(Video News 08/22/12) Louisiana’s sweet potato crop has had favorable growing conditions, and farmers are hoping for a good harvest. Also two new sweet varieties could give growers options for next year’s crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:38)

(Video News 08/10/12) Rice farmers were able to get in their fields early this year to begin the harvest. Disease problems have caused a drop in yields in some areas, but in other fields the harvest looks good. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Video News 08/13/12) With about half of the state’s corn crop harvested, growers are happy with the results. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard spoke with a corn specialist about the season. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Video 8/27/12) It’s still hot, but some plants like it that way. Tropicals, like palm plants, love the muggy, humid conditions. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill advises doing research for the type of palms that suit your needs and then getting those plants in the ground very soon. (Runtime: 1:52)

(Video 8/13/12) It seems there’s no escape outside from the hot temperatures – except for the shade. So on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill suggests doing some work in your shade garden. He offers some tips for properly selecting and growing shade plants. (Runtime 1:26)

(Video 8/20/12) Plants certainly make a garden special, but non-living items can help with overall effect. On this segment of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how you can use fountains to create illusions of coolness, even during the intense summer heat. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Video 08/06/12) Crape myrtles are blooming colorfully across Louisiana right now. If you want to add them to your yard, it’s a good time to view the different colors available at your local nursery. But it’s also important to do your own research on crape myrtles for your landscape – as LSU horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime - 1:36)

(Distributed 08/27/12) With Tropical Storm Isaac making its approach, now is the time to visit the LSU AgCenter website at LSU AgCenter.com to determine what information is available to help in these critical hours.

(Distributed 08/31/12) If your home flooded after Hurricane Isaac there are several things you need to know in order to protect your home and your health.

(Distributed 08/31/12) In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac some flood-damaged home will require special attention to avoid or correct a mold population explosion, according to LSU AgCenter housing specialist Claudette Reichel.

(Distributed 08/27/12) Hurricane Isaac could wreck what was shaping up to be an excellent year for Louisiana agriculture. The storm threatens corn, cotton, sugarcane and soybeans.

(Distributed 08/31/12) The extent of damage to many of Louisiana’s crops depends on what happens over the next few weeks, say LSU AgCenter specialists.

(Distributed 08/31/12) You may not think of late summer and fall as a time for rose gardening. Sometimes, however, roses will actually establish better when planted in fall than when planted in late winter through early spring.

(Distributed 08/24/12) The LSU AgCenter and several other universities have used funds from a three-year U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to develop a website for people interested or involved in blueberry production.

(Distributed 08/24/12) Louisiana’s state tree is the bald cypress. Its scientific name is Taxodium distichum. Bald cypress is one of our most distinguished native trees and is widely found in Louisiana landscapes.

(Distributed 8/24/12) Representatives from the Cargill-U.S. Aquaculture division presented the LSU AgCenter with a $47,306 check on Aug. 22 to help finance alligator research at the Aquaculture Research Station in Baton Rouge.

(Radio News 08/23/12) The LSU AgCenter’s research on energy cane and sweet sorghum will be on display at a biofuels field day Oct. 2 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Station Sugarcane Research Farm near Houma. LSU AgCenter crop specialist John Kruse said these crops will be displayed under different production scenerios. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Distributed 08/23/12) The LSU AgCenter and Burden Horticulture Society will kick off the annual Corn Maze at Burden Center Sept. 22-23 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in conjunction with the Rural Life Museum’s Harvest Days, according to Jeff Kuehny, resident director at the center.

(Audio 08/27/12) Fungal diseases are common problems that can attack and damage our grass. Slime mold and mushrooms are fungi, but are not detrimental to our lawns. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/12) Louisiana gardeners tend to call both shallots and green onions, green onions. They are different plants. Shallots produce large bulbs and green onions never make large bulbs, but rather multiply. They can be planted using sets this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/12) We have several options when it comes to grass clippings, and throwing them away should never be one of them. They can be recycled back into the lawns if you mow regularly or bagged and used as mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/12) Gingers and cannas are popular tropical plants in Louisiana landscapes. They perform well through summer and may need pruning late in the season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/27/12) Plants inside homes are not protected from insects. There are no naturally occurring predators indoors, and temperatures are mild, so pest problems can spread rapidly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/21/12) Sweet potato growers will have new options when planting. The LSU AgCenter is releasing two varieties that will rival the long-time grower and consumer favorite, Beauregard. LSU AgCenter sweet potato breeder Don LaBonte explains. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Radio News 08/21/12) Louisiana’s sweet potato harvest is still a few months away. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Tara Smith says the state has fewer acres this year than in recent years, but what’s in the field looks good. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 08/21/12) The drought choking the Midwest is hundreds of miles away, but it is having direct effects on the Louisiana cattle market.

(Distributed 08/21/12) LSU AgCenter faculty will present information ranging from beef cattle management to pruning timber at the 2012 Hill Farm Field Day on Tues., Oct. 9, near Homer.

(Distributed 08/17/12) The LSU AgCenter has been promoting research-based best management practices in the home landscape for several years to inform residents on how to manage their lawns, gardens and landscapes to minimize non-point pollution, weeds, diseases and insect pests.

(Distributed 08/20/12) Success in school starts with good nutrition at home, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. And that means a healthful breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks.

(Distributed 08/17/12) CHASE, La. – Two new sweet potato varieties – Orleans and 07-146 – were featured at the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station field day Aug. 16.

(Audio 08/20/12) Breakfast is your body’s morning refueling stop, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. The morning meal also helps students succeed in school. As youngsters return to the classroom, Reames says, parents need to make sure they start off with a healthful breakfast. (Runtime: 1:05)

(For Release On Or After 08/03/12) There is something particularly satisfying about putting quality, nutritious food on the table as a direct result of your gardening efforts. This month is a transitional time in the vegetable garden.

(For Release On Or After 08/31/12) If you maintain a landscape, you deal with weeds. At this point in our long, hot summer, I’m sure you have devoted considerable effort to keeping your landscape from being taken over by various weeds in beds and lawns and by vines growing up trees and on fences.

(For Release On Or After 08/17/12) August is a month when gardeners should think about two important aspects of landscape maintenance – fertilizing and pruning. This month is the latest we fertilize lawns, hardy shrubs and ground covers in the landscape.

(For Release On Or After 08/24/12) Growing plants in outdoor containers is popular for a variety of reasons. In-ground beds are not always available where you would like to grow plants – as in the case of paved courtyards, decks, apartment balconies and patios.

(For Release On Or After 08/10/12) Forlorn flower beds past their prime and overrun with weeds are an all-too-familiar sight in late summer landscapes. Our long growing season and abundance of insect and disease problems generally make it unreasonable to expect all bedding plants to hold up from the beginning of summer in early May until its end.

(Audio 08/17/12) Drought is lowering the yield potential for the nation’s corn and soybean harvests. Stocks of corn were already low, and LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry says the outlook for a dismal harvest is driving up prices. (Runtime: 150)

(Distributed 08/17/12) CROWLEY, La. – LSU AgCenter county agents met Aug. 16 to learn about changes in the Louisiana Master Farmer Program that will expedite the process for farmers to become certified. A farm conservation plan may now be developed through the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 08/15/12) For many people, just the act of fishing can provide relief from the stresses of everyday life. But catching fish can put food on the table, and for some, this is the best part of owning a recreational pond.

(Distributed 08/15/12) Four Pointe Coupee Parish 4-H members won a $1,000 scholarship to divide among them at the Second Annual Great American Seafood Cook Off 4-H Edition in New Orleans on Aug. 12, according to Quincy Cheek, the contest superintendent and associate extension agent in Rapides and Grant parishes.

(Distributed 08/15/12) Cynthia Cockerham, the LSU AgCenter area 4-H agent in LaSalle Parish, was recently awarded an obesity grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to fund the Live Liv3ely LaSalle project.

(Audio 08/20/12) We are lucky in Louisiana to grow palms in our landscape. Palms are easy to care for. They need fertilizer in spring, some grooming from time to time and not much else. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/12) August is a good time to get roses ready for fall blooming. Gardener should prune their roses back. Roses also should be fertilized and watered regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/12) We fertilize lawns to make them a deep green and encourage growth. August is the last month to apply fertilizer. We need lawns to slow down in fall to make them hardy as they head into winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/12) Ajuga can make a nice ground cover. It has beautiful leaves, and certain types make lovely flowers, but ajuga can be prone to fungal issues. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/20/12) Aquatic features can add a cooling effect to our landscapes. You can add plants to your garden this time of the year. Also consider adding fish if you don't already have some. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/14/12) Beware of the Rasberry crazy ant, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring. This invasive ant is found in some areas of Louisiana and can be a serious nuisance. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 08/14/12) Lawrence Datnoff, head of the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology in the LSU AgCenter, recently received the International Service Award from the American Phytopathological Society.

(Distributed 08/13/12) The jcpenney company, also known as JCP, has launched a campaign in Louisiana and across the country to raise money for 4-H and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, according to Dwight Landreneau, associate vice chancellor of the LSU AgCenter, which oversees Louisiana 4-H.

(Distributed 08/13/12) The LSU AgCenter has announced a field day featuring energy cane and sweet sorghum on Oct. 2 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Station Sugarcane Research Farm near Houma, La.

(Distributed 08/10/12) The best way to avoid mosquito bites and the threat that comes with them is to avoid infested areas, wear protective clothing and use insect repellent, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring. But he said not all repellents offer the same amount of protection.

(Distributed 08/10/12) Sunflowers are among the easiest flowers to grow, and they thrive in the heat of our summers. It may be towards the end of summer, but you can still plant sunflowers and enjoy them during fall.

(Radio News 08/10/12) Louisiana corn growers couldn’t ask for a much better year. Weather conditions have been ideal for growing corn with timely rains and temperatures that haven’t been too high. Farmers have harvested about half of their crop, and John Kruse, LSU AgCenter’s corn specialist, says yields have been outstanding.(Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 08/10/12) Classifying the 2012 rice harvest in south Louisiana as good, bad or mediocre is proving to be a difficult challenge. “Some people are thrilled to death, and some are wondering what happened,” said Barrett Courville, LSU AgCenter county agent in Acadia and Jefferson Davis parishes.

(Distributed 08/09/12) The fascination with heirloom tomatoes has some backyard growers willing to give up the qualities that brought improvement to hybrid varieties in exchange for old fashioned flavor. People tend to associate heirloom tomatoes with the ones their grandparents grew when they were young, and they believe the flavor is just better, said Kiki Fontenot, LSU AgCenter horticulturist.

(Audio 08/13/12) Pears are one of the easier homegrown fruit trees that we plant in our landscapes. If you have pears, learn the proper way to harvest and ripen them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/12) Butterfly weed or milkweed is very attractive to many butterflies. The monarch butterfly only lay its eggs on species of milkweed. If you have aphids on your plants, don't spray them because you might kill monarch butterfly eggs or caterpillars. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/12) By the end of summer potted plants may have outgrown their containers. When this happens plants become "potbound" and may not thrive. Replant these plants into bigger containers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 08/08/12) Two deaths have been reported from West Nile virus in Louisiana this year, and the number of cases are up across the state. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dennis Ring says this corresponds with an increase in the mosquito population. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 08/07/12) Phil Elzer has been named assistant vice chancellor of the LSU AgCenter and assistant director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station.

(Audio 08/13/12) If you have shady areas in your landscape, consider planting ferns. You can add them during summer. Also, you can evaluate existing ferns and do some grooming this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/13/12) Louisiana iris are native to our state and popular in local landscapes. These plants are dormant now, making it a good time to dig them up and divide them if their clump is overgrown. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/09/12) The Florida wax scale has become an increasing problem on ornamental plants in south Louisiana, said LSU AgCenter entomologist Tim Schowalter. Although it infests a wide range of host plants, including shrubs, trees and several non-woody plants, Florida wax scale is a particular problem on ornamental hollies.

(Distributed 08/03/12) A conference featuring opportunities in biofuels and bioprocessing in Louisiana has been scheduled for Sept. 11-12 in Baton Rouge.

(Radio News 08/07/12) Louisiana’s rice harvest started early this year, but rain has slowed it down. About 20 percent of the crop has been harvested in the southern part of the state, and yields have been mixed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/07/12) Farmers can plant Bt corn to get protection from an important pest of corn, the fall armyworm. But LSU AgCenter entomologist Fangneng Huang said populations of the pest in some areas have developed resistance to one type of Bt corn.

(Distributed 08/03/12) One of the popular fall-flowering plants offered at many retail garden centers in south Louisiana during late summer and early fall are cassias. Sometimes these plants are now called sennas.

(Distributed 08/06/12) Many people enjoy living near a body of water. For this reason, there has been an increase in the number of recreational ponds built in Louisiana over the past 10 years, according to Greg Lutz, an aquaculture scientist with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 08/03/12) Twenty teens from military families across the state participated in an “Operation: Military Kids” camp on leadership July 25-27, sponsored by the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Development program.

(Distributed 08/03/12) A new group of the state’s youth began the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program last week (July 23-27) while another class completed its year-long journey. Known as LaYAPP, the program is a one-year, intensive classroom and hands-on, mentor-based experience that introduces high school juniors and seniors to the options available to them in the areas of food and fiber production.

(Radio News 08/03/12) The LSU AgCenter’s rice verification program takes AgCenter recommendations and applies them to a farmer’s field under the supervision of LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk. St. Landry Parish rice farmer Anthony Plattsmier is participating in the program this year. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Audio 08/06/12) Watering plants is important during dry summer periods. Check container plants often and walk your landscape looking for signs of drought stress. Irrigate deeply and thoroughly a few times a week rather than a little daily. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/02/12) Wheat growers have a saying that “wheat doesn’t like wet feet.” With winters often damp and dreary, Louisiana is not conducive for growing this crop, which has its origins in dry climates. But LSU AgCenter wheat breeder Steve Harrison has developed lines that can tolerate local conditions and allow farmers to grow wheat profitably.

(Audio 08/06/12) Young trees need proper care. A good way to water a tree is to put holes on the bottom of a plastic bucket, fill it with water a few times a week and set it by the tree. Also keep grass away from young trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/06/12) Gardeners can plant transplants of eggplants and bell peppers for a fall crop. If you still have plants from the spring, maintain them and they can produce again when the weather cools down. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/06/12) Gardeners grow coleus for their beautiful foliage. These plants can produce flowers, but they should be pinched off. It's not too late to plant coleus, and you find varieties that grow well in sunny or shady locations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/01/12) LSU AgCenter scientists and Louisiana soybean growers are on the lookout for a tiny new pest that can cause considerable damage to the crop.

(Distributed 08/01/12) A Financial Education Boot Camp to train teachers to teach financial skills to high school students will be Sept. 12 in Baton Rouge and Sept. 14 in Alexandria, according to Jeanette Tucker, LSU AgCenter family economist and one of the organizers.

(Audio 08/06/12) Spider mites and white flies often appear in larger numbers during late summer. These pests can damage a variety of plants but can be controlled with oil sprays. (Runtime: 60 seconds)