(For Release On Or After 03/23/07) Scale insects are one of the more common groups of insects that attack plants. You can find them feeding on trees, shrubs and even indoor plants.

(For Release On Or After 03/16/07) The buck moth caterpillar can be found feeding on trees in spring – particularly oaks such as the live oak and water oak. Populations vary around the state from year to year, but this is an excellent time to start checking your oak trees for signs of infestation.

(For Release On Or After 03/30/07) I love to garden in shady areas, although I know gardeners who complain they have trouble gardening successfully in the shade. Trouble mostly occurs when sun-loving plants are planted in shady locations. But when the proper plants are selected for shady areas the results can be beautiful and enduring. And let’s face it. I’d much rather work in a shady garden during summer than a sunny one.

(For Release On Or After 03/09/07) Pest problems will become more common as we move into the warmer summer moths. Although some gardeners still feel they should immediately get an insecticide and begin spraying when they see insects or apparent insect damage in their gardens, just seeing an insect or insect damage is not reason enough to spray.

(For Release On Or After 03/02/07) Lawns have their purpose in the landscape. They create a restful contrast to flower beds and other elements in the landscape. Lawns also are often needed for outdoor activities and are indispensable if you have kids. On the other hand, ground covers can add beauty and interest to the home landscape, as well as reduce maintenance, when used in some areas.

(For Release On Or After 04/27/07) As May approaches, we move from the warm days and cool nights of spring and early summer to the hot days and warm nights that will be with us until sometime around September. With the increasing heat, you also will notice the inevitable decline of your cool-season bedding plants.

(For Release On Or After 04/20/07) Who knows what Spanish moss and pineapples have in common? Believe it or not, they actually are related and belong to the same family of plants – the Bromeliad family.

(For Release On Or After 04/13/07) I don’t know about you, but as the hot weather of summer arrives I’d much rather work in shady gardens than sunny ones. I’ve heard gardening in the shade called challenging, but when the proper plants are selected for shady areas the results can be beautiful and durable. Lots of great plants for shady areas can be found among the ferns.

(For Release On Or After 04/06/07) Average minimum temperatures are an important issue when choosing plants that are well-adapted to our climate. But so are the summer temperatures, since our landscape plants must be able to survive both extremes.

(Distributed 03/02/07) For more than 33 years, Vendal Fairchild has worked the fields of Northeast Louisiana – growing corn, soybeans and rice on nearly 2,500 acres. His proficiency as an agricultural producer was rewarded Friday (March 2) when he was named the 2007 Louisiana Farmer of the Year

(Distributed 03/06/07) The Louisiana Civil Service League recently honored an LSU AgCenter employee with its Charles E. Dunbar Career Service Award. Mary Baronet, a 25-year employee of the LSU AgCenter, was the honoree.

(Distributed 03/07/07) The LSU AgCenter is partnering with an area newspaper in a project to help students, parents and teachers with the learning process. Teaming with the Lafayette Daily Advertiser, the LSU AgCenter is sponsoring Kid Scoop, which appears in the newspaper every Tuesday.

(Distributed 03/07/07) A renowned public health educator and researcher will address several facets of childhood obesity March 19 as part of an annual endowed lecture series on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. Dr. Theresa Nicklas will deliver the 2007 Patrick Lecture on the topic of "Overweight, Undernourished and at Risk: Tackling Today’s Childhood Nutrition Problems."

(Distributed 03/08/07) You may know how and when to plant your pansies and petunias, but do you think about a little stretching exercise before heading out into the garden? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bob Souvestre says that’s just one of the important "healthy gardening" tips you should consider before starting your spring chores.

(Distributed 03/12/07) The LSU AgCenter will present the "magic" of agriculture and natural resources again this spring as its annual "AgMagic" events unfold April 23-29 in the Parker Coliseum on the university campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 03/13/07) The 10th Annual Louisiana 4-H Foundation Charity Golf Tournament will be Thursday, April 5, at Carter Plantation in Springfield, La., according to Eric A. Eskew, executive director of the foundation.

(Distributed 03/15/07) The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Mosquito Control Association are sponsoring a workshop March 20-22 in Alexandria for those interested in being certified as commercial pesticide applicators in mosquito control and public health.

(Distributed 03/15/07) A March 21 tour for cattle and forage producers will include remarks from a variety of experts, as well as pasture and forage demonstrations.

(Distributed 03/15/07) A deer management and food plot workshop for hunters will be held March 28 north of Lafayette.

(Distributed 03/16/07) The 4-H outdoor skills program is among the fastest growing programs in some areas of the state, and hundreds of youngsters from Southeast Louisiana recently gathered to take part.

(Distributed 03/16/07) Organizers of the state's first Equine Expo last weekend (March 9-11) are calling the event a success and say plans are under way for next year.

(Distributed 03/16/07) Collegiate 4-H members from 34 schools in 27 states converged on St. Bernard Parish last month to lend a helping hand in the recovery effort.

(Distributed 03/20/07) During the week of April 16-20, school children in every parish will learn lessons about Louisiana’s wetlands, and some will actually participate in wetland renewal projects at neighboring wetland sites. These lessons and activities are all part of "Youth Wetlands Week," which educators at the LSU AgCenter hope will become an annual event in the state.

(Distributed 03/22/07) The LSU AgCenter has established an endowed scholarship to honor a longtime employee who completed her career as its director of corporate relations. The scholarship, which was set up in the LSU School of Human Ecology, is a memorial to Ganelle S. Bullock.

(Distributed 03/21/07) Officials recently broke ground for a new office building and meeting center that will help the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station implement plans for increasing its focus on urban horticulture and landscape maintenance. At the March 16 ceremony, officials said the construction of the 3,700-square-foot facility is the first step toward what is expected to be an increasing volume of research and educational programs related to the state’s "green industry."

(Distributed 03/28/07) The 2007 USA Rice Leadership Development Class visited the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station last week (March 18-23) on its tour of the Louisiana and Texas rice industry.

(Distributed 03/28/07) Spring is here, the weather is warm and sunny, and the plants and trees have budded out and started to bloom. Among all that activity, you’re probably also seeing more bees and other insects, LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet said.

(Distributed 03/28/07) Cattle producers who don’t grow clover are passing up a good chance to improve their profits, a retired Texas A&M forage specialist said recently (March 21) at a field day at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette research farm. The field day was a cooperative effort between ULL, the LSU AgCenter and the Pennington Seed Co.

(Distributed 03/30/07) Louisiana and its neighboring states have the potential to raise nonfood crops for biofuels because they have suitable available land and a long growing season, according to Dr. Michael Blazier, assistant professor of forestry at the LSU AgCenter’s Hill Farm Research Station near Homer.

(Distributed 03/27/'07) Many families face tough decisions when shopping for child care, but LSU AgCenter child-care expert Cheri Gioe says there are resources to help them make the best decisions. Agencies known as Child Care Resource and Referral Programs are located in various areas across Louisiana.

(Distributed 03/28/07) Dyeing and decorating eggs is enjoyed by many families at Easter. Because eggs are perishable, it is necessary to follow food safety precautions when using them as part of the holiday festivities, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 03/30/07) Choose Louisiana strawberries for a nutritious and delicious treat, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Strawberries contain several nutrients, minerals and non-nutritive chemicals that are important for human health.

(Radio News 03/05/07) The "green industry" is growing as homeowners and business people become more interested in beautifying the outdoors. To help the growing green industry, researchers at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station are conducting landscaping studies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/05/07) You may know how and when to plant your pansies and petunias, but do you stretch before heading out into the garden? LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bob Souvestre says while experienced gardeners know what to do in their landscapes, they may not take care of themselves as well as they take care of their flower beds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/05/07) After a wet and cold winter, gardeners are anxious to get back into their yards. With warmer temperatures, many may have started spring gardening activities already. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Bob Souvestre says gardeners can busy themselves with several tasks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/05/07) On a mild morning workers near Hammond were busy gathering beautiful red-jeweled strawberries. Louisiana strawberries weren’t hindered by freezes and rain, says Dr. Regina Bracy, coordinator of the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/05/07) Row covers have played an important role in getting Louisiana strawberries on the market early. Farmers use these cover to keep their berry plants warm during their winter growing period. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/12/07) It's strawberry season, and the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station is conducting research on these berries. Most of the state’s strawberries are grown in Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes. The soil in those areas is conducive to growing strawberries. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/12/07) Using direct deposit allows taxpayers to get their refunds quicker. This year individuals expecting a tax refund can direct their deposits into more than one bank account. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/12/07) Preparing a tax return is not an easy task, but it is important to do it right. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says you don’t necessarily have to do it alone. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites and AARP offer free tax preparation for those who qualify and have their material together. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/12/07) In the last minute rush to get tax returns completed, taxpayers often make mistakes. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker talks about common mistakes you should be sure to avoid. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/12/07) Taxpayers should be aware of a few changes this year when filing their tax returns. For example, LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says some of the rules have changed regarding charitable contributions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/19/07) The number of child-care centers in the areas affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita still is low. The LSU AgCenter is working to train potential new child-care operators, but its experts say they also want to help those who returned to the business regain some of what they lost to the storms. For centers that lost resources such as educational toys, there is grant money available for new items. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/19/07) Louisiana lost numerous child-care centers to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and Orleans Parish alone lost an estimated 400 child-care centers. LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Becky White is among those working on projects to help re-establish child-care centers in devastated areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/19/07) Louisiana farmers generally plant more acres of soybeans than any other crop. LSU AgCenter feed grain specialist Dr. David Lanclos says he thinks this year will be about the same – even with the increased interest in corn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/19/07) Corn planting in Louisiana probably won’t last long, according to LSU AgCenter feed grain specialist Dr. David Lanclos, who says even though growers this year are likely to plant nearly double the acres of corn from last year, corn planting for 2007 could be wrapped up pretty quickly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/19/07) Louisiana farmers planted around 340,000 acres of corn last year. Now they're back in the fields planting this year’s crop, and LSU AgCenter feed grain specialist Dr. David Lanclos says he expects the 2007 corn acreage to nearly double. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 03/05/07) On a recent mild morning, workers were busy gathering beautiful red-jeweled Louisiana strawberries. The berries, located on a plot at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station, weren't hindered by freezes and heavy rains this winter. Cold weather slowed berry production in Louisiana somewhat, but the plants are poised to increase production. (Runtime: 1 minute, 39 seconds)

(TV News 03/11/07) After a wet and cold winter, Gardeners are anxious to get back into their yards. While experienced gardeners know what to do in their landscapes when spring rolls around, they may not take care of themselves as well as they take care of their flower beds. (Runtime: 1 minute, 21 seconds)

(Radio News 03/26/07) Keep your health "100% fad free" during National Nutrition Month. That is the theme of this year’s nutrition awareness campaign, which is being conducted in March. Health and diet fads can have harmful effects on your health and your wallet, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/26/07) LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says he expects heavy populations of the eastern tent caterpillars and forest tent caterpillars this year. You often can find these caterpillars huddled together on the bark of tree trunks or branches. They won’t harm people, but they can harm trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/26/07) Spring brings with it plenty of caterpillars. Many are just nuisances, but buck moth caterpillars can deliver painful stings. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says the larvae of these moths are hatching now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/26/07) Bee colonies in more than 20 states are collapsing, and honeybees are disappearing because of a mysterious ailment. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says so far Louisiana colonies seem to be unaffected by what is being called "colony collapse." (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/19/07) Corn acreage has been on the decline over the past few years in Louisiana, but this year the state will see a spike in corn acreage. Louisiana farmers planted around 340,000 acres of corn last year. Now they're back in the fields planting this year’s crop, and corn acreage is expected to nearly double. (Runtime: 1 minute, 19 seconds)

(Radio News 03/26/07) As the weather warms and trees and flowers bloom, honeybees become active. Louisiana has around 200 commercial and hobby beekeepers in the state, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/02/07) Many taxpayers have received or are expecting a tax refund this year. A refund could be enough to affect your future financial security, so LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker encourages you to make wise use of your refund. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/02/07) The week of April 16-20 is Youth Wetlands Week in Louisiana. Nearly 20,000 students across the state will take part in lessons and activities, says Dr. Carrie Mendoza, coordinator of environmental education for the LSU AgCenter.

(Radio News 04/02/07) A natural termite repellent that also could help stop erosion is turning an LSU AgCenter entomologist into somewhat of a farmer. Dr. Gregg Henderson is growing vetiver grass on a plot of land at the AgCenter's Coastal Area Research Station. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 03/26/07) Bee colonies in more than 20 states are collapsing, and honeybees are disappearing, because of a mysterious ailment. So far Louisiana colonies don't seem to be affected by what is being called "colony collapse." Louisiana has about 200 commercial and hobby beekeepers, and none have reported anything unusual. (Runtime: 1 minute, 40 seconds)