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This online educational webinar series was developed specifically for beef cattle producers. The goal of this series is to bring timely educational information to our beef cattle producers across the state. More information on upcoming webinars can be found online at Beef Brunch page.
Features: Jason Holmes, Livestock Specialist, and Lee Faulk, Associate Agent, LSU AgCenter
The video maybe be found in the following formats:
Previous webinars, news updates, and information on upcoming webinars may be found on the Beef Brunch page. Videos may also be found on the LSU AgCenter – Livestock channel on YouTube.
For more information on the Beef Brunch Educational Series, please contact Ashley Edwards at akedwards@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Our Regional Horticulture Agents and specialists put together the Horticulture Hints for the Central Region in Louisiana. These are done quarterly and have great information on timely issues happening across our region. Great resource and information for any homeowner or commercial horticulturalist.
Rasel Parvej, Brenda Tubana, Syam Dodla, and David Moseley, LSU AgCenter scientist
Soybean is a very nutrient-intensive crop. One bushel soybean requires about 5 lbs nitrogen (N), 1 lb di-phosphorus penta-oxide (P2O5), and 3.8 lbs di-potassium oxide (K2O) per acre. Since soybean can meet its own N requirement by fixing atmospheric N, the crop is mainly fertilized with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and sometimes sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and molybdenum (Mo). Soybean fertilization in Louisiana mainly depends on Mehlich-3 soil-test nutrient concentrations of soil samples collected from 0- to 6-inch depth except for Mo which depends on soil pH.
Phosphorus deficient soybean does not usually display any striking visual symptom, but stunted growth is the most common characteristics of P deficiency. The soil-test-based P recommendations for soybean production in Louisiana is shown in Table 1. The medium soil-test P level (21 – 35 ppm or 42 – 70 lbs/acre; 1 ppm = 2 lbs/acre) is considered as the critical soil P concentration. Soybean yield response to P fertilization is often expected in soils with below critical P level (< 21 ppm), seldom expected in soils with critical P level (21 – 35 ppm), and not expected in soils with above critical P level (> 35 ppm). Therefore, soybean must be fertilized with P for soils with less than 21 ppm P and P fertilization is not recommended for soils with more than 35 ppm P. For P fertilization, use granular triple super phosphate (TSP; 0-46-0) and apply either in the Fall or in the Spring at or before planting. The information about the effect of P application timing on soybean yield can be found at “Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers application in spring vs. fall”.
Severe K deficient soybean produces irregular yellowing along the leaf margin and yields significantly lower than its potential. The soil-test-based K recommendations for soybean production in Louisiana is shown in Table 2. The critical soil-test K concentrations (i.e., medium soil K level) for soybean production depend on soil types. For example, the critical soil-test K concentration ranges from 107 to 141 ppm (214 to 282 lbs/acre) for soybean production in alluvial silt loam or loam soils but 177 to 264 ppm in alluvial silty clay loam or clay loam soils (Table 2). The critical soil-test K concentration also depends on the type of sediment deposition such as alluvial vs. upland soils. Therefore, care should be taken in interpreting soil-test K concentration and K fertilizer recommendations for soybean production in a particular field in Louisiana.
Soybean is somewhat more responsive to K than P fertilization. Soybean yield response to K fertilization is almost certain in soils with below critical K level. However, like P, soybean yield response to K fertilization is seldom expected in soils with critical K level and not expected in soils with above critical K level. Therefore, soybean must be fertilized with K for soils with less than critical/medium K level (i.e., very low and low level) and K fertilization is not recommended for soils with more than critical/medium K level (i.e., high and very high level). For K fertilization, use granular muriate of potash (MoP; 0-0-60) and apply either in the Fall or in the Spring at or before planting. The information about the effect of K application timing on soybean yield can be found at “Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers application in spring vs. fall”.
Sulfur is often recommended when Mehlich-3 soil-test S concentration falls below 12 ppm (24 lbs/acre). In this case, about 20 lbs S, as sulfate, is recommended per acre. Sulfur can be applied at or after planting. There are many S products available in the market. Gypsum (16% S) is a very good source of S for soybean production. Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24S) is another readily available S source, but not recommended for soybean production since it contains 21 percent N. This small amount of N may negatively affect soybean nodulation and possibly reduce yield. There are some soil-applied liquid S sources available in the market such as potassium thiosulfate, magnesium thiosulfate, etc. and these products are as good as dry S fertilizers when applied as sidedress.
Zinc is one of the important micronutrients that often limits yield if deficient in soils. Zinc is not usually recommended for soybean. However, for high yielding soybean fields, it is advised to apply 10 lbs of Zn/acre if the Mehlich-3 soil-test Zn concentration falls below 1 ppm, 5 lbs of Zn/acre for soil-test Zn concentration of 1 to 2.25 ppm, and no Zn for soil-test Zn concentration more than 2.25 ppm. Zinc sulfate or zinc chelate is the most common Zn source and can be applied at or after planting as broadcast (dry formulation) or sidedress (liquid formulation).
Molybdenum is a vital component of the nitrogenase enzyme that helps Rhizobium bacterial to fix atmospheric N for soybean plants. Molybdenum is not typically recommended for soybean production in Louisiana since most of Louisiana soils have enough Mo for optimal soybean growth. However, Mo availability is drastically decreased if the soil pH falls below 6.0. Therefore, Mo should be applied as seed treatment at planting for soils with less than 6.2 pH if lime is not applied in the Fall. If Rhizobium inoculum is used as seed treatment, Mo should not be used unless seeds are planted immediately after treating. Otherwise, Mo salt will reduce the viability of inoculum, resulting in poor nodulation. Since nutrient availability is maximum between soil pH 6.5 and 7.0, it is better to raise soil pH to near neutral (7.0) rather than applying Mo.
Table 1. Soil-test-based phosphorus recommendations for soybean production in Louisiana.
| Soil-test Level | Mehlich-3 soil-test P concentration in parts per million | Recommended P2O5 in pounds per acre |
| Very low | ≤ 10 | 80 |
| Low | 11 - 20 | 60 |
| Medium | 21 - 35 | 30 |
| High | 36 - 60 | 0 |
| Very high | > 60 | 0 |
Table 2. Soil-test-based potassium recommendations for soybean production in Louisiana. The Mehlich-3 Soil-test potassium concentrations in parts per million are shown for alluvial and upland soils. The fertilizer recommendations are shown as K2O in pounds per acre.
| Soil Type | Soil - test level | Alluvial Soils | Upland Soils | Recommended K2O in pounds per acre |
| Loam Sand or sandy loam | Very low | ≤ 35 | ≤ 35 | 80 |
| Loam Sand or sandy loam | Low | 36 – 53 | 36 – 53 | 60 |
| Loam Sand or sandy loam | Medium | 54 – 79 | 54 – 88 | 30 |
| Loam Sand or sandy loam | High | 80 – 123 | 89 – 106 | 0 |
| Loam Sand or sandy loam | Very high | > 123 | > 106 | 0 |
| Very fine or fine sandy loam | Very low | ≤ 53 | ≤ 44 | 80 |
| Very fine or fine sandy loam | Low | 54 – 88 | 45 – 70 | 60 |
| Very fine or fine sandy loam | Medium | 89 – 123 | 71 – 106 | 30 |
| Very fine or fine sandy loam | high | 124 – 141 | 107 – 123 | 0 |
| Very fine or fine sandy loam | Very high | > 141 | > 123 | 0 |
| Loam, silt loam | Very low | ≤ 70 | ≤ 62 | 80 |
| Loam, silt loam | Low | 71 – 106 | 63 – 97 | 60 |
| Loam, silt loam | Medium | 107 – 141 | 98 – 141 | 30 |
| Loam, silt loam | High | 142 – 158 | 142 – 158 | 0 |
| Loam, silt loam | Very high | > 158 | > 158 | 0 |
| Clay loam or silty clay loam | Very low | ≤ 123 | ≤ 88 | 80 |
| Clay loam or silty clay loam | Low | 124 – 176 | 89 – 141 | 60 |
| Clay loam or silty clay loam | Medium | 177 – 264 | 142 – 176 | 30 |
| Clay loam or silty clay loam | High | 265 – 282 | 177 – 194 | 0 |
| Clay loam or silty clay loam | Very high | > 282 | > 194 | 0 |
| Silty clay or clay | Very low | ≤ 141 | ≤ 88 | 80 |
| Silty clay or clay | Low | 142 – 211 | 89 – 141 | 60 |
| Silty clay or clay | Medium | 212 – 317 | 142 – 176 | 30 |
| Silty clay or clay | High | 318 – 334 | 177 – 194 | 0 |
| Silty clay or clay | Very high | > 334 | > 194 | 0 |
Mark Carriere, County Agent, LSU AgCenter
Do you have an interest in gardening? Do you plant a vegetable garden each year? Do you enjoy the landscape at your home? Do you wish you knew more about gardening or your landscape? Or do you simply wish you could keep the plants you buy alive for more than one season? If this is you, then you should think about joining the 2021 Pointe Coupee Master Gardener Class to learn all of these things and so much more.
Photo 1. The LSU AgCenter is offering a Master Gardener Course in Pointe Coupee Parish beginning May 20, 2021. Deadline to register is April 30, 2021.
The LSU AgCenter Office in Pointe Coupee Parish is currently holding registration for their 2021 Pointe Coupee Master Gardener Class. Join Mark Carriere, County Agent, and countless other agents and LSU AgCenter Specialists from across the state. Once you have completed the course, you should not only know how to garden, but so much more. Once you have graduated from the Master Gardener course, you will be able to join so many other Master Gardener Volunteers from across the country who volunteer their knowledge to their local communities.
This year’s course will be a hybrid style course, where we will meet online using Microsoft Teams and we will meet in person at our Pointe Coupee Master Greenhouse for the lab portion. So, you will need a computer in order to complete the course. The online class sessions will be held from 6:00-9:00 pm on the date posted, and the lab sessions will begin at 6:00 pm and last approximately until 7:30 pm. Please see the class schedule below for more information.
Photo 2. Tentative class schedule for the 2021 Pointe Coupee Master Gardener Course.
This is a great opportunity for everyone who is interested in learning more about all types of gardening. If you have questions or need more information about the upcoming program, please contact Mark Carriere via email at mcarriere@agcenter.lsu.edu. The deadline to register is Friday, April 30, 2021.
Raj Singh, Director of the LSU AgCenter Plant Diagnostic Center
Current weather conditions may present Louisiana vegetable growers with great challenges to combat plant diseases.
Raj Singh, director of the LSU AgCenter Plant Diagnostic Center, said vegetables are susceptible to a wide variety of plant pathogens, including, fungi, water molds, bacteria, and viruses.
“Some plant pathogens affect roots, and others cause disease on aboveground plant parts,” Singh said. “Most plant pathogens that affect aboveground plant parts require high humidity and temperatures to be successful in causing diseases, and these optimal conditions aid in their faster development and rapid spread.”
Bacterial plant pathogens require free water on foliage to enter plant tissue and cause infection, said Singh, who is known across Louisiana as “the plant doctor.” One such bacterial disease, known as bacterial leaf spot of peppers, is caused by Xanthomonas species.
Photo 1. A pepper leaf shows water-soaked necrotic lesions caused by a bacterial pathogen. Photo by Raj Singh/LSU AgCenter
The pathogen may produce symptoms on all aboveground plant parts. Initial symptoms appear as small, brown, water-soaked lesions. As the disease develops, lesions become necrotic in the center. During prolonged rainy weather, the pathogen spreads through splashing rainwater to nearby healthy plants.
“Bacterial lesions coalesce and result in excessive premature defoliation. Defoliation of leaves exposes pepper fruits to direct sunlight and may lead to sunscald,” Singh said.
Another disease that rapidly develops during prolonged rainy and warm weather is early blight of tomatoes.
It is a fungal disease and may affect all aboveground plant parts. The disease is more damaging on foliage and starts on older foliage first and then progresses up the plant.
“Symptoms appear as small, dark-colored, circular lesions surrounded by yellow tissue,” Singh said. “As the lesions expand, concentric rings or ridges become evident within them.”
If favorable weather conditions prevail during fruit production, the disease causes excessive defoliation, exposing the fruit to potential damage from the sun and causing sunscald.
Photo 2. A tomato leaf exhibits early blight circular lesions with concentric rings. Photo by Raj Singh/LSU AgCenter
Successful disease management in home gardens and commercial vegetable production systems requires an integrated approach and begins with rapid and accurate identification of the cause of the problem.
“Prevention is the key to successfully managing plant disease,” he said. “When available, resistant or tolerant varieties should be planted.”
Start with clean, disease-free seeds and seedlings. Fungicide-treated seeds may help avoid pathogen infection.
Vegetable growers must choose a well-drained planting site or plant on raised beds that allow for adequate drainage. Plant in sunny locations with good air circulation to reduce the length of time the foliage remains wet.
Avoid the use of overhead irrigation and water in the early morning hours to reduce the extended period of wetness. Water on a regular basis, but do not overwater. If a disease occurs, avoid planting the same or other susceptible plants in the same location in the following year.
Good sanitation practices, including cleaning tools, may reduce the disease spread. Avoid working with wet plants, especially plants infected with foliar bacterial pathogens. Remove severely affected plants and properly discard them. Remove crop debris from the fields once harvest is completed.
Many fungicides and some bactericides are available to aid in the management of these plant diseases, but they should always be used in conjunction with cultural practices intended to modify the environment to make it less conducive to disease development.
Fixed copper or other fungicide and bactericide sprays applied prior to the onset of rainy periods will provide some protection. Follow the product label while handling and applying chemical pesticides.
For complete detailed information on use of fungicides, refer to the LSU AgCenter Plant Disease Management Guide at the LSU AgCenter website.
David Moseley, Daniel Stephenson, Boyd Padgett, Sebe Brown, Michael Deliberto, AgCenter Scientist
Although mid-April to mid-May is the current recommended planting dates for soybean in Louisiana, late March and early April soybean plantings are possible and may lead to higher yield potential. However, cool and wet conditions common during late March and early April may lead to poor emergence and vigor. If a poor stand and/or plant health is a concern, it is important to get an accurate estimate of the final plant stand and correctly identify the cause of poor plant health.
To accurately assess the final stand across a field, random plants from at least ten areas of a field should be counted. Plants from a specific length of row should be counted for different row spacings. The number of plants counted with in a specific length of row should be multiplied by 1,000 to get the average final plant stand (Table 1).
Maintenance inputs such as flumioxazin can cause cotyledon and leaf damage (Figure 1). Seedlings injured from flumioxazin will likely grow out of the damage (Figure 2) with no yield loss.
The current soybean seeding rate recommendation for soybean is approximately 130,000 plants per acre with a final stand count of 104,000 to 113,000 plants per acre. Higher seeding rates should be considered when planting in unfavorable conditions and outside the optimum planting window. In addition, higher planting rates should be considered for some varieties based on population trials.
Soybean varieties that have good branching ability can compensate for low final plant stands by filling in gaps. In 2020, a population trial planted on May 6 and on June 1 at the Dean Lee Research Station consisted of three varieties and six populations from 50,000 to 175,000 seeds per acre in 25,000 seed per acre increments. The percent of final stand was low: 61% and 54% for the May 6 and June 1 planting dates, respectively. (Figures 3 and 4) show the average yield for each final plant stand. For the May 6 and June 1 planting dates there was a yield reduction when the final plant stand fell below 61,000 and 67,500 plants per acre, respectively.
The yield data for the June 1 planting date suggest a slightly higher final plant stand is required to maximize yield potential for planting outside optimum planting dates. Increasing the planting rate has also been suggested in areas of low productivity.
When considering if a replant is economical, it is important to weigh the potential yield increase from a higher plant population against the potential yield loss from a late planting date. Please read “The Economics of Replanting Soybeans” from the LA Crops Newsletter (Volume 11, Issue 3 – April 2021).
In some cases, it is possible to fill in large gaps by planting into the existing stand (Figure 5). This method can help If the replant is soon enough to not cause competition between the plants from the two planting dates, and if the soybean from the replant matures in time to not cause harvest delays.
It is also important to consider possible increase in pest pressure for soybean planted late. Soybean plants sown later in the growing season will likely have decreased vegetative growth resulting in a possible increase in weed pressure. Soybean planted late can also be subjected to higher insect and disease pressure.
Table 1. To determine final stand, count plants in the length of row corresponding with each row spacing.
| Row Spacing (in) | Length of Row to Count Plants (1/1000th of an acre) |
| 7.5 | 69' 8" |
| 10 | 52' 3" |
| 15 | 34' 10" |
| 20 | 26' 2" |
| 30 | 17' 5" |
| 36 | 14' 6" |
| 38 | 13' 9" |
| 40 | 13' 1" |
Figure 1. Soybean cotyledon damage from flumioxazin preemergence herbicide.
Figure 2. Soybean plants at the VC growth stage that have recovered from flumioxazin preemergence herbicide.
Figure 3. May 6, 2020 population trial at Dean Lee Research Station.
Figure 4. June 1, 2020 population trial at Dean Lee Research Station.
Matt Foster, LSU AgCenter Cotton Specialist
With cotton planting just around the corner, a couple key factors should be taken into consideration. Early planting is a key component of successful cotton production; however, if planted too early, yield potential can be reduced. Growing up, I often heard farmers say, “The day you plant cotton is the most important day for the crop.” Cotton seedlings are very sensitive to adverse conditions; therefore, it is important to consider factors such as soil temperature and heat units (DD60s) before deciding to plant.
Soil temperature is the main factor influencing seedling growth rate. Cool soils (below 50 degrees Fahrenheit) can cause chilling injury to germinating plants. Chilling injury can reduce vigor and increase the likelihood of seedling disease issues. Good germination and emergence can be expected once the soil temperature at a 4-inch depth is 65 degrees Fahrenheit or greater at 8 a.m. for at least three consecutive days with a good five-day forecast following planting. In Louisiana, cotton is generally planted in mid-April to mid-May, but planting decisions should be based on soil temperature and not the calendar.
Once soil temperature is optimal, it is important to calculate the number of DD60s for the next five days to determine if conditions are optimal for planting. Emergence generally occurs after the accumulation of 50 to 80 DD60s after planting. If the five-day forecast after planting predicts the accumulation of less than 26 DD60s, planting should be postponed. Also, the low temperature for the next five days should remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Basing planting decisions on soil temperature and the five-day forecast for DD60s can help ensure a healthy cotton stand.
Daniel Stephenson, LSU AgCenter Weed Scientist
The major issue I have discussed with Louisiana crop producers, LSU AgCenter parish agents, agricultural consultants, and agricultural industry this year is glyphosate-resistant Italian ryegrass. It is not a new problem for Louisiana producers as we have been dealing with it for five or six years and it is a problem in most parishes where row crops are produced.
In 2021, Italian ryegrass has caused significant issues. Even with the educational endeavors by the LSU AgCenter and others, Italian ryegrass is ‘stomping a mudhole in us’. This is not a new pest for the Mid-South. Mississippi has been dealing with glyphosate-resistant Italian ryegrass for many years. Mississippi State University weed scientists developed a great program to manage this pest and the LSU AgCenter has adopted that approach.
This program is divided into three options. The first option is a residual herbicide application or tillage in the fall. Second is a clethodim application in January. Third option is sequential applications of paraquat with the first application having either atrazine, diuron, or metribuzin tank mixed. Implementation of the fall option is best, followed by the second and third options.
The first and best option, residual herbicide, or tillage in the fall, is not popular in Louisiana. The primary complaint is bed erosion due to fall and winter rainfall. Use of a residual herbicide has the potential to control most winter annual weeds, thus no weeds are present to help prevent soil erosion. This is a very valid concern. However, Italian ryegrass emerges predominately in the fall, so by not implementing a management plan in the fall, we are effectively inviting an infestation. An option to consider is seeding a cover crop in the fall. LSU AgCenter research data has shown that a residual herbicide like S-metolachor or Zidua can be applied over the top two weeks after emergence of cereal rye, wheat, and many broadleaf cover crops without injury to the cover crop. Therefore, the cover crop will maintain bed integrity and physically compete with the Italian ryegrass slowing its growth. Plus, the addition of a residual herbicide will provide a barrier to help manage the ryegrass. Yes, this step requires money and effort that may be in short supply in the fall. However, compare that to what you have tried to do this spring to manage Italian ryegrass and it is easy to see that implementing a fall management program will pay dividends.
Honestly, the second and third options are failing Louisiana producers. Tank-mixing clethodim with other burndown herbicides (which is not part of Mississippi State’s plan) has consistently provided poor Italian ryegrass control because many burndown applications have had sublethal clethodim rates. Tank-mixing clethodim with 2,4-D or dicamba in a burndown treatment oftentimes leads to poor ryegrass control because 2,4-D and dicamba antagonizes clethodim which decreases clethodim efficacy. To overcome antagonism, at least 0.125 lb ai/A of clethodim must be applied. Another issue is the ryegrass is too big at clethodim application. For maximum clethodim efficacy, ryegrass should be less than 4-inches tall. Antagonism, low use rate, and large ryegrass at application has led to potential clethodim-resistant Italian ryegrass. The LSU AgCenter is investigating multiple population for resistance. Clethodim-resistant has been documented in Mississippi.
The lack of a fall program and the poor control provided by clethodim leads to the third option…. paraquat plus atrazine/diuron/metribuzin followed by another paraquat application 10 to 14 days later. Many times, the first paraquat treatment may get applied, but the second application does not. Why? Because the corn has already emerged before the second application can be applied. This leads to a terrible situation in which no herbicide options are available. Dr. Jason Bond and others with Mississippi State, the team that developed the management program, applied almost all known herbicides to Italian ryegrass in the spring with little to no success. The lack of in-crop herbicides to manage ryegrass intensifies the need to implement a management program the fall.
I have no intention to be a fear monger. I have always tried to tell the truth. The truth is that we are losing the battle with glyphosate-resistant Italian ryegrass in Louisiana. Unless we implement a fall management program, Louisiana will continue to struggle with this pest.
Please feel free to contact your local parish agent or me. My email is dstephenson@agcenter.lsu.edu and my mobile number is 318-308-7225. Good luck.
Ed Twidwell, Extension Forage Specialist and Wink Allison, LSU AgCenter
Variety selection is an important decision that producers must make when establishing forages in pastures. Many varieties of forage crops are marketed in Louisiana and scientists with the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center periodically conduct variety trials with warm-season forages. This information is used to make suggestions each year concerning warm- season forages for producers to consider utilizing. Suggested varieties listed are ones evaluated in Louisiana and found to perform satisfactorily. Suggested seeding rates are made assuming the use of good quality seed that meets the germination and purity seed standards as determined by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Seed Commission.
Warm-season perennial grasses grown in the Southern region are of tropical origin and grow mainly during the late spring, summer, and early autumn. These grasses become dormant and remain unproductive during the winter months. The optimum planting date for these grasses is from March 1 to June 1, but they can also be planted anytime during the growing season when soil moisture is adequate.
Bermudagrass can be grown throughout Louisiana and is adapted to most soil types. Both seed-propagated and vegetatively propagated varieties are available. Seeded varieties should be planted at a rate of 5 to 8 pounds of hulled seed per acre. The hybrid varieties should be planted with enough plant material to give about 7,500 plants per acre.
Hybrids: Alicia, Brazos, Coastal, Grazer, Tifton 44, Tifton 85, Russell, Jiggs, Sumrall 007 and Little Phillip #1
Seeded: Common, Cheyenne II, Mohawk, Ranchero Frio, Sungrazer Plus
Bahiagrass is widely grown throughout Louisiana and is particularly adapted to well-drained sites and will persist on low fertility soils. It should be seeded at a rate of 15 pounds per acre.
Argentine, Pensacola, Tifton 9, UF Riata, TifQuik and AU Sand Mountain
Dallisgrass is very productive on alluvial soils and more fertile upland soils in Louisiana. Dallisgrass is noted for having poor seed quality. Seed germinate slowly, often taking four weeks or longer for emergence. There are no varieties of dallisgrass; all seed is “common” and is imported from countries outside of the United States and seed availability is often limited. Dallisgrass should be seeded at a rate of 5 pounds per acre.
These grasses should be planted between April 15th and August 1st. They will be killed by frost in the autumn. Specific variety suggestions for these species cannot be made because of insufficient data.
This species generally does best on well- drained, light, and upland soils. Pearl millet should be seeded at a rate of 25 pounds per acre if drilled and 30 pounds per acre if broadcast. This species does not cause prussic acid poisoning in livestock, but nitrate accumulation can cause toxicity under some circumstances.
This species generally does best on heavier soil types, although it can also be successfully planted on well-drained soils. Sorghum sudangrass should be seeded at a rate of 30 pounds per acre if drilled and 35 pounds per acre if broadcast. Nitrate accumulation or prussic acid can cause toxicity under some circumstances.
This species is best adapted to well-drained soil types. Seed are planted at a rate of 15 to 20 pounds per acre in May or June.
Establishment is slow and weed competition may be a problem. There are no varieties of alyceclover available; only “common” seed is marketed.
This is a perennial legume that is adapted to well-drained soil types. It should not be planted on heavy soils that are prone to flooding or being water-logged for extended periods of time. Perennial peanuts would be better adapted in southern parts of Louisiana but have been shown to survive for several years at locations just south of I- 20 in north Louisiana.
The two varieties that can be planted are Arbrook and Florigraze. They should be planted at a rate of 60 to 80 bushels of rhizomes per acre from January 1st to March 15th. Planting material is scarce, and producers may have to obtain their material from Georgia or Florida.
Specific variety suggestions for these species cannot be made because of insufficient data.
This species should be planted from April 15 to June 15 in south Louisiana and from May 1 to June 15 in north Louisiana. It can be planted at a rate of 8-12 pounds per acre if drilled and 15-20 pounds per acre if broadcast. It can also be planted at a rate of 6-8 pounds per acre if planted in 40-inch rows.
This species should be planted from March 1st to April 15th. It should be planted at a rate of 12 to 20 pounds per acre planted in 30 to 40-inch rows.
Mark Carriere, County Agent, LSU AgCenter
It appears that things are slowly opening back up and the return to some resemblance of normal is hopefully in the not-too-distant future. However, the one constant again this year is the pesky buffalo gnats that enjoy hovering around my head as I am trying to enjoy the outdoors in between rain shower events. These gnats have many common names and cover several different species. These pests are called turkey gnats, buffalo gnats and no-see-ums, just to name a few. These gnats have sure become a nuisance to people and livestock across the parish.
As a member of the black fly family, these gnats are a problem mostly during late winter to early spring. So unfortunately, the cooler weather we have been experiencing will likely keep them around for the next several weeks until we can see a raise in the temperature. Once the temperatures stay consistently around 80 degrees, their numbers will diminish.
According to Sebe Brown, an LSU AgCenter entomologist at the Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria, the adult gnats are like mosquitoes and feed on blood. Therefore, we see them swarming around people, livestock, and pets. “Black flies will secret an anticoagulant that can cause an allergic reaction and prolonged itching in sensitive individuals,” Brown said. “In livestock they can cause toxemia, anaphylactic shock, and in extreme cases, have caused suffocation.” The female gnats have the capability to lay between 100 and 600 eggs. The adult populations exist for about one month in the spring, and the eggs laid by the females will develop the following spring.
Unlike mosquitoes, there are few effective options for controlling gnats around people. Some people have seen success from using unconventional products such as Avon Skin-So-Soft or Victoria’s Secret Amber Romance. Some are even using naturally derived ingredients such as citrus or vanilla, which may contain some repellent properties. However, there is no scientific research to support these unconventional products from controlling these insects around people or homes.
For livestock, repellant products containing permethrin or ivermectin ear tags, smoldering fires that produce dense smoke and providing shelters with fans and minimal light may offer relief from these pests. Generally black flies will not enter enclosures or barns and are only active during the day according to Brown. So, keeping them inside during the day and turning them out at night when the gnats are less active is recommended.
Brown said that permethrin or any pyrethroids-class products should not be used on cats. As a reminder, when using products of this kind please follow all labeled rates, which may differ between species of livestock animal.
With warmer weather we will see relief from these bothersome pests. But with warmer weather we know that the next pest we will have to defend ourselves from when in the great outdoors is the mosquito. At least with mosquitoes we have more effective options for control.
If you have questions or concerns about the gnats or any other related topic, please contact Mark Carriere, County Agent, by calling the Pointe Coupee Extension Office at (225)638-5533 or via email at mcarriere@agcenter.lsu.edu. More information on this and numerous other topics can be found on the web by visiting www.lsuagcenter.com.
