(Video News 07/11/12) The Louisiana rice crop is maturing early this year thanks to a mild winter and spring. But these weather conditions also may have helped a rice disease thrive. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Video News 07/13/12) Gardening enthusiasts didn’t have to get their hands dirty at the LSU AgCenter’s Garden Fest at Burden Center. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard attended the event, which included field tours, taste testing and a plant sale. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Video News 07/02/12) Lawmakers are shaping farm policy, but a new farm bill could decrease protection for Louisiana growers. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Video 07/09/12) Hydrangeas usually require shade to grow well. But a newer version called Limelight hydrangea – which grows taller and provides more blooms than traditional hydrangeas – can grow in full sunlight. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill places this lesser-known hydrangea in the limelight. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 07/16/12) Encore azaleas are the only azaleas that flower in the spring, fall and summer. But don’t expect the Encore to display the full-scale blooms now that you see during the spring. It is normal to see some brown flowers mixed with sporadic color during the summer. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes the importance of properly pruning azaleas at the right time to ensure the best blooms later. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 07/23/12) If you’re looking for plants that will grow well in your landscape, native plants can be a good choice. The gaura is a tough, native wildflower. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why this graceful, low-maintenance perennial might work well in your flower beds. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 07/02/12) It’s not a good idea to plant most trees and shrubs during the summer. Tropical plants, like the strikingly beautiful hibiscus, are an exception. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the versatile uses of the hibiscus and gives tips on caring for this colorful plant. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 07/29/12) Figs are a popular fruit in Louisiana, and July is the time to purchase fig trees. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the best time to plant fig trees and what you can expect from them during the early years.(Runtime: 1:33)

(Video News 07/27/12) LSU AgCenter researchers are looking for ways to enhance crop production and increase profits for farmers. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that there are some challenges facing growers but there are also opportunities. (Runtime 1:49)

(Video News 07/27/12) Louisiana’s sugarcane crop is in good shape, and growers should expect this year’s crop to exceed last year’s. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux cautions growers to be on the lookout for a new disease that could cause problems and potentially reduce yields. (Runtime 1:45)

(Distributed 07/24/12) “Louisiana’s Frontline: 125 Years of Agricultural Research,” a 60-minute documentary, will be broadcast on Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) and its statewide PBS affiliates Aug. 2 at 7 p.m.

(Distributed 07/05/12) BATON ROUGE, La – Producers from as far away as Bossier City attended the fruit and vegetable producers’ field day at the LSU AgCenter Burden Research Center on July 2.

(Distributed 07/25/12) Recently completed laboratory and animal handling space at the LSU AgCenter Isolation Facility is now available to any researcher who has a need for containment and isolation, said Phil Elzer, assistant vice chancellor for research.

(Audio 07/30/12) A mild winter and early spring have led to pest problems. Many insects showed up early and in larger numbers. Look for signs of insect damage in your yard. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/31/12) Louisiana corn farmers need to be proactive in their approach to weed control, advises Daniel Stephenson, LSU AgCenter weed scientist. It starts four to six weeks before planting with a burndown of weeds. The end result removes weeds that will compete with corn for moisture and nutrition and eliminates habitat for damaging insects such as cutworms.

(Distributed 07/27/12) Missouri and Kentucky have joined the list of states approved by the the U.S. Department of Agriculture for sales of an anaplasmosis vaccine marketed by University Products LLC of Baton Rouge, La.

(Distributed 07/31/12) The LSU AgCenter’s work to showcase the nature-based tourism assets of rural Louisiana has paid off in the form of a $235,313 grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

(Distributed 07/27/12) A tough plant that will keep blooming through summer and into fall, gomphrena likes really high temperatures. Sometimes called globe amaranth, legend has it that the original planting was at the gates of Hades.

(Audio 07/30/12) Chinch bugs are leading insect pests that attack our lawns. A sign of injury is a brown section of the lawn where the grass is straw-like and grass blades are rolled up. Chinch bugs tend to be worse later in the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) It is popular to plant tomatoes in spring, but gardeners can get a fall crop as well. Buy different types of tomatoes such as heat-tolerant and standard varieties for the best chance of success. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/23/12) The Miss-Lou Rural Tourism Association will hold a summit Aug. 7-9 at the Visitors’ Center in Natchez, Miss., according to Dora Ann Hatch, LSU AgCenter agritourism coordinator. The meeting is open to anyone involved in rural tourism in Louisiana or Mississippi.

(Audio 07/30/12) Gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables in August. Even though it is still really hot, we can plant cool-season vegetables alongside ones that prefer warmer conditions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/30/12) By late summer many plants have gone through a long growing season. Pruning these plants can help revive them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/24/12) PARKS, La. – Farmers were in good spirits for the 50th Annual Sugarcane Field Day in St. Martin Parish on July 20. The crop looks lush and green with rains that have moistened the ground well for the upcoming planting season. In fact, so much rain fell that the field day was limited to an indoor event.

(Distributed 07/23/12) Demonstration projects across the state are showing farmers how corn and soybeans varieties perform in their area, and how different farming practices could benefit their operations.

(Distributed 07/23/12) WEST MONROE, La. – Results from the 43rd annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show held July 10-14 have been released.

(Distributed 07/23/12) The LSU AgCenter has found soybean rust in both Avoyelles and Rapides parishes. The incidence and severity are two percent in Avoyelles Parish and three percent in Rapides Parish.

(Distributed 07/20/12) ALEXANDRIA, La. – A herbicide-resistant weed in soybeans and cotton has caused what an LSU AgCenter weed scientist calls an epidemic in Louisiana. “This is the year of the pigweed,” Daniel Stephenson told farmers gathered for the field day on July 19 at the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Station.

(Distributed 07/20/12) An abundance of hibiscus varieties do well in Louisiana.

(Distributed 07/18/12) ST. GABRIEL, La. – Rust diseases and bermudagrass control highlighted the presentations at the 30th annual sugarcane field day at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station July 18.

(Distributed 07/1/8/12) The LSU AgCenter will hold a field day August 16 at the Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase, La., beginning with registration at 7:45 a.m.

(Distributed 07/17/12) LSU AgCenter scientists are looking at new technology for determining nitrogen rates in corn involving an optical sensor reading approach based upon vegetative data.

(Distributed 07/16/12) An uncommon pest showing up in Louisiana soybean fields is not yet much of a problem for farmers but is causing concern for LSU AgCenter entomologists. It’s the soybean podworm, the same pest that’s called the corn earworm in corn fields or bollworm in cotton fields.

(Radio News 07/13/12) The Louisiana’s Children’s Trust Fund is funding four LSU AgCenter grants that will set up programs to help youngster feel safer, eat more healthfully and allow parents to develop good parenting skills. Becky White with the LSU AgCenter says the first grant was awarded $15,000. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 07/13/12) OAK GROVE, La. – Unusually heavy rains in south Louisiana are delaying this year’s rice harvest, LSU AgCenter experts said July 12 at the Northeast Rice and Soybean Field Day.

(Audio 07/23/12) Lawn mushrooms can be a nuisance, and there isn't much you can do to get rid of them. You can gather them up and throw them away if they bother you. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) Even though it is hot outside, gardeners can stay busy this month tending to chrysanthemums, gladiolas, caladiums and coleus. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/12/12) The LSU AgCenter’s wheat and oat breeding programs will release several varieties this year, according to LSU AgCenter wheat breeder Steve Harrison. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) This is a good time of the year to take cuttings from woody shrubs. Try taking cuttings from azaleas, camellias and hollies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) Most people plant flowers to enjoy the plants out in their landscapes. But cutting flowers and bringing them indoors is another way to enjoy them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/12) Basil is a great herb to grow during summer. It is used widely in many cuisines. You can find different varieties of basil. Choose the type you like and plant it into a sunny location. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/13/12) Recent rains have provided the environment needed to increase mosquito populations, which also increases the likelihood of more cases of West Nile virus, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Tim Schowalter.

(Distributed 07/12/12) The LSU AgCenter works actively to evaluate new ornamental plants for the landscape industry in Louisiana. This includes plants that may even eventually make their way into home gardens around the state. Much of this work is done at the AgCenter Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed 07/12/12) While wheat diseases were minimal this past year, they can become problematic under certain conditions. Fortunately for farmers there are options available when diseases strike, according to Boyd Padgett, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist.

(Distributed 07/12/12) Produce growers in Louisiana recently met and formed Louisiana Fruit and Vegetable Growers to help members increase their knowledge of producing fruit and vegetable crops.

(Audio 07/16/12) Pumpkins are very heat-tolerant, and pumpkin seeds can be planted this time of the year. It they're planted now, you'll have pumpkins ready for Halloween. You'll need a lot of space to grow them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) A number of spring-flowering shrubs need to be pruned by mid-July. These plants set their flower buds in late summer, so pruning too late can remove their flowers. Prune only if needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/11/12) Fred Enright, LSU AgCenter professor emeritus, has been selected to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award from the Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.

(Audio 07/16/12) Louisiana gardeners can grow a wide variety of fruit in their home garden. One easy fruit to grow is blackberries. They do require pruning. Be sure to prune only canes that produced blackberries this year and leave the other canes alone. They will produce next year's crop. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) It's not unusual to see patches of webbing in trees during summer. This webbing is created by psocids or bark lice. They are harmless to trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/16/12) Having a shady yard can be a big plus in Louisiana's climate, but it can cause problems with lawns. You can mulch over areas of your lawn killed off by lack of sunlight or plant ground covers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/11/12) LAKE ARTHUR, La. – If hot, dry weather continues, rice farmers should expect an outbreak of bacterial panicle blight. Don Groth, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist, told farmers gathered at the Vermilion Rice and Soybean Field Tour on July 5 that fungicides are not effective against bacterial panicle blight because it is caused by bacteria.

(Distributed 07/11/12) For the past several years, stink bug numbers have been fairly low in Louisiana soybeans, but this year they are much higher. The main culprit, the redbanded stink bug, if left unchecked, can cause damage so extensive that farmers may lose an entire field of beans, said LSU AgCenter entomologist Jeff Davis.

(Distributed 07/09/12) A sugarcane disease new to Louisiana has been identified in two Louisiana fields. The disease, orange rust, was first identified in the United States in 2007 in Florida, said LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Jeff Hoy.

(Radio News 07/09/12) Louisiana’s rice crop is maturing ahead of schedule. Growers were able to take advantage of mild conditions and plant early. The disease blast has caused problems this year, but LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk says farmers haven’t had too many other issues. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Audio 07/06/12) Rice farmers always have to contend with diseases, but the disease rice blast typically isn’t a big problem for them. This year is different, and farmers are seeing an unusual amount of blast in their fields. LSU AgCenter rice breeder and rice station director Steve Linscombe explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/06/12) Gardening in the shade can and should be just as enjoyable and successful as gardening in the sun. When the proper plants are selected for shady areas, the results can be beautiful and enduring.

(Distributed 07/05/12) The LSU AgCenter Jackson Parish field day will be held on July 21 at the Fannin Farm Store in Jonesboro. Registration will be from 8:30-9 a.m., with the program beginning at 9 a.m.

(Audio 07/09/12) If you'd like to reduce your cooling costs in your home, consider planting shade trees. Shade trees are best planted to the south, southwest or west of the home. Decide what you want now, but plant in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/02/12) Picture-perfect triangles of watermelon entice Adam and Andrew Manuel. The brothers were trying different varieties with names like Sangria, Tiger Gold and Dessert King, and Adam’s preference wasn’t the obvious choice. The Manuels were attending the Garden Fest at LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center with their grandmother. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Distributed 07/03/12) Whether you are young or old, the recent Garden Fest at the LSU AgCenter Burden Center provided something to tickle your fancy, according to Burden Center resident coordinator Jeff Kuehny.

(For Release On Or After 07/27/12) Deadheading is an important but often neglected gardening technique. It refers to pruning off old, faded flowers from a plant as it blooms. It is most often done to annuals and perennials, but it is also useful with some summer-flowering trees and shrubs.

(For Release On Or After 07/20/12) If you regularly read national gardening magazines and get a variety of gardening catalogs, you may have noticed that tropical-look landscaping is a trend that is gaining attention across the country these days.

(Audio 07/09/12) Leaf miners are tiny insects that feed on the inside of a plant's leaf. They can feed on a number of plants and are difficult to control. Try spinosad before the insects burrow into the leaves. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/09/12) Decks are a great place for outdoor gatherings, and container plants help liven them up. Water from plants can stain or rot the wood of a deck, so be sure to boost potted plants with pot feet, bricks or stones. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/13/12) When it comes to vegetable gardening in Louisiana, gardeners should take advantage of our year-round growing season. Yes, even in the torrid depths of summer you can plant delicious, heat-tolerant vegetables to keep your garden productive.

(Audio 07/09/12) The intense heat takes its toll on our landscape. We can use heat-tolerant plants that can withstand the summer temperatures. Remember, these plants demand a lot of water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/06/12) By midsummer, many adults are thinking of ways to provide something for children to do until school begins. Why not start a gardening project? You can introduce your youngsters to the joys of gardening and at the same time exercise their bodies and brains.

(Audio 07/09/12) Herbicides come in two basic categories, post-emergence or pre-emergence herbicides. Pre-emergence herbicides are applied before weeds occur. Spray it on a clean bed to keep weeds from developing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/03/12) The LSU AgCenter’s 30th Annual Sugarcane Field Day will be held July 18 at the Sugar Research Station near St. Gabriel, beginning with registration at 8:30 a.m.

(Distributed 07/03/12) PALMETTO, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a rice and soybean producer field tour on July 10 at a local farm.

(Radio News 07/02/12) Louisiana’s cotton crop is off to a good start. Farmers were able to plant early, and June rains helped growth, says LSU AgCenter cotton specialist John Kruse. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Audio 07/02/12) Tomato production is likely slowing down in vegetable gardens around the state. Tomato plants don't produce well during the hottest time of the year. Pull out plants that are done, but remember you can plant tomato transplants later this month for fall production. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Web worms are showing up in trees and shrubs. These caterpillars form webbing on the ends of branches and eat the foliage. They don't kill the branch, and they can be removed easily. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Mowing is a big chore during summer months. It needs to be done regularly to keep the lawn healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Figs are ripe and ready to pick in July. If you have problem with birds pecking at your fruit, try netting around the tree. Water the tree regularly during dry weather and watch out for diseases. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/02/12) Summer temperatures are soaring, but work can still be done in the vegetable garden. Try to work early in the morning or late in the evening. Plant vegetables such as okra, cucumbers and southern peas this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)