Two LSU AgCenter Professors Recognized for Significant Paper on Silicon

In 2021, LSU AgCenter researchers Lawrence Datnoff and Brenda Tubaña published a paper analyzing the role silicon plays in plant stress reduction and why the element is not used as a fertilizer in agricultural production. Since its publication in the Plant Disease journal, the paper has been downloaded more than 11,000 times and has been cited 45 times.

The paper, titled “Silicon’s Role in Plant Stress Reduction and Why This Element Is Not Used Routinely for Managing Plant Health,” was written with Wendy Zellner, of the University of Toledo, and Fabrício Rodrigues, of Universidade Federal de Viçosa.

Datnoff, a professor and head of the AgCenter Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, said he wanted to ensure the paper would be comprehensive about the importance of silicon in agriculture and provide the reader with a detailed overview on why silicon is not used.

■ Anthony Bailey

AgCenter Agent Named State Wildlife Specialist

Caldwell Parish native Lucas “Luke” Stamper was recently named the new wildlife specialist for the state after serving as the LSU AgCenter regional wildlife and forestry contact for northeast Louisiana.

Stamper, who said he knew he wanted to be a wildlife biologist in high school, received his Bachelor of Science in wildlife ecology from LSU before getting his master’s degree at the University of Louisiana Monroe. He then returned to LSU for his doctorate from the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences with a focus on weed science.

“I’ve always been an outdoorsman and was raised outside hunting and fishing,” he said. “I’ve always had a love for wildlife and the various management practices revolving around each species.”

Tara Smith, AgCenter executive associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, said Stamper is the right person for the job, which helps protect billions in revenue for the state.

“Forestry is over a $3.4 billion industry in Louisiana, and the value of wildlife and fisheries enterprises across the state exceeds $800 million annually,” Smith said. “We are beyond excited to capitalize on Dr. Stamper’s expertise in this arena and work toward implementing a dynamic statewide wildlife extension program.”

The wildlife specialist position is a 100% extension appointment that will have Stamper traveling throughout the state educating stakeholders on how to deal with bothersome native and invasive species, from weeds to feral hogs.

■ V. Todd Miller

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