(Radio News 07/27/09) LSU AgCenter rice breeders constantly are working on experimental lines, and Dr. Steve Linscombe says two Clearfield lines in development show promise. The first is an early maturing, long-grain variety that if released would be called CL 111. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/27/09) Grandparents raising grandchildren represent the fastest-growing type of family household in the United States. Many grandparents come to this role because of a crisis in the parent’s life. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says these grandparents have much more to deal with than just children going through normal developmental challenges. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/20/09) The aquatic weed giant salvinia is suffocating thousands of acres of Lake Bisteneau in northwest Louisiana. So the LSU AgCenter is working with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to dump even more salvinia into the lake – but this salvinia is infested with a weevil that feeds only on the weed. Over time, the weevils can keep the salvinia in check. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)
(Radio News 07/27/09) Parents of children starting kindergarten may be anxious about the upcoming transition. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says parents should keep in mind that many children adapt easily to changes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/27/09) Thirty Louisiana 4-H’ers participated in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational in Grand Island, Neb. Joe Barrett, an LSU AgCenter 4-H agent in Bossier Parish, called the event the superbowl of outdoor skills programs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/06/09) Quality tomatoes can come from a greenhouse. LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. H.Y. Hanna spent the past 13 years proving it. Hanna says his work benefits small growers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/27/09) Most school-age youngsters are deeply immersed in summer, but with back to school time right around the corner, parents and their children should start preparing. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says children will need to shift from play mode back to the world of homework. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/20/09) The LSU AgCenter’s 4-H camp near Pollock, La., increased its size to 82 acres as the Louisiana 4-H Foundation officially donated a vacant piece of property for camp expansion. 4-H Foundation Executive Director Eric Eskew explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(TV News 07/27/09) For 100 years the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station has been improving rice-growing techniques in Louisiana. The station recently celebrated its centennial during its annual field day. Station director and rice breeder Dr. Steve Linscombe said the station’s strong variety development program has contributed to the longevity of the state’s rice industry. (Runtime: 1:41)
(Radio News 07/13/09) Dr. Boyd Padgett, a plant pathologist with the LSU AgCenter, spoke to farmers at the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station and Red River Research Station field days. Padgett is evaluating the use of fungicides on corn at certain stages and says more research is needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/20/09) The LSU AgCenter's Rice Research Station recently celebrated its centennial during its annual field day. Station director and rice breeder Dr. Steve Linscombe said the station has had a strong rice variety development program over the years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/13/09) Insects on soybeans are active in Louisiana, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Jeff Davis. If a grower's crop is at the R3 stage or higher, Davis recommends treating for pests if there are high numbers of insects present. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/13/09) Louisiana’s soybean crop is in the middle of its growing season. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy says dry weather is starting to affect the crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/06/09) Aflatoxin is a major concern for corn growers. This naturally occurring fungus is a potent carcinogen that can grow on corn. Dr. Ken Damann conducts research on aflatoxin for the LSU AgCenter. He says the pathogen thrives in hot, dry conditions like those the state has experienced recently. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/06/09) Farmers visiting the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station for its annual field day were greeted by dry, cracked earth, dusty fields and crops on the verge of drought stress. Much of the state has seen little or no rainfall for several weeks, and the crops are starting to show it, according to LSU AgCenter research coordinator Dr. Donnie Miller. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(TV News 07/20/09) Property values are falling around Lake Bisteneau. The lake is clogged with an invasive weed, but LSU AgCenter scientists are using biological means in hopes of getting the weed under control. (Runtime: 1:45)
(Radio News 07/13/09) A disease is affecting cucurbit plants, which include fruits and vegetables such as melons, squash and cucumbers. Downy mildew can cause serious damage to these plants, says LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Don Ferrin. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 0720/09) Louisiana’s rice crop appears to be in good shape. But farmers have had to pump more water because of dry weather, says LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk. Growers also are concerned about high nighttime temperatures, which can interfere with pollination of the rice plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/06/09) Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse is better for the environment, says LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. H.Y. Hanna. He says growers don’t have to use pesticides because they can control the environment in the greenhouse. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 07/20/09) Giant salvinia has been a problem in Louisiana for nearly a decade. The noxious weed can clog waterways and chokes the life out of lakes and ponds. The weed isn’t native to this area and has no natural predators. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(TV News 07/13/09) Field-grown tomatoes are at their peak production in June, but an LSU AgCenter researcher is working on extending the tomato harvest by taking them out of the ground and putting them in the greenhouse. (Runtime: 1:55)
(Audio 07/06/09) Farmers visiting the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station for its annual field day were greeted by dry, cracked earth, dusty fields and crops on the verge of drought stress. Much of the state has seen little or no rainfall for several weeks, and the crops are starting to show it. (Runtime: 1:23)
(Radio News 07/06/09) Some farmers are fighting volunteer weeds – crops from a previous planting growing among a new crop. LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Donnie Miller explains that a Roundup Ready corn plant growing in a soybean field is a weed, and it competes for nutrients and can reduce yields of the desired crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)