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(Distributed 06/30/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 1,500 4-H students from all 64 parishes converged on the LSU campus to participate in the annual 4-H University June 23-26. Students took part in 41 competitive contests, 12 Clover College tracks and elected new statewide officers for the 2015-16 school year.
(Distributed 06/29/15) ST. GABRIEL, La. – The LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station will host its 33rd Annual Sugarcane Field Day on July 15.
(Distributed 06/25/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – For many of the teenagers who come to 4-H University on the LSU campus every summer, it is one of the first times they are away from home and have to make their own decisions. But often, they find that a little bit of bravery and friendliness can go a long way.
(Distributed 06/26/15) Ornamental sweet potatoes are popular warm-season annuals for adding foliage color to the summer landscape.
(Distributed 06/24/15) HAMMOND, La. – 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.
(Distributed 06/24/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 730 people braved the heat and humidity of a Louisiana June day to attend the fourth annual Garden Fest at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden on June 20.
(Video 06/24/15) LSU AgCenter researchers are helping farmers in north Louisiana combat pest problems in a particularly rainy year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard attended a field day where the scientists talked with farmers about their research, and she has this story. (Runtime: 01:39)
(Video 06/24/15) Poultry producers visited the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station to hear about research being conducted to help make their poultry operations more environmentally friendly. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story. (Runtime: 01:37)
(Video 06/29/15) The delicate white flowers of baby’s breath are used to enhance a floral bouquet. But the newer baby’s breath euphorbia adds the perfect touch to a summer landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this drought-tolerant plant. (Runtime: 01:40)
(Distributed 06/23/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center in Alexandria will host its annual row crop field day on July 9.
(Distributed 06/22/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Patrick Tuck has been named the new executive director of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation, which is the fundraising body for the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Development Program.
(Distributed 06/19/15) The Bandana series of lantanas has now been on the market for several years. It was the first group of smaller-growing, smaller-mounding type varieties.
(Distributed 06/19/15) HOMER, La. – Poultry producers who attended the field day at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm on June 17 had an opportunity to participate in a training session for the Louisiana Master Farmer Program.
(Distributed 06/19/15) HAMMOND, La. – If you’re looking for some great summer color for your landscape beds from now through our first killing frost this fall, the Butterfly series of pentas will give you that, and maybe even more.
(Distributed 06/18/15) ST. JOSEPH, La. – Excessive rain during the 2015 growing season has presented challenges for Louisiana farmers, but LSU AgCenter experts told attendees at the Northeast Research Station Pest Management and Crop Production Field Day on June 17 that they need to consider other problems that could affect their crops.
(Distributed 06/18/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter entomologists are evaluating integrated pest management programs that crop consultants and farmers use to control pests in soybeans across the state.
(Distributed 06/18/15) HOMER, La. – Poultry producers from across Louisiana heard best management practices to make their operations more environmentally friendly and efficient during a poultry field day at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station on June 16.
(Distributed 06/17/15) CROWLEY, La. – Unusually excessive rainfall and cloudy days have been a challenge for growing rice, but it’s too early to become pessimistic about this year’s crop, according to the director of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station.
(Audio 06/22/15) Wet, muggy Louisiana weather tends to attract more snails and slugs to gardens. To get rid of these pests, try using baits or beer traps. Listen for more tips on dealing with snails and slugs in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/22/15) Profusion zinnias, a hybrid between zinnia angustifolia and zinnia elegans, perform beautifully in flower beds despite the intense summer heat in Louisiana. Unlike zinnia elegans, Profusion zinnias don't have problems with insects and diseases. Listen for more information on these beautiful summer flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/22/15) Every once in a while, knees produced by baldcypress trees become a problem in landscapes. Thankfully, there is something you can do to remove the knee without damaging the tree. Listen for more information on dealing with cypress knees in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/22/15) Although petunias are an extremely popular bedding plant, these flowers usually begin to languish around June or July. If you want petunias that are more heat-tolerant, try planting Wave petunias. Listen for more information on petunias in the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/22/15) Tarragon is a delicious herb that can be added to numerous dishes such as chicken and vegetables. Since French tarragon cannot withstand the Louisiana heat, try planting Mexican tarragon for a tasty alternative. Listen for more information on growing Mexican tarragon. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Distributed 06/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – A group of managers with the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture is visiting Louisiana June 15 to 17 to learn about the LSU AgCenter’s rice research and outreach efforts.
(Distributed 06/16/15) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Annual Field Day will be held July 1, with a host of rice experts and speakers discussing the latest in rice farming technology.
(Distributed 06/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Ten members of the LSU AgCenter’s Communications Department won national awards at the annual conference of the Association for Communication Excellence in Charleston, South Carolina, June 8-11.
(Distributed 06/15/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in the industry are invited to the Louisiana Fruit and Vegetable Grower meeting and field day from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at LSU AgCenter Botanical Gardens at Burden on July 1.
(Video 06/22/15) Day lilies are beautiful, low-maintenance perennials that bloom dependably every summer. Some day lilies even bloom more than once a year. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to these delicately ornamented summer favorites. (Runtime: 01:46)
(Distributed 06/12/15) Vinca is the most popular, most sold and most planted warm-season bedding plant in Louisiana. We sometimes call this plant periwinkle.
(Distributed 06/12/15) WINNSBORO, La. – Keeping chemicals from drifting to non-target areas led the discussion at a drift mitigation and application technology education seminar in Winnsboro on June 9.
(Distributed 06/12/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – With the 2015 hurricane season officially underway, discover a range of ways to make your home a more “resilient home” at the Summer Saturday Open House at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse on July 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Distributed 06/12/15) HAMMOND, La. – An abundance of hibiscus varieties do well in Louisiana.Many of us are very familiar with the tropical hibiscuses Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. We see them frequently. They’re typically not cold-hardy for the majority of the state.
(Audio 06/15/15) Pentas are great flowers for adding color to your summer garden. These flowers come in a variety of colors and will bloom throughout the summer. Listen for more information on beautiful pentas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/15/15) Because of their height, trees in our landscapes are vulnerable to being struck by lightening. If one of your trees is struck, you may have to wait six to twelve months to find out whether or not your tree is going to survive. Listen for more advice on dealing with trees that have been struck. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/15/15) Although container plants are great for placing on patios or decks in the summer, be wary of the water damage the drainage can cause to wood. Boost your container plants by placing stones or bricks underneath them. Listen for more tips on container plant placement. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/15/15) Caterpillars are a major problem for ornamentals, vegetables, and fruit trees. To get rid of these pests you can either handpick them off of your plants or use an organic pesticide. Listen for more information on caterpillar control. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 06/10/15) Louisiana sweet potato producers are in the midst of planting this year’s crop. While a wet May slowed them down, it looks like the crop will be finished by the end of this month. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has this report. (Runtime: 01:47)
(Video 06/10/15) Tomatoes are very popular in most backyard gardens because they are a common ingredient in many dishes. Growers in St. James Parish have made tasting and learning about tomatoes an annual social event. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux has the story. (Runtime: 01:32)
(Audio 06/15/15) Gardenias are refreshingly fragrant flowers typical to Southern gardens. When gardenia bushes finish blooming in June, it is important to do any pruning before they set their buds for next year in July. Listen for more information on pruning gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Video 06/15/15) With lots of rain, we worry about proper drainage for most plants. But some thrive in a water-saturated environment. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a few that love soggy soils. (Runtime: 01:47)
(Distributed 06/10/15) PINE PRAIRIE, La. – Cattle producers attending the Evangeline Parish Cattlemen’s Association Field Day Saturday (June 6) learned how high-tech devices can help them improve their herds.
(Distributed 06/10/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – A Louisiana group has developed a plan to protect honeybees in the state by fostering cooperation among farmers, agricultural chemical applicators and beekeepers.
(Distributed 06/09/15) MAMOU, La. – A fungus in soil has shown a surprising connection with the main insect pest of rice, the rice water weevil, according to an LSU AgCenter entomologist.
(Distributed 06/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Foliar applications of iron appear to be a viable answer to Cercospora leaf blight in soybeans according to LSU AgCenter research.
(Distributed 06/09/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 1,500 Louisiana youth will converge on LSU’s campus from June 23 to 26 for 4-H University, an annual event where 4-H members between the ages of 13 and 19 can compete in contests, win prizes and explore careers.
(Distributed 06/09/15) RUSTON, La. – Annie’s Project will host its sixth workshop for women in agriculture at Community Trust Bank’s community room located at 1511 North Trenton Street, Ruston.
(Distributed 06/08/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Food Incubator has received a three-year $2.5 million grant from the Louisiana Office of Community Development’s Disaster Recovery Unit. The grant will allow the incubator to ramp up production, serve more clients and hire more personnel.
(Distributed 06/08/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Slimy slugs and snails can be pesky pests in Louisiana gardens and landscapes.
(Distributed 06/08/15) PAULINA, La. – Residents of this small community in St. James Parish are serious about their tomato production, and it shows in the support for their annual tomato field day.
(Distributed 06/05/15) Scarlet sage, scientifically known as Salvia coccinea, is a species of salvia that looks like a perennial but is generally not cold hardy in Louisiana. It is a re-seeding annual in the majority of the state but can be an “in-ground” perennial in warmer summer locations.
(Distributed 06/05/15) MONROE, La. – The Louisiana County Agricultural Agents Association members presented awards and installed the 2015-2016 officers during their annual conference in Monroe May 31-June 4.
(Distributed 06/05/15) HAMMOND, La. – With rain following a cold winter, early spring growth was not good on crape myrtles this year. But we are seeing very nice blooms on these great summer-flowering landscape trees as we approach their peak performance time of late June through July.
(Distributed 06/04/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has two new gardening publications for sale – Ground Covers for Louisiana Landscapes and Vines for Louisiana Landscapes.
(Distributed 06/04/15) HAMMOND, La. – Caladiums are one of the most popular warm-season bedding plants among gardeners in the South because of their attractive foliage color and the ability to thrive in our summer heat and humidity. They are essentially pest- and disease-free and require very little maintenance, said LSU AgCenter researcher Yan Chen.
(Distributed 06/03/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Most commercial crawfish peeling operations in Louisiana are winding down, but a labor shortage they faced this season is likely to affect other seafood processors that aren’t in full swing yet.
(Distributed 06/02/15) HAMMOND, La. – One of the most popular annual bedding plants in Louisiana is vinca, or periwinkle. It is well-known for its prolific and long blooming season and is the favored flowering plant of choice for home gardeners and professional landscapers around the state for warm season color, said LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings.
(Distributed 06/02/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The spring issue of Louisiana Agriculture magazine is now online, said editor Linda Benedict.
(Distributed 06/02/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – 2015 has been a difficult year for the LSU AgCenter wheat and oat breeding program.
(Audio 06/08/15) If you're a Louisiana gardener, make sure you're taking measures to protect yourself from the summer heat when working in your yard for long periods of time. Drink plenty of fluids, garden in the shade, and wear loose comfortable clothes. Listen for more tips on staying safe in this summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/08/15) It's important to pay attention to pruning your once-blooming roses after they produce flowers in late April and early May. By pruning now, your plant has enough time to produce new growth that will yield flowers next year. Listen for more tips on pruning once-blooming roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/08/15) Horticulturists define a sucker as an undesirable fast-growing shoot. It is very important to deal with suckers properly, particularly when pruning. Listen for more information on dealing with suckers in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/08/15) Although there are various diseases and pests that can be detrimental to our lawn in the summertime, slime mold is relatively harmless. Slime mold may look terrible, but it actually helps decay organic matter in our lawns. Listen for more information on these fungus-like organisms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Distributed 06/12/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – 4-H and FFA youth from throughout Louisiana will compete in the 46th Annual LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA State Horse Show on July 7-11 at the Burton Complex in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
(Audio 06/08/15) Contrary to popular belief, lichens are not parasites. However, lichens do tend to grow more easily on weak and struggling plants. Listen for more information on what to do if you notice excessive lichen growth on your plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(For Release On 06/19/15) Summer-flowering vines can provide color, fragrance and interest to Louisiana landscapes. They can also provide screening and even shade if they are allowed to cover an overhead structure. Indeed, no other group of plants can provide the same effects as vines.
(For Release On 06/26/15) Landscapes are dynamic creations that are always changing. Plants grow larger. New plants are added along the way. Plants die. Even trees may be lost in storms. Over the years, a landscape can change radically from its original look.
(For Release On 06/12/15) If you picked dewberries or blackberries from the wild as a child (or adult) and miss those wonderful, shiny black fruit bursting with sweet juice, you’ll be glad to know that blackberries are easy and productive in the home garden.
(Distributed 06/01/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana organizers kicked off a conference on May 27 to bring farm-to-school advocates together to encourage introducing local foods into schools and promote food and agriculture education.
(For Release On 06/05/15) Adequate moisture is critically important to landscape plants, but too much rain or excessive watering can bring problems of its own. We’ve seen a wet spring and early summer this year, and it has caused a variety of problems. Wet soil can create stressful conditions for bedding plants, vegetables, shrubs and even trees – especially those planted this year.
(Distributed 06/01/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – June is time for figs in Louisiana, and many of the popular varieties around the state have come from a breeding program at the LSU AgCenter.
(Distributed 06/01/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana specialty crop producers will have an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of marketing to local groceries, restaurants and other retail outlets during one-day workshop presented by the LSU AgCenter on June 18 and 19.
(Distributed 05/29/15) It is not too late in the warm season to add coleus to the Louisiana landscape.
(Video 06/01/15) Color for summer gardens doesn’t have to come from bedding plants alone. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the tropical vine mandevilla is perfect for abundant blooms throughout the hottest months. (Runtime: 01:41)
(Video 06/08/15) If you’re looking for eye-catching flowers for your garden, celosia is a great choice. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the different types of celosia and their dependability for surviving hot summer conditions. (Runtime: 01:24)
(Audio 06/01/15) Vine ripened tomatoes produce some of the best quality and flavor. You can pick ripe tomatoes out of your garden and use them in your kitchen right away. Listen for more information on tomato care and harvesting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/01/15) Creating compost by recycling the organic waste that your landscape produces is one of the best things you can do for your garden. This allows your landscape to function without dealing with unnecessary debris. Listen for more information explaining how compost helps your home garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/01/15) June is the month when hurricane season kicks into gear. It is important to watch your landscape with the possibility of high winds in mind. Listen for information on making sure your landscape is prepared for hurricane season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/01/15) Mowing lawns is a huge part of landscape care in the summer. Cutting your grass regularly and at the proper height is one of the most important things you can do to keep your grass healthy. Listen for more information on summer lawn care. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
(Audio 06/01/15) There is a special group of vegetables that you can plant in your summer garden that do extremely well tolerating the heat. Some of these plants include cantaloupe, collards, eggplant, and okra. Listen for more information on these delicious summer vegetables and plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
