated St. Bernard Parish. Eight months later, the community is attempting to recover. Every day families return, and LSU AgCenter 4-H agents are working with an after-school program that offers youngsters a break from Katrina-induced stress. (Runtime: 1 minute, 47 seconds)

(Video News 05/22/06) For a decade one variety has dominated Louisiana’s sugarcane industry, but researchers have developed two new varieties that could diversify the varieties grown in the state. The varieties, called L 99-226 and L 99-233, have greater yield potential than LCP 85-384. (Runtime: 1minute, 15 seconds)

(TV News 05/15/06) The wheat harvest will begin early this year. Conducive weather helped wheat mature early, and growers are expecting a good crop. Growers in Louisiana planted around 110,000 acres of wheat this year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 17 seconds)

(TV News 05/29/06) Areas of Greater New Orleans are fire ant free, and LSU AgCenter entomologists want to keep it that way. They have launched FAST or Fire Ant Surge Threat Prevention to keep fire ant populations down. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

(Video News 06/05/06) Hundreds of scientists from around the world gathered in Baton Rouge to participate in a water quality and hydrology conference. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita magnified the problems plaguing Louisiana’s coastline. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 06/12/06) Summer usually spells the end for crawfish season, but farmers are still harvesting crawfish in what has turned out to be a good, and somewhat odd, year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 40 seconds)

(TV News 06/19/06) Cotton is a tropical plant that prefers warm, dry growing conditions. The unseasonably cool and wet weather at the end of April and the beginning of May were not conducive for cotton growing or planting. Fortunately, warmer weather returned by the end of May, and LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Sandy Stewart says growers are testing new varieties. (Runtime: 1 minute, 20 seconds)

(TV News 06/26/06) There is one good thing about the drier than normal weather conditions around the state -- and that’s fewer mosquitoes. There is a direct relationship between the amount of water in the environment and the overall mosquito population, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any mosquitoes out there. (Runtime: 1 minute, 38 seconds)

(TV News 07/03/06) Monitoring for Asian soybean rust continues to be a priority for LSU AgCenter researchers. The disease threatens the state’s soybean crop, but, like most plant diseases, it needs the right weather conditions to develop. (Runtime: 1 minute, 23 seconds)

(TV News 07/10/06) Corn farmers will be in their fields harvesting early this year. The crop matured early, pushing the harvest up by two weeks. LSU AgCenter corn specialist Dr. David Lanclos says, "Mother Nature is just driving the crop way too fast." (Runtime: 1 minute, 7 seconds)

(TV News 07/17/06) Recent years have been rough on rice farmers. Even though they have produced near-record crops, low prices have left some struggling. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says the struggles continue again this year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 20 seconds)

(TV News 07/24/06) Robert Thevis always strived to be a good farmer, but now he is a certified Louisiana Master Farmer. Thevis and 13 other farmers from across the state are the first group to officially become Master Farmers. (Runtime: 1minute, 43 seconds)

(TV News 08/07/06) You can tell how much rainfall an area of the sugarcane belt has received so far by how tall the cane is. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says the crop is mixed right now, but if rain continues to fal like it has been lately, the shorter sugarcane could catch up. (Runtime 1 minute, 24 seconds)

(TV News 08/14/06) Rice breeding is the backbone of the LSU AgCenter's rice research. The scientists continuously strive to improve upon existing varieties, and they currently are working on conventional and Clearfield lines. (Runtime: 1 minute, 40 seconds)

(TV News 08/21/06) Sugarcane growers have two new options when planting cane. Two varieties were released this year, allowing growers to diversify their fields. (Runtime: 1 minute 34 seconds)

(TV News 08/28/06) Cotton likes dry, hot weather, but the weather Louisiana saw in July was so hot and so dry that even the cotton started to suffer. Experts say timely rains have helped the state's crop rebound, but drought conditions persist elsewhere, and the crop in those parts of the country still is suffering. (Runtime: 1 minute, 21 seconds)

(Radio News 0731/06) There are pros and cons students must consider when deciding whether or not to work during their college years. Employment can enhance career opportunities later and include perks in the short term, but working while in school also can put a strain on studies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/31/06) Financing a college education could be a collaboration involving the student, family, school, state and lending agency ,says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/31/06) Moving away to college can be a financial eye-opener for some teens, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Students should determine their fixed and flexible costs and prepare a livable budget before they make the big move. Students may desire things to be as nice as they were at home, but most students make sacrifices. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/31/06) What your homeowner’s insurance covers may surprise you, says LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker. Most people are aware that it covers your house and structures on your property, but the specialist says it covers much more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/31/06) Last year’s hurricanes emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness. An LSU AgCenter family economist recommends having a "grab and go box" that contains critical information you will need to reestablish yourself in the event of a disaster. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/07/06) Sugarcane fields in some ares of the state are crowded with tall, lush stalks of cane. In others, the stands are relativcely short. The difference is whether the areas received sufficient rainfall over the past few months. Fortunately, though, recent rainfalls have quenched the state, and that's helping the cane to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/07/06) Two varieties make up a large portion of the rice acreage planted in Louisiana. But as more Clearfield varieties are released, this line that helps growers control the red rice weed is increasing in acreage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/07/06) For sugarcane growers in areas hit by Hurricane Rita’s storm surge last year, the recent rains likely are too late to help their crops. Many fields were inundated with salt water. Growers took a chance on the stubble crop of the cane that was standing at the time of the flood, but LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre says those fields probably should have been plowed out. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/07/06) Rice breeders at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station are working with a Clearfield variety called CL 171. The Clearfield line allows growers to use Newpath herbicide to control weeds in their fields without harming the rice. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/07/06) LSU AgCenter rice breeder Dr. Steve Linscombe and his team are working on both conventional and hybrid rice lines. One experimental variety, named 2097, is a semi-dwarf, long-grain variety. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/14/06) Teachers are returning to the classrooms, but parents did not stop teaching over the summer break. In fact, parents are a child’s first teachers. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents should answer a child’s questions and encourage the child’s curiosity. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/14/06) Having bullies around can take the fun out of school, and bullying is a problem that affects many children, says LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. Parents can help children understand what makes another child a bully and let the children know it is not their fault they are being bullied. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/14/06) Breakfast can get lost in the back-to-school morning rush. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says breakfast is necessary for students to succeed and do well in school. Students who eat breakfast are more creative and energetic. Those who don’t can be irritable, fidgety and tired. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radion News 08/14/06) Student athletes are be hitting the practice and playing fields. But before they do, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says they must make sure they are properly hydrated. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/14/06) After what was hopefully a relaxing summer, high school athletes have to get back in shape for competition. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames say proper nutrition can help them get back into the swing of things. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/21/06) Bright yellow school buses have returned to our streets, and everyone can do their part to make sure students get to and from school safely, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. She points out that school bus transportation is safe, but motorists need to be extra vigilant when school is in session. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/21/06) Weather conditions are leading to spikes and declines in crop prices. Dry, hot weather has persisted in some areas of the country, and LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says the cotton crop is suffering. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/21/06) Students are returning to classrooms, and LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe says parents can help youngsters get excited about the new school year. She says following a routine will help children adjust to their new school schedules and staying organized will help ease the transition. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/21/06) The start of a new school year can cause anxiety in youngsters, but this year it can be especially hard on students who were displaced following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio New 08/21/06) The weather has played a significant role in crop prices this year. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says dry weather early in the season hurt corn and soybean production but helped prices. Then favorable weather moved into parts of the Midwest and improved the outlook for the crops but lowered prices. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/28/06) The sugarcane variety development program is the primary research at the LSU AgCenter’s St. Gabriel Research Station. Even though breeders have developed outstanding varieties in the past, their pursuit continues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio New 08/28/06) Lately varieties are a top concern of sugarcane growers. For a decade growers relied on one variety to perform well for them and the variety called LCP 85-384 did. But in recent years it has become vulnerable to the serious disease sugarcane rust. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 8/28/06) Homeowners may notice thin webbing forming on the trunks of their trees. This webbing and the tiny insects causing it are appearing a little earlier than normal this year, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet, who says these signs of bark lice usually aren't seen until later in September. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/28/06) Large populations of a threatening-looking insects are alarming some area residents. But LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says you really don't have much reason to worry. These wasp-looking insects get their name because they prey on cicadas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/28/06) While recent rains have offered relief to the dry start of summer, the effects of the dry weather persist in the insect populations. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says the dry weather definitely affected honey production. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 09/18/06) Some areas of the state’s cotton belt received adequate rainfall early in the growing season, while other areas were extremely dry until mid-season. Unpredictable populations of insects also affected growers differently. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(TV News 10/02/06) A group of 4-H’ers are spending a couple of Sundays a month working with hospitalized children. The visits have been going on for four years. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)

(TV News 10/09/06) In September, trappers take to the marshes for the wild alligator harvest. This year the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries lowered the limit because of habitat damage caused by storm surges from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (Runtime: 1 minute, 44 seconds)

(Radio News 09/04/06) It has been an unusual growing season for cotton in Louisiana. Some areas of the state’s cotton belt received adequate rainfall early in the growing season, while other areas were extremely dry until mid-season. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Sandy Stewart says just as the rain has been spotty so have insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 09/04/06) Louisiana soybean growers have harvested about 60 percent of this year's crop. The dry weather early in the season delayed planting for some growers and had others worried about the condition of the crops, but LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. David Lanclos says the harvest so far is turning out better than expected. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 09/04/06) Asian soybean rust has been confirmed in eight parishes in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. David Lanclos says growers need to treat the disease preventatively to keep it from spreading. (Runtime: 60 seconds)