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The LSU AgCenter is excited to welcome two new horticulture extension specialists to the team — bringing fresh energy and expertise to gardens across Louisiana. Whether you're battling stubborn weeds or planting your next vegetable crop, these specialists are here to help.
Colton Blankenship joins the AgCenter with a strong background in weed science and a passion for integrated management strategies. Stationed at the Hammond Research Station, his work will support both commercial growers and home gardeners, with a focus on turfgrass and ornamental weed control.
One of his top priorities is tackling torpedograss, a persistent problem in Louisiana lawns and landscapes. Blankenship’s research at North Carolina State University, under Katie Jennings, explored innovative weed control methods, including the use of electricity to kill weeds in crops like peanuts, cotton, sweet potatoes and cucumbers. His favorite tool? The Weed Zapper — a tractor-mounted implement that uses high voltage to selectively eliminate tall weeds like Palmer amaranth without harming the crops that grow below. He really loves controlling weeds in vegetable gardens so look out for new ideas coming your way.
Originally from southwest Georgia, Blankenship grew up on a peanut farm and earned his bachelor of science in biology from the University of Alabama, followed by his master’s degree and Ph.D. from NC State. He began his role at the LSU AgCenter on Aug. 1 and is excited to collaborate with growers across the state. You can email him at cblankenship@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Christine Coker joined the LSU AgCenter in July and brings over two decades of experience in urban horticulture and extension work. As the new coordinator of the Hammond Research Station and the state vegetable extension specialist, she will serve as a vital link between the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana’s ornamental and vegetable industries.
Her work includes coordinating relationships with ornamental researchers and the green industry, as well as conducting small demonstration vegetable plots. Coker’s favorite vegetables to grow? Brussels sprouts, peppers and yard-long beans, though she admits it’s hard to choose. She also enjoys sneaking cut flowers into her trials, blending beauty with nutrition. One of her current projects includes a Johnny’s Seed trial evaluating sunflowers and snapdragons as fall-planted cut flowers.
Originally from Tennessee, Coker holds degrees in biology from the University of Tennessee Martin and Austin Peay State University, and a Ph.D. in horticulture from Auburn University. She comes to LSU after 24 years at Mississippi State University, where she led community garden projects, vegetable trials and youth programs like Pathways to Possibility.
Coker is excited to meet Louisiana’s producers and backyard gardeners and continue her mission of growing nutritious food and joyful ornamental plants.
Both Blankenship and Coker can be contacted at the Hammond Research Station at 985-543-4125.
We’re proud to welcome them both to the LSU AgCenter family. Their expertise and enthusiasm will help Louisiana gardeners thrive — from backyard plots to commercial fields.
Kathryn Fontenot, Ph.D.
Regional Director, Southwest Region
Colton Blankenship, left, and Christine Coker have joined the LSU AgCenter as horticulture extension specialists. Photo by Kathryn Fontenot.
