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Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Spring 2025
Growing fruits and pecans is a part of Louisiana’s agricultural heritage. Citrus trees have been planted here for three centuries, and the state is famous for strawberries. Pecans and mayhaws are native to the state, and they are beloved by Louisianans. Some of these fruits have become industries worth millions of dollars, while others have become popular for home production.
This issue of Louisiana Agriculture focuses on the efforts of LSU AgCenter Extension experts working to foster home fruit production and support the fruit and pecan industry in Louisiana. Through their research and extension programs, they provide homeowners and commercial growers with the knowledge, resources and support needed to cultivate a diverse array of fruit crops.
Supporting the Diverse Array of Fruits and Pecans in Louisiana
Michael Polozola
The state fruit and nut specialist welcomes you to this special issue of Louisiana Agriculture. LSU AgCenter Extension experts have gathered an array of articles detailing their work encouraging the production of fruits and pecans in the state.
AgCenter Extension Agents Help Fruit and Nut Growers Evolve
Kyle Peveto
LSU AgCenter Extension professionals work to educate commercial and home growers amid the ever-changing landscape of fruit production. They work to promote promising varieties while teaching producers of all sizes about concerns related to diseases and weather.
Uncovering Louisiana's Hidden Pecan Gems
Michael Polozola
Research and trials conducted by the LSU AgCenter are supporting the pecan industry in the state. AgCenter experts focused on finding new low-input pecans for growers have identified two promising cultivars.
Mayhaws: A Taste of Louisiana's Heritage
Michael Polozola
Mayhaws, small, tart berries from a native hawthorn tree (Crataegus opaca), have long been a cherished part of Louisiana's natural landscape. These berries hold a special place in the hearts of many Louisianans. Collaborations between the AgCenter and mayhaw breeders are helping this specialty crop thrive.
Home Citrus: A Louisiana Tradition
Anna E. Timmerman
Citrus has been grown in Louisiana for over 300 years. Today, citrus has a bright future because of help from the LSU AgCenter, which is supporting both home and commercial growers throughout the state.
Berry Bliss: Growing Blackberries Using the TPUPS Trellising Technique
Michael Polozola
The Trellised Production Using Primocane Suppression (TPUPS) technique for growing blackberries simplifies the harvesting process, significantly reduces disease pressure and makes growing thorny selections easier. After extensive trials at an AgCenter facility, fruit experts recommend the technique for Louisiana growers.
On the Hunt for the Ideal Strawberry for Louisiana Home Gardens
Michael Polozola
Strawberries are a popular choice for home gardeners. Through a series of trials, the AgCenter fruit and nut specialist discovered which varieties should garner the most attention for Louisiana growers.
Mary Helen Ferguson
Louisiana strawberry farmers face many challenges, including labor costs, unfavorable weather conditions, insect and mite pests, and plant diseases. In 2022, a new-to-Louisiana disease was identified when a Tangipahoa Parish strawberry grower asked for help with a field where plants were dying.
Pawpaws: An Old Native With Renewed Interest
Anna E. Timmerman and Blaise Pezold
The pawpaw (Asimina triloba), America’s largest native fruit, is experiencing a resurgence of interest. The LSU AgCenter has been encouraging the cultivation of pawpaws in Louisiana through an annual symposium in partnership with the Meraux Foundation and through extension education outreach.
Native Pawpaw Trees Teach Several Lessons at Denham Springs Junior High
Kyle Peveto
An educator in Denham Springs uses pawpaw trees as a gateway to several important lessons about the natural world, teaching about pollination, native ecosystems, grafting and several other topics. A retired AgCenter plant pathologist is lending a hand.
Mary Helen Ferguson
Blueberries, like many cultivated fruits, come in numerous varieties that differ with respect to where they grow and fruit well. An ongoing LSU AgCenter demonstration orchard at the Hammond Research Station is helping educate Louisiana growers about how different blueberry varieties perform and how they can successfully grow blueberries.
History of the LSU AgCenter Fig Breeding Program
Michael Polozola and Jason Stagg
The LSU fig breeding program was initiated in the 1950s to develop fig cultivars suited for the Gulf South region. Although it was discontinued in the 1960s, it was revived in the 1990s, and several of the varieties it produced remain popular today.
Kerry Heafner, Michael Polozola and Kyle Peveto
Fueled by a renaissance in old Southern varieties, the LSU AgCenter’s efforts to identify and test old Southern apple varieties are paving the way for better, tastier options for modern home orchards.
McMullen: North Louisiana’s Lost Apple
Kerry Heafner
An award-winning apple developed in Louisiana is considered extinct. However, an AgCenter horticulturist has not given up hope that a McMullen apple tree survives somewhere in the state.
Michael Polozola: Nurturing Fruits, Pecans for Louisiana Homeowners and Industry
Olivia McClure
Since he joined the AgCenter in 2019 as a horticulture agent, Michael Polozola has worked hard to foster relationships with area nurseries, an endeavor he has continued since being promoted to the fruit and nut specialist position a couple of years ago.
Meet Anna Timmerman, the AgCenter Louisiana Citrus Expert
Kyle Peveto
As the LSU AgCenter Extension agent for St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes, Anna Timmerman has become a trusted source of information for the citrus industry, home fruit and vegetable growers and small producers. Earlier this year she became the state point of contact for citrus.
LSU AgCenter News for Spring 2025
AgCenter researchers’ work on silicon has garnered attention, a new wildlife specialist has been named and a newsletter for the Get It Growing program has launched.
