(Video 06/18/2012) Flowers are not the only game in town when it comes to summer color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some special hibiscus plants that display beautiful purple – and even pink – foliage. (Runtime 1:29)
(Video 6/18/12) Runoff from road construction contributes to the impairment of water bodies across the country. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that may be a simple fix to this recurring problem. (Runtime 1:46)
(video 06/25/2012) Some plants are not only showy, but they also attract beautiful wildlife. That aptly describes the milkweed plant, which invites Monarch butterflies to nest on its leaves. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes a particular milkweed that grows well here but is native to Mexico. (Runtime 1:36)
(Video News 06/29/12) The outlook is optimistic for Louisiana’s corn and cotton crops. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard says early planting has been beneficial to crop growth. (Runtime: 1:40)
(Radio News 06/26/12) The outlook is optimistic for Louisiana’s corn crop. The mild winter allowed for early planting, which has benefited the crop, says LSU AgCenter corn specialist John Kruse. (Runtime: 1:15)
News Release Distributed 06/25/12The Fourth of July is the biggest hot dog holiday of the year, with Americans downing an estimated 155 million wieners. Although Americans enjoy hot dogs all year long, we eat an estimated seven billion between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If your holiday plans include hot dogs, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames offers information that may help you make nutritious choices. Most regular hot dogs contain 10 to 15 grams of fat, Reames says. To lower the fat content, choose low-fat or fat-free hot dogs. The low-fat dogs often contain half the fat of regular, while fat-free varieties contain less than a half gram of fat per serving. Chicken and turkey dogs don't necessarily contain less fat than the regular hot dogs, Reames says, so read the label to compare products. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy hot dogs made from soy products, such as tofu. Although most hot dogs are high in sodium, some lower-sodium varieties are available. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommend limiting sodium to 2,300 milligrams per day. Remember that condiments such as mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup and chili are also high in sodium, so use these sparingly, Reames says. Because hot dogs are among the foods associated with choking among children, experts often recommend not feeding hot dogs to children under 3. For children of all ages, Reames says, cut the hot dog to appropriate sizes and watch children eat to ensure they do not choke. To prevent listeriosis, a foodborne illness that has been associated with ready-to-eat processed foods, the USDA recommends heating hot dogs to at least 165 degrees. This is especially important for at-risk individuals, including pregnant women, those who are immune compromised and the elderly, Reames says. According to the Centers for Disease Control, listeriosis, which usually is caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems. Reames recommends other food safety guidelines for hot dogs, including: –When you leave the grocery store with hot dogs, head straight home and refrigerate or freeze them immediately. –Eat hot dogs by the product use-by date. If there is no product date, hot dogs can be safely stored in the unopened package for two weeks in the refrigerator and one week after opening. –For maximum quality, freeze hot dogs no longer than one or two months. –Never leave hot dogs at room temperature for more than two hours and no more than one hour when the temperature goes above 90 degrees.
(Radio News 06/25/12) The Senate passed its version of the farm bill, and it includes only one commodity subsidy program. The crop insurance program in the Senate’s version of the bill offers agriculture risk coverage. This protects farmers who may have crop failures, but lacks adequate support for growers of certain crops that are important to Louisiana’s economy. (Runtime: 1:35)
News Release Distributed 06/22/12By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Many coreopsis are available for our landscapes in Louisiana. Coreopsis, sometimes called tickseed, are herbaceous perennial flowers. Sometimes we treat these as annuals in Louisiana, and sometimes we treat them as perennials. The larger-flowered varieties are usually most popular with home gardeners. Popular coreopsis varieties on the market include Jethro Tull, Sunfire, Early Sunrise, Rising Sun, Corey Yellow and Sunray. Flowers on all of these are some shade of golden yellow. Some varieties have more of a semi-double to double flower form, which is characteristic of the Early Sunrise variety. A variegated form of Early Sunrise is called Tequila Sunrise. These plants do well in a sunny, well-drained landscape bed. They do best planted in late winter through early spring or even in fall. You can often find a nice selection of coreopsis in bloom at garden centers in late spring. Their typical peak blooming times are May through July, but they still provide some additional flowers through late summer and fall. Plants prefer limited irrigation and perform best when we have less-than-average rainfall. Over-watering or excessive rainfall can lead to root rot and other disease problems, so we recommend preparing beds to maximize drainage. Fertilize at planting with a slow-release fertilizer. You also can use liquid feed as needed during the growing season to keep plants at their best. Plants can be divided every two to three years. This is best done early when new growth begins in early spring or when growth slows later in the fall. For best flowering, you can lightly remove old flowers as they fade. This will bring on additional blooms and slow seed pod development. Sometimes coreopsis will lightly reseed themselves in a landscape bed. Anytime your coreopsis totally finishes a flowering cycle, cut the entire plant back one-third to one-half. A new flower cycle should commence in three to four weeks if growing conditions are favorable. Coreopsis have few insect problems. They are a nectar and larval plant for butterflies, so they’re recommended for butterfly gardens. Coreopsis have long been favorites with gardeners across the South. Use them combined with annual warm-season flowers or in a perennial planting with buddleia, rudbeckias, salvia, coneflowers, lantanas, shasta daisies, verbenas or other hardy favorites. 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.
(Audio 06/19/12) A layer of compost/mulch mixture has been found to reduce sediment runoff from highway construction zones. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports on the findings of a recent study by an AgCenter soil scientist. (Runtime 1:25)
(Audio 06/19/12) Beef producers need to look at the genetics of their herd in order to produce better quality animals, according to an animal scientist with the LSU AgCenter. (Runtime 1:00)
(Video 06/18/2012) Flowers are not the only game in town when it comes to summer color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some special hibiscus plants that display beautiful purple – and even pink – foliage. (Runtime 1:29)
(video 06/25/2012) Some plants are not only showy, but they also attract beautiful wildlife. That aptly describes the milkweed plant, which invites Monarch butterflies to nest on its leaves. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes a particular milkweed that grows well here but is native to Mexico. (Runtime 1:36)
(Video 06/18/2012) Raising cattle in the subtropical climate of Louisiana can present some challenges. LSU AgCenter corrrespondent Craig Gautreaux reports on research undertaken by the AgCenter that beef producers can use to imporve the quality of their herd. (Runtime 1:48)
(Video 6/18/12) Runoff from road construction contributes to the impairment of water bodies across the country. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that may be a simple fix to this recurring problem. (Runtime 1:46)
News Release Distributed 06/14/12By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings What’s the most popular summer-blooming tree in Louisiana? Crape myrtles. Pretty easy question. Louisianians plant many crape myrtles in their landscapes every year. The lovely, long-lasting blooms make them attractive. Most years, crape myrtles start blooming between mid-May and early June. Flowering continues for 90-120 days depending on the variety. You may sometimes see crape myrtles not blooming well. “Why?” you might ask. Here are some factors to consider: – New growth. How much new growth did your crape myrtles have this spring? Crape myrtles need to have new growth each spring in order to produce summer flowers. These flowers come on current-season growth, so late winter/early spring fertilization can aid crape myrtle flowering in the summer. It is not too late to fertilize this year if you haven’t yet. – Shade. Crape myrtles require eight hours of direct sun daily to bloom well. Crape myrtles planted in areas that receive less than six hours of direct sun do not get enough sunlight for adequate bloom development. – Variety. Some varieties don’t flower as vigorously as others. Hybrid crape myrtles usually flower first. Natchez, Tuscarora, Basham’s Party Pink and Muskogee are the easiest-flowering varieties. The semi-dwarf varieties such as Tonto, Acoma and Sioux follow a week or two later. – Insects. Heavy infestations of aphids decrease flowering. This is the most common insect problem on crape myrtles. Ever feel like you’re being “rained” on under the canopy of a crape myrtle? That “rain” is actually bodily fluid being excreted from aphids. White flies and other insect also can cause problems for crape myrtles. – Improper pruning. Drastic pruning or pruning after new spring growth can delay summer flowering. Drastic pruning, in fact, may promote excessive growth and less flowering. Sometimes the “crape murder” method of pruning can initiate too much growth at the expense of flowering. – Too much fertilizer. Excessive fertilization, especially high amounts of nitrogen, in conjunction with other factors, primarily improper pruning, can eliminate or delay flowering. – Leaf spot. Foliar diseases decrease plant vigor and flowering, especially in the absence of new growth in spring. The main cause of leaf spot in crape myrtles is the fungus Cercospora, and it’s bad this year. Long term, this disease is not detrimental to the plant. Using fungicides for control has not been very effective because they would have to be applied repeatedly throughout the growing season, and getting adequate coverage on larger trees is difficult. – Wet soil. Crape myrtles need well-drained areas to grow well. Lichens growing on bark is common on crape myrtles growing in shady areas accompanied by poorly drained soils and low levels of native soil fertility. So, that’s the list. Consider these reasons if your crape myrtles are not performing to their potential. Hopefully, your crape myrtles will bloom and bloom some more for you this summer. 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 06/08/12By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings One of the most popular non-woody perennials in Louisiana is the purple coneflower. The scientific name of this plant is Echinacea purpurea. It is native to an area from the Midwest into the southeastern United States. Coneflowers have long been favorites with gardeners across the South. You can use them in a perennial planting with buddleia, rudbeckias, salvia, coreopsis, lantanas, Shasta daisies, verbenas or other hardy favorites. Butterflies love purple coneflowers, too. Purple coneflowers are drought-tolerant, tough and long-lived. Flowering usually starts in late April or early May, and most coneflowers re-bloom through summer and fall. If you’re looking for a plant to enhance your landscape, new selections of this old garden plant are making it highly desirable for our Louisiana landscapes. Flower petals in coneflowers have typically been in the soft lavender to purple color ranges. Now white forms are available. Magnus is a popular variety that was the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1998. This selection has vibrant, rose-purple flowers. Bravado is a variety with 4- to 5-inch fragrant flowers. White Swan is a white-flowering form. With hybridization of coneflower species, a whole new group of coneflowers, called the Big Sky series, has added to the color range. The Big Sky coneflowers come in shades of oranges, reds and yellows. These plants originated from Itsaul Plants in Georgia and are being marketed by the Novalis “Plants That Work” program. The varieties Twilight (rose-red flowers), Harvest Moon (earthy-gold flowers), Sundown (russet-orange flowers), Sunrise (citron-yellow flowers) and Sunset (orange flowers) comprise the series collection. These varieties have been available at garden centers in Louisiana the past three years, but they are not as reliably perennial as we would like to see. New in the purple coneflower world is the seed-propagated PowWow series. PowWow Wild Berry is an All-America Selection winner from 2011. In addition, a white version is called PowWow White. These have performed nicely in LSU AgCenter trials. Also new are the vegetatively propagated Sombraro series and the double-flower series Doublescoop. A new purple coneflower that will be an All-America Selection winner in 2013 is Cheyenne Spirit. You can do several things to help coneflowers perform ideally. These plants prefer a mostly sunny location with well-drained soil. You can buy coneflowers at the garden center in 4-inch pots or quart or one-gallon containers. A light application of a slow-release fertilizer is recommended at planting and once or twice annually thereafter. Mulch with pine straw or a similar material. Remove old flowers to encourage quick re-bloom. Coneflowers are reliably perennial in Louisiana. 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 06/11/12) The coral honeysuckle is one of the showiest vining honeysuckles you can find. It’s tough and attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some uses for this climbing vine with bright flowers. (Runtime: 1:29)
(Video 06/04/12) Red yucca is not really a yucca, and it’s not really colored red. But it is a beautiful, low-maintenance succulent without the dangerous dagger-like leaves of a true yucca plant. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this heat-tolerant plant, which also attracts butterflies. (Runtime: 1:27)
News Release Distributed 06/01/12By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Spring bloom on roses is just about completed. Roses in most home landscapes have their best bloom performance at first flowering in the spring (mid-April) and at the fall bloom in October. We are now rapidly approaching the summer months. Rose bushes will not necessarily look their best during summer. This is especially true as we get to July and August. We should be thinking now about how to maintain our roses through summer to enjoy them to their fullest. Most gardeners now are planting landscape or shrub roses in abundance. This includes the popular Knock Out varieties. However, many home gardeners in Louisiana still enjoy growing the traditional modern roses like hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora varieties. During summer, flower colors on roses are less intense and blooms are smaller. Petal count will decrease. A Knock Out rose with 10-12 petals in midspring may only have five to six petals in late summer. You can also see petal count reduction on hybrid tea roses. They typically have 40-50 petals per flower, but petal numbers are not quite as high in summer, and flower size is smaller. Also, flower pigmentation is not as good during summer due to the high temperatures and unfavorable growing conditions. Heat stress was common on all roses last summer with exceptionally high temperatures and drought conditions from May through September. Heat stress can be identified by flower performance, but also just by an overall reduced, almost stagnant, growth rate and pale green foliage. Leaf crinkling can occur when heat stress is severe. Roses need disease management from now through the end of summer for good flowering and performance into fall. Normally, the varieties with high to moderate susceptibility to blackspot disease need to continue to be sprayed with fungicide on a 10-to-14-day schedule. Even though it is hotter than ideal for the blackspot fungus to reproduce as fast in summer, the disease inoculum from spring will still be present. You may see foliage burn due to fungicide application during summer. Fertilizer should probably not be applied during the middle of summer, but a light application may be of value in some situations. Irrigation also needs to be maintained during droughty periods. Apply water to the mulched, root zone area around the plants. Avoid getting water on the plant foliage. Do not prune roses in June and July other than taking off old flowers as they fade. If you continually “deadhead” roses during summer, you’ll need to do less pruning later. The recommended late-summer pruning of modern rose varieties such as hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora and shrub roses should be completed by early September in south Louisiana. Bloom will return on the pruned bushes 40-45 days after pruning. Other rose gardening work that needs to be done during summer includes: – Watch roses for insect pests. Spider mites, aphids, thrips and cucumber beetles are usually the main problem insects on roses. Some can be easily controlled; some are more difficult to control. Monitor your plants weekly for insect infestations. – Clear debris from rose beds and pull any weeds that may be present. Add pre-emergent granular herbicide such as Preen or Amaze for summer weed control. – Add new mulch if you did not refresh the bed earlier in the year (pine straw is an excellent material). Even if you did add mulch earlier in the season, a new application on top of the older mulch may be beneficial. Three inches of pine straw is ideal. 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 06/01/12By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings Spring bloom on roses is just about completed. Roses in most home landscapes have their best bloom performance at first flowering in the spring (mid-April) and at the fall bloom in October. We are now rapidly approaching the summer months. Rose bushes will not necessarily look their best during summer. This is especially true as we get to July and August. We should be thinking now about how to maintain our roses through summer to enjoy them to their fullest. Most gardeners now are planting landscape or shrub roses in abundance. This includes the popular Knock Out varieties. However, many home gardeners in Louisiana still enjoy growing the traditional modern roses like hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora varieties. During summer, flower colors on roses are less intense and blooms are smaller. Petal count will decrease. A Knock Out rose with 10-12 petals in midspring may only have five to six petals in late summer. You can also see petal count reduction on hybrid tea roses. They typically have 40-50 petals per flower, but petal numbers are not quite as high in summer, and flower size is smaller. Also, flower pigmentation is not as good during summer due to the high temperatures and unfavorable growing conditions. Heat stress was common on all roses last summer with exceptionally high temperatures and drought conditions from May through September. Heat stress can be identified by flower performance, but also just by an overall reduced, almost stagnant, growth rate and pale green foliage. Leaf crinkling can occur when heat stress is severe. Roses need disease management from now through the end of summer for good flowering and performance into fall. Normally, the varieties with high to moderate susceptibility to blackspot disease need to continue to be sprayed with fungicide on a 10-to-14-day schedule. Even though it is hotter than ideal for the blackspot fungus to reproduce as fast in summer, the disease inoculum from spring will still be present. You may see foliage burn due to fungicide application during summer. Fertilizer should probably not be applied during the middle of summer, but a light application may be of value in some situations. Irrigation also needs to be maintained during droughty periods. Apply water to the mulched, root zone area around the plants. Avoid getting water on the plant foliage. Do not prune roses in June and July other than taking off old flowers as they fade. If you continually “deadhead” roses during summer, you’ll need to do less pruning later. The recommended late-summer pruning of modern rose varieties such as hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora and shrub roses should be completed by early September in south Louisiana. Bloom will return on the pruned bushes 40-45 days after pruning. Other rose gardening work that needs to be done during summer includes: – Watch roses for insect pests. Spider mites, aphids, thrips and cucumber beetles are usually the main problem insects on roses. Some can be easily controlled; some are more difficult to control. Monitor your plants weekly for insect infestations. – Clear debris from rose beds and pull any weeds that may be present. Add pre-emergent granular herbicide such as Preen or Amaze for summer weed control. – Add new mulch if you did not refresh the bed earlier in the year (pine straw is an excellent material). Even if you did add mulch earlier in the season, a new application on top of the older mulch may be beneficial. Three inches of pine straw is ideal. 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 06/11/12) The coral honeysuckle is one of the showiest vining honeysuckles you can find. It’s tough and attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some uses for this climbing vine with bright flowers. (Runtime: 1:29)
(Video 06/11/12) The coral honeysuckle is one of the showiest vining honeysuckles you can find. It’s tough and attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some uses for this climbing vine with bright flowers. (Runtime: 1:29)
(Video 06/04/12) Red yucca is not really a yucca, and it’s not really colored red. But it is a beautiful, low-maintenance succulent without the dangerous dagger-like leaves of a true yucca plant. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this heat-tolerant plant, which also attracts butterflies. (Runtime: 1:27)
(Audio 06/25/12) If you have tomatoes planted in your vegetable garden, by this time of the year you should be harvesting many fresh red tomatoes. You may notice some of the flowers that the plant produces will begin to fall off due to high temperatures and lack of pollination. If you want to harvest tomatoes well into the summer, be sure to plant heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/12) If you have tomatoes planted in your vegetable garden, by this time of the year you should be harvesting many fresh red tomatoes. You may notice some of the flowers that the plant produces will begin to fall off due to high temperatures and lack of pollination. If you want to harvest tomatoes well into the summer, be sure to plant heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/12) Louisiana figs will soon begin to ripen. It is important to make sure fig trees are receiving a sufficient amount of water. To prevent birds from feeding on your figs, purchase bird netting from your local nursery. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/12) Frequent summer rainfall makes the weather humid and damp. Snails and slugs love this type of weather, and they are likely to come out and feed on your plants. Deal with snails and slugs by setting out beer traps or using iron phosphate baits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/12) Louisiana gardeners welcome flowering plants that are able to withstand the intense heat of summer. Profusion zinnias are a hybrid group of zinnias that are insect-free. They grow very well during the summer. Hear more about growing zinnias in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/25/12) Gardeners should practice weed control in Louisiana beds during the summer. Regardless of how you weed, chances are the weeds will grow back. Try using mulch as a defense against weeds, and you also may want to apply a pre-emergence herbicide to prevent weeds from developing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/12) Most baldcypress trees that are planted in the landscape don’t usually produce knees. If your cypress does produce knees, this can be a nuisance when they come up in the lawn. While cypress knees in a flower bed appear picturesque, it is beneficial to eliminate the ones that appear in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/12) Petunias produce beautifully while the weather is relatively mild in the spring. It is not unusual for these spring-planted petunias to begin to languish during the intense heat of summer. If you are planning to plant petunias for the summer, be sure to choose heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/12) Just about everyone loves a colorful flower bed in the summer. Pentas are wonderful, reliable plants that come in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes. Hear more about planting pentas in your flower bed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/12) While French tarragon will not grow properly through Louisiana’s hot summers, Mexican tarragon could serve as a substitute. This relative of marigolds has a rich flavor and grows beautifully in full sun. Learn more about planting Mexican tarragon in your herb garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/18/12) Many people plant trees during the winter season and into spring. When the temperatures rise, these trees are going to need supplemental watering. Here are some tips for watering newly planted trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/12) Caterpillars are a major pest on plants such as vegetables, ornamentals and fruit trees. Gardeners should keep an eye out for caterpillar damage and take action for controlling infestation if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/12) Many gardeners have outdoor container plants. Be careful when growing container plants on wooden decks because it could cause staining or rotting of the wood. To prevent this from happening, boost container plants by placing them on top of bricks or pot feet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/12) Gardenias are popular in Louisiana gardens and are known for their amazing fragrance. When gardenias finish their blooming season in June, it is time for gardeners to begin pruning if necessary. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider pruning your gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/12) Trees are an irreplaceable aspect of landscapes, but their tall heights make them vulnerable to lightning strikes. A lightning strike does not always cause a tree to die, but homeowners should be aware of how to handle a dying tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/12) Trees are an irreplaceable aspect of landscapes, but their tall heights make them vulnerable to lightning strikes. A lightning strike does not always cause a tree to die, but homeowners should be aware of how to handle a dying tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/11/12) Louisiana gardeners who spend long periods of time outside in their gardens should take precautions to protect themselves from summer’s heat. Hear more about drinking plenty of fluids, gardening in the shade and other helpful tips. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/12) Lawns often have many issues that are sometimes difficult to treat. Slime mold is an unattractive fungus-like organism that lives in lawns throughout the year and decays organic matter. Hear how slime mold can actually benefit your lawn rather than cause damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/12) Lawns often have many issues that are sometimes difficult to treat. Slime mold is an unattractive fungus-like organism that lives in lawns throughout the year and decays organic matter. Hear how slime mold can actually benefit your lawn rather than cause damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/12) Now is the time for gardeners to start pruning their once-blooming rose bushes. These roses are just finishing their blooming season, and by pruning them now, the plant will produce vigorous new growth. This new growth will produce flowers for you next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/12) A sucker is an undesirable, vigorous shoot originating at the base of a plant. When dealing with suckers, it is important to prune them properly to prevent a stub from sprouting again and producing more suckers than before. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/12) Hurricane season begins in June. High winds from these storms can cause damage to landscapes, and gardeners should be aware of this and prepare their landscapes accordingly. Hear about how you can properly prepare your yard for hurricane season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/04/12) Lichens are a crusty, grayish growth found on tree branches, statues and fences. Gardeners are often concerned that this growth is damaging the plant. Learn more about lichen growth in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On Or After 06/29/12) There is a great deal of confusion among gardeners about what fertilizers are, what they do and why we use them. To put things in perspective, using fertilizers properly is an important part of gardening, but it is almost never a matter of life and death.
(For Release On Or After 06/15/12) No other summer-flowering shrub surpasses the tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for glossy, dark green foliage and nonstop flowers in shades of and blends of pink, yellow, orange, white, lavender or scarlet. And their exceptionally long blooming season runs from late spring through late fall.
(For Release On Or After 06/29/12) There is a great deal of confusion among gardeners about what fertilizers are, what they do and why we use them. To put things in perspective, using fertilizers properly is an important part of gardening, but it is almost never a matter of life and death.
(For Release On Or After 06/15/12) No other summer-flowering shrub surpasses the tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for glossy, dark green foliage and nonstop flowers in shades of and blends of pink, yellow, orange, white, lavender or scarlet. And their exceptionally long blooming season runs from late spring through late fall.
(For Release On Or After 06/22/12 ) As if mowing the lawn wasn’t trouble enough, dealing with and disposing of grass clippings can be a major problem. Clumps of grass clippings left on the lawn are unsightly and yellow the grass beneath them.
(For Release On Or After 06/01/12) Gardeners crave color in shady areas of their landscapes just as much as they do in sunny areas. Unfortunately, shade-loving plants are generally not so flamboyant, and the selection of colorful bedding plants for shady gardens is limited. Thank goodness for caladiums.
(For Release On Or After 06/08/12) People often take their longest vacations during summer. When planning a vacation, people make arrangements to have someone take care of everything from their pets to the newspaper. But it’s also important to have someone look after plants and home grounds during an extended absence.
(Distributed 06/14/12) CROWLEY, La. – Farmers midway through their rice-growing season heard advice Wednesday (June 13) from LSU AgCenter experts at the Acadia Parish field day on precautions to be considered to protect this year’s crop.
(Distributed 06/14/12) CROWLEY, La. – Farmers midway through their rice-growing season heard advice Wednesday (June 13) from LSU AgCenter experts at the Acadia Parish field day on precautions to be considered to protect this year’s crop.
(Distributed 06/19/12) ST. JOSEPH, La. – More than 170 farmers and agriculture industry representatives heard about the latest research on corn, soybeans and cotton at the annual field day held June 14 at the LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station.
Rice farmers should be vigilant for disease, specifically leaf blast, that is worse than in previous years, LSU AgCenter experts advised during field days in Evangeline and Jefferson Davis parishes.
(Distributed 06/26/12) Theo Udeigwe, LSU AgCenter agronomist, is in his first year of studying the effects of different wheat residue and stubble management techniques on soil quality and soybean yield in a wheat-soybean double crop system.
(Distributed 06/26/12) Theo Udeigwe, LSU AgCenter agronomist, is in his first year of studying the effects of different wheat residue and stubble management techniques on soil quality and soybean yield in a wheat-soybean double crop system.
Rice farmers should be vigilant for disease, specifically leaf blast, that is worse than in previous years, LSU AgCenter experts advised during field days in Evangeline and Jefferson Davis parishes.
(Distributed 06/19/12) ST. JOSEPH, La. – More than 170 farmers and agriculture industry representatives heard about the latest research on corn, soybeans and cotton at the annual field day held June 14 at the LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station.
(Distributed 06/18/12) Hector Zapata, professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, has been named interim associate vice chancellor for International Programs, a joint appointment between the LSU AgCenter and LSU A&M. He replaces Lakshman Velupillai, who will retire from that post on June 30.
(Distributed 06/06/12) Applying a combination of wood mulch and compost on highway construction sites can significantly reduce the amount of rain runoff and accompanying erosion, according to research from the LSU AgCenter.
(Distributed 06/06/12) Applying a combination of wood mulch and compost on highway construction sites can significantly reduce the amount of rain runoff and accompanying erosion, according to research from the LSU AgCenter.
(Distributed 06/18/12) Hector Zapata, professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, has been named interim associate vice chancellor for International Programs, a joint appointment between the LSU AgCenter and LSU A&M. He replaces Lakshman Velupillai, who will retire from that post on June 30.
(Distributed 06/22/12) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension field day on July 19 will feature presentations on biofuels, cotton, corn, soybeans and cattle.
(Distributed 06/14/12) BOSSIER CITY, La. – An LSU AgCenter soybean breeder is going back to the wild to find ways of increasing soybean yields.
(Distributed 06/14/12) BOSSIER CITY, La. – An LSU AgCenter soybean breeder is going back to the wild to find ways of increasing soybean yields.
(Distributed 06/11/12) Producing the highest quality beef in order to improve return on investment was the primary topic of the LSU AgCenter Beef Field Day held at the Central Research Station in Baton Rouge on June 9.
CROWLEY, La. – Representatives of the Kellogg Co., Louisiana Rice Mill and the LSU AgCenter unveiled on July 18 the Master Rice Grower Program, which provides incentives to qualified farmers for following sustainable production practices.
(Distributed 06/28/12) July is Smart Irrigation Month across the country. This is an effort of the Irrigation Association to educate industry professionals and homeowners on proper irrigation in the landscape. In order for an irrigation system to be effective, it needs to be designed right, installed right and water right. What does all this mean?
(Distributed 06/25/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Members of 4-H clubs from across Louisiana were named state contest winners on June 21 at the closing session of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University.
(Distributed 06/01/12) Garden and research plot tours, food sampling and music will be featured at a morning-long Garden Fest at Burden Center on June 30 at the LSU AgCenter Burden Center in Baton Rouge.
(Distributed 06/01/12) Two nuisance caterpillars are out in greater numbers than usual this year in Louisiana. One is a dangerous stinging caterpillar, and the other can wreak havoc in small fruit and ornamental trees.
(Distributed 06/01/12) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a field day June 13 for Acadia Parish farmers.
(Distributed 06/07/12) The big, black eastern lubber grasshopper has started making its appearance in southern Louisiana. But its frightful look should be no cause for alarm, said Tim Schowalter, LSU AgCenter entomologist and head of the Department of Entomology.
(Distributed 06/29/12) CROWLEY – The tell-tale signs of diseased rice could be seen from the road at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Field Day held Thursday (June 28), with several plots showing sterile panicles that will produce little or no grain.
(Distributed 06/11/12) Downy mildew was recently found on impatiens in the south Baton Rouge area.
(Distributed 06/05/12) FRANKLINTON, La. – Producers from as far away as Texas and Mississippi learned about the newest hay equipment and improved summer forages at the forage field day May 31 at the LSU AgCenter Southeast Research Station.
(Distributed 06/06/12) Louisiana blueberry growers have a new pest to watch for that has the potential of reducing their yield by up to 30 percent.
(Distributed 06/28012) CROWLEY, La. – The Louisiana Master Farmer Program is being fine-tuned with changes to enable more agricultural producers to achieve certification with completion of the program’s three phases.
(Distributed 06/05/12) The Louisiana County Agents Association recently honored LSU AgCenter county agents Keith Fontenot and Terrence Marshall with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award.
(Distributed 06/21/12) OAK GROVE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a midseason field day for northeast Louisiana rice and soybean farmers on July 12 in West Carroll Parish.
(Distributed 06/01/12) The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Foundation finalized a limited lease and use agreement on May 24 that allows the foundation to rent LSU AgCenter property at the Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria to manage their cattle.