(Distributed 10/12/10) Even though children may say getting candy is the most important part of Halloween, research shows that, when asked, they will often prefer toys. And that’s also the preferred choice of nutritionists, according to Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter nutritionist.
(Distributed 10/22/10) It’s pansy planting time in Louisiana. These great, cool-season bedding plants continue to be our most popular landscape flower for late fall through early spring. It is best to plant pansies any time from mid-October through November for best performance. When properly cared for, pansies will last into late April and early May most years.
(Distributed 10/15/10) Weeds in your flowerbeds and vegetable gardens can be frustrating and sometimes overwhelming to control. Weeds are competitors that deprive your desired plants of water, nutrients and sunlight. That competition can cause desirable plants to become weak so they’re susceptible to insects and disease, resulting in poor performance.
(Distributed 10/12/10) Not only are sweet potatoes delicious to eat, but they’re loaded with beta-carotene. Their deep orange color indicates a food rich in carotene, which becomes vitamin A inside the body, according to Beth Reames, LSU AgCenter extension nutritionist.
(Distributed 10/08/10) Shrubs make up the main background plants for most home landscapes. They have defined growth habits in terms of height, spread and form. When selecting shrubs, choose those that will ultimately meet your design requirement.
(Distributed 10/01/10) With fall here, along with football season, garden mums become one of the popular plants available for home landscape use. Garden mums fill the gap between the end of warm-season bedding plant season and the true beginning of cool-season bedding plants.
(Video News 10/04/10) A new LSU AgCenter program is aimed at helping consumers and nurseries buy and sell the best plants for Louisiana. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard tells us about Louisiana Super Plants. (Runtime: 1:32)
(Radio News 10/25/10) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramind offers an approach to eating well and staying fit. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says it helps determine the amounts of fruits, vegetables, meats and grains someone should eat. She also says following its guidance still leaves "discretionary calories." (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(TV News 10/18/10) LSU AgCenter 4-H and nutrition agents are teaming up to help youngsters live healthfully. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a club meeting where good health was on the menu. (Runtime: 1:24)
(TV News 10/25/10) Hurricanes and heavy rains affected Louisiana sugarcane harvests in recent years. But this year the harvest has been free and clear of problems. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:27)
(Radio News 10/04/10) Food and football go hand in hand. Just as players take precautions on the field, tailgaters should take precautions with their food. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/18/10) Feral hogs are a nuisance for farmers and landowners. LSU AgCenter wildlife specialist Don Reed recently spoke at a feral hog seminar and said their population is expanding. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/25/10) Although it's early in the sugarcane harvest, Louisiana farmers are excited about their crop. Last year, heavy fall rains hampered the harvest, and a record-cold spring delayed growth of the cane and left some growers concerned about their crop. But ideal weather followed, and LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says the crop was able to catch up. (Runtime: 1:15)
(Radio News 10/18/10) Children’s treat bags get loaded with candy on Halloween, but how about offering them something different this year? Instead of sweets, try a different treat, suggests LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/11/10) Twenty youngsters gathered recently at the St. Mary Parish courthouse to cook, learn and play. These 9- to 12 -year-olds will meet monthly as part of the LSU AgCenter’s Operation Cook program. LSU AgCenter nutrition agent Amy Juneau runs the program. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Radio News 10/25/10) Deer roam over rolling hills at the LSU AgCenter's Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station. The population is more than picturesque; it is an important part of the research at the facility. Research coordinator Dearl Sanders says the station is one of the only places in the country that has both a captive and a native deer herd. (Runtime: 1:25)
(Radio News 10/18/10) Children look forward to Halloween, and while fun is their priority, parents’ priority should be safety. LSU AgCenter family specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says parents should take extra precautions with their children on Halloween night. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/25/10) Louisiana’s sugarcane harvest is off to a good start. Rust disease plagued the crop last year, but LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says this year’s crop was relatively clear of diseases. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/11/10) Halloween is around the corner, and LSU AgCenter entomologists are warning people about a blood sucker -- but it's not a vampire. The concern is about bedbugs. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring says bedbug infestations are on the rise because of several factors. (Runtime: 1:05)
(Radio News 10/18/10) One step to controlling the invasive species Asian carp is understanding it. LSU AgCenter marine biologist Julie Anderson says these fish can survive in a range of habitats. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/11/10) Asian carp are a nuisance and a danger, but they could be dinner. In Louisiana, where it’s custom to make a meal of just about anything, a movement is under way to get people to consume Asian carp, which is being marketed as silverfin, says LSU AgCenter marine biologist Julie Anderson. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 10/04/10) Seven LSU AgCenter 4-H programs received Louisiana 4-H Foundation healthy living grants to fund nutrition education. Operation Cook in St. Mary Parish is a nutrition-based healthy lifestyle club for youngsters ages 9 through 12. (Runtime: 1:10)
(TV 10/11/10) An invasive species is clogging waterways from Illinois to Louisiana. Asian carp are a nuisance and a danger, but they could be dinner. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:53)
(Radio News 10/11/10) Asian carp are an invasive species found from the Great Lakes region down to Louisiana. The fish were brought to the United States in the 1970s to use in wastewater treatment ponds and for the aquaculture industry. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Radio News 10/04/10) The LSU AgCenter is promoting three Super Plants this fall. These plants are selected for their superior performance in Louisiana. Plant evaluations take place at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station. Regina Bracy, the station coordinator, describes the Super Plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/04/10) Dates on food labels can be confusing to consumers. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames sorts it out for shoppers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/04/10) Parents can help their children develop good eating habits. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says parents should offer their youngsters healthful options. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 10/11/10) Bedbugs are spreading across the country, and travelers are at risk. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring says before settling into a hotel room, do an inspection. Start by pulling back the bed covers. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 10/25/10) Soft drinks are the beverage of choice for many people -- often at the expense of more nutrient-rich options, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. Reames says calories are important but that you should be concerned about getting nutrients, as well. (Runtime: 1:05)
(Radio News 10/18/10) Cooler weather doesn’t always give us a relief from insects and other pests. Spiders, wasps and roaches are still active this time of the year. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring says lower temperatures and drier conditions could drive these pests indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/04/10) October weather generally is mild in Louisiana. Freezing temperatures are rare, but now still is a good time to prepare tender tropical plants for a move indoors. Move them to a shady area to get them ready for low-light conditions inside your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/11/10) Be cautious when pruning this time of the year. Many plants should not be pruned in fall. Fall- and spring-flowering shrubs have set their flower buds, and any pruning will remove blooms. Other plants need time to harden off before winter and shouldn't be pruned. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 10/29/10) Radishes are popular in cultures around the world. The flavor can be sharp and fresh or slightly sweet and mild, and they’re typically eaten raw. This is a great time to plant radishes in your garden, and no vegetables are easier to grow.
(Audio 10/11/10) The growing season for most of the plants we have in our Louisiana landscapes begins to wind down in October. This is not the time to fertilize plants that are preparing for the colder weather. But you can fertilize plants that are in active growth like vegetables or bedding plants you planted this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/11/10) October through March is the prime planting season for hardy trees and shrubs in Louisiana. An outstanding flowering shrub to plant is the ShiShi Gashira camellia. It's a Louisiana Super Plant and will grow wonderfully in our landscapes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/04/10) A new program sponsored by the LSU AgCenter is kicking off this fall. The Louisiana Super Plants program promotes outstanding plants for Louisiana landscapes. Hear more about what plants are considered Super Plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
What’s a tough, beautiful plant that grows well in Louisiana landscapes? It's a “super” plant. The Louisiana Super Plant program, funded by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and administered by the LSU AgCenter, promotes select plants proven to grow extremely well in all parts of the state. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Audio 10/25/10) Foxgloves are spectacular spring-blooming plants. The best way to grow foxgloves is to plant them during the fall or winter. The Camelot foxglove is a Louisiana Super Plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/25/10) Brown patch, also known as large patch, is one of the most common lawn diseases in Louisiana. St. Augustine grass is susceptible to the disease, which starts with small brown areas that spread rapidly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/18/10) Many gardeners winterize their lawns this time of the year. This process basically involves adding potassium to the lawn. But winterizing your lawn is optional. Louisiana winters aren't so cold or lawns so deficient in potassium to make winterizing necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/04/10) Many of the perennials Louisiana gardeners use in their flower gardens bloom in early to midsummer. October is a good time to tidy up these plants to keep your flower beds attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/11/10) Scales are insects that don't look like bugs. They look more like bumps on a plant. Scales suck the sap out of plants and can weaken or kill plants. Horticultural oil can control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 10/22/10) When Louisiana gardeners hear the word “camellia,” they think of the large-flowered, evergreen shrubs that bloom from December to April. This is Camellia japonica, the most prominent of the camellia species in Louisiana gardens.
(Audio 10/18/10) Azaleas are not prone to many problems, but the azalea lace bugs can affect the plants. These insects feed on the backs of azalea leaves, which results in discoloration. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/25/10) Hydrangeas are deciduous, meaning they drop their leaves during the winter. It is common to see leaves with brown edges and spots on them. Just remember not to cut the plants back, because they have already set their flower buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/18/10) Chrysanthemums are a staple of fall decor. You can use them in containers or plant them in your flower beds. Chrysanthemums are perennials and will grow year after year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 10/04/10) Chrysanthemums are popular fall plants, and you can find them at nurseries now. But is one mum as good as another? On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the types of mums and best care practices for these reliable producers of fall color. (Runtime: 1:40)
(Audio 10/18/10) Warm-season herbs like basil are winding down, but plenty of herbs also can thrive in cooler weather. Herbs such as dill, lavender and parsley should be readily available at nurseries this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 10/15/10) Fall is a prime planting season in Louisiana. Cool-season bedding plants may be planted from now through early December, and November through February is the best time to plant hardy shrubs, ground covers and perennials. How well you prepare the soil prior to planting has an enormous effect on the health and growth of your plants.
(Audio 10/04/10) The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana's green industry are promoting the Super Plant, Amazon dianthus. This cool-season bedding plant comes in three wonderful colors and blooms heavily from fall into spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 10/18/10) The Louisiana Super Plant program promotes select plants proven to grow extremely well in all parts of the state. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a beautiful, multicolored “super” plant that attracts butterflies from far and wide. It’s called Amazon dianthus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 10/08/10) The Amazon dianthus series is a Louisiana Super Plants selection for fall 2010. This outstanding cool-season bedding plant comes in three outstanding varieties, Amazon Neon Purple, Amazon Neon Cherry and Amazon Rose Magic.
(Audio 10/11/10) Louisiana flower gardens have two seasons -- the warm season and the cool season. We are transitioning into the cool season, and gardeners can plant a wide variety of bedding plants this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/25/10) Leaves will begin falling from our deciduous trees soon. Instead of raking them up and bagging them, consider creating mulch or compost with them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 10/01/10) This month the LSU AgCenter presents its new plant promotion program called Louisiana Super Plants. The Louisiana Super Plants program is an educational and marketing campaign that highlights tough and beautiful plants that perform well in Louisiana landscapes.
(Audio 10/04/10) The best time to plant strawberries in Louisiana is from October to early November. Strawberries are hardy, and our winter temperatures generally don't bother them. Strawberry plants can be hard to come by, however, so check nurseries and feed and seed stores -- or try ordering them over the Internet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/25/10) Deadheading is an odd term, but it simply means to remove faded flowers from a plant. Cutting off old roses helps keep beds attractive while also encouraging new growth on the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 10/18/10) Spring-flowering bulbs add so much to our spring gardens. If you want them, you can't wait until spring to plant them. You must plant them during the fall. Two exceptions are tulips and hyacinths. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 10/25/10) Fall is a great time to plant fruit trees throughout Louisiana. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill discusses the importance of choosing the right fruit trees for your area – and providing them with the proper care. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Distributed 10/18/10) Getting a handle on the bullying problem in New Orleans schools is the job of Traig Varnado, LSU AgCenter 4-H youth development agent.
(Distributed 10/11/10) BATON ROUGE La., -- With childhood obesity continuing to be a major issue in Louisiana and around the country, the LSU AgCenter is taking steps to help correct the problem by helping teach healthy eating through school gardening.
(Distributed 10/14/10) HOMER, La. – The first flock of chickens in the new poultry demonstration houses at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station has reached the target weight and has been processed by House of Raeford.
(Distributed 10/01/10) HENRY, La. – Cattle farmers got a look at test results of a new herbicide that shows some promise of controlling Vaseygrass in pastures. At an LSU AgCenter field day on Sept. 30, Ed Twidwell, forage specialist, said Pastora, a DuPont product, can also be used on Johnson grass, but he warned it kills Bahia grass and clovers and can also cause some stunting of Bermuda grass.
(Distributed 10/25/10) GREENSBURG, La – Students had the hands-on experience of touching a goat, a horse or a cow at St. Helena Parish Central Elementary School during Ag and Science Week the week of Oct. 18.
(Distributed 10/11/10 Two LSU AgCenter faculty members were part of a group who were honored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 6.
(Distributed 10/05/10) WEST MONROE, La. – Landry Vineyards proves that wine grapes can be grown in Louisiana. Jeff Landry and his wife, Libby, are producing 30,000 bottles of wine a year.
(Distributed 10/04/10) Lead Louisiana for Teens, a leadership program for teenagers, will be held Oct. 18 and Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the LSU AgCenter's Delta Rural Development Center, 10284 Louisiana Highway 17 in Oak Grove.
(Distributed 10/27/10) CADE, La. – A trail ride and campout to benefit the LSU AgCenter Master Horseman program will be held Nov. 6-7 on 750 acres of woodlands and pastures. Neely Heidorn, LSU AgCenter horse specialist, said the event will raise money for Master Horseman events throughout the Acadiana area.
(Distributed 10/27/10) The LSU AgCenter has received a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to study a new control for pecan scab disease.
(Distributed 10/28/10) Most gardeners will tell you there’s nothing like having a little help to make a garden grow, and that’s what happened at St. Paul’s School in Covington when it applied for and received a federal grant.
(Distributed 10/06/10) Grazing and nutrition will be highlights of the LSU AgCenter dairy field day Nov. 11 at the Southeast Research Station in Franklinton.
(Distributed 10/05/10) A workshop on grant opportunities in value-added agriculture and renewable energy for entrepreneurs in northeast Louisiana is scheduled for Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at the LSU AgCenter's Delta Rural Development Center, 10284 Louisiana Highway 17 in Oak Grove.
(Distributed 10/13/10) The LSU AgCenter will conduct a one-day, comprehensive workshop on how to make biodiesel from used vegetable oil on Oct. 30 at the W. A. Callegari Environmental Center in Baton Rouge.
(Distributed 10/14/10) Agriculture is a major economic driver in Louisiana. To acknowledge the exceptional contributions of Louisiana farmers, the Louisiana Agri-News Network, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry will honor the 2011 Louisiana Farmer of the Year.
(Distributed 10/26/10) SHREVEPORT, La. – Live oaks, magnolias, baldcypress and hackberries were among the types of trees riders learned about in Vélo Dendro S Deux, a leisurely bicycle tour held Oct. 23 in South Highlands and Broadmoor.
(Distributed 10/18/10) RUSTON, La. – About 500 fifth-graders from Lincoln Parish schools spent a day at Lincoln Parish Park where specialists from the LSU AgCenter and other state and federal agencies taught them about conservation and water quality at the 2010 Water Festival Oct. 14-15.
(Distributed 10/22/10) The LSU AgCenter will present a feral hog seminar at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the David B. Means 4-H Center in Grand Cane.
(Distributed 10/04/10) BENTON, La. – It is possible to manage feral hogs on a large scale by being consistent and persistent, landowners and hunters were told at an LSU AgCenter seminar Sept. 28.