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(Distributed 08/31/11) Louisiana rice farmers are helping Texas ranchers by providing rice straw to be used as cattle feed in the drought-stricken Lone Star State. The Texans are baling the rice straw for hay and hauling it back to Texas.
(Distributed 08/31/11) Tropical storm season is about the worst time of year for a marsh to burn because of the possibility of a tropical storm surge flooding the soil, according to Andy Nyman, LSU AgCenter associate professor in the School of Renewable Natural Resources.
News Release Distributed 08/31/11 A bowl of cereal can be a great way for school children or anybody to start the morning. “Studies show that cereal eaters have better nutrient intakes because cereals provide an important selection of nutrients,” said LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. Studies also suggest that cereal can help with weight control. “Cereal eaters have better weights compared to those who don’t eat breakfast or perhaps eat other breakfast items that might not be as healthful,” Reames said. Choose the cereals your children will want to eat, but try to pick those that give you the most health benefits. “It’s important to read the nutrition facts label,” Reames said. “That helps you compare products.” It’s best if the first ingredient is something like whole-grain oats or whole-grain wheat, said Denise Holston, LSU AgCenter nutritionist. “The food companies are using more whole grains in their cereal products,” Holston said. “Some cereals that didn’t contain whole grains before, now do. “Parents should look for cereals with the ‘whole grain stamp’ developed by the Whole Grains Council,” Holston said. “The stamp is a quick and easy way to determine if a product has a minimum of 8 grams of whole grains per serving.” Because the Dietary Guidelines for the United States recommend less sugar in the diet, choosing cereals that do not have added sugars would be a good choice. Other names for sugar on labels include fructose and high fructose corn syrup. “If you choose a cereal without added sugar but add three or four teaspoons of sugar, this would be worse. Manufacturers have reduced the amount of added sugar in many cereals, and some studies have found that consumers added more sugar to unsweetened cereals than is in presweetened. One teaspoon sugar would be 4 grams, so you can look at the nutrition facts and determine approximate amounts of sugar,” Reames said. Eating a presweetened cereal for breakfast is better than not eating any breakfast at all, Holston said. “Research shows that kids who eat breakfast can concentrate better, are less likely to miss school because they’re sick, and they’re less likely to have a weight problem,” Holston said. If they’re not starving by lunchtime, they’re less likely to overeat at lunch, which can lead to obesity. Check the fiber content on the cereal label, Reames said. Cereals should supply at least 2.5 grams of fiber. Whole-grain cereals generally supply more. “Many Americans don’t get enough fiber,” Reames said. “Eating whole-grain cereal can help.” While most cereals contain little fat, Reames said to avoid those with trans fat. “Trans fats raise LDL-cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of heart disease,” Reames said. Also check the serving size listed on the nutrition facts label. “A big bowl may have more nutrients but also more calories, more sodium and more sugar,” Reames said. When you add milk to cereal, you get the added boost of calcium, and it’s critical that growing children get enough calcium, Holston said. “We recommend skim milk. But if your children won’t drink skim milk, then go for low-fat,” Holston said. She doesn’t recommend whole milk because of the higher fat content. Adding fruit to the cereal gives a nutritional boost, Holston said. Bananas add potassium. Strawberries add fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants, which help prevent cancer and heart diseases. “Any kind of berry is good,” Holston said. “Blueberries and blackberries are especially rich in antioxidants.
(Distributed 08/31/11) Three LSU AgCenter administrators have been selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree.
(Radio News 08/30/11) A bowl of cereal can be a great way to start the morning. LSU AgCenter research reveals the healthful benefits of eating cereal. AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says the study suggests that cereal can help with weight control. (Runtime: 1:25)
(Distributed 08/30/11) Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate can present numerous challenges to agricultural producers. Numerous insects thrive in this environment and can prove difficult and costly to manage.
(Distributed 08/30/11) Reading to the Heart, the Louisiana sustainable community project, is a five-year literacy program in its final year, but in search of ways to continue helping students increase reading skills.
(Distributed 08/29/11) OAK GROVE, La. – Researchers from the LSU AgCenter’s Sweet Potato Research Station showed growers how to optimize production at a field day on the Lee Jones and Sons Farm on Aug. 24.
(Distributed 08/29/11) LAFAYETTE, La. – Louisiana’s First Lady honored a Lake Charles woman Aug 25 for her volunteer work with 4-H.
(Distributed 08/29/11) FOLSOM, La. – Come out to the LSU AgCenter’s first polo tournament on Oct. 2 and watch a few chukkers of this equine sport and help raise money for extension horse programs.
(Distributed 08/26/11) BATON ROUGE – The LSU AgCenter will conduct an eight-week Master Horseman program for adults in the Baton Rouge area, with the first class Sept. 27 at Parker Coliseum on the LSU campus.
News Release Distributed 08/26/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings The new Drift series roses were created in response to increased consumer demand for smaller, everblooming plants. Drift roses fit a special niche in the shrub-rose market. These roses are from Conard-Pyle/Star Roses, the same folks that gave us the Knock Out series of low-maintenance landscape roses. Drift roses are a cross between full-size groundcover roses and miniatures. From the former they kept toughness, disease resistance and winter hardiness. From the miniatures, they inherited their well-managed size and repeat-blooming nature. The low, spreading habit of Drift roses makes them perfect for small gardens and combination planters. The first colors available in the Drift series were Coral, Pink, Red and Peach – all these varieties have been evaluated in LSU AgCenter plantings at the Hammond Research Station and Burden Center since 2009. Pink has been the best landscape performer, followed by Peach, Coral and Red. The newest colors released are Apricot (double apricot blooms), Sweet (clear, pink double blooms) and Icy (pure white, double blooms). These seven varieties bloom from spring to early frost. Ranging from scarlet red to bright soft peach, they provide a complete range of color solutions for landscape use or in containers. We find that Drift roses have about five flower cycles yearly. The spring bloom in April and the fall bloom in October, like with most other roses, are the peak times for best performance. The late-spring-to-early-summer second bloom is also impressive. Plant Drift roses in a well-prepared landscape bed. Fall is a great time to plant. Space individual plants a minimum of 3 feet apart. It would be best to plant them 4-5 feet apart if you are thinking long term. The soil pH for roses needs to be between 6.0-6.5. As with other roses, plant Drift roses in a location that gets full sun. Eight hours of sunlight daily is recommended. These ground-hugging, ever-blooming shrubs are perfect as a border or bedding plant. Drift roses should be fertilized in spring with a good dose of slow-release or timed fertilizer, which releases nutrients to the plant when it needs it most, and you're set for the season. Another application in late summer would help plants bloom better into the fall, especially in new landscape beds where nutrients may be lacking. Mulch is very important for roses. Mulching helps to buffer the cycle from wet to dry, keeps the feeder roots from drying out and helps to establish the roots more quickly. And you water less. Make no mistake; these are not finicky miniature roses. These hardy groundcover roses are true, low-spreading, dwarf shrub roses that grow only 2-3 feet tall by 2-3 feet wide and are covered with blooms that open to 1-1/2 inches. Drift roses are perfect in small gardens, splashing your landscapes with visual delight. Appealing to today's busy gardener, these low-maintenance roses are highly disease-resistant. They require no spraying. Blackspot disease has been very minimal on plants grown in Louisiana. Bed preparation, irrigation and proper fertilization management are the keys to success. This fall try planting some of the new Drift series roses in your landscape. They combine wonderfully with flowering perennials, ornamental grasses and more. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Video 8/29/11) On this edition of Get It Growing, we look at a climbing vine that displays a wonderful profusion of large, colorful flowers. It’s the Alice Dupont mandevilla, and it blooms abundantly during the summer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some tips on growing this graceful, colorful, trellis vine. (Runtime: 1:33)
(Distributed 08/24/11) The Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition in partnership with the LSU AgCenter will host the 2011 Financial Education Summit at the Crowne Plaza hotel Sept. 15-16 in Baton Rouge.
(Video 08/22/11) Many plants don’t perform well in poorly drained areas. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one that will not only thrive in soggy areas, but will also grow to towering heights while showing off giant, beautiful blooms. (Runtime: 1:31)
(Distributed 08/23/11) John W. Finley, head of the LSU AgCenter Department of Food Science, has been named a fellow of the American Chemical Society.
(Distributed 08/23/11) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Natural deer food may be in short supply this year because drought is causing acorns to drop early, and hogs are competing for them.
(Distributed 08/23/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – The Food Initiative Taskforce (FIT) for Kids taught 20 youth ages 11 to 16 how to eat healthful this summer.
(Distributed 08/22/11) A two-day workshop on developing outdoor recreation on agricultural lands has been scheduled for Sept. 28-29 at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, La.
(Distributed 08/19/11) LAFAYETTE, La. – A $10,000 donation by the TransCanada pipeline company will help fund construction of a multi-purpose building at the LSU AgCenter Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center near Pollock, La.
News Release Distributed 08/19/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Late summer through fall when temperatures begin to moderate and growing conditions become more favorable is one of the best times of the year to plant flowering perennials. This includes plants such as purple coneflower, Shasta daisies, gaillardia, rudbeckia, daylilies, verbena and more. Of these, you need give rudbeckia a try if you have not already done so. Rudbeckia is what we also call “Black Eyed Susans.” The best of the rudbeckia is the Goldsturm variety. It is widely available in Louisiana. Normally, this variety flowers twice during the year. A good bloom occurs in late spring through midsummer, and you also can get some fall flowers. This is the most reliably perennial rudbeckia variety for Louisiana. Divide them every three years to keep your planting vigorous. Indian Summer is another popular variety. It is a former All-America Selection winner and also has been named a cut-flower-of-the-year by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. Indian Summer produces gorgeous, golden flowers. Many of the flowers can have diameters of 7-8 inches, but 6 inches is probably the average. Plants reach between 3 and 4 feet tall. Mass plantings of these combined with purple- and blue-flowered plants are a real winner in Louisiana landscapes. These plants typically behave as an annual in Louisiana, but they may be perennial in north Louisiana. Bloom time of 3-4 months is common in late spring and summer. You have many other popular rudbeckia varieties to consider. These include Prairie Sun, Becky Mix, Toto and Cherokee Sunset. Prairie Sun is an All-America Selections winner from a couple of years ago, while Cherokee Sunset was an All-America Selections winner in 2002. Cherokee Sunset has rich autumn-like flower colors, and flowers are semi- to fully double. Plants reach about 30 inches tall. Prairie Sun has 5-inch, golden yellow flowers that have light green central cones. This makes the flowers very eye-catching. Toto is more compact-growing – it reaches only about 12 inches in height. It is early-blooming and tends to support itself better than other varieties. Toto is available in lemon, rustic and gold colors. Becky Mix is another compact grower with very uniform growth and flowering habit. Plants reach 12 inches tall and flowers are about 4-5 inches across. Colors vary from golden yellow to red with chocolate-colored centers. Rudbeckia are ideal for mass plantings in sunny locations. They need occasional irrigation but generally are considered fairly drought tolerant. Heat tolerance is also there. Seeds can be readily germinated in a couple weeks under ideal conditions. If you prefer, plants of many of these varieties are readily available at your local garden centers in 4-inch, quart and one-gallon containers. Rudbeckia are recommended for Louisiana landscapes. Give them a try this fall, or add some to your landscape next spring. You should be very pleased with the landscape color and low maintenance. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Distributed 08/17/11) With blueberry production increasing at a rapid rate in southeastern states, the LSU AgCenter and other land grant universities are providing much-needed information for producers and consumers through All About Blueberries, a webpage on the website, eXtension.org.
News Release Distributed 08/17/11SHREVEPORT, La. – Just because a tree has turned brown or dropped leaves during a drought does not mean it is dead. “Before you cut, make sure the tree is dead,” LSU AgCenter forester Hallie Dozier said. “If it is alive, irrigate and protect the root zone.” LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Denyse Cummins concurs with not cutting down trees that have defoliated. “It happens in very dry summers, and it’s looking like fall in some areas right now,” Cummins said. Drought in Louisiana has lowered the soil water content to the point where plants, including trees, cannot extract enough water to support normal growth and maintenance, Dozier said. Trees under drought conditions lose the ability to grow normally, Dozier explained. Stressed trees essentially shift their energy and resources to survival rather than growth. Taking actions that redirect the tree’s energy to heal or grow hampers its efforts to survive. Trees will shift some of their energy to closing stomates on its leaves to help retain water, but that shuts down normal growth. They also shunt energy to grow more roots to capture limited water resources in the soil, and they tap into their food reserves – or stored starches – needed for future growth. As conditions get dryer, roots cease growth and function, leading to death. This may save the tree energy in the short term, but it severely restricts the tree’s ability to recover and resume growth once water again becomes available. Finally, the tree starts shedding fruits, leaves and branches. This is when most tree owners notice that the tree is under stress – long after drought stress-related changes have begun. During a drought, irrigation is necessary, Dozier said. “Water the tree deeply and slowly, roughly 10 gallons per inch of tree diameter at breast height.” To water deeply, lay a soaker hose in the critical root zone – between trunk and edge of canopy or the “drip line” of the tree. “But do not wrap the hose against the trunk or directly water the trunk,” Dozier said. “Turn the hose on low and let it run slowly.” Dozier offers the following tips for irrigating trees: – Check your flow rates after a few hours. If water is running off the surface, turn the hose lower. Slow water application allows you to water the tree roots without loss to runoff or evaporation. – If your tree is mulched, push mulch aside so water reaches the soil. Avoid disturbing the soil because doing so may disrupt root tissue and hamper the tree’s ability to absorb moisture. – Similarly, avoid digging or otherwise disturbing the soil during drought. “Limit mower, vehicular and pedestrian traffic under the tree during periods of extended drought,” Dozier said. Trees may need two or three days to be watered deeply, depending on soil conditions and tree size. Large trees should be irrigated every two to four weeks during drought. Smaller trees and new plantings may take less time to irrigate, but they need watering at least once a week. Be sure your irrigation plan complies with local water restrictions, if any. “The LSU AgCenter does not recommend pruning of live branches during drought unless necessary to correct immediate structural or safety issues,” Dozier said. She added that leaves are a tree’s food manufacturing center, and pruning basically removes some of a tree’s ability to make its own food. From the tree’s standpoint, pruning is “wounding,” and removing live branches forces the tree to direct energy to closing the wound against pathogens and insects. “When the tree is under drought stress, it needs to use all of its resources just to survive,” she said. “Sometimes it is necessary to prune a tree, and we do so to create and maintain strong structure of the tree, increasing the tree’s chances of survival, and to reduce potential hazards,” Dozier said. But removing live branches can retard the tree’s recovery from stresses such as root damage, wind and drought. Because of this, pruning should be done only for reasons that improve or maintain its health and safety, Dozier explained. “If you have potential hazards such as dead wood or diseased limbs, you can prune anytime during the year. Otherwise, wait until the dormant season to prune live branches,” Dozier said, “especially during times of stress, such as high heat or drought. “Trees under extreme drought may take several years to recover completely after rains resume,” Dozier said. Avoid unnecessary pruning and soil disturbance for a few growing seasons after the drought ends. “When water is plentiful, young trees may benefit from fertilizers that help them put on growth,” Dozier said. Larger trees rarely need fertilizing unless soil tests show a lack of necessary nutrients in the soil. Fertilizers are salts and may harm a drought-stressed tree by pulling water away from the roots. Hold off fertilizing trees until water is plentiful, and then fertilize only when there is a lack of nutrients in the soil or rapid growth is desired, Dozier said. “If the branch or the whole tree dies, you need professional help,” Dozier said. “Always hire licensed workers.” Louisiana has a state license that requires testing, continuing education and proof of insurance. “Do not hire anyone without first confirming that they are licensed by the State,” she said. To check, call the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry at 225-952-8100. By hiring someone who is not licensed, you are putting yourself at risk for poor work and liability in the event that something goes wrong, Dozier said.
(Distributed 08/17/11) MANSURA, La. – The Louisiana 4 H Hall of Fame now has 12 additional members after an induction ceremony held Aug. 13 at the Louisiana 4 H Museum.
(Distributed 08/15/11) Vadim Kochergin, a researcher with the Audubon Sugar Institute, has been named the director of the Louisiana Institute for Biofuels and Bioprocessing, effective Aug. 15. Both institutes are part of the LSU AgCenter.
(Video 8/15/11) It seems there’s no escape outside from the hot temperatures – except for the shade. So, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests doing some work in your shade garden. He offers some tips for properly selecting and growing shade plants. (Runtime: 1:26)
(Distributed 08/12/11) OAK GROVE, La. – Ways to enhance tourism resources and create new ones in rural areas of Louisiana and Mississippi were featured at the 2011 Miss-Lou Regional Tourism Summit held Aug. 9-11.
(Distributed 08/15/11) NEW ORLEANS – Young chefs from four southern states recently competed in the second annual Louisiana 4-H Seafood Cook-off, with the Mississippi team taking top honors.
(Distributed 08/12/11) Cristina Sabliov, associate professor in the LSU AgCenter Department of Biological and Agriculture Engineering, has received the 2011 New Holland Young Researcher Award.
News Release Distributed 08/12/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Copper plants are great foliage plants for the landscape. These go by the scientific name of Acalypha, and they really put on a fantastic show in late summer and fall. You can choose from a tremendous number of these varieties – some old, some new. Proven Winners has introduced several the past few years, and we also have a number that are industry standards in Louisiana – such as Louisiana Red and Opelousas Red. The LSU AgCenter is working on collecting and evaluating copper plants. We have about 20 varieties thus far. Bourbon Street, Jungle Dragon, Tahiti, Curly Q and Bronze are some of the variety names you will see at garden centers. Copper plants that are planted early in the year can be in 4-inch pots. But if you plant them in late summer and early fall, try to get 1- to 3-gallon containers. Ornamental peppers are a unique, specialty-type plant for home landscapes. These are mostly sold in the fall and have appealing characteristics such as colorful berries and foliage. Ornamental peppers produce colorful fruit (which actually are peppers) in a wide range of sizes, forms and colors. Purple, orange, yellow, red, brown, blue, and white are common. Multiple colors can appear on the same plant. Flowering on ornamental peppers is not obvious – the fruit are the desirable feature. Plants can reach heights of 8 inches to 3 feet depending on the variety. Green foliage is common, but variegated foliage and plants with purplish-black leaves are also available. Popular varieties of ornamental peppers available at garden centers in late summer and early fall include Chilly Chili, Purple Flash, Black Pearl and the Explosive series. These are not cold-hardy. They are warm-season annuals usually used for 3-4 months of foliage and berry color in the landscape, containers or patio garden setting. Marigolds can also be called meri-mums and are used in fall even more successfully than in spring. They are a great replacement for garden mums in the fall landscape. You get eight-10 weeks of flower power with marigolds but only a month of flowers with garden mums. Select African types for larger plants with big flowers or select French types for shorter, smaller plants with smaller flowers. It is best to plant marigolds from mid-August through mid- to late September. Marigolds prefer full sun and do best when irrigation is minimized. Zinnias are another good fall-weather bedding plant that we normally think of for spring. Try the Profusion or Zahara zinnias. These are smaller-plant, smaller-flower varieties. Try the Dreamland or Swizzles, when available, if you want larger flowers. It’s getting late to sow zinnia seed in a landscape bed, so purchase plants already started for you. Plant them in the August-to-September window. Zinnias love the dry weather of fall. Typically by this time of year, your spring-planted zinnias are not performing very well, so replacing them may be in order. The new plants will last until killing frost arrives. Petunias can be planted a little bit later in the fall than the other plants previously mentioned. When planted early enough in the fall (October), they will bloom and give one to two months of nice flowering prior to a frost or freeze. Typically, petunias will live through winter in Louisiana, but they’re more prone to cold damage in north and central Louisiana than in south Louisiana. Petunias usually will not bloom through winter, but plants will produce new foliage as weather warms in February and perform well through May or June. Plants in the Wave series are popular varieties. If you want more of the old-time petunia look, try the Madness series. Try some color plants in your landscape the next few months. Whether color from foliage or color from flowers, all of these will perform well for you if you follow proper horticultural practices. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
News Release Distributed 08/11/11Raw and undercooked meat may contain harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness, and cooking meat and poultry to recommended temperatures will kill bacteria and decrease the risk of foodborne illness, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food specialist Beth Reames. “Bacteria are everywhere in our environment,” Reames says. “Any food of animal origin can harbor bacteria that cause foodborne illness, such as Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria cannot be seen or smelled.” Using a food thermometer is the only sure way of knowing if your food has reached a temperature high enough to destroy foodborne bacteria. Cook all raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees as measured with a food thermometer before removing the meat from the heat source, she says. And cook all poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. “Ground meats require higher cooking temperatures than whole or cuts of meat or poultry,” Reames cautions. “When meat is ground, more of it is exposed to harmful bacteria that may be present.” Cook all raw ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal to an internal temperature of 160 degrees, and ground turkey should be cooked to 165 degrees. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. Meat and poultry may be cooked to higher temperatures as a matter of personal preference. Reames offers these additional tips to ensure that food is safe to eat: – Wash hands, utensils and work surfaces often, both before and after preparing foods. – Don't allow raw meats, poultry or seafood (or their juices) to contact and contaminate other foods. Keep raw food separate from ready-to-eat or already-cooked foods. – Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood. Thaw food in the refrigerator, under cold tap water or in the microwave, not on the counter. – Place leftover food in shallow containers and immediately put them in the refrigerator or freezer for rapid cooling. – Use cooked leftovers within four days. – Reheat leftovers to 165 degrees. – Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature was above 90). “You can become sick anytime from 20 minutes to 6 weeks after eating food with some types of harmful bacteria,” Reames says. “For some people who are at high risk — young children, pregnant women, people over 65 and people with chronic illnesses — getting sick from foodborne bacteria can cause serious health problems.” The Centers for Disease Control estimates that each year roughly one in six Americans (or 48 million people) gets sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases.
(Distributed 08/10/11) A new chemical for stink bug control on rice has been given federal approval on a limited basis for Louisiana farmers. The chemical Tenchu, made by Mitsui, will be available to treat up to 50,000 acres in Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Natalie Hummel.
(Distributed 08/10/11) Louisiana corn farmers are wrapping up a difficult year. Dry conditions throughout most of the growing season put stress on the crop.
POLLOCK, La – Ask any geologist, and they will tell you their job rocks. Chesapeake Energy Corporation’s geologists feel the same way. Their passion for geology, coupled with a companywide education program, created the This School Rocks interactive presentation, which introduces geology and mineral development to students from elementary to high school.
(Distributed 08/09/11) Two LSU AgCenter researchers recently received more than $87,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support economic opportunities for agricultural producers and businesses.
(Video 08/08/11) Flowers are not the only way to achieve beautiful color in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a dependable, tall-growing plant with beautifully colored foliage. (Runtime: 1:28)
(Distributed 08/08/11) MANSURA, La. – Exhibit enhancements are under way at the Louisiana 4-H Museum. “The new pieces will create a dynamic, self-guided experience for museum visitors,” said museum coordinator Rose Anne St. Romain. “They will be completed by September 30.”
(Distributed 08/05/11) BOSSIER CITY, La. – LSU AgCenter wildlife specialist Don Reed will conduct a deer management meeting Aug. 22 in Bossier City.
News Release Distributed 08/05/11By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Late August and early September are the time to begin preparing for fall blooms on your roses. Rose flowering and overall performance aren’t great during Louisiana summers, but each year we have the potential to have great fall blooms due to the cooler conditions and typically drier weather. During summer the flower colors on roses are less intense and the blooms are smaller. This is simply a function of summer heat. The best flower color on roses occurs at first bloom in spring and at peak bloom in fall. Size is also best at these times of the year. You will see foliage color become darker green, too, especially if roses are maintained with a good fertilization program. Hybrid tea roses can be pruned back to a height of 30-36 inches. Remove crossing and competing canes, and remove canes in the center of the plants. This thinning-type of cane removal is generally recommended for late-winter pruning, but it’s beneficial in late summer, too. Floribunda, grandiflora and landscape shrub roses are typically pruned in late summer to reduce plant height by one-third. In north Louisiana, finish rose pruning by the end of August. In south Louisiana, complete pruning by the first or second week in September. Fall blooms normally will peak 45-50 days after pruning, although this somewhat depends on growing conditions. In conjunction with pruning, clear debris from rose beds and pull any weeds that may be present. Add a granular, pre-emergent herbicide for weed control and mulch with a 2- to 3-inch layer of baled or shredded pine straw. Any new mulch can just be added on top of old mulch already in the beds. Pine bark and other mulch materials can be used if pine straw is not available. Be sure to fertilize, too. Most people fertilize when they prune and mulch. A recommended rate of a slow-release fertilizer will produce nice, uniform foliage growth through September and promote October flowering. Rose beds that have been regularly fertilized and contain soil high in phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium may need less fertilization than newer beds or beds that have not been regularly fertilized. Liquid feed also can be included to encourage larger bloom size in early October. If your soil pH is wrong, fall is a good time to address this issue. The ideal soil pH for roses is 6.2-6.5. Irrigation also needs to be maintained during droughty periods. We have been dry many times this year and wet at other times. Roses need 1 inch of irrigation weekly when rainfall is lacking. Although it’s possible insects will appear on roses in the fall, they are more of an issue in spring and summer. Examine your roses once weekly. Spider mites, aphids, flower thrips and cucumber beetles are usually the main problem insects. A new insect causing major problems on roses in Louisiana is chilli thrips. These are foliage-feeding thrips instead of flower-feeding thrips. They are hard to identify and hard to control once a population is established. It’s important to continue disease control on roses in late summer and fall. If weather is dry, foliage diseases may not be a major problem. But if we have significant rainfall or overwater, have plants in partial shade or have air circulation issues, disease will be present. The amount of disease you have on roses largely depends on the kind of roses you grow. Landscape shrub roses rarely need regular fungicide applications, but the roses most susceptible to black spot fungus – hybrid teas – need spraying on a 10-day schedule until the first killing frost. Late summer also is a good time to plant new roses. Try low-maintenance landscape shrubs like the Knock Out varieties and Home Run. Good floribundas include Cinco de Mayo, Hot Cocoa, Julia Child, Easy Does It and Easy Goin’. You also can select lower-maintenance hybrid tea roses, but these are more available at garden centers in spring. The LSU AgCenter will be naming a Louisiana Super Plant rose variety this fall. Watch for the announcement in September. Visit LaHouse in Baton Rouge to see sustainable landscape practices in action. The home and landscape resource center is near the intersection of Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive (Louisiana Highway 30) in Baton Rouge, across the street from the LSU baseball stadium. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/lahouse or www.lsuagcenter.com/lyn.
(Distributed 08/04/11) Twenty-three youth from around the state participated in the 2011 Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program Summer Institute held July 18-22 on the LSU-Baton Rouge campus, according to LSU AgCenter program coordinator Bradley Leger.
(Distributed 08/04/11) Cathleen Williams, an associate professor in the LSU AgCenter School of Animal Sciences, has been named the 2011 winner of the Land O’Lakes/Purina LLC Teaching Award in Dairy Production, which is presented by the American Dairy Science Association to recognize outstanding teaching of undergraduate students in dairy science.
(Distributed 08/04/11) The LSU AgCenter will host an on-farm sweet potato field day Aug. 24 in northeast Louisiana.
(Video News 08/02/11) Weather delayed planting of this year’s Louisiana sweet potato crop, but farmers managed to get it in the ground. The demand for sweet potatoes has been on the rise in recent years. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that Louisiana growers and a new processing facility are working to meet that demand. (Runtime: 1:25)
(Distributed 08/02/11) HOMER, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station has scheduled a field day for Thursday, Sept. 15.
(Distributed 08/02/11) ST. JOSEPH, La. – With help from a grant from the United Soybean Board, the LSU AgCenter is looking at best management options to maximize soybean yield in Louisiana.
(Distributed 08/01/11) ARCADIA, La. – Jurors Empowering Teens, a Bienville Parish program the LSU AgCenter oversees, completed its fourth year July 29 as 12 youth who are employed by the police jury completed their summer jobs.
(Distributed 08/01/11) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared Aug. 7-13 as Farmers Market Week.
(Video 08/1/11) If you haven’t already planted your caladiums a few months ago, you can still find a great variety of them in your local nurseries at this time. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the proper way to care for this highly reliable summer plant. (Runtime: 1:23)
(Audio 08/01/11) August begins a transitional time in home vegetable gardens in Louisiana. Gardeners can plant fall crops that enjoy warmer weather as well as cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 08/01/11) Seed treatments have replaced many soil insecticides that farmers use to control insects that attack cotton seedlings. LSU AgCenter entomologist Rogers Leonard says the seed treatments provide some level of insect control, but it’s not always enough. (Runtime: 1:15)
(Video News 08/25/11) Louisiana rice farmers are more than halfway through their harvest. Weather created challenges for growers throughout the season, but LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that rice plants seem to have rebounded. (Runtime: 1:53)
(Radio News 08/01/11) Louisiana saw unusual weather in the spring with high temperatures followed by unseasonably cold weather and extremely dry conditions. This affected the emergence, growth and development of crops planted during this period and has caused plants to mature at different rates. LSU AgCenter entomologist Rogers Leonard explains. (Runtime: 1:10)
(Radio News 08/10/11) Corn farmers are wrapping up a difficult year. Dry conditions throughout most of the growing season put stress on the crop. Conditions have been ideal for harvest. LSU AgCenter feed grain specialist John Kruse says the harvest has been mixed with good yields on irrigated corn and average-to-poor yields on dryland corn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 08/25/11) The Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition and the LSU AgCenter will host the 2011 Financial Education Summit Sept. 15-16 at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge. LSU AgCenter economist Jeanette Tucker helped organize the event. (Runtime: 1:30)
(Video News 08/02/11) Weather delayed planting of this year’s Louisiana sweet potato crop, but farmers managed to get it in the ground. The demand for sweet potatoes has been on the rise in recent years. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that Louisiana growers and a new processing facility are working to meet that demand. (Runtime: 1:25)
(Radio News 08/05/11) Information gained from soybean demonstration plots and new disease management strategies are helping farmers grow better soybeans. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy is conducting a soybean study at the Dean Lee Research Station. (Runtime: 1:05)
(Radio News 08/04/11) Louisiana’s soybean crop suffered from drought stress early in the growing season, but LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy says conditions are improving. (Runtime: 1:30)
(Video News 08/05/11) The latest cotton and soybean research was showcased at a recent LSU AgCenter field day. AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on the research aimed at helping farmers make better planting and management decisions. (Runtime: 1:47)
(Radio News 08/22/11) Irene is the first hurricane of the season. Although predictions have it hitting the East Coast and steering clear of Louisiana, an active hurricane is a reminder to be prepared for a potential storm. Part of the preparation is having a three-day emergency food supply for everyone in your home. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames explains. (Runtime: 1:15)
(Radio News 08/03/11) A series of research trials will help farmers gain a better understanding of the factors that affect cotton variety performance. LSU AgCenter agronomist Brooks Blanche is conducting the research, which includes a study of cotton varieties and planting dates. (Runtime: 1:25)
(Radio News 08/15/11) Children often come home from school hungry. Youngsters need more than three meals a day so snacking is important. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames says to be sure to choose healthy snacks that will help provide the nutrients youngsters need. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 08/23/11) Residents of Louisiana are aware of the potential for natural disasters in the state. With hurricane season becoming more active, LSU AgCenter family economist Jeanette Tucker encourages residents to put together a grab and go box that contains important documents that can help get your life in order after a disaster. (Runtime: 1:35)
(Radio News 08/12/11) Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. Now that school is starting, parents should make sure their children get a healthful breakfast which can translate into greater success in school. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 08/19/11) After the difficult season, Ben Leonards, who farms in Allen Parish, is wrapping up his rice harvest. Extreme heat coupled with dry weather affected his crop. To keep water on his fields Leonards had to run his pump through much of the summer. Despite the challenges, he is seeing good yields, but he had hoped for better. (Runtime: 1:20)
(Video News 08/12/11) Louisiana farmers are more than halfway through the corn harvest. A dry spring and early summer were hard on the crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:37)
(Radio News 08/15/11) While youngsters are packing up their backpacks, parents may be packing up lunch bags. Students need something nutritious to sustain them throughout the day, but they also need something safe says LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety expert Beth Reames. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Radio News 08/22/11) The Rice Verification Program started more than a decade ago to help LSU AgCenter specialists confirm under real-world conditions their recommendations for rice production. Certain farms are selected each year to participate. LSU AgCenter agent Barrett Courville was in Allen Parish for the harvest of a verification field. (Runtime: 1:20)
(For Release On Or After 08/26/11) We are fortunate that everblooming roses produce two really great seasons of bloom in Louisiana. The first outstanding season occurs in spring and early summer from April to early June. Roses continue to bloom through the summer, but the flowers produced in mid- to late summer generally don’t have the quality of the flowers produced earlier.
(Audio 08/01/11) Louisiana has a long summer growing season. Bedding plants planted back in the spring may be taller than expected and need some pruning. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/08/11) Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on plants. Because they are hard to see, they can build up a large population before gardeners realize it. White flies also are small insects. Both spider mites and white flies attack a wide variety of plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/15/11) After a summer of vigorous growth outside, a container plant may have outgrown its pot. Signs of a pot-bound plant include roots growing out of the drainage hole or roots on the surface of the soil. Repot a plant to a larger container if you see these issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 08/08/11) Flowers are not the only way to achieve beautiful color in your landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a dependable, tall-growing plant with beautifully colored foliage. (Runtime: 1:28)
(Audio 08/08/11) Eggplants and bell peppers are important in Louisiana cuisine, and gardeners may still have these vegetables in their gardens. If the plants are kept in good shape, they'll produce another crop when the weather begins to cool. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/22/11) Palms can grow across the state, and summer is an ideal time to plant them. To maintain palms, prune old fronds that have turned brown. You also can prune off flower clusters. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/15/11) Milkweed is a perfect plant for attracting monarch butterflies to your garden. It blooms all summer long and is a robust plant. But remember you can't spray insecticides on the milkweed because pesticides can harm caterpillars that will become butterflies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/08/11) The colorful foliage of coleus works well in the summer flower garden. To take care of these plants this time of the year, cut off their flowers to allow them to grow more foliage. Fertilizer will help them grow more vigorously. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/08/11) Pecans are forming and growing on pecan trees. Dry conditions could cause pecans to drop prematurely, and the heavy weight of pecans could cause branches to break. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/08/11) Hanging baskets allow people a different perspective on plants. If you have plants that have overgrown their baskets, trim them back. For trailing plants that have grown too long, wrap the plants back up in their pots. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/22/11) August is the last month to fertilize Louisiana lawns. Lawn fertilizers will work for several months. By October, we need our lawns to slow down and prepare for winter. No matter when you do it, fertilizing is an option not a necessity. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 08/1/11) If you haven’t already planted your caladiums a few months ago, you can still find a great variety of them in your local nurseries at this time. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the proper way to care for this highly reliable summer plant. (Runtime: 1:23)
(Video 08/22/11) Many plants don’t perform well in poorly drained areas. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one that will not only thrive in soggy areas, but will also grow to towering heights while showing off giant, beautiful blooms. (Runtime: 1:31)
(Video 8/15/11) It seems there’s no escape outside from the hot temperatures – except for the shade. So, on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests doing some work in your shade garden. He offers some tips for properly selecting and growing shade plants. (Runtime: 1:26)
(Audio 08/15/11) In Louisiana, pears ripen in August and September. Signs that the fruit are ripening include a change of color. They may also soften slightly. Don't let them get too soft. Pears ripen better off the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 8/29/11) On this edition of Get It Growing, we look at a climbing vine that displays a wonderful profusion of large, colorful flowers. It’s the Alice Dupont mandevilla, and it blooms abundantly during the summer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill offers some tips on growing this graceful, colorful, trellis vine. (Runtime: 1:33)
(Audio 08/22/11) Ajuga is a ground cover that has purple-tinted leaves. It is low-growing and loves the shade. Although it can be prone to fungal infection, certain varieties have better disease resistance than others. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/15/11) Ferns are great plants for shady areas in landscapes. Gardeners looking to work in the shade during the hot months or other times of the year will enjoy having ferns. Trim out any dead fronds, and make sure they have adequate mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/22/11) Aquatic features are great in landscapes. They are easy to add and not too difficult to maintain. Those with existing aquatic gardens should make sure the ponds stays clean and has a balanced ecosystem. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 08/05/11) When gardeners get together and someone compliments a plant, it’s not unusual for the admirer to be offered a “piece” to take home and root. Sharing plants is one of the pleasures of gardening. Getting that piece – or cutting – to survive and grow into a new plant is the challenge.
(For Release On Or After 08/12/11) Bromeliads are a wonderful group of tropical or semi-tropical plants that are very popular container plants. Because they are easy to grow, colorful and stay in bloom for a long time, they are also commonly used by florist as gift plants. As a result, even people who are not familiar with bromeliads sometimes find themselves the owner of a plant they do not know how to grow.
(Audio 08/01/11) Chinch bugs are tiny insects that attack and kill grass. They are worse during late summer and like hot, dry conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/01/11) Insects and other pests have had all summer to build up their populations and become problems. When controlling an insect pest, disease problem or weed issue, it's always best to identify what you are dealing with before you start trying to treat it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/15/11) For most plants, the hottest time of the year is not the time to divide them. But Louisiana iris are dormant now, and it is the perfect time to dig them up and divide any large clumps. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 08/22/11) Gardeners growing ever-blooming roses in their landscapes should prune plants in late August or early September. The pruning provides a chance to shape plants before the roses bloom again in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 08/19/11) Reading garden books has always been a favorite pastime of mine, and I still keep my most useful references close at hand. But I have to admit that more and more I find myself doing research on my computer. The amount of information on the Internet about gardening is nothing short of awesome.
(Audio 08/01/11) Gardeners can get a good fall tomato harvest. Local nurseries will have tomato transplants that can be planted into well-prepared beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
