(Distributed 06/28/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Knowing what is causing yield loss in soybeans ranks right up there with how much loss is occurring, according to LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Clayton Hollier.

(Distributed 06/25/13) ST. JOSEPH, La. – Conventional wisdom says the more ears of corn to the acre, the greater the yield will be. While this is true to a certain extent, too many corn plants to the acre can cause problems, says Rick Mascagni, an LSU AgCenter agronomist at the Northeast Research Station.

(Distributed 06/11/13) BATON ROUGE, La – Cristina Sabliov was charged with finding a way to apply nanotechnology to agriculture. Sabliov, a scientist in the LSU AgCenter Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, uses nanotechnology to develop better delivery systems for antioxidants and nutraceuticals.

(Distributed 06/28/13) WINNSBORO, La. – Soybean acreage in Louisiana has been trending higher, fueled by higher demand and increasing prices paid to growers. For producers to make the most of the current situation, they must harvest their beans in a timely manner to avoid damage and penalties for poor quality, said LSU AgCenter agronomist Josh Lofton.

(Video News 6/28/13) An LSU AgCenter researcher is helping farmers deal with nitrogen loss on their corn crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard spoke scientist working in northeast Louisiana. (Runtime: 1:22)

(Audio News 06/28/13) Nitrogen fertilizer is one of a corn farmer’s biggest expenses – second only to seed costs. LSU AgCenter soil scientist Beatrix Haggard says a plant low on nitrogen will likely be low in vigor. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 062813) HAMMOND, La. – The early spring months of March and April were not kind to spring growth on crape myrtles this year. But we are seeing very nice blooms on these great summer-flowering landscape trees as we reach their peak performance time of late June through July.

(Distributed 06/27/13) CROWLEY, La. – The new LSU systems president, F. King Alexander, attended the Rice Research Station field day on June 26 and pledged his support for the LSU AgCenter. “We’re here to support you in agricultural research,” Alexander said.

(Distributed 06/27/13) OAK GROVE, La. – Louisiana and Arkansas farmers along with representatives from a variety of agencies met recently to discuss the Boeuf-Tensas Water Project, which would divert water from the Arkansas River into southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana.

(Distributed 06/26/13) POLLOCK, La. – State and local officials gathered at the 4-H Camp Grant-Walker on June 25 to show their gratitude for a $500,000 gift by RoyOMartin, a forest products and forestland management company based here.

(Distributed 06/26/13) CROWLEY, La. – A smartphone application to help rice farmers with their crop has been released by the LSU AgCenter at the annual Rice Research Station Field Day on June 26.

(Distributed 06/26/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter entomologists have confirmed the arrival of the kudzu bug in a soybean field in Madison Parish.

(Distributed 06/26/13) The LSU AgCenter’s 31st Annual Sugarcane Field Day will be held July 17 at the Sugar Research Station near St. Gabriel, beginning with registration at 8:00 a.m.

(Distributed 06/26/13) The LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center will host a field day on July 18. The event will feature presentations on cotton, corn, cattle, soybeans, and insect and weed management.

(Distributed 06/26/13) St. JOSEPH, La. – With more people looking for locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables, the LSU AgCenter has begun a program to help small farms market their products more effectively.

(Distributed 06/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 1,400 young people from across Louisiana participated in LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University on the LSU campus June 18-20. The week was highlighted by the election of new officers, the selection of executive board members for the 2013-14 school year and the naming of 49 state contests winners.

(Distributed 06/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana corn growers are waiting for confirmation that Goss’s wilt disease has been found in some corn fields in Madison Parish.

(Distributed 06/21/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter held an industry open house for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals in late May at the Hammond Research Station.

(Video News 06/21/13) Much of northeast Louisiana’s economy is fueled by agriculture, and soybeans are a major commodity in the region. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that soybean research at the Northeast Research Station is benefiting growers. (Runtime: 1:44)

(Distributed 06/21/13) ST. JOSEPH, La. – More than 150 farmers, agriculture consultants and industry representatives heard about the latest research on corn, soybeans, rice and cotton at the annual field day on June 19 at the LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station.

(Audio 06/24/13) Louisiana gardeners welcome flowering plants that are able to withstand the intense heat of summer. Profusion zinnias are a hybrid group of zinnias that are insect-free. They grow very well during the summer. Hear more about growing zinnias in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/24/13) While French tarragon will not grow properly throughout Louisiana’s hot summers, Mexican tarragon could serve as a substitute. This relative of marigolds has a rich flavor and grows beautifully in full sun. Learn more about planting Mexican tarragon in your herb garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 06/20/13) More acres were dedicated to soybeans in 2012 than any other row crop in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter researchers in northeast Louisiana are helping farmers improve the way they grow soybeans. Donnie Miller is evaluating the effects of residual herbicides on weeds that have become resistant to the glyphosate herbicide which was so effective on Roundup Ready crops. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 06/19/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter announced that Lane Foil has been named to the Pennington Chair for Wildlife Research at the Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station in Clinton.

(Audio 06/24/13) Frequent summer rainfall makes the weather humid and damp. Snails and slugs love this type of weather, and they are likely to come out and feed on your plants. Deal with snails and slugs by setting out beer traps or using iron phosphate baits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/24/13) Most baldcypress trees that are planted in the landscape don’t usually produce knees. If your cypress does produce knees, this can be a nuisance when they come up in the lawn. While cypress knees in a flower bed appear picturesque, it is beneficial to eliminate the ones that appear in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/24/13) Petunias produce beautifully while the weather is relatively mild in the spring. It is not unusual for these spring-planted petunias to begin to languish during the intense heat of summer. If you are planning to plant petunias for the summer, be sure to choose heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/18/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 1,000 people braved the heat and humidity of a Louisiana June day to attend the Garden Fest at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden on June 15.

Distributed 06/18/13) WINNSBORO, La. – Louisiana has the lowest cotton acreage in recorded history, with the state’s farmers planting an estimated 125,000 acres this year, according to LSU AgCenter cotton specialist and entomologist David Kerns.

(Distributed 06/17/13) CROWLEY, La. – The short height of this year’s rice crop doesn’t mean it is necessarily late in development. Johnny Saichuk, LSU AgCenter rice specialist, said many rice fields are already at the green ring stage, even though they don’t look tall enough to be that developed.

(Distributed 06/17/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – With the 2013 hurricane season officially underway, the LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center will showcase hurricane and flood-hardy features for both new and existing homes on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Video News 06/17/13) Mayhaws are a beloved berry in Louisiana. They have a unique flavor worth seeking out. But this year’s crop suffered from cold damage. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a mayhaw grower and jelly producer. (Runtime: 1:53)

(Video News 06/14/13) Some students are getting a little science with their summer. A local camp visited two LSU AgCenter facilities to learn about crops and biofuels. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was along for the tour.

(Distributed 06/13/13) HAMMOND, La. – The use of palms in home landscapes has gained considerable interest in the last few years. Several reasons have brought about this resurgence. For one, many new, exotic palm species and varieties are more readily available; however, our cold temperatures the past couple of winters have damaged some of the species, and people are searching for the most reliable palms for landscape use.

(Distributed 06/13/13) WINNSBORO, La. – One of the latest research projects funded by the Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board will look at the effect of nitrogen loss on corn growth.

(Video 06/24/13) Amaryllis is a tropical-looking plant that has recently finished blooming across the state. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill offers advice for detecting disease in amaryllis and steps to improve the overall health of the plant. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Video 06/17/13) Mention summer color and we typically think of bright flowers. But foliage can be a source of great splashes of color, too. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the diverse copperleaf -- uniquely colored plants that are drought-tolerant even through the hottest months. (Runtime: 1:46)

(Audio 06/17/13) Many gardeners have outdoor container plants. Be careful when growing container plants on wooden decks because they could cause staining or rotting of the wood. To prevent this from happening, boost container plants by placing them on top of bricks or pot feet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 06/12/13) A new facility at the LSU AgCenter’s Aquaculture Research Station will allow scientists to conduct studies never done before on alligators. The facility can hold more than 200 alligators with enough space to grow them out to four feet, which is considered marketable size. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Distributed 06/12/13) WINNSBORO, La. – Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is normally a process used by those in the metal industry, but a study funded by the Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board is using the equipment to look at fertility issues in corn and soybeans.

(Audio 06/17/13) Trees are an irreplaceable aspect of landscapes, but their tall heights make them vulnerable to lightning strikes. A lightning strike does not always cause a tree to die, but homeowners should be aware of how to handle a dying tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/17/13) Just about everyone loves a colorful flower bed in the summer. Pentas are wonderful, reliable plants that come in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes. Hear more about planting pentas in your flower bed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/17/13) Caterpillars are a major pest on plants such as vegetables, ornamentals and fruit trees. Gardeners should keep an eye out for caterpillar damage and take action for controlling infestations if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/17/13) Gardenias are popular in Louisiana gardens and are known for their amazing fragrance. When gardenias finish their blooming season in June, it is time for gardeners to begin pruning if necessary. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider pruning your gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

ZWOLLE, La. – A workshop for landowners interested in starting an outdoor recreational business on their property will be held July 23 at the Wildwood Resort in Sabine Parish.

(Audio News 06/11/13) Charles and Nelda Hutchins have been making mayhaw jelly in their Grant Parish facility for 12 years. The couple buys mayhaw berries from growers in Louisiana and neighboring states, but they have never seen a mayhaw season this bad. (Runtime: 2:00)

POLLOCK, La – Charles and Nelda Hutchins have been making mayhaw jelly in their Grant Fruit Processing facility for 12 years. The couple buys mayhaw berries from growers in Louisiana and neighboring states, but they have never seen a mayhaw season this bad.

(Audio 06/10/13) A sucker is an undesirable, vigorous shoot originating at the base of a plant. When dealing with suckers, it is important to prune them off properly to prevent a stub from sprouting and producing more suckers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/07/13) CROWLEY, La. – Five remaining LSU AgCenter field days for rice farmers will be held in Louisiana. They include the Acadia Parish Rice Field Day, June 14, at the South Farm of the Rice Research Station, starting at 8:30 a.m.

(Distributed 06/07/13) WINNSBORO, La. – The old cliché that says “timing is everything” is especially true when growing soybeans in northeast Louisiana, according to Josh Lofton, LSU AgCenter researcher at the Macon Ridge Research Station near Winnsboro.

(Distributed 06/07/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Gina Eubanks, vice chancellor for extension at the Southern University Agricultural Center, has been named program leader for food and nutrition at the LSU AgCenter. Her joint appointment was approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors on June 7.

(Audio 06/10/13) Lichens are a crusty, grayish growth found on tree branches, statues or fences. Gardeners are often concerned that this growth is damaging the plant. Learn more about lichen growth in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 06/05/13) Feeding an alligator accounts for much of the cost of raising it. Farm-raised alligators are fed a high protein diet, but producers and aquaculture researchers have long wondered if the diets could be less costly. Alligator growers helped fund a new alligator research facility at the LSU AgCenter’s Aquaculture Research Station. (Runtime: 1:59)

(Audio 06/10/13) Louisiana gardeners that spend long periods of time outside in their gardens should take precautions to protect themselves from summer’s heat. Hear more about drinking plenty of fluids, gardening in the shade and other helpful tips. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/10/13) Now is the time for gardeners to start pruning their once-blooming rose bushes. These roses are just finishing their blooming season, and by pruning them now, the plant will produce vigorous new growth. This new growth will produce flowers for you next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/10/13) Lawns often have many issues that are sometimes difficult to treat. Slime mold is an unattractive fungus-like organism that lives in lawns throughout the year and decays organic matter. Hear how slime mold can actually benefit your lawn rather than cause damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/07/13) HAMMOND, La. – June is here, and that means summer will officially start in a couple of weeks. In reality, Louisiana typically experiences summer-type growing conditions from early to mid-May to as late as late September or early October.

(Distributed 06/06/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – RoyOMartin, a forest-products and forestland-management company based here, has announced that it will make a $500,000 donation to the LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker Educational Center near Pollock, La. The donation will nearly fulfill the fundraising commitment for a second phase of the new multipurpose building at the center.

(Distributed 06/05/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – LSU AgCenter extension agents got a better understanding of the cattle market on June 4 using a computer simulator that replicates selling cattle at the feedlot.

(Distributed 06/05/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Jeff Davis, LSU AgCenter entomologist, is finding stink bugs in agricultural fields earlier this year than expected. More alarming, though, is his finding of redbanded stink bug nymphs on June 3 on soybeans only 8 inches tall, and adult redbanded stink bugs in 12-inch-high soybean plots.

(DIstributed 06/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The public will have a chance to cast their vote in the contest for the American Garden Award at the annual Garden Fest at Burden on June 15 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/03/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s wheat breeding program has begun using molecular makers – small fragments of DNA – to help with disease and herbicide resistance.

(For Release On Or After 06/14/13) Many popular herbs languish in the heat of summer, and some down right pitch a fit. Herbs that do not like our hot, wet summers include thyme, chives, sage, parsley, cilantro, French tarragon, lavender, feverfew and chamomile.

(For Release On Or After 06/28/03) The heat is on, and we can expect daytime highs around 90 and nighttime lows in the 70s from now until September. As the days get longer and the sunlight more intense, our home air conditioning systems work harder and harder to keep the inside of our homes comfortable.

(For Release On Or After 06/21/13) The extraordinary heat we experience in summer can be put to good use in the vegetable garden. Through solarization – a process of heating soil in beds under clear plastic using sunlight – summer heat can be used to reduce the harmful effects of pathogenic fungi and nematodes and kill weed seeds in the soil without using toxic chemicals.

(For Release On Or After 06/07/13) Summer heat stresses many plants in our landscapes. Along with other plants, most roses are not especially happy during the extreme heat of mid- to late summer. Come to think of it, neither are most gardeners.

(06/03/13) Red yucca is not really a yucca, and it’s not really red. But it is a beautiful, low-maintenance succulent without the dangerous, dagger-like leaves of a true yucca plant. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this heat-tolerant plant, which also attracts butterflies. (Runtime: 1:27)

(Audio 06/03/13) Vine-ripened tomatoes are a favorite of home gardeners. If you are having problems with insects or birds getting to your tomatoes, you can ripen them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/03/13) Gardeners should recycle the organic waste in their yards. The compost you create can help your plants grow better. During summer, grass clippings are an excellent addition to the compost pile. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/03/13) Taking care of the lawn is an important chore during the summer. Mowing regularly and at the right height helps maintain a healthy lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/03/13) If you can tolerate the heat, you can plant a number of vegetables into your garden in June. These vegetables are productive during the hottest part of the year. Listen to learn more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/03/13) Hurricane season starts in June. Storms can cause damage to landscapes. Before a storm approaches, check trees and make sure any dead limbs are removed. Also consider securing loose items in your yard when a hurricane is forecasted. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/10/13) The coral honeysuckle is one of the showiest vining honeysuckles you can find. It’s tough and attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some uses for this climbing vine with bright flowers. (Runtime: 1:29)