July

Farmers learn about new varieties sugarcane research

(Video News 07/31/13) Sugarcane farmers gathered at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station to learn about research that can help their crop. AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was at the Sugarcane Field Day and has this report. (Runtime: 1:39)

Contagious citrus disease causes lesions on plant parts

(Audio 07/31/13) LSU AgCenter county agents and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry personnel are ready to respond to a potential outbreak of the disease citrus canker. Citrus canker affects all varieties of citrus, and there are no measures that can prevent it. Raj Singh, LSU AgCenter plant scientist, said the disease can infect all young parts of the plant. Anyone with a citrus tree needs to be aware of the symptoms. (Runtime: 1:55)

Mushrooms are nuisance in landscapes

(Audio 07/26/13) During Louisiana's humid summer, it is not unusual to see mushrooms in the landscape. Mushrooms are mainly a nuisance. Some types of mushrooms can be poisonous, so consider gathering and disposing of them if you have children or pets. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

LSU AgCenter specialist expects bumper corn crop

(Audio News 07/24/13) Louisiana has about 700,000 acres of corn, a significant increase over recent years. LSU AgCenter corn specialist Ronnie Levy says despite a cold spring, growers were able to get their crop in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Summer care helps chrysanthemums bloom in fall

(Audio 07/25/13) Chrysanthemums are the queen of the fall flower garden, but summer is a good time to cut them back. If you wait too long to do this, it may interfere with their blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Vegetable gardens transition to fall

(Audio 07/29/13) August ushers in late summer and early fall for our vegetable gardens. Gardeners can plant vegetables that can tolerate the heat and ones that will productive into fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Gardeners can plant fall tomtatoes

(Audio 07/29/13) Louisiana gardeners get a second shot at growing tomatoes in late summer. Tomatoes planted this time of the year may have pest problems, so keep an eye out insects or diseases. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Damage on lawn could be from chinch bugs

(Audio 07/29/13) Chinch bug damage is more common late in the summer. Chinch bugs suck the sap out of the grass, causing the leaf blades to roll up lengthwise. The grass also will appear to need water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Defend plants against late-summer pests

(Audio 07/29/13) Louisiana gardeners have more than their share of late-summer pests. Insects have had all season long to build up their populations, and we usually see the worst outbreaks this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Summer plants need midseason care

(Audio 07/29/13) Louisiana has a long summer growing season. Plants that were planted back in April will live in our gardens for months. If your summer bedding plants are tall or leggy, trim them back to keep them attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Not too late to add summer color

(Video 07/29/13) During this hottest time of summer, large numbers of people don’t typically flock to plant nurseries. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that now is an ideal time to go to your nursery to select flowers that will add great color to your landscape – colors that can last until October. (Runtime- 1:33)

Summer is perfect time to plant palms

(Audio 07/24/13) Palms are popular in Louisiana landscapes. Because our winters are mild, we can plant a wide variety of palms. Summer is the perfect time to plant palms, so consider adding some to your yard. Remember to get one hardy enough for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Kudzu bug found in La. soybean field

(Video News 07/22/13) A new insect that can damage soybeans has been found in Louisiana. The kudzu bug arrived on the East Coast about four years ago and has been migrating west. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:42)

Early weed control can maximize soybean yields

(Audio New 07/23/13) Farmers across Louisiana’s delta region are fighting weeds that have developed resistance to the herbicide glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup. LSU AgCenter weed scientist Daniel Stephenson encouraged farmers to use pre-emergence herbicides on their fields to kill weeds before they pop up. (Runtime: 1:40)

Cut flowers to enjoy indoors

(Audio 07/23/13) Gardeners don't cut enough flowers from their flower gardens. In this segment of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gills offers tips to get the longest life out of your cut flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

New sugarcane variety on horizon

(Audio 07/22/13) Louisiana sugarcane farmers grow a mix of varieties, and next year they will have another option. LSU AgCenter assistant sugarcane breeder Michael Pontif said the variety, Ho 07-613, will likely be released in 2014. (Runtime: 1:10)

Weather, disease affects sugarcane crop

(Audio 07/19/13) The unusual winter and spring has affected the state’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois gave an outlook for the crop at the LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Field Day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Basil is productive during summer

(Audio 07/22/13) Basil is popular herb used in many dishes. It is also easy to grow. This is a good time to plant basil. The herb comes in different varieties, so choose one that suits your needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Rice crop had slow start; new varieties planned

(Video News07/15/13) Louisiana’s rice crop is midway through its growing season, and despite delays, the crop is in decent shape. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has an update on the crop and a look at the future with potential new varieties. (Runtime: 1:37)

Tough asparagus ferns provide lush foliage

(Video 07/22/13) Asparagus ferns are not really ferns, but they offer lush, green foliage similar to a true fern. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this adaptable, drought-tolerant plant works well in sunny or shady parts of your landscape. (Runtime: 1:48)

Jasmine adds pleasing fragrance to gardens

(Video 07/15/13) The name “jasmine” is often used for plants that provide pleasing fragrance. But not all of them are actually jasmine plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some “true” jasmine plants that have nice aromas and beautiful white flowers. (Runtime: 1:47)

AgCenter agronomist helping rice, soybean growers

(Audio 07/08/13) LSU AgCenter agronomist Dustin Harrell is helping farmers in southwest Louisiana grow better rice and better soybeans. He is looking at nitrogen loss on rice and stressing the importance of applying nitrogen to dry soil. (Runtime: 1:30)

Cool weather delayed rice, helped during flowering

(Audio 07/05/14) A cold and wet March and April delayed development of Louisiana’s rice crop. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk says this is the latest he has seen rice with virtually no heading. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Prune blackberries properly to preserve next year's fruit

(Audio 07/15/13) Blackberries are an easy fruit to grow. They don't have many insect or disease problems, but they do require judicious pruning. Listen to learn how to prune blackberries. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Bark lice feed on debris on tree

(Audio 07/15/14) Bark lice are small insects that feed on the bark of trees. The lice scavenge organic debris off the surface of the bark. They don't harm the tree, and no control is needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Roses require some summer care

(Audio 07/15/14) High temperatures in summer can stress roses. Flowers may be smaller and may not last that long. Deadhead your roses and water them weekly if we enter a dry spell. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Prune flowering shrubs before next year's flowers set

(Audio 07/15/14) Hydrangeas and gardenias are considered early summer-blooming shrubs, but they set their flowers for next year in late July or early August. If you need to do some pruning on them, do it as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Harvest figs before pests get to them

(Audio 07/15/14) Gardeners can start harvesting figs in July. Ripe figs are vulnerable to bird or insect damage. Make it a habit to harvest figs often so you get to enjoy your figs instead of the birds enjoying them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Two experimental lines could become new rice varieties

(Audio 07/08/13) LSU AgCenter rice breeder Steve Linscombe is working with two experimental lines he believes will become new varieties. Both are varieties that take advantage of the Clearfield technology that allows growers to control the red rice weed with a herbicide that won’t harm their rice. (Runtime: 1:35)

Solutions for shady spots in lawn

(Audio 07/08/13) When mowing frequently, you are more likely to notice if you have problem areas in your lawn. Shade is a common problem in landscapes, so consider a shade-tolerant grass or ground cover or just mulch the area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Leaf miners can damage variety of plants

(Audio 07/08/13) Leaf miners are a common problem in the vegetable garden, flower bed and even on fruit trees. They feed on the inside of the leaf. They can be controlled by an organic insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Weeding is ongoing process

(Audio 07/08/13) Weeding is a job that is never quite done. Weeds will always pop back up. But if you follow a few guidelines, you can weed less often. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Choose heat-tolerant bedding plants for July plantings

(Audio 07/08/13) The heat in the summer can make it difficult to garden. If you do feel the urge to get out there and garden, you can find wonderful bedding plants that will tolerate the heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Give caladiums care during summer

(Audio 07/08/13) Caladiums are a common bedding plant to use in shady areas of the landscape. They are reliable but require some care, including a good layer of mulch and an adequate amount of water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Kudzu bug confirmed in La.

(Audio News 07/02/13) An LSU AgCenter entomologist has confirmed the arrival of the kudzu bug in Louisiana. Sebe Brown said the insect, which can feed on soybean plants, has been found in Madison and Tensas parishes in northeast Louisiana. (Runtime: 1:35)

Sweet potato planting wraps with low acreage

(Audio News 07/01/13) Farmers have finished planting sweet potatoes, and acreage is low. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Tara Smith says Louisiana has about 7,500 acres, which is down 25 percent from last year and less than half of what farmers were planting 10 years ago. Smith says several factors have led to lower acreage. (Runtime: 1:25)

Begonias offer incredible variety for shade gardens

(Video 07/08/13) Begonias are perennial plants that come in dramatically different sizes and shapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill explains the ever-expanding selections of begonias and which ones to be wary of in our hot, humid summer climate. (Runtime: 1:36)

Stokes aster flowers return every year

(Video 07/01/13) It’s a nice perk to have beautiful flowers that keep blooming year after year at the same time, without having to replant. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of those — a native perennial called Stoke’s aster. (Runtime: 1:37)

Tomato quality decreases with increasing temperatures

(Audio 07/01/13) Tomato season is just about over. Heat-tolerant tomatoes will keep producing in July, but standard tomatoes begin to lose quality. You can use insecticides to battle summer pests or you may decide to pull the plants up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

See where shade is needed around home

(Audio 07/01/13) Summer is not a good time to plant shade trees into your landscape. It is a good time to see where you may need more shade. Trees can lower cooling bills and provide shade around decks and patios. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Webworms won't harm trees

(Audio 07/01/13) Webworms are a common type of caterpillar that infest trees in Louisiana during summer. They prefer pecan trees and seem to be prevalent this year. They look terrible, but don't threaten the health of the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Lawn care means mowing in summer

(Audio News 07/01/13) Summer lawn care mainly involves mowing. When rain is frequent, you will likely need to mow more often. Cutting the grass regularly keeps it healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Plant vegetables that can withstand high temperatures

(Audio 07/01/13) Gardeners willing to endure the heat can plant many great vegetables this month. Keep in mind these vegetables must be able to tolerate the extreme heat and will likely need plenty of water early on. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Southern peas – a great summer vegetable

(For Release On Or After 07/05/13) Many vegetables that were planted in spring, such as tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and snap beans, are finishing or have already reached the end of their productive season. Once the harvest is finished, they should be removed from the garden.

Practice environmentally friendly gardening

(For Release On Or After 07/26/13) I have always thought of gardening as a “green” activity. Indeed, the horticulture industry that includes wholesale nursery growers, retail nurseries and landscape installation and maintenance companies has long been known as the “green industry.”

Torpedograss – one of the most difficult weeds to control

(For Release On Or After 07/19/13) Grassy weeds are among the most difficult to control in the landscape. Torpedograss is a scourge around the state, and common bermudagrass is a problem no matter where you go. Grassy weeds are a problem in both lawns and beds.

Mushrooms in the yard aren’t cause for concern

(For Release On Or After 07/12/13) After a rainy period in summer, we typically see mushrooms popping up everywhere. Some people are concerned, some are curious, and some are downright irritated when these strange growths appear in landscapes.

Ornamental sweet potato – plant of the week, July 29, 2013

(Distributed 07/26/13) Ornamental sweet potatoes are popular warm-season annuals for adding foliage color to the summer landscape. The original varieties include plants with leaves that are chartreuse-lime green (Marguerite), blackish purple (Blackie, Black Beauty, Ace of Spades) and tricolored (Pink Frost).

New citrus disease found in New Orleans

(Distributed 07/02/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A new disease of citrus called citrus canker has been detected in New Orleans by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine division, according to LSU AgCenter plant scientist Raj Singh.

Research station evaluating hardy hibiscus

(Distributed 07/05/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter has implemented a landscape evaluation trial of more than 40 varieties of hardy hibiscus, primarily Hibiscus moscheutos, at the Hammond Research Station. These are what we typically refer to as the dinner plate hibiscus. They sometimes go by the old variety name, Disco Belle.

Precision technology highlights sugarcane field day

(Distributed 07/26/13) NEW IBERIA, La. – Sugarcane farmers attending the Iberia, St. Mary and Vermillion parishes field day got to see how an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is currently being used to help growers be more efficient in crop production.

La. turtle farmers fund LSU AgCenter research

(Distributed 07/17/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana turtle farmers have provided research funds to the LSU AgCenter in their continuing efforts to convince federal agencies that baby turtles are safe as pets for humans and should be allowed in interstate commerce.

La. sweet potato acreage continues to decline

(Distributed 07/02/13) WINNSBORO, La. – Farmers have finished planting sweet potatoes, and acreage continues to decline. Tara Smith, coordinator of the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station, said Louisiana has about 7,500 acres, which is down 25 percent from last year and less than half of what farmers were planting 10 years ago.

Use landscape mulch correctly

(Distributed 07/19/13) HAMMOND, La. – All ornamental plants benefit from mulching when it’s done correctly. Good mulching can have several beneficial effects on plants, soil and the surrounding area.

Soybeans, cotton, corn featured at AgCenter field day

(Distributed 07/19/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers are continuing in their quest to find solutions to the No. 1 fungal disease in Louisiana soybeans – Cercospora leaf blight.

Researchers use molecular biology to look for disease resistance in soybeans

(Distributed 07/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Cercospora leaf blight is the No. 1 fungal disease in Louisiana’s No. 1 row crop – soybeans. The emerging disease, which has appeared only in the past five to 10 years, has no resistance in any soybean lines, according to LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Zhi-Yuan Chen.

Technology brings precision to the farm

(Distributed 07/26/13) ST. JOSEPH, La. – Because cars can now “talk” and phones can play movies, it’s only natural that farm equipment would communicate with satellites to make farmers money.

Sweet potato research collaboration leads to national award

(Distributed 07/03/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The National Sweetpotato Collaborators Conference, a project that includes LSU AgCenter faculty, has received the 2013 Excellence in Multistate Research Award from the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges.

Irrigate yards, landscapes, trees correctly during hot summer months

(Distributed 07/12/13) HAMMOND, La. – As we reach the middle of summer in Louisiana, we need to keep in mind the importance of irrigating our landscape plants. When we irrigate, it is important to apply water needed and efficiently. In many cases, plants are commonly over-watered rather than under-watered.

County agents, others get update on citrus disease

(Distributed 07/31/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter held a training meeting on July 29 for county agents and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry personnel outlining the proper steps homeowners with citrus should take if they believe their trees are infected with citrus canker disease.

Beef, forage field day set for Sept. 12 in Alexandria

(Distributed 07/22/13) A beef cattle and forage field day will be held Sept. 12 at the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station and Extension Center on U.S. Highway 71 south of Alexandria.

Crop update featured at sugarcane field day

(Distributed 07/22/13) ST. MARTINVILLE, La. – Sugarcane growers in St. Martin Parish met to get updates on the current growing season July 19 at the 51st Annual LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Field Day for St. Landry, Lafayette and St. Martin parishes.

Crop field day set for Sept. 5 at Winnsboro

(Distributed 07/25/13) WINNSBORO, La. – The LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station will host a pest management and crop production field day Sept. 5.

4-H, FFA State Horse Show results released

(Distributed 07/17/13) WEST MONROE, La. – Results from the 44th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show held July 9-13, 2013, have been released.

15 LSU AgCenter staff win international communication awards

(Distributed 07/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fifteen people from the LSU AgCenter have won awards in the annual competition of the Association for Communication Excellence, an international professional organization.

Angelonia – plant of the week, July 8, 2013

Angelonia is a great bedding plant for the warm season. Angelonias come in white, pink, blue, lavender, lavender pink and raspberry flower colors. Some folks call angelonias “summer snapdragons.” They come in both seed-propagated and vegetatively propagated varieties. The Serena series is a Louisiana Super Plant from spring 2011.

AgCenter professor named Animal Science Fellow

(Distributed 07/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Lee Southern, LSU AgCenter professor emeritus, has been chosen as an American Society of Animal Science Fellow for his contributions to the studies of swine and poultry nutrition.

Given late start, Louisiana rice crop so far looks good

(Distributed 07/18/13) RAYVILLE, La. – This year’s rice crop has defied expectations from earlier this year, LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk said at the Northeast Louisiana Rice Field Day on July 17.

Fungicide-resistant soybean disease found in La.

(Distributed 07/26/13) PALMETTO, La. – An LSU AgCenter plant pathologist warned farmers at the St. Landry Parish rice and soybean field day on July 25 that fungicide-resistant disease has been found in soybeans in some areas of the state.

International tourism workshop set for Aug. 13 in Vicksburg

(Distributed 07/26/13) VICKSBURG, Miss. – A tourism workshop on Aug. 13 will be aimed at attracting international tourists to local communities.

Insulation leads questions at LaHouse open house

(Distributed 07/29/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Home insulation was one of the hot topics of conversation during an open house at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center on July 27.

Demand for AgCenter food incubator keeps growing

(Distributed 07/26/13)BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Food Incubator has turned out to be more popular than expected when it was first established in December 2012. Already, 19 clients are taking advantage of the incubator’s services, even though the processing kitchen facilities in Ingram Hall on campus won’t be open until Aug. 1.

Cypress – plant of the week, July 22, 2013

Louisiana’s state tree is the bald cypress. This tree goes by the scientific name of Taxodium distichum. It is one of our most distinguished native trees and is widely used in Louisiana landscapes.

Farmers hear about upcoming rice harvest at field days

(Distributed 07/05/13) FENTON, La. – The rice harvest in south Louisiana, delayed by a couple of weeks, should begin soon. And it’s not too early for farmers to decide if they will grow a second crop, an LSU AgCenter agronomist advised at two field days Tuesday (July 2).

Farm field day set for July 25 in St. Landry Parish

(Distributed 07/01/13) PALMETTO, La. – A soybean and rice field day will be held at the Charlie Fontenot farm in St. Landry Parish on July 25 starting at 8 a.m.

Master Gardeners on the grow in Greater New Orleans

(Distributed 07/02/13) NEW ORLEANS – Since 1998, Master Gardeners in the Greater New Orleans area have been getting involved in projects that help keep the region green. The first Master Gardener classes in the area were held in Orleans, St. Bernard and Jefferson parishes.

Louisiana 4-H center gets computer training facility

(Distributed 07/22/13) POLLOCK, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center is bringing computer literacy opportunities to central Louisiana.

Use best practices in maintaining your landscape

(Distributed 07/26/13) HAMMOND, La. – One of the programs at the LSU AgCenter, “Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods,” was developed several years ago to inform home gardeners about sustainable landscaping and home horticulture practices.

Turk’s cap – plant of the week, July 15, 2013

(Distributed 07/12/13) Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii) is a pass-along kind of old garden plant that still has great potential in gardens and landscapes of today. These plants have recently been named Texas Superstars.

Weather, disease, labor issues highlight sugarcane field day

(Distributed 07/19/13) ST. GABRIEL, La. – Louisiana’s unusual winter and spring weather affected this year’s sugarcane crop. “We had a global warming January and an ice age March,” said Kenneth Gravois, LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist. “We went from a crop that was a month ahead of schedule to a month behind.”

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