A quarterly newsletter from the Horticulture Division of the LSU AgCenter's School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.

These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events.

Audio segments featuring gardening advice and tips from LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill.

Groundwater is the source of water for wells and springs. It fills spaces between particles of soil or cracks in bedrock. This publication includes information on factors affecting groundwater contamination and prevention methods.

(Video 07/21/08) If you’re looking for a hardy plant that grows well in full sun to part shade, ruellia -- also called Mexican petunia -- is a great pick. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains this flowering plant does well in the summer heat. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(TV News 07/21/08) LSU AgCenter rice breeders recently highlighted new varieties that will add to the mix available to growers. Farmers heard about these varieties at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station field day. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

The United States is the world’s largest producer of ethanol, followed closely by Brazil. We produce about 13 million gallons of ethanol a day. To close the gap between fuel use and available ethanol would require a 50-fold increase in ethanol production. Currently, America’s primary agricultural source of simple sugars used for ethanol production is the starch in corn. But an expansion of this magnitude is well beyond our available corn supplies.

Teach the young about the value of Louisiana’s coastline and marshes, and they’ve learned a lesson for a lifetime. That’s the philosophy behind the LSU AgCenter’s annual series of Marsh Maneuvers camps. They’re unique opportunities to mix fun with education – and in the end, help save our coast.

(Radio 07/21/08) Clearfield technology in rice varieties allows growers to control the weed known as red rice in their fields. LSU AgCenter rice breeder Dr. Steve Linscombe says the amount of Clearfield acreage in Louisiana is increasing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/17/08) The addition of lime to neutralize soil acidity may be required on pastures before grazing forage will be able to benefit from fertilizer, according to LSU AgCenter soil scientist J Stevens.

The following news articles appeared in the spring 2008 issue of Louisiana Agriculture.

LSU AgCenter research has demonstrated that conventional, whole-field soil-sampling schemes and field-averaged yields do not satisfactorily describe the variations of yield and soil attributes present in several sugarcane fields. Research suggests a precision management approach.

Environmentally conscientious sugarcane growers voluntarily use best management practices (BMPs) to control runoff from production areas. Post-harvest residue management in sugarcane is one area in need of research-based information to determine the best management approach.

In recent years purple nutsedge has become more problematic in Louisiana sugarcane fields. Purple nutsedge is considered among the world’s worst weeds because of its perennial nature and ability to produce abundant and viable underground tubers.

In Louisiana sugarcane, row shoulders and middles are intensively cultivated to promote crop growth, eliminate ruts, incorporate fertilizer and control weeds. Sugarcane growers have been slow to adopt reduced tillage practices because of concerns over reduced yields and weed control.

In Louisiana, four to six harvests are made from a single planting of sugarcane. After that, the sugarcane must be replanted because of disease and weed pressure. During the fallow period, weeds must be managed to maximize yields for the next few years.

For more than 50 years, entomology programs at both the LSU AgCenter and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Sugarcane Research Laboratory at Houma have conducted research addressing the development of new varieties resistant to the larval stages of the sugarcane borer moth. In addition, the two research partners evaluate resistance to aphids and a potential invasive insect pest of Louisiana sugarcane, the Mexican rice borer.

Sugarcane breeding, leading to the release of genetically improved varieties, has played a vital role in sustaining Louisiana’s sugar industry. Past sugarcane breeding efforts have relied solely on traditional breeding approaches.

For many sugarcane varieties, the rescuer can oftentimes be in need of rescue. Such is the case with LCP 85-384. The release of LCP 85-384 in 1993 was truly a hallmark of sugarcane breeding efforts in Louisiana. By 2003, it was apparent that LCP 85-384 was in need of replacement.

There are likely to be many solutions for achieving energy alternatives, and agriculture is being looked upon for several sources – including sugarcane.

The No. 1 goal of the Audubon Sugar Institute is to keep Louisiana sugar factories profitable.

Of all the U.S. sugar-producing areas,Louisiana is the oldest and most historic. Sugarcane arrived in Louisiana in1751 with the Jesuit priests who planted it near where their church now stands on Baronne Street in New Orleans. The Louisiana sugarcane industry is in its third century of uninterrupted sugar production.

As Louisiana begins its third century of sugar production, research continues to play a vital role that sustains both growers and processors. Many facets of the industry continue to change.

The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardener Association celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2008. Since it began, 343 gardening enthusiasts have been certified to educate and beautify their communities.

Louisiana landowners are showing interest in carbon trading – an emerging market that pays landowners for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

This year’s AgMagic had a record number of visitors – 13,840– and LSU AgCenter officials are already planning next year’s event.

Weather forecasting is both art and science. But the science – especially long-range forecasting for south Louisiana in the summer – makes prediction difficult. For the past few years, south Louisiana has had blocks of fairly dry weather in the summer, especially when compared to the 1980s and 1990s, according to Jay Grymes,LSU AgCenter climatologist. He expects this pattern of warmer and somewhat drier summers to continue.

(Distributed 07/16/08) ST. GABRIEL – Sugarcane growers can reduce the cost of producing their crops by following new fertilizer recommendations, researchers said today (July 16) at a sugarcane field day at the LSU AgCenter’s Sugar Research Station here.

Louisiana Agriculture Magazine Spring 2008.pdf

Established as the Fruit and Truck Experiment Station in 1922, the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station in Hammond has served the needs of the strawberry and vegetable industries in Southeast Louisiana for more than 80 years. While continuing to serve this industry, the station has now embarked on a new initiative to provide research and education for the green service industry.

(Distributed 07/15/08) Results from the final two days of competition at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show have been announced.

The Farm Record Book is designed to provide a farmer with an organized system for recording expenses, income, land use and treatment, social security and income tax information. Printed copy available for $10 plus tax.

Louisiana sugarcane farmers will have a new sugarcane variety this fall with the release of L 01-283. Developed by the LSU AgCenter in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma and the American Sugar Cane League in Thibodaux, L 01-283 is the latest in a series of new varieties for the Louisiana sugarcane industry.

Artificial ripening of sugarcane as a complement to natural maturity is possible because of the development of glyphosate, a plant growth regulator, for use as a chemical ripener that hastens sugarcane maturation and increases sugar yield per ton of cane and per acre.

At one time the Louisiana sugarcane crop was harvested using mechanical whole stalk harvesters, where stalks were piled in the field and burned to remove leaves before transporting to the mill. Beginning in the mid 1990s, growers shifted to chopper harvesters, where stalks are cut into billets, loaded directly into wagons and transported to the mill.

The production of sugarcane in Louisiana is a major contributor to the agricultural economy of the state. In total market value, sugarcane is the leading row crop commodity produced in Louisiana.

As prices for gasoline and diesel fuel climb, Louisiana farmers face increased cost to irrigate their crops. Electricity maybe a more efficient power source, says LSUAgCenter water resources specialist, Ron Sheffield.

The bacteria and viruses that cause diseases of sugarcane in Louisiana are distributed throughout an infected plant.

Sugarcane is affected by two diseases known as rusts because of the color of the lesions caused in the leaves and reproductive spores produced by the pathogens. One disease is called brown rust, and the other is called orange rust, based on differences in lesion and spore color.

The Biomass Research and Development Initiative in the 2002 farm bill sets a goal of a 12 percent increase in production of chemicals and materials from biomass by 2010.

LCP 85-384 is a sugarcane variety that will occupy a special place in the history of sugarcane in Louisiana. It ultimately occupied a record-setting 91 percent of the industry acreage in the state during 2004, and its widespread cultivation caused a major shift in harvesting practices that created many new research questions.

Sugarcane Yearly Crop Rotation

(Distributed 07/14/08) LSU AgCenter experts traveled across the rice-growing area of Southwest Louisiana to meet with farmers and offer advice on improving their crop at two field days on July 8 and one on July 11.

A quarterly newsletter from the LSU AgCenter's Family and Consumer Sciences Division.

(TV News 07/07/08) Flooding in the Midwest has destroyed a significant portion of the nation’s corn and soybean crops. Commodity markets are reacting to the losses, but with high production costs and speculation in world markets, Louisiana farmers may not see much of a benefit from the price increases. LSU AgCenter researchers in the Northeast region of Louisiana are working to help farmers see more profits. (Runtime:1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Audio 07/14/08) Almost everyone loves figs, and harvesting figs from a backyard fig tree is one of the great delights of July. Fresh figs have many different uses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/14/08) Two great flowering shrubs that we use in our southern landscapes are gardenias and hydrangeas. It is important to remember these plants set their flower buds for next year's blooming now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/14/08) Planting and growing pumpkins is a a great project for kids to do at home during the summer. It is not difficult, and planting them in July will ensure they are ready for Halloween. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/14/08) It is not uncommon to see patches of fine silver webbing on the trunks of your trees from midsummer through fall. The webbing is made by tiny insects, and if you look very closely, you can actually see them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/14/08) Dr. David Boethel, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor, asked a crowd gathered at the Pecan Research Station in Shreveport if they had heard of Interstate 69. An ongoing proposal would have the interstate highway cutting through the Pecan Station, which is one of the last remaining pecan research facilities in the nation. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/14/08) The LSU AgCenter’s weed management research has expanded to include work on late-fall and early winter herbicide applications. Dr. Donnie Miller, research coordinator at the AgCenter's Northeast Research Station, explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/14/08) Commodity prices are high these days, and recent crop disasters in the Midwest are driving prices even higher. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/07/08) Beautiful containers of flowering or foliage plants can add a lot to outdoor decks and living areas. But placing these containers directly on wooden decks can create stains or cause the wood to rot. Use "feet" to lift pots off the deck (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/07/08) Leaf miners generally are the larva of tiny flies that lay their eggs on the leaves of plants. The insects burrow into the leaves and eat the tissue of the leaves -- leaving a trail. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/07/08) Heat begins to take its toll on the plants in our gardens this time of year. Just imagine standing in your garden all day long without air conditioning. That’s exactly what your plants have to do. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/07/08) Whoever made up the old adage “a job well done doesn’t have to be done again” never weeded a garden. You can pull up every weed you see and come back a week later only to find new weeds. But mulch can suppress weed growth. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 07/14/08) Watermelons are a sweet summer treat. The Louisiana crop has had some problems this year, but you can still find locally grown watermelons at roadside stands, farmers markets and grocery stores. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Radio News 07/14/08) Keep it clean when cooking or eating outdoors, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. After all, no one wants a picnic spoiled by foodborne illness. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/14/08) Work at the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station in Tensas Parish focuses on ways farmers can use less fertilizer and make fewer trips through the field, according to LSU AgCenter regional director Dr. Bob Hutchinson. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/14/08) Blackberries are a productive fruit that are easily manageable in the home garden. Improved cultivars help produce much larger blackberries that are of higher quality than the wild types. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/11/08) While older children are preparing to start school in the fall, younger children are eager to learn new things, too. Shopping for back-to-school items is a good time to start teaching your preschooler about spending and saving money, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

This publication includes information on soil preparation, fertilization, training, pruning, nutrient solutions, pollination, harvesting, marketing, and insect and disease control for greenhouse tomatoes.

(Video 07/14/08) Purslane and Portulaca are both low-growing, spreading plants. They both produce bright flowers -- and they’re related to each other. But they’re not the same. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains their differences in this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 secondS)

(Audio 07/07/08) The trees in your landscape grow larger every year. As time goes by, the shade the trees provide will begin to kill your lawn. Ground covers can bring life to these shady areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/11/2008) Kylie Ann Averett of Tangipahoa Parish was named the 2008 Premier Exhibitor at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show July 10.

The traditional focus of the Iberia Research Station has been animal husbandry research, but the scope of research has been diversified in recent years to include agronomic crops of economic importance to the area.

(Distributed 07/11/08) When parents read aloud to their children, everyone wins, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White.

(Distributed 07/11/08) The first and most important teachers children have are their parents. It is especially important for parents to read to their baby from birth, according to LSU AgCenter family development professor Dr. Rebecca White.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Is your child ready for preschool? In Louisiana a child must turn 4 years old by September 30 to be eligible for preschool services. Preschool in Louisiana is not mandatory; it’s an option.

(Distributed 07/11/08) The emotional days of watching your young child board the big yellow school bus for the first day of school may be long gone, but now you’re watching your young adult embark on an even bigger adventure – going to college.

(Distributed 07/11/08) A bad attitude about school can hinder a child’s future. Parents and caregivers can either help or undermine the importance of doing well, according to LSU AgCenter family life professor Dr. Karen Overstreet.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Snacks should be an important part of a child’s daily food intake. Because children are growing and active, they may need to eat more than three times a day, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 07/11/08) High heat and humidity during preseason football practice pose a significant danger for heat illnesses and heat stroke. Athletes need adequate fluids for their best performance, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 07/10/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Iberia Research Station will host a sugarcane field day for St. Mary and Iberia parishes starting at 4:30 p.m. on July 24.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Whether you're going back to school as a student or a teacher, be extra careful in packing your take-along lunch if it sits a long time between the time you make it and eat it.

(Distributed 7/10/08)Results from the second day of competition (July 9) at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show have been released.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Although most parents tell their children that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, many kids don't listen. Surveys show that as many as 48 percent of girls and 32 percent of boys do not eat breakfast every day.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Most children have not learned enough to be financially independent and successful by the time they enter college. Yet, many teenagers are offered credit cards before they even graduate from high school.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Before the age of school uniforms, my daughter’s middle school girlfriends were wearing a designer brand of jeans. Not wanting to be different, my daughter wanted five pairs of those jeans so she could wear a different pair to school each day.

(Distributed 07/11/08) With the start of school comes the reality of homework. To start the year off right, help students make the most of their study time with a productive study spaces, advises LSU AgCenter 4-H youth development expert Dr. Janet Fox.

(Distributed 07/11/08) The start of school is not the end of the hurricane season. Another three months remain for the season to end on November 30.

(Distributed 07/11/08) Many of you already may have talked to your soon-to-be college freshmen about the importance of avoiding drugs, but have you talked to them about the importance of avoiding debt?

(Distributed 07/11/08) More than 224,000 young people in Louisiana and 7 million across the country have found a home in 4-H. The new school year offers the opportunity to join the most popular youth group in the nation, according to the LSU AgCenter’s Dr. Mark Tassin, director of the Louisiana 4-H Youth Development Program.

(Distributed 07/11/08) If your son or daughter will be a junior or senior in high school this fall, you’ll likely start talking about college. You also may be thinking how expensive college is, since cost is a concern for most families, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Gloria Nye.

(Distributed 7/9/08) WEST MONROE – Results from the first day of competition at the 39th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show have been released.

(Video 06/07/08) The daisy, which literally means “day’s eye,” is a great flowering plant for the summer months. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horiculturist Dan Gill describes some of the different types of daisies you can choose for your garden. (Runtime:1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Video 06/30/08) Maypop is a beautiful vine that's native to Louisiana. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this plant is both useful and symbolic. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(TV News 06/30/08) With diesel well over $4 a gallon, filling up a diesel tank can drain your wallet. The high prices have many looking for alternatives such as biodiesel. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Radio News 07/07/08) Blueberries are brimming with nutrients and flavor, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Blueberries also are low in calories and high in fiber. Reames says to choose berries that are dark and not too soft. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 7/8/08) LSU AgCenter officials met Monday (July 7) with U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander to stress the importance of federal agricultural research funding.

The LSU AgCenter offers home gardeners opportunities to develop their skills and share their knowledge with others through participation in the Louisiana Master Gardener program.

(Distributed 7/9/08) Dr. Randy Sanderlin, research coordinator of the LSU AgCenter Pecan Station, will discuss pecan scab disease at the 2008 Tri-State Pecan Trade Show and Convention.

(Radio News 07/07/08) Louisiana blueberries are in season for a little while longer. Henry Harrison, LSU AgCenter county agent in Washington Parish, says blueberries grow well on the sandy soils found in his parish. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/07/08) The LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station has been serving the agricultural community in Northeast Louisiana for nearly 80 years. The station recently showcased its research at a field day. Dr. Bob Hutchinson, the LSU AgCenter's regional director for Northeast Louisiana, explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/07/08) Watermelon is a refreshing summer treat, and Louisiana farmers produced melons on 3,000 acres last year. LSU AgCenter county agent Henry Harrison of Washington Parish says most watermelon producers grow a handful of varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Biotechnology Education for Students and Teachers, the BEST program, was established in 2001 to raise the level of science education in Louisiana and prepare the state's youth to become the researchers our society needs for a prosperous and safe future.

This publication includes information on how to submit samples for fish disease diagnosis, the seasonality of disease problems, stress and disease outbreaks, complications, warning signs, collecting and shipping samples, and diagnostic facilities.

(Distributed 07/03/08) Rice farmers and industry representatives gathered Wednesday (July 2) at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Field Day to learn about the ongoing research conducted by scientists to improve a vital part of South Louisiana agriculture. The event was the first LSU AgCenter field day that could be watched live on the Internet.

(Distributed 07/03/08) A new sugarcane variety released earlier this year will be featured at the annual sugarcane field day July 16 at the LSU AgCenter’s Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel. Field tours start at 9 a.m.

(Radio News 07/07/08) Washington Parish is famous for its watermelons, but the southeastern Louisiana parish has not had cooperative weather for watermelon growing. LSU AgCenter county agent Henry Harrison explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/03/08) This year the red in your red, white and blue Fourth of July celebration could be a sweet Louisiana watermelon.

Sugarcane has been an integral part of the Louisiana economy and culture for more than 210 years. When the Jesuit priests first brought sugarcane to Louisiana in 1751, little did they know that they were laying the foundation for an industry that now contributes $2 billion to the Louisiana economy. The industry could not be sustained, however, without LSU AgCenter research.

(Distributed 07/03/08) With the average credit card holder owing $9,000 and paying $1,200 a year in interest, consumers can benefit by learning tips on managing money provided in an LSU AgCenter financial program.

(Distributed 07/02/08) A “gorilla” of a barnyardgrass and a “tough critter” nematode are two of the problems being tackled by LSU AgCenter researchers as reported at a recent field day at the Northeast Research Station in St. Joseph. Dr. Daniel Stephenson, LSU AgCenter weed scientist, told farmers at the June 24 event that barnyardgrass “is setting up shop” in the neighboring area of the station.

(Audio 06/30/08) Keeping your home cool this time of year can be expensive. You can reduce the cost and beautify your landscape by planting trees that will shade your home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/02/08) Two campuses of the LSU System recently combined their international programs offices to better serve the needs of faculty, students and citizens in an increasingly global society. The LSU AgCenter and the LSU A&M campus in Baton Rouge announced the merger this summer.

(Audio 06/30/08) Tomato production peaks in early June. The plants are most productive in May and June. Then production and quality begin to slip in late June and July. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/30/08) Unsightly webs generally are just a part of growing pecan trees. These also show up on other types of trees like river birches. Caterpillars called fall webworms create these webs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/30/08) Mowing is the most important lawn chore during the summer months. The most common mistake people make is allowing their lawns to grow too tall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/30/08) Despite the heat, gardeners can plant plenty of vegetables this time of the year. You can direct seed many of these vegetables right into the ground. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/02/08) The LSU AgCenter’s annual Northeast Louisiana rice field day will be held July 21 at the Elliot Colvin farm and the Rayville Civic Center.

(Radio News 06/30/08) Learning does not stop when the school year ends. Parents need to find productive and fun ways for youngsters to spend their days, says LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/02/08) The No. 1 yard tree problem in Shreveport-Bossier is construction damage, according to Ricky Kilpatrick, LSU AgCenter area forestry agent.

(Radio News 06/30/08) Youngsters can fall into a routine over the summer that involves watching television and snacking. LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr. Diane Sasser says weight gain is sure to follow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/30/08) Are we there yet? That is the question many have heard during car or plane trips. Family vacations can be fun or frantic, but LSU AgCenter family life specialist Dr Diane Sasser says proper planning is essential to keep it from being too frenzied. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a widespread problem in Louisiana. This pest favors the soils where most vegetables are produced and has been found in about 25 percent of the vegetable gardens in our state. This nematode can be extremely damaging to some crops and causes severe losses. (PDF Format Only)

A monthly fisheries newsletter from the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant.

(Distributed 07/01/08) Back by popular demand, the LSU AgCenter will host another set of one-day workshops on how to make your own biodiesel. The choices are July 29, 30 or 31 at the W.A. Callegari Environmental Center in Baton Rouge.

(For Release On Or After 07/25/08) Wherever you go in America, gardeners will tell you about the terrible pest problems they have to deal with. Still, it seems like we have more than our share of insects, diseases and weeds in Louisiana.

(Distributed 07/01/08) The LSU AgCenter has joined forces with Orleans Catholic Charities’ Operation Helping Hand and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program to construct an affordable home uniquely tailored to local needs and risks. The house, dubbed the “Green Dream Home,” is in mid-construction and, until its completion, serves as a teaching tool about best building practices for the New Orleans area.

(For Release On Or After 07/18/08) Many vegetables planted in spring are finishing or already have reached the end of their productive season. Once the harvest is finished, they should be removed from the garden.

(For Release On Or After 07/11/08) Deadheading is an important but often neglected gardening technique. It refers to pruning off old, faded flowers from a plant as it blooms.

(For Release On Or After 07/04/08) Few sights are more thrilling in the garden than rapidly moving hummingbirds darting among the flowers.

(Radio News 06/30/08) Louisiana’s corn crop has been planted and is in the growing phase. Last year the state saw a record corn crop, with acreage surpassing 700,000. Although acreage will drop this year, it sill will be higher than normal, and growers should be on the lookout for insects, according to LSU AgCenter interim corn specialist Rob Ferguson. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/30/08) The high cost of feed grains is affecting cattle producers. Corn prices were expected to drop this year, but environmental conditions could cause prices to stay high. LSU AgCenter cattle specialist Dr. Jason Rowntree explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/01/08) Greenhouse tomatoes and a constructed wetland were two of the topics covered at a recent field day and open house at the LSU AgCenter’s Red River Research Station in Bossier City. The June 18 event also highlighted research projects at the station on agronomic crops including corn, cotton, wheat, sorghum and soybeans.

(Distributed 06/30/08) The LSU AgCenter was one of 25 universities selected to participate in the Biomass and Energy Awareness Days (BEAD II) EXPO in Washington, D.C., June 22. The AgCenter’s exhibit featured the research being conducted at the Audubon Sugar Institute to produce bioethanol and biodiesel from sugarcane and algae.

(Distributed 06/30/08) Participants in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program visited Washington, D.C., in mid-June as part of the two-year study program. Briefings on agricultural issues and visits with Louisiana’s legislative delegation were some of the highlights of the June 10-14 study tour to Washington, D.C., for this 11th class to participate in the program coordinated by the LSU AgCenter.

Decks, outside wooden furniture and structures like trellises and gazebos add enjoyment and can enhance the landscape. But, if not properly taken care of, these structures can require constant repair and eventual replacement. This publication includes information on the proper preservation, care and maintenance of wooden decks, fences and lawn furniture.

This publication is a comprehensive handbook that spells out recommended soybean production practices for Louisiana. It is designed as a reference for county agents, agribusiness dealers, consultants, industry field representatives and any other people who provide information to soybean growers in Louisiana.

Katrina and Rita – names that will live forever – remain a part of the south Louisiana dialog and a pair of storms that will undoubtedly reshape the way Louisiana residents think about tropical weather. Virtually every aspect of community and business life across the Bayou State continues to display a direct effect from these catastrophes, and their signatures of destruction remain evident in the agriculture and forestry sectors as well.

(Distributed 06/27/08) A home is the largest and most important purchase most people make. To help homeowners make the most of that investment while also doing their part for the environment and future generations, the LSU AgCenter and its partners have developed the Louisiana House Home and Landscape Resource Center. Known as LaHouse, for short, the completed center will open for a Preview Open House throughout the day July 15.

This publication is designed to assist those who want to incubate a small number of eggs. In it are discussed the general principles concerning the care and incubation of hatching eggs. When appropriate, special comments are made about the peculiarities of certain species.

Nearly all of the rice grown in Louisiana was developed at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station in Crowley. The world’s first herbicide-resistant rice, which helps Louisiana producers fight the weeds that historically have plagued their rice, was discovered at the station.

(Audio 06/23/08) Pintas are a wonderful warm-season bedding plant. They don't have any major insect or disease problems. All the plants need is a well-prepared bed in a place where they can get full sunlight. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/23/08) Tomatoes are a wonderful, productive and very popular home garden vegetable. One of the most common problems associated with this plant is its flowers falling off. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/23/08) The baldcypress is Louisiana's state tree and is a popular tree to plant in landscapes. The knees that grow from a cypress tree can create a nuisance in the landscape, but removing them really does no harm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/23/08) If you mention the name spider lily, you’ve described a number of different plants. In this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill talks about a spider lily that’s native to the Caribbean, even though it grows like it's right at home here in Louisiana. (Runtime: 1 Minute, 30 seconds)

(TV News 06/23/08) Fresh Louisiana peaches are hitting markets this month. Peach producer Joe Mitcham started picking peaches back in May. His orchard spans 100 acres, and he grows many varieties so he has peaches available all summer long. (Runtime: 1 minute, 30 seconds)

(Radio News 06/23/08) The LSU AgCenter sponsored a series of workshops to teach individuals how to make biodiesel. Dr. Bill Carney, director of the AgCenter’s Callegari Environmental Center, conducted the workshops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

This publication includes information on buying, freezing, preserving and preparing Louisiana strawberries. It also includes recipes.

Hypertension, better known as high blood pressure, is called the silent killer because there often are no noticeable symptoms. Find out who's at risk and the dangers of hypertension in this fact sheet.

(Audio 06/23/08) The roses we grow in our landscapes can be divided into two types: everblooming roses and once-blooming roses. Once-blooming roses put on a grand display of flowers in spring, and now is the time to prune these roses. This gives them time to establish new growth for next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/23/08) An important part of successfully gardening is learning to water your plants properly. Doing it correctly is not complicated, but during hot, dry weather watering appropriately can make a world of difference to the health of the plants in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/23/08) Individuals and small business owners crowded a meeting room at the LSU AgCenter’s Callegari Environmental Center to learn how to make their own biodiesel. Ronnie Surmik boards horses and became interested in the process while looking for fuel to return home to St. Charles Parish after Hurricane Katrina. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 06/23/08) With diesel well over $4 a gallon, filling up a diesel tank can drain your wallet. The high prices have many looking for alternatives such as biodiesel. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/26/08) A study on the heating of tomato plants grown in greenhouses by an LSU AgCenter scientist is the cover story of the April-June 2008 issue of HortTechnology, a research publication of the American Society for Horticultural Science that has subscribers in 50 countries. Dr. H.Y. Hanna, a professor at the Red River Research Station in Bossier City, conducts research on growing greenhouse tomatoes as productively and efficiently as possible.

Which composting system is right for you? Find the answers and more in this helpful guide to composting.

(Audio 06/16/08) Trees are the most valuable and irreplaceable part of our landscape, particularly mature trees. Summer thunderstorms are not uncommon, and trees can be victims of lightning strikes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/16/08) Many of us enjoy dressing up our decks with potted plants. Pots of blooming plants can really add a lot of greenery to an otherwise barren wooden surface, but you want to be careful so they don't damage the wood. (Runtime: 60 seconds)