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The focus of the fall 2006 issue is feed grains, which include corn, grain sorghum (milo), wheat and oats. Corn is the most widely grown of the feed grains in Louisiana, but the others have become increasingly valuable to the economy. 36 pages. Vol. 49, No. 4.
Plant breeding is a long-term investment in agriculture’s future. The science of plant breeding has evolved considerably in the past 20 years with the development of techniques such as marker assisted selection and genetic transformation. Yet, even with these improvements,plant breeding is dependent on developing large numbers of breeding lines and testing those breeding lines across multiple environments.
Over the past 20 years, the feed grain industry in Louisiana has generated an average farm gate value of roughly $136 million per year.
To help continue the supply of new small-grain varieties in the South, a regional cooperative was established among five universities in 2005. Called SUNGRAINS (Southeastern UNiversity GRAINS), the cooperative’s mission is to more efficiently develop wheat, oat, rye and barley varieties for growers and seed producers.
Aflatoxin is perhaps the major production concern for Louisiana corn growers. LSU AgCenter researchers are taking three approaches to help control aflatoxin.
The recent outbreak of foodborne illness traced to fresh spinach should serve as a reminder for taking food safety measures every day, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
On-farm demonstrations are nothing new to the LSU AgCenter, and in 2002, a variety/hybrid-based program specifically focusing on soybean, corn and grain sorghum was initiated.
The feed grains are a diverse group of crops, each with a unique set of problems, challenges and opportunities. Feed grains in Louisiana include corn, grain sorghum (milo), wheat and oats.
The recent outbreak of foodborne illness traced to fresh spinach should serve as a reminder for taking food safety measures every day, according toLSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.
Weed management in wheat is usually relatively simple compared to other agronomic crops, but it does require planning. The most important aspect of managing weeds in wheat is establishing a good stand before weeds emerge.
These atrticles appear in the fall 2006 issue of the Louisiana magazine.
Most producers recognize the importance of managing weeds in corn and grain sorghum and do an excellent job with the tools available. The main weakness in many weed management programs is the lack of early season weed control, which can be critical to maximizing yield.
The LSU AgCenter small-grain breeding program was initiated in 1985 when research priorities shifted from variety testing and production practices to genetics and variety development.
The following six articles appeared in the fall 2006 issue of Louisiana Agriculture in "What's New?"
The 2007 LSU AgCenter “Get It Growing” calendar is now available for purchase either online (go to www.lsuagcenter.com) or by calling (225) 578-4161.
The 2007 LSU AgCenter “Get It Growing” calendar is now available.
Three more scientists, including the first woman, have been inducted into the LSU AgCenter’s Patent Club, an elite group that now includes 46 researchers that have received patents or plant variety protection certificates.
Choosing varieties for production is among the most important decisions farmers make each season. For maximum profit, producers must select adapted varieties that will perform well in their farm environments.
At a ceremony in the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 4, Gov. Kathleen Blanco, center, signed a proclamation honoring National 4-H Week – Oct. 1-7.
At a ceremony in the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 4, Gov. Kathleen Blanco, center, signeda proclamation honoring National 4-H Week
Louisiana farmers will plant alot more wheat this year than last.At least that’s what LSU AgCenterexperts predict – provided the weathercooperates in October and November.
Louisiana farmers will plant alot more wheat this year than last.At least that’s what LSU AgCenterexperts predict – provided the weathercooperates in October and November.
Zinc deficiencies in corn appear to be increasing with sometimes severe effects on yield. The increase may be due to declining soil organic matter, where a little decrease can significantly affect micro-nutrient availability.
LSU AgCenter researchers have found resistance in corn borers to commercial Bt corn. The resistance detected in the sugarcane borer is the first major resistance to Bt corn in any corn borer species.
Fall 2006
Historically in Louisiana, producers will double-crop 95 percent of all wheat acreage with soybeans, so proper management of wheat stubble is critical in maximizing soybean yields.
Wheat is a versatile crop that easily fits into several cropping systems. Additionally, harvest and marketing in the late spring provide producers much needed cash flow to support summer farming activities.
Since 1999, stripe rust has emerged as the predominant disease of wheat in Louisiana. Losses from stripe rust escalated from zero in 1999 to 5 percent in 2005. LSU AgCenter scientists are focusing on ways to control this disease.
Consumers will find an abundance of high quality Louisiana-grown citrus this year, according to growers and industry observers.
Louisiana grain sorghum fields are threatened by a group on insects that includes the corn earworm, fall armyworm and sorghum webworm.
The sugarcane beetle is a sporadic pest of several crops including field corn, sugarcane and sweet potatoes across many southern states. Only the adult stage of these beetles is reported to cause crop injury.
When Hurricane Katrina hit the GulfCoast on August 29, 2005, it disrupted grain transportation on the Mississippi River. More than half the grain exported from the United States passes through the Mississippi River Gulf Grain Transportation and Handling Complex.
The mid-March to early April planting dates required for optimal corn production in Louisiana often result in exposure of seedlings to lower than optimal soil temperatures.
Consumers will find an abundance of high quality Louisiana-grown citrus this year, according to growers and industry observers.
