(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.

(Distributed 06/25/08) It's time to enjoy Louisiana blueberries. Luckily, blueberries are nature's No. 1 source of antioxidants among more than 50 fresh fruits and vegetables tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.

(Distributed 06/25/08) The peak of the Louisiana peach season runs from mid-June until mid-July. Don’t miss out on this healthful window of opportunity, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed 06/20/08) CROWLEY – Rice researchers will share details of their ongoing work during the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Field Day on July 2. "This is an excellent chance for farmers to talk with scientists about research and to find out about potential varieties and potential new production practices that are being studied," said Dr. Steve Linscombe, station director.

(Distributed 06/19/08) Louisiana youth took home honors as state contest winners and alternates as the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H U concluded Thursday night (June 19) on the LSU campus.

(Distributed 06/19/08) Winners of 4-H scholarships were among those honored during ceremonies at the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University July 17-20. The young adults from across Louisiana were credited with excelling in project work and recordkeeping, serving as club officers or otherwise distinguishing themselves during their years in 4-H.

(Distributed 06/19/08) Ten adults were recognized for their contributions to the Louisiana 4-H program during an awards banquet and other ceremonies this week as part of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University program on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. The honorees included four 4-H alumni who continue to show active support of the youth development program, two school superintendents, two professors on the LSU AgCenter faculty and two secretaries from LSU AgCenter offices.

(Distributed 06/19/08) The Louisiana 4-H Museum is seeking items for its collection to show the history of 4-H – the state’s largest and long-running youth development program. The museum is calling for photos, ribbons, certificates, trophies, documents, handcrafted projects, demonstration materials, record books and more to be used in exhibits, traveling displays, presentations and archives.

(Distributed 06/19/08) LSU AgCenter faculty members and administrators were among those honored by an international communicators group last week during its annual meeting in Traverse City, Mich.

(Distributed 06/19/08) A new bug has joined the population of pests in Louisiana that can potentially destroy an agricultural crop. It’s the Asian citrus psyllid and its target is any kind of citrus tree. Smaller than the capital A on this page and mottled brown in color, the psyllid sucks the sap out of the leaves, resulting in curling. Sooty mold will develop on the leaves from the honeydew produced by the psyllid.