(Video News 01/10/13) Farmers hoping for a new farm bill in 2012 never got one. Instead, farmers will be operating under most of the same policies they have been working under since 2008. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Video News 01/25/13) Childhood memories of her grandfather’s chicken flock in the Netherlands prompted Kim Kramer to turn her shed into a chicken coop. Three years later, “the girls,” as she calls them, are a part of her family. Kramer and her husband Chris Mores and their three boys are part of a growing number of city dwellers who have backyard flocks. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Video News 01/29/13) Sophisticated pedometers and smart phones can help people keep their healthy living resolutions. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard tells how. (1:55:)

(Video News 02/21/13) Cows, chickens and pigs are popular show animals among youngsters participating in livestock shows. But a growing number of 4-H and FFA members are showing pygmy goats. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited with one teenager who is raising and breeding these little animals. (Runtime: 1:19)

(Video News 01/08/13) Not only chefs have a hand in food product development. An LSU AgCenter food engineer is helping companies make their foods safer and fresher. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Video News 02/07/13) Before the azaleas bloom or the crawfish start boiling, you can get your first taste of spring with Louisiana strawberries. Growers started picking berries a few months ago, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that a mild winter could improve the crop. (1:36)

(Video News 02/05/13) Louisiana’s biofuels industry is growing, and the LSU AgCenter is fueling that growth. A new pilot plant will process crops that can be turned into bioproducts. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:51)

(Video News 02/21/13) When the Mardi Gras parades stop rolling, and Louisiana settles into Lent, thoughts turn to crawfish. Rain in 2012 is helping this year’s harvest. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:36)

Continuing the tropical theme for ornamental plants of the week in August is cassava, also called tapioca plant.

Distributed 11/08/13) We are now at the time of the year ideal for shade tree planting in Louisiana. Oaks are one of our most popular landscape trees. The willow oak (Quercus phellos) has been named a Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2013.

(Video 02/18/13) Purple shamrock is an incredibly unique accent or border plant with spectacular purple foliage and small lavender-white flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this tough, beautiful ornamental that’s perfect for flower pots or garden beds. Runtime: 1:43

(Audio News 12/26/13) Youngsters on all-terrain vehicles are common in Louisiana, and some kids across the state may have even gotten one for Christmas. Several 4-H agents participated in a training program so they can go back into their parishes and hold ATV safety training courses for youth. One mistake organizer David Boldt says he sees too often is youngsters starting out on ATVs that are too big. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Video 12/25/13) Not sure when to get that plant into the ground? The 2014 Get It Growing calendar explains when to plant and how to care for your flowers and vegetables. As LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, the calendar has valuable tips that will help the gardener throughout the year. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 12/27/13) Dwarf flowering tobacco is a nicotiana. This is a good alternative, cool-season bedding plant for south Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/23/13) HAMMOND, La. – Happy New Year! It is time for new projects, new resolutions and making plans for another gardening season in Louisiana. We may not realize how fully blessed we are in this great state to be able to grow some of the landscape plants that are available to us.

(Distributed 12/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – For all major agricultural commodities, 2013 was a good year, making it the second year in a row Louisiana farmers saw high yields and good prices, according to LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry.

(Distributed 12/20/13) Trailing type pansies were new to the market in 2012. The development of these pansies involved more than 10 years of breeding.

(Audio News 12/20/13) For all major commodities, 2013 was a really good year, making it the second year in a row Louisiana farmers saw high yields and good prices. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Distributed 12/20/13) HAMMOND, La. – Arbor Day, in Louisiana the third Friday in January, is designated as a day for planting trees. In Louisiana, January is considered the best month to do this.

(Audio 12/30/13) Lawns are relatively carefree during winter. You may notice winter weeds popping up this time of the year. You don't have to wait until spring to use a lawn weed killer. You can do it on a mild day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/30/13) Louisiana gardeners use a wide variety of cool-season bedding plants. Many of them will be blooming now. If you deadhead them, that will encourage them to continue to bloom. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/30/13) The cold weather of January limits what vegetables can be planted this month. Some root crops are hardy and can be planted this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers are trying to determine if using unmanned aerial vehicles, sometimes known as drones, can help farmers monitor their crops for potential problems.

(Audio 12/30/13) The mild winters we have in Louisiana means we can plant hardy plants like shrubs or roses. January is a good time to plant roses, particularly if you are mail ordering them. They are usually shipped bare-root, and its best to handle bare-root roses this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/30/13) If you wondering what to do with holiday plants after the holidays, well it depends which kind you have. Poinsettias should be discarded, but a Christmas cactus or living Christmas tree can be enjoyed for years to come. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/19/13) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter will conduct a series of rice clinics in January throughout the rice-growing areas of Louisiana to help farmers get ready for the upcoming crop year.

(Video News 12/19/13) LSU AgCenter researchers are working with tiny particles, called nanoparticles, to help improve medical and agricultural issues. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard talks with two scientists working in nanotechnology. (Runtime: 2:05)

(Video News 12/19/13) Cattle production has decreased in the past few years. The LSU AgCenter is working to help beef cattle producers raise cattle in challenging economic times. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Distributed 12/18/13) BOSSIER CITY, La. – A team of water resource experts will be based at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station to help farmers manage irrigation and maintain the quality of water associated with agricultural activities.

(Video 12/23/13) During the holiday season, you will see Christmas cactuses for sale in nurseries, home improvement stores and even supermarkets. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for your Christmas cactuses during the holiday season and throughout the year to help them do their best for years to come. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Distributed 12/17/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two international scientists recently completed projects they’ve been working on in LSU AgCenter labs for the past three months as part of the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program.

(Video 12/16/13) During this time of year, brown and red foliage on many plants can indicate cold damage. But, as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains, hardy shrubs are different. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Audio 12/23/13) If you wanted tulips and hyacinths blooming in your spring garden and haven't chilled bulbs, it is too late. Tulip and hyacinth bulbs must be refrigerated before they can be planted out into our landscapes. If you have some chilled, you can plant them during the next few weeks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/23/13) Some of the plants we use to decorate during Christmas, like poinsettias, should be discarded after the holiday season. The Christmas cactus is one that can live year after year. Move them to a window that gets lots of sun and water regularly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/23/13) Many plants in the landscape are hardy in the winter, but tropical plants can be damaged by freezes. Herbaceous tropicals show their damage immediately. Damage on woody tropicals won't be evident until spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/23/13) Gardeners may not think about planting roses in December, but this is a good time to do it. Rose bushes even make nice gifts. Roses are blooming now at the nursery, making it easier to select the variety you want. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/23/13) Louisiana cooks like to use green onions. They are easy to grow and simple to harvest. Hear more to learn about growing green onions. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Faculty and staff members at the LSU AgCenter and the Southern University Agricultural Center received awards for exceptional extension and research programs at a joint annual conference on Dec. 16-17.

(Audio News 12/16/13) A team of LSU AgCenter scientists is designing nano-delivery systems for biomedical, food and agricultural applications. These nano-delivery systems have the potential to heat and destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy cells, to target pesticide applications to plants to avoid drift, to improve food safety and to pinpoint where medicine is received in the body. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Distributed 12/16/13) Pines are one of the many great native tree species in Louisiana. Several species of pine trees are native to our state.

(Distributed 11/08/13) BELLE CHASE, La. – The lingering cold temperatures last spring may be affecting the quantity and size of some citrus crops but growers harvesting satsumas say this could be a bumper crop that is definitely better than last year.

(Distributed 12/13/13) HAMMOND, La. – Louisiana iris is our state wildflower. Five species of these native plants are collectively referred to as Louisiana irises – Iris brevicaulis, Iris fulva, Iris giganticaerulea, Iris hexagona and Iris nelsonii. All five species occur in south Louisiana.

(Distributed 12/12/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The deadline for nominations for the 2014 Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction has been extended through Dec. 30. Application or nomination forms can be obtained online at www.LSUAgCenter.com/AgHallofDistinction or at any LSU AgCenter parish extension office.

(Distributed 12/12/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A group of 34 Louisiana 4-H members joined more than 1,000 delegates from across the United States to participate in the National 4-H Congress Nov. 29-Dec. 3 in Atlanta.

(Distributed 12/11/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – As congress moves toward its holiday recess, Louisiana farmers are left waiting to see what the new year will bring in terms of a new farm bill.

(Distributed 12/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Attendees at the recent Louisiana Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association meeting heard presentations on new ways of marketing their products and how to avoid liability on the farm and in the marketplace during the winter meeting at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens on Dec. 4.

(Audio 12/16/13) Deciduous shade trees are known for changing colors. A few evergreens will do this as well. Some varieties of azaleas and nandinas will turn colors. This change doesn't mean there is a problem with the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/16/13) Many gardeners store their garden chemicals in outdoor sheds. Water-based chemicals can freeze if the weather gets cold enough. This could cause the container to burst and spill the contents. Make sure liquid materials are stored in an area where they won't freeze. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/16/13) Camellias are wonderful winter-flowering shrubs. They don't require a lot of care, but may need water during dry spells. Also keep in mind that their flowers could be damaged by freezes, but buds are hardy. Also watch out for camellia tea scale. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/16/13) Deciduous trees are wonderful in the landscapes. They provide great shade in summer and let the sun shine through in winter. But all the falling leaves have to be dealt with. Consider using the leaves as mulch or turning them into compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/16/13) Gardeners can save seeds from seed packages or from plants. The seeds need to stay viable. Drying them and storing them in the refrigerator will keep the seeds fresh. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Every year 4-H members from across the state look forward to the Louisiana 4-H educational awards trip, said LSU AgCenter youth development instructor Tanya Giroir.

(Distributed 12/06/13) ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Eric Webster, LSU AgCenter weed scientist, was honored here Dec. 5 with the Rice Industry Award at the USA Rice Federation’s Outlook Conference. Also honored was Elton Kennedy, Louisiana rice grower and rice mill owner.

(Distributed 12/06/13) The Chinese pistache (Pistachio chinensis) is a medium-sized ornamental shade tree known for spectacular orange, red and crimson fall foliage colors.

(Video News 12/05/13) Tomatoes and peppers are being replaced with satsumas and navel oranges at roadside fruit and vegetable stands. Consumers can find Louisiana citrus this time of the year. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited a grower. (Runtime: 1:57)

(Distributed 12/06/13) HAMMOND, La. – Amaryllis is a popular holiday plant. Bulbs are commonly available from November to late December. Forcing them to bloom during winter is not difficult, and the results are beautiful.

(Distributed 12/05/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Drought conditions in most of the cattle-producing states during portions of the past three years are influencing current price and future prices of beef, according to LSU AgCenter economist Ross Pruitt.

(Video News 12/05/13) The holidays are here, and decorations are going up. A poinsettia can help make your home festive. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard looks at picking out and caring for this holiday plant. (Runtime: 1:43)

(Distributed 12/04/13) PORT ALLEN, La. – South Louisiana grain farmers are expected to benefit from the presence of a new tenant at the Port of Baton Rouge, according to LSU AgCenter economist Mike Salassi.

(Audio 12/10/13) Lawns may need some care during winter. One thing to watch for is leaves. If leaves stay on the lawn too long, they can damage it. Also weed issues can be addressed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/13) Fall, winter and early spring are good times to plant hardy fruit trees. Peaches are a wonderful fruit to grow in the home garden. Hear more to learn about growing a peach tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/13) Louisiana has relatively mild winters. This allows weeds to survive and grow this time of the year. Keeping beds well mulched is a good defense against weeds. Weed killer also can be used. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/10/13) Gardeners watching the weather need not worry about wind chill. Wind chill is how cold it feels to people. Plants do not need to be protected if the temperature is above freezing, even if the wind chill will be below freezing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/03/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The annual forestry forum held in conjunction with the AgExpo at the West Monroe Convention Center is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 17.

(Distributed 12/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A team of researchers from the Center for Natural Resource Economics and Policy in the LSU AgCenter Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness has received a three-year award of more than $750,000 to study the value of the environmental monitoring system in the Gulf of Mexico.

(Audio 12/10/13) Freezes are likely this time of the year. Gardeners will need to protect tropical plants when freezes occur. Covers and Christmas lights can keep the plants warm. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 12/03/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Burden Museums and Gardens has planned a day of family fun with a variety of activities and Smokey Bear at the fourth annual Arbor Day celebration on Jan. 18 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

(Audio 12/09/13) We use a wide variety of plants to embellish our homes around the holidays. Proper care will keep them attractive throughout the season. Take care when transporting these plants. Also place them in a sunny spot away from warm vents or a fireplace. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 12/02/13) What started as a 4-H project 45 years ago has long been a family business for John Rogers. Rogers works with his mom, brother and their wives and children to tend to their 20-acre citrus grove in Terrebonne Parish. Rogers started harvesting his fruit about a month ago. (Runtime: 1:50)

(Video 12/09/13) You may be noticing some blooms on roses right now. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for your roses during the fall and winter months to help them grow their best. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 12/02/13) Dreary, cold days of fall don’t have to be lacking in color. The Cassia splendida, also called golden wonder tree, surprises you with bright yellow flowers. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for this beautiful tree. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 12/02/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – An LSU AgCenter rice geneticist has obtained a $450,000 federal grant to improve American rice varieties with tolerance to saltwater and drought.

(Audio News 12/02/13) You can find poinsettias filling nurseries and garden centers this time of the year. With its bright red bracts and dark green leaves, the poinsettia is a Christmas favorite. If you are looking to use poinsettias to decorate your home during the holidays, choose ones that will last throughout the season. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 12/02/13) New to the plant market a few years ago is the great October Magic series of Camellia hiemalis developed by Bobby Green of Green Nurseries in Fairhope, Ala.

(Distributed 12/01/13) HAMMOND, La. – Winter is here, and this time of year brings questions about protecting landscape plants during the cold months of December, January and February.

(Audio 12/09/13) Gardeners in Louisiana can produce a fall crop of tomatoes. With a freeze in November, many tomato plants are probably done. If you still have tomatoes, pick them before the next freeze. They can ripen indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/09/13) There is still time to plant cool-season bedding plants in your landscape. Prepare the beds before planting by digging up old plants and turning the soil. Some plants to consider include foxgloves, violas and the new Super Plant, Diamonds Blue delphiniums. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 12/09/13) Cut Christmas trees are an important part of holiday traditions. Keeping a tree fresh and alive is important. To do this, chose wisely, and always keep it in water. Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 12/13/13) Of the many kinds of plants we use to decorate our homes for the holidays, the holiday cactuses possess a special beauty. And yes, despite the fact that these plants don’t have spines, they are true cactuses.

(Audio 12/09/13) Cold temperatures don't mean you can't have vegetables in winter. A variety of vegetables can withstand winter weather. Hear more to learn which vegetables you can plant this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 12/27/13) Although we can’t grow the sugar maples that produce that delicious syrup here in Louisiana, a wonderful variety of maples can be used as shade trees and ornamentals in our landscapes. Now through February is a great time to plant them.

(For Release On Or After 12/20/13) November through February is the best time to plant pecan trees. But before you decide to add a pecan tree to your landscape, there are some things to consider.

(For Release On Or After 12/06/13) An easy-to-make garland might be just what you need to spruce up your front entrance before your holiday company arrives. It just so happens that December is an ideal time to prune conifers. Instead of throwing away what you prune from these plants, use them to make festive garlands.

(Distributed 11/27/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Eleven Louisiana 4-H members took home top prizes from the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference held in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 20-21.

(Distributed 11/27/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nominations for the 2014 Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction are being accepted through Dec. 15.

(Distributed 11/27/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a poinsettia open house and sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 6 at the Botanic Gardens at Burden, which is located at 4560 Essen Lane near the junction of I-10 in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 11/22/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Students from the LSU Laboratory School got out of the classroom for a wetlands education field day at LSU’s Hilltop Arboretum on Nov. 14. The event, known as Louisiana Wetlands Exploration Day, was one of seven similar events held around the state this fall, according to Ashley Mullens, LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Wetlands Program manager.

(Distributed 11/25/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has published a valuable guide for those interested in fruit and nut production in the state.

(Distributed 11/22/13) The Camelot series foxglove (Digitalis) is seed-propagated and includes four colors – Camelot Cream, Camelot White, Camelot Rose and Camelot Lavender.

(Distributed 11/21/13) THIBODAUX, La. – Debbie Melvin likes to say that it takes 30 days to make something a habit. She spends eight Monday evenings with a group of women helping them form healthy habits they can have for the rest of their lives.

(Distributed 11/22/13) HAMMOND, La. – The U.S. forestry industry has migrated from the Pacific Northwest to the South over the past two decades, providing additional opportunities for Southern forest landowners, an LSU AgCenter business development expert told an audience at a workshop on forest-based bioenergy.

(Distributed 11/22/13) HAMMOND, La. – The sasanqua species of camellia is one of our most popular flowering shrubs for late fall through early spring. These go by the scientific names of Camellia sasanqua.

(Audio 11/25/13) Deciduous shade trees are dropping their leaves this time of the year. You can make use of these leaves in your landscape by raking them and using them as mulch or by composting them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/21/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 60 Master Gardeners from across the state attended the Louisiana Plant Materials Conference at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens as part of a training program on Nov. 19.

(Audio 11/25/13) Landscapes and gardens can stay attractive during winter. Gardeners should take some time to clean up around their landscape by cutting back dead foliage or adding new mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/25/13) A lot of vegetables are available as transplants at nurseries. Root crops, however, must be direct-seeded. The root is the crop, so if you pull it out to transplant it, the root may be damaged. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/25/13) The leaves on some deciduous trees are starting to change colors. Trees in Louisiana don't put on the fall display as they do up north. Some trees that are more likely to provide color include sweet gum, red maple, gingko and southern sugar maple. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/25/13) Willow oak is a deciduous shade tree that grows well in Louisiana. It is a Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2013. It has an upright, oval growth habit and can grow relatively quickly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/20/13) HAMMOND, La. – The Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season means it’s time for poinsettias.

(Distributed 11/20/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has issued a call for entries for photographs for its 2015 Get It Growing calendar to give photographers an opportunity to have their photos selected for the upcoming edition.

(Audio News 11/19/13) The cost of the average Thanksgiving meal is up 9 percent this year according to a survey by the LSU AgCenter. Jeanette Tucker, an AgCenter family economist, says the 2013 Thanksgiving market basket will average $48.50 for 10 people. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Video News) While harvest has wrapped up on many crops, Louisiana farmers are busy planting wheat. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard looks at the planting season. (Runtime: 1:23)

(Distributed 11/18/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Eight animal science faculty members from three federal universities in Brazil spent Nov. 11-15 at the LSU AgCenter visiting with professors, scientists and students in an effort to learn more about various research programs.

(Distributed 11/18/13) BATON ROUGE, La – Louisiana cooks shopping for Thanksgiving will find the costs of traditional dinner items up for the second year in a row. The 2013 Thanksgiving market basket will average $48.50 for 10 people, according to an LSU AgCenter survey.

(Video News 11/18/13) After a year of growth, Louisiana’s sugarcane crop is ready for harvest. What seemed to be an average crop is turning out better than expected. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Distributed 11/15/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A recent meeting sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry brought dairy farmers together to discuss their nutrient management plans and to make sure they are in compliance before EPA visits in the coming weeks.

(Video 11/25/13) Many trees are dropping their leaves now. But not to worry; fall is a great time to plant trees in your yard. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a Super Plant called willow oak. And like all Louisiana Super Plant selections, it’s a proven winner. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 11/18/13) Most cool-season bedding plants like full sun. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out some beautiful shade-loving plants that work great during cooler months. (Runtime: 1:27)

(Distributed 11/15/13) The LSU AgCenter has been evaluating landscape performance of columbines the past five years and selected the Swan series as a Louisiana Super Plant in fall 2011.

(Distributed 11/15/13) HAMMOND, La. – We are now at the time of the year ideal for planting shade trees in Louisiana, and oaks are among our most popular landscape trees.

(Distributed 11/15/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ron Levy is conducting the first year of a study at the Dean Lee Research Station to find the balance between preparing an adequate seedbed and retaining organic matter left from the harvest.

(Distributed 11/14/13) FORT POLK, La. – The U.S. Army has honored Sgt. Melvin Jennings for helping 4-H students prepare for a statewide 4-H culinary competition.

(Audio News 11/14/13) Farmers have planted most of Louisiana’s wheat crop. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Josh Lofton says with ideal weather recently, they’ve been able to plant quickly. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Audio 11/18/13) The majority of the cool-season plants we use in our flower gardens are transplants. Some plants prefer to be planted from seeds. Sweet peas, poppies and larkspurs should be direct-seeded where you intend for them to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/13/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Farmers have planted most of Louisiana’s wheat crop. With ideal weather recently, they’ve been able to plant quickly. “We’ve had good conditions,” said LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Josh Lofton. “The rain has played with us nicely. We’ve had some showers that helped with germination, but not enough to kick us out of the field for long periods of time.”

(Distributed 11/13/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – For many years, fall in central and south Louisiana meant smoke causing power outages, poor visibility for drivers and ash falling from the sky.

(Distributed 11/13/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – November weather in Louisiana can be extremely variable. One day we are wearing flip flops and T-shirts; the next, temperatures are dipping into the 30s.

(Audio 11/18/13) November and early December are considered the best time to plant hardy trees in our landscapes. In this segment, horticulturist Dan Gill has steps for planting a tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/18/13) Mild winters allow Louisiana gardeners to have flowers and vegetables during winter. But this also means we have insect pests. Things to look out for this time of the year include aphids, slugs and snails. Hear more the learn how to control them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/18/13) Most spring bulbs can be planted this time of the year. Tulip and hyacinth bulbs need refrigeration before they can go into the ground. You can buy the bulbs now and keep them in the vegetable bin of your refrigeration for six to eight weeks before planting them in January or February. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/18/13) Most Louisiana gardeners have tropical plants in their landscape. These plants need to be protected during freezes. Tropicals in containers can be moved inside. Sheets or small lights can keep plants in the ground from freezing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 11/12/13) Earlier in the year, sugarcane farmers were worried about their crop. A cool spring and early summer slowed growth of the cane, and farmers were anticipating a less-than-average crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says a warm end to summer helped the cane catch up. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Distributed 11/11/13) SHREVEPORT, La. – Several thousand students and their teachers visited the LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic exhibit at the 2013 Louisiana State Fair.

(Distributed 11/08/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A plant materials conference for Louisiana nursery, landscape and garden center professionals has been set for Dec. 5 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden in Baton Rouge.

(Audio News 11/08/13) The popular dairy store on LSU’s campus scoops out ice cream in flavors such as Tiger Bite and Rum Raisin, but on the other side of the Dairy Science building, LSU AgCenter researchers are working on ways to make dairy products healthier. Kayanush Aryana is adding healthy ingredients to yogurt such as immune boosters and fiber. (Runtime 1:40)

(Distributed 11/08/13) HAMMOND, La. – Foxglove (Digitalis species and hybrids) is a lesser-known, cool-season flower for Louisiana landscapes. Most home gardeners aren’t familiar with this plant.

(Distributed 11/07/13) WINNSBORO, La. – When Paul “Trey” Price began his career with the LSU AgCenter, he didn’t expect to be in the position he holds now.

(Audio 11/11/13) Louisiana gardeners are fortunate to get a fall crop of tomatoes. As the weather gets cooler, the tomatoes will ripen more slowly. If a freeze threatens, harvest the tomatoes and ripen them indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/11/13) Many gardeners move their houseplants outside during summer. But a lot of container plants are tropical and should be kept inside for winter. Don't wait until a freeze threatens. Prepare the plants for the move, and rid them of any pests before bringing them in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/11/13) You may see amaryllis bulbs in the nurseries this time of the year. Fall and winter is not the time to plant amaryllis in your landscape. The bulbs can be grown in pots indoors on a sunny window sill during winter and then planted outdoors in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/11/13) Ornamental grasses can look lovely in the landscape – particularly when they add a touch of color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to pink muhly grass – a wispy native ornamental that can add grace and colorful tints of pink to your yard. (Runtime: 1:32)

(Audio 11/11/13) Gardeners can get so caught up in working in their gardens that they don't take the time to just enjoy it. Spend time relaxing in your garden and admire the work you put into it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/11/13) Ryegrass will keeps lawns green and attractive throughout winter. Remember if you do plant ryegrass you will have to continue to mow. Hear more to lean about planting ryegrass. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 11/04/13) The Louisiana Super Plants program promotes plants that are tough, vigorous and beautiful in Louisiana landscapes. Most plants that are described as blue look to be some shade of purple or lavender. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a true blue and strikingly beautiful plant – the Diamonds Blue delphinium. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Distributed 11/05/13) NEW ORLEANS, La. – Four LSU College of Agriculture students attended a recent Produce Marketing Association Career Pathways program in New Orleans.This event, which was Oct. 17-20, is designed to attract students into careers in the fresh produce industry, said LSU AgCenter economist R. Wes Harrison.

(Video News 11/05/13) Yogurt can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. An LSU AgCenter researcher Kayanush Aryana is looking at ways to make yogurt even healthier. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited Dairy Science to learn more about Aryana’s work. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Audio 11/01/13) Sweet potato producers are harvesting their crop. The yield so far is average, and the quality is good. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist, Mavis Finger says a cool, wet spring delayed planting statewide, leading to smaller potatoes. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Distributed 10/31/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A delegation of Chinese educators and researchers attended the signing of a Letter of Intent on Oct. 29 in Baton Rouge to collaborate with LSU and LSU AgCenter scientists.

(Distributed 11/01/13) Want to add color to your fall, winter and early spring garden? Plant some colorful Sorbet series violas.

(Video News 10/31/13) Sweet potatoes are common on the Thanksgiving dinner table, but now this fall favorite is consumed year-round. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard takes a look at Louisiana’s sweet potato harvest. (Runtime: 1:18)

(Audio 11/04/13) Lettuce is a great cool-season vegetable. The lettuce you purchase in the supermarket cannot compare to freshly harvested lettuce. You can grow lettuce from seeds or transplants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/01/13) HAMMOND, La. – Most of us think of pansies, violas, dianthus, snapdragons and petunias to decorate our fall-through-early-spring landscape. Another nice addition to cool-season flower beds is ornamental types of kale and cabbage.

(Distributed 10/31/13) CROWLEY, La. – The Louisiana Rice Research Board reviewed a number of proposals from LSU AgCenter scientists and agreed Tuesday to provide $1.29 million for next year’s projects to help Louisiana rice farmers.

(Distributed 10/31/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is offering a prescribed burning workshop with burner certification at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station Dec. 11-13.

(Distributed 10/31/13) CHASE, La. – Sweet potatoes are common on the Thanksgiving dinner table, but now this fall favorite is consumed year-round. Sweet potato farmers are busy getting this year’s crop out of the ground. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Mavis Finger said the yield so far is average, and the quality is good.

(Distributed 10/31/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden has received a national award for the design of its All-America Selections Display Garden. This 50-foot-by-200-foot garden features flowers and vegetables recommended by All-America Selections, a nonprofit organization.

(Audio 11/04/13) Nurseries get their spring bulbs in September, but November is the best month to plant them. You can find good selections now. Listen to hear how to plant them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/04/13) Deciduous trees will drop their leaves this time of the year. Keep the leaves from sitting on your lawn too long. This can make the grass unhealthy. Rake or mow them up. Use the leaves as mulch or compost. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/04/13) We expect to see the leaves of deciduous trees change colors and drop off. But this can happen to some of the leaves on evergreens as well. Evergreens won't have a big drop off like deciduous trees, but older leaves may yellow and fall off. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/04/13) Despite the cold weather we can have in November, there are many vegetables that can be planted this month. Many vegetables prefer chilly temperatures, so keep the garden active during winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/30/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Cattle producers, row crop farmers and timber owners earned certification credit at a two-day Master Farmer University course on the LSU campus in Alexandria on Oct. 24-25.

(Distributed 10/23/13) OAK GROVE, La. – Cars were lined up for a mile trying to get into the Family Fall Fest at the Thomas Jason Lingo Center on a sunny Saturday morning on Oct. 12, reported Brenda Bradley as she arrived. Bradley, a member of the town council here, was one of the planners for this event, which attracted more than 400 men, women and children of all shapes, ages and sizes from across West Carroll Parish.

(Distributed 10/30/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – On an average day, most people wouldn’t think of insects and soldiers as being synonymous, but a recent lecture on the LSU campus shows just how often insects have been used as weapons of war through the ages.

(Distributed 10/29/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – About 50 people wanting to improve their vegetable gardening skills participated in the New and Beginning Vegetable Farm Training at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden on Oct. 23.

(Distributed 10/29/13) POLLOCK, La. – The final donation to build the multipurpose center at 4-H Camp Grant Walker was made by AT&T on Oct. 28, clearing the way for the possibility that the facility could be available for campers in 2014. Danny Wilson, of AT&T, delivered a check for $30,000 to Bill Richardson, LSU vice president for agriculture. Two previous donations by AT&T during the past two years totaled $50,000.

(Distributed 10/28/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU’s football team was not the only winner on campus during the 2013 homecoming festivities. The College of Agriculture presented three awards at the annual alumni tailgate party on Oct. 26.

(For Release On Or After 11/29/13) Botany lessons often help gardeners understand some of the underlying reasons why plants behave the way they do and why we do things a certain way. When growing a plant that is expected to produce fruit, knowing something about its reproductive workings is in the gardener’s best interest to prevent disappointment.

(For Release On Or After 11/22/13) Now is the perfect time to plant cool-season bedding plants that will brighten our landscapes over the next five or six months.

(For Release On Or After 11/15/13) Few flowering bulbs can surpass the stately beauty of the amaryllis. Typically blooming in April, this popular bulb is a star performer in the spring garden. Dormant bulbs are readily available now, and with proper care, they can become a long-lasting part of your landscape.

(For Release On Or After 11/08/13) The willow oak (Quercus phellos) has been name a Louisiana Super Plants selection for fall 2013. Native to Louisiana, willow oaks are deciduous trees that make outstanding shade trees.

(For Release On Or After 11/01/13) If you’re not keeping your vegetable garden productive through the winter, you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding times of the year for growing vegetables. An amazing selection of vegetables can only be grown here during the cool season from October-November through April-May.

(Distributed 10/18/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – James L. Griffin, the Lee F. Mason LSU Alumni Association Professor in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, has been named graduate student recruiter in the LSU College of Agriculture.

(Distributed 10/25/13) An exceptional, blue-flowered, cool-season bedding plant called Diamonds Blue delphinium (Delphinium chinensis Diamonds Blue) is a Louisiana Super Plants selection for fall 2013.

(Distributed 10/25/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Eric Webster, an F. Avalon Daggett Professor in the LSU AgCenter School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, has been named to the position of assistant regional director in the AgCenter’s Southwest Region.

(Distributed 10/25/13) HAMMOND, La. – Many home gardeners know the tall, cut-flower-type delphiniums. These are excellent plants for the cool-season landscape in Louisiana.

(Distributed 10/25/13) THORNWELL, La. – The No. 2 official with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency assured farmers Thursday (Oct. 24) that he will make sure the agency is moving forward with its review of a blackbird repellent used to protect rice seed.

(Distributed 10/23/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter research being conducted shows that farmers who grow multiple crops may benefit from applying some nutrients during fall if soil tests are completed first.

(Audio 10/28/13) As we move into fall, gardeners may wonder what to fertilizer. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill says generally nothing. We want trees and shrubs to go dormant, and they won't benefit from fertilizer. The exceptions include cool-season plants and perennials that grow this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/28/13) It is a little early to see a lot of leaves dropping out of your trees. But next month there will be leaves to deal with. Don't rake, bag them and throw them out. Instead consider composting them or using them as mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/28/13) Storms and high winds are common during Louisiana's summers. As a result you may have broken limbs in your trees. Look at your trees and call an arborist if you have ragged stubs or limbs that may fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/28/13) You may hear about winterizing your lawn in fall. This means applying potassium to our lawns. Plants need potassium during winter, but winterizing is optional. If you do, make sure to buy the correct winterizer for Louisiana lawns. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 10/28/13) Now is a great time to plant hardy shrubs. Maybe one of the best-smelling of all those shrubs is the gardenia. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out on this edition of Get It Growing, if you want those great smells from nice, white flowers in the spring, you want to avoid pruning your gardenias at this time. (Runtime: 1:33)

(Video 10/21/13) Now is a great time to plant cool-season herbs. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to chives – an herb with beautiful flowers and tasty foliage. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 10/22/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter recommends planting broccoli in fall vegetable gardens, and October is a perfect month for planting transplants or small seedlings.

(Video News 10/17/13) Yields are high for Louisiana’s cotton crop LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that good weather and good land have farmers reaching for a record. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Distributed 10/21/13) WINNSBORO, La. – A complex set of federal food safety regulations will affect many producers of agricultural products and require more record keeping, an LSU AgCenter specialist told fruit and vegetable growers at the Northeast Louisiana Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference here on Oct. 17.

(Distributed 08/02/13) POLLOCK, La. – Central Louisiana residents will soon have access to the LSU AgCenter’s state-of-the-art computer training center that was dedicated on Aug. 1 at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center.

(Audio News 10/18/13) Colors abound as hibiscus, impatiens and Drift roses put on a show at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station. The station opened its door to landscapers and gardeners to inform and show them the latest ornamentals and woody plants. A goal of the station is to find the best plants for Louisiana’s growing conditions. (Runtime: 1:50)

The Southern sugar maple is a great deciduous tree for fall foliage color in Louisiana.

(Distributed 10/17/13) HAMMOND, La. – The ideal planting time for cool-season bedding plants in Louisiana runs from late September through early December. Some of our common cool-season flowers prefer the earlier planting dates while others prefer the later dates.

(Audio 10/07/13) Chrysanthemums start showing up in nurseries in September. October is a better month to plant them. The cooler days allow the plants to last longer. They are also great in pots on porches, on patios and indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/07/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU Food Incubator has received a $20,500 grant from the Louisiana Economic Development Business Incubator Support Program.

(Distributed 04/29/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The agricultural economy in Louisiana grew to a record high value of $11.4 billion in 2012, an increase of 6.5 percent over the 2011 amount of $10.7 billion, according to the latest figures released by the LSU AgCenter.

(Audio 10/25/13) Diamonds Blue delphiniums are a Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2013. They are a low-growing variety of delphiniums that are a true blue color. Plant them now, and they will bloom in fall and winter and put on the best show in spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/24/13) A wide variety of hardy herbs can be planted this time of the year. These herbs won't be hurt by the cold weather. They will need a well-drained, sunny location. Consider planting herbs such as chives, oregano, sage, thyme and lavender. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/23/13) Now through February is the best time to plant fruit trees. A fall planting allow them to get established and send out strong roots. Don't expect a good harvest the first few years, and be sure to plant varieties suitable for Louisiana. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/22/13) Broccoli is a great cool-season vegetable to grow. Harvesting broccoli can be tricky. Gardeners may wait for the head to be a certain size before harvesting. This can lead to the broccoli flowering. Don't go by the size of the head, but rather the size of the buds. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/21/13) Fall is the best time of the year to plant hardy trees and shrubs. These plants are not bothered by winter cold and establish well in the cool days of autumn. Roses, camellias and azaleas are all good to plant now. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/16/13) HAMMOND, La. – The latest research findings from ongoing studies, information about new pests and tours of the gardens at the Hammond Research Station highlighted a field day held on Oct. 10.

(Distributed 10/15/13) WINNSBORO, La. – As cotton harvest in Louisiana comes to an end, farmers are seeing record high yields, although the cotton acreage is at a record low, according to David Kerns, LSU AgCenter cotton specialist.

(Distributed 10/14/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – It may be a bit of culture shock for the LSU AgCenter’s new extension plant pathologist, but she is excited about the opportunity to provide horticultural information to citizens across the state.

(Distributed 10/11/13) Louisiana gardeners are always looking for nice trees for the landscape. The sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is an excellent native tree that is not nearly as well known as it should be.

(Distributed 10/11/13) WINNFIELD, La. – An 11-year-old 4-H Club member in Winn Parish has won a national award from the American Heart Association for her service-learning project that involved her entire school in a healthful living program.

(Distributed 10/11/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter is increasing work at the Hammond Research Station to select and breed new ornamental plants for the state’s growing nursery and landscape industry.

(Distributed 10/11/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU chapter of the national society of MANRRS held its kickoff meeting in the LSU Student Union on Oct. 2 to let students know that the chapter is back and ready to regain its name recognition.

(Audio News 10/09/13) Louisiana had record low cotton acres this year, but farmers may be harvesting record high yields according to David Kerns, LSU AgCenter cotton specialist. Farmers planted about 128,000 acres. Kerns said much of that was concentrated in areas that typically see higher yields. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Audio 10/14/13) Hydrangeas are wonderful flowering shrubs. Gardeners looking to change the color of their hydrangeas can add amendments to the soil this month. If you want blue hydrangeas, apply aluminum sulfate. For pink hydrangeas, put lime around them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/09/13) GRAMERCY, La. – Students in St. James Parish now have a new kitchen to prepare vegetables they grow on Fast Food Farm, thanks to a $90,000 grant from the Mosaic Company.

(Distributed 09/27/13) HAMMOND, La. – One of the great new groups of almost-everblooming plants, the Drift series of low-maintenance roses, fits a special niche in the shrub rose market. These roses are from Conard-Pyle/Star Roses, the same folks who gave us the Knock Out series of low-maintenance landscape roses.

(Distributed 10/07/13) OPELOUSAS, La. – An LSU AgCenter cattle researcher told producers the use of ultrasound technology to get a glimpse of an animal’s beef quality removes the mystery out of buying cattle and can result in better prices at the sale barn.

(Distributed 10/07/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center will host its seasonal Saturday open house on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Audio 10/13/14) Caladiums are going dormant. October is the time to dig up the tubers for storage during winter. Do this while there is still foliage attached to the tubers. Let the foliage turn brown, and it will detach easily. Store the tubers indoors. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/14/13) Most summer bulbs can be left in the ground and will survive our winters. Simply cut back the foliage when it turns brown and keep the ground mulched. Caladiums and hybrid gladiolus do better dug up and stored for the winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/14/13) Many cool-season vegetables are pretty enough to plant in the flower garden. Curly-leaf parsley makes a nice garden border. Some kales and Swiss chards have great texture and color. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/14/13) Camellias are popular in Louisiana. They are relatively pest free, but they do have one issue, the camellia tea scale. This insect can be controlled with an oil or systemic spray. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/07/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s 2014 Get It Growing Calendar is now available.

(Distributed 10/07/13) The first Louisiana Super Plants from the LSU AgCenter for fall 2013 is the Drift series of roses.

(Audio 09/30/13) Look around and you can see many natural things you can use to decorate your home this fall. You can find seed pods, pine cones, leaves or cattails. These dried materials can stay attractive all season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/04/13) HAMMOND, La. – Fall is the best time of the year to garden in Louisiana, and it’s a great time to consider trees. Landscapes typically have trees as one of the dominant features.

(Audio 09/30/13) As the weather cools in October, lawn growth begins to slow down. The disease brown patch can be a problem this month. Symptoms include small brownish-yellow areas that rapidly expand. A lawn fungicide can control brown patch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 10/04/13) Debbie Melvin is spending eight Monday evenings with a group of women helping them form healthy habits they can have for the rest of their lives. Melvin, an LSU AgCenter nutrition agent in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes, has been teaching Smart Portions classes for five years. The program arms participants with knowledge necessary to make positive lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthy weight. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Distributed 10/03/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – For the past 46 years, LSU College of Agriculture Dean Ken Koonce has been associated with the university system. On Oct. 7, he will retire and open the next chapter of his life.

(Video 10/07/13) In many parts of Louisiana, fall doesn’t include all the oranges, reds, and yellows you might see farther north. But you can simulate that fall-like look for your landscape by planting mums. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides some useful tips on selecting chrysanthemums that meet your particular needs. (Runtime: 1:31)

(Audio 10/07/13) Louisiana gardeners who want to plant strawberries need to do so soon. Check nurseries and garden centers for strawberry plants. These should be planted in well-prepared beds in full sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/07/13) Louisiana gardeners do have options for cool-season plants that do well in shady areas. Plants such as Camelot foxglove, Swan columbine and forget-me-nots will grow in the shade, but could use some morning sun. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 10/07/13) October is a great time to plant cool-season bedding plants into your gardens. These include pansies, dianthus and ornamental vegetables. Plant them now for flowers in fall and spring. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 10/02/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – PotashCorp, of Geismer, La., recently donated $25,000 to the LSU AgCenter’s youth livestock development program.

(Video 10/14/13) When you look at a fall landscape dotted with warm red shades, you wouldn’t expect to see tropical plants. But, cigar plants are hardy, perennial tropicals that bloom profusely in the fall. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how these beautiful cigar plants, also called cigar flowers, work great in your fall flower beds. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Distributed 10/01/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A new invasive scale insect has been infesting crape myrtles in Shreveport and Dallas and possibly in Houma and Lafayette.

(Distributed 10/02/13) GONZALES, La. – Since 2007, Master Gardeners in Ascension Parish have been taking on projects to beautify the parish and provide information to get others involved in gardening and landscape improvement.

(Distributed 10/01/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The Louisiana Master Farmer program will offer a two-day workshop – called Master Farmer University – at LSU in Alexandria on Oct. 24-25, in which participants will be able to complete the first two of three phases of the program.

(Distributed 10/01/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse Resource Center will conduct a mold control and remediation training course Oct. 22-24.

(Distributed 09/30/13) LAKE CHARLES, La. – Thirteen high school students participated in the Calcasieu-Cameron Rice Growers Association rice cooking contest on Sept. 25 as part of National Rice Month, which is sponsored by the USA Rice Federation.

(Video News 09/30/13) Food businesses are starting, growing or trying something new at the LSU AgCenter food incubator. The incubator offers kitchen space, professional guidance and large-scale equipment. AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited the kitchen and clients. (Runtime: 1:57)

(For Release On Or After 10/25/13) An exceptional, blue-flowered, cool-season bedding plant called Diamonds Blue delphinium (Delphinium chinensis Diamonds Blue) is a Louisiana Super Plants selection for fall 2013.

(For Release On Or After 10/18/13) In the South, the term “greens” refers to vegetables whose leaves are cooked until tender. During cool fall temperatures, mustard, turnip, collards and other greens flourish in the vegetable garden. And now is an excellent time to plant them.

(For Release On Or After 10/04/13) A great new series of low-growing landscape roses, called Drift roses, has been named a Louisiana Super Plants selection for fall 2013. Fall is a great time to plant roses – they establish very well in the cooler weather and provide outstanding color to the fall garden.

(For Release On Or After 10/11/13) Caladiums are among the most reliable summer bedding plants for providing color in shady areas and even in sunny beds. They stay attractive despite the intense heat of summer and are rarely bothered by insects or disease.

(Video 09/23/13) Petunias offer profuse color to a landscape, and now’s a great time to plant them. Even though all petunias look similar at the nursery, there are differences. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains the importance of reading specific labels when choosing the right petunias for your flower bed. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Video 09/30/13) Fall is a great time to plant hardy trees and shrubs. The low-maintenance, yet beautiful Drift rose is an excellent choice. It’s a Louisiana Super Plant selection for 2013. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill explains an important difference between the Drift rose and the popular Knock Out rose. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Distributed 09/27/13) BATON ROUGE, La – The threat of mosquitoes can keep people from enjoying the outdoors, but the LSU AgCenter has a public health entomologist whose work will help fight the bite.

A past Louisiana Super Plant, Belinda’s Dream rose is one of the most popular Earth Kind roses grown in Louisiana. This variety was named a Texas Superstar plant in 2002 – the first rose to be so honored.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Jeff Lockwood, a professor at the University of Wyoming and award-winning writer, will present a lecture about his book “Six-Legged Soldiers: A History of Insects in Torture, Terrorism, and Warfare” on Oct. 4 at 2 p.m., Room A101, Life Sciences Annex, on the LSU campus.

(Video News 09/26/13) Gardens, trails, crops and a museum all comprise Burden Museum and Gardens. The new name for the historic site aims to provide visitors with a slice of rural Louisiana served up in a bountiful setting. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard visited the pastoral oasis. (Runtime: 1:57)

(Audio News 09/27/13) Courtney Harding stirred a bubbling concoction of sugar, butter and milk, waiting for the moment when the ingredients turned the right color, the right consistency to spoon out into creamy caramelized confections. Harding has been selling his Dolce Treats pralines for two years, but he was ready to expand his business, so he turned to the LSU AgCenter food incubator for help. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Distributed 09/24/13) MANGHAM, La. – Cattle producers interested in learning proper cattle handling procedures were not disappointed by attending a beef and forage field day at the Goldmine Plantation on Sept. 19.

(Audio 09/30/13) Perennials can live in our garden for a number of years. Many of the perennials in Louisiana are winding down in fall. This is a good time to divide them or clean up the areas around them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/30/13) Drift rose series is a Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2013. These roses are low-growing and come in a variety of colors. They can be planted in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/30/13) Louisiana home vegetable gardeners can focus on cool-season vegetables in October. Cole and root crops are good ones to grow this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Children between the ages of three and eight can get in the spirit of fall and increase their reading skills at a series of free events in October and November at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden.

(Audio News: 09/23/13) A 440-acre property in the heart of Baton Rouge is like a lush sanctuary dropped in a city. What was once Windrush Plantation is now Burden Museum and Gardens. The Burden family donated the property to LSU more than a half a century ago to advance horticulture, celebrate the state’s rural culture and keep a green space in the city. (Runtime: 2:05)

(Distributed 09/23/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Professors, graduate and undergraduate students were recognized at the LSU College of Agriculture honors and awards ceremony at the Lod Cook Alumni Center on Sept. 18.

(Distributed 09/20/13) The Conversation Piece azalea belongs to the Robin Hill group. This group of azaleas is known for multi-season blooming and large flowers on hardy plants.

(Distributed 09/20/13) HOMER, La. – Poultry producers from across the state were taught practices that will make their operations more environmentally friendly and efficient at a field day at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station on Sept. 18.

(Distributed 09/20/13) HAMMOND, La. – Fall is the best time of year to garden in Louisiana. Now through November and December is recommended for adding new trees and shrubs to your landscape. Also consider some cool-season flower additions or some herbaceous perennials.

(Video News 09/19/13) Researchers at the LSU AgCenter are looking at ways to improve the quality of water running off cattle farms. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on one study that evaluates different planting methods of winter forage. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Audio 09/23/13) Azalea lace bugs are small insects that feed on the foliage of azaleas. The insects show up in spring and fall. Symptoms include small white dots on the leaves and a decline in the health of the plant. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 09/18/13) Last fall researchers planted winter forage on pastures at the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station and Extension Center using different planting methods. The purpose of the study was to see if the way the grass is planted can affect water quality coming off the pastures. Donna Morgan with the LSU AgCenter’s Master Farmer Program says they used different types of conventional and conservation planting methods. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 07/31/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter held a training meeting on July 29 for county agents and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry personnel outlining the proper steps homeowners with citrus should take if they believe their trees are infected with citrus canker disease.

(Audio 09/23/13) October is the month to plant garlic in your vegetable garden. You can do this by simply buying a head of garlic and breaking it up into individual toes. Garlic doesn't require much work, but it does take patience. The crop won't be ready until May. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/17/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A late-winter freeze set this year’s Louisiana sugarcane crop back, but the outlook for harvest is optimistic, said LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois.

(Audio 09/23/13) The Louisiana iris is dormant this time of the year. They begin growing again in October. If you need to divide them, this is a good time to do it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/23/13) Summer bedding plants may still be in good shape this month. Gardeners can pull out the ones that are past peak, but it's still too early to plant cool-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/23/13) It's easy to be tired of the summer heat in September. While waiting for cooler weather, consider where in your yard you could use shade. Fall is the best time to plant shade trees in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/16/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – An LSU AgCenter cattle expert advised owners of small cattle operations that they should consider artificial insemination with technology available to make the option affordable and easier.

(Distributed 09/16/13) LAFAYETTE, La. – Thousands of gardening enthusiasts attended the Master Gardeners’ Plant Fest in Lafayette, held Sept. 14 at the Horse Farm.

(Distributed 09/16/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Faculty members and volunteers from across the state involved in nutrition education spent Sept. 10-12 at the Lod Cook Conference Center at LSU recognizing the new School of Nutrition and Food Sciences.

(Video News 09/13/13) Researchers at the LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station are helping farmers handle problems in their fields. Farmers heard about solutions to several issues at the station’s field day. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was there. (Runtime: 1:45)

(Distributed 09/13/13) One of the most popular herbaceous perennials in Louisiana is the purple coneflower. The scientific name of this plant is Echinacea purpurea. It is native to a geographic area from the Midwest into the Southeastern United States.

(Distributed 09/13/13) HAMMOND, La. – Each fall, research gardens across the country, such as those located at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station, announce some of the best landscape plants that have performed well in trials during that year.

(Distributed 09/12/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Now that the Louisiana corn harvest is nearly complete, growers have been given a few ways to decrease the chance of the Goss’s wilt bacteria overwintering in their fields.

(Distributed 09/12/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station will hold its annual landscape horticulture field day for nursery, landscape and garden center professionals on Oct. 10.

(Audio 09/16/13) Louisiana gardeners associate azalea blooming with spring. But we can grow fall-blooming azaleas. It is a joy to see these flowers in fall and into winter. Encore and Robin Hill are good fall azaleas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/16/13) If you love to grow plants in containers, you'll notice eventually the root system can fill the container. When this happens, the plants should be moved into a larger container or the health of the plant will decline. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/16/13) Having a compost pile should be a part of every gardener's landscape. A bin is easy to make, and kitchen scrapes and yard waste can be recycled into great organic matter that can be used for bed preparations. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/16/13) Caladiums start to go dormant later this month. Gardeners can store their tubers during the winter and save them for next year. Hear more to learn how to dig them up and store them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/11/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Possibly the hardest part of changing eating habits to lose weight is deciding where to begin and how to sustain, says LSU AgCenter Smart Bodies program director Denise Holston-West.

(Audio 09/16/13) Peach harvest season has passed, but you do need to keep out for pests on the trees. Peach tree scale is a common insect found on peach trees. Hear more to learn how to control it. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 09/10/13) CROWLEY, La. – Dustin Harrell, LSU Agcenter agronomist at the Rice Research Station here, is participating in a multistate study on arsenic in rice to determine if levels of the element are higher in different varieties and to see if varied flooding methods affect arsenic content.

(Distributed 09/10/13) MACON RIDGE, La. – LSU AgCenter scientists shared the latest research findings and progress with participants who braved sweltering heat at the Macon Ridge Research Station near Winnsboro on Sept. 5.

(Audio 09/10/13) As farmers wrap up the corn harvest in Louisiana, they will look at ways to handle the residue from the plants that remain in the fields. LSU AgCenter agronomist Josh Lofton is evaluating five different systems that farmers can use. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Video News 09/10/13) Last year Louisiana farmers harvested a record soybean crop. This year they could reach that number again. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy says yields on early harvested beans are high. (Runtime: 1:23)

(Audio 09/09/13) Mulches are commonly used around flower beds and shrubs. They help suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. Organic mulches will decay over time and need to be replaced. Keep the old mulch in place when adding new mulch. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/09/13) Some plants in our landscape should not be pruned in September. They include flowering shrubs such as camellias, azaleas, gardenias and hydrangeas. These plants have set their flower buds, and pruning will diminish their floral displays. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/09/13) Louisiana gardeners do a lot of gardening in September and October. As we transition to the cool season, it is important to do some good bed preparation before putting a new crop of plants in. Hear more to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/09/13) Farmers harvesting grain sorghum are encountering problems with the white sugarcane aphid. LSU AgCenter entomologist Sebe Brown says the insect is infesting sorghum for the first time in Louisiana. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Distributed 09/06/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture will be consolidating dairy science programs over the next nine months to expand and better integrate the research, extension and teaching efforts.

(Distributed 08/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter entomologists have been preparing for the tawny crazy ant population to increase in Louisiana for a while – the wait is over for residents in north Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 09/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Financial professionals from throughout the area will conduct a financial education event for consumers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center on Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(Audio 09/06/13) Last year Louisiana farmers harvested a record soybean crop. This year they could reach that number again. LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Ronnie Levy says yields on early harvested beans are high. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Video News 09/06/13) Typically in September we are on the downside of summer heat. More people take to the outdoors for tailgating, gardening or just enjoying cooler weather. While outside, people still need to protect themselves from mosquitoes. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Distributed 09/16/13) One of the popular fall-flowering plants offered at many retail garden centers in Louisiana during late summer and early fall are cassias.

(Distributed 09/06/13) HAMMOND, La. – Ornamental peppers are a unique, specialty plant for home landscapes. Appealing characteristics include colorful berries and foliage. Ornamental peppers have traditionally been thought of to some degree as a holiday potted plant, but they are enjoying increased use among home gardeners as an alternative color addition to annual and herbaceous perennial beds.

(Video 09/09/13) Pruning is an important part of plant care. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes how to prune Knock Out roses for profuse, bright-colored blooms in the fall. (Runtime: 1:54)

(Distributed 09/05/13) DELHI. La. – An outdoor business workshop for landowners will be held here Oct. 2 at the Delhi Civic Center.

(Distributed 09/04/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens will host a fundraising event for the Burden Horticulture Society, called Cocktails in the Gardens, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 15.

(Audio 09/09/13) Lawn mowers remain active into late summer. You may notice more weeds as you mow. When daytime temperatures begin to stay in the 80s, you can apply lawn weed killers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/04/13) In September, hopes are high that temperatures will moderate. After a long, hot summer, people are ready to enjoy the outdoors. While the heat may begin to diminish this month, the threat of mosquitoes doesn’t. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Audio 09/09/13) Even though it stays hot into September in Louisiana, we have to realize that fall isn't too far away. Plants should start slowing down, and this mean we shouldn't fertilize lawns, shrubs or trees this time of the year. Gardeners can continue to fertilize vegetables and cool-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 09/16/13) When people think of Louisiana, they think of this tree covered in Spanish moss. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill explains why the bald cypress is an excellent tree for well-drained Louisiana landscapes. (Runtime: 1:39)

(For Release On Or After 09/06/13) You may often hear Labor Day designated as the traditional end of summer, and according to the calendar, fall will officially start at the fall equinox on September 22. We know good and well, however, that our Louisiana summer season extends a good bit longer.

(For Release On Or After 09/20/13) As we move toward October, it’s not too early to make plans for houseplants that spent the summer outdoors. You will need to bring them back inside at some point when it starts to get cold. But you have a variety of jobs to do now.

(For Release On Or After 09/13/13) When it comes to home landscaping, many gardeners remain confused about how to create what they want. Efforts at landscaping can be disappointing despite spending a substantial amount of money.

(For Release On Or After 09/27/13) Are you not growing vegetables because you don’t have a yard to plant them in? Perhaps you live in an apartment. Or is the only sunny area of your landscape covered in concrete? The satisfaction of growing fresh vegetables is undeniable, yet many gardeners do not have a suitable in-ground location to grow them.

(Distributed 08/30/13) Oak trees are very popular in Louisiana landscapes. We are all very familiar with the evergreen Southern live oak. Popular deciduous oak trees in Louisiana include water oak, shumard oak, southern red oak and willow oak. But the one with possibly the best potential for landscape use is the nuttall oak.

(Video News 08/26/13) The roar of a sugar mill won’t be heard until fall, but you could hear sounds of processing at a small mill that uses the same technology to make biofuels instead of sugar. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this story. (Runtime: 2:02)

(Distributed 08/30/13) HAMMOND, La. – Buddleias, known by most home gardeners as butterfly bush, are becoming an increasingly popular plant in the home landscape.

(Distributed 08/29/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – One hundred elementary schools across Louisiana are taking steps to help their students eat better and move more during this school year. These schools are participating in Smart Bodies, a program of the LSU AgCenter and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.

(Audio 09/02/13) Trees are the most valuable part of a landscape. The roots of trees are very shallow and can be easily damaged by construction near the tree. It's important to protect the roots of the tree to keep it healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/02/13) Pecan trees have brittle wood, so they should never be planted close to homes or structures. When branches get heavy with pecans, they may break off. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/02/13) Rainy weather in late summer can encourage the growth of fungi in your lawn. Those fungi can send up mushrooms. There are no fungicides that can control mushrooms, but you can pick them and throw them out if you are concerned about them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/02/13) Gardeners can grow onions during winter. Bunching onions are types of onions that don't make a bulb. They split and grow in clumps. This is a great time to grow them. They can he harvested throughout winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 09/02/13) Don't miss out on fall vegetables. It is not too late to plant transplants of tomatoes and peppers. In September you can also start planting cool-season vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/28/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – It is not unusual for healthy habits to take a back seat to summer activities. Youngsters may stay up later and sleep in more. But with schools back in session, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West says parents should reestablish consistent patterns for eating breakfast, family meals and bedtime.

(Distributed 08/28/13) CROWLEY, La. – Harvest of the south Louisiana rice crop is winding down, and favorable reports are the rule. “It’s been a good crop,” said Steve Linscombe, director of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station. “Quality-wise, it’s outstanding.”

(Distributed 08/28/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Two faculty members in the LSU AgCenter Department of Food Science have been named Fellows of the Institute of Food Technologists.

(Distributed 08/28/13) MANGHAM, La. – A beef and forage field day will be held at Goldmine Plantation in Mangham from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Thurs., Sept. 19.

(Distributed 08/26/13) OPELOUSAS, La. – The Acadiana Beef Cattle Producers field day has been set for Oct. 3 at Dominique’s Stockyard.

(Distributed 08/26/13) HOMER, La. – A Master Farmer field day for poultry producers will be held Sept. 18 at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station.

(Distributed 08/26/13) PORT ALLEN, La. – A virus that has crippled the cricket industry in Europe keeps West Baton Rouge Parish breeder and grower David Fluker alert, but optimistic.

(Distributed 08/26/13) CADE, La. – Cattle prices should stay at the current level – or even increase – because of the expected decrease in beef production, an LSU AgCenter beef economist told cattle farmers on Aug. 21.

(Distributed 08/23/13) CHASE, La. – Mavis Finger, the new LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist, always knew she wanted a career in making things grow.

(Distributed 08/23/13) CROWLEY, La. – Giant salvinia in southwest Louisiana should be under control in a few years. In the meantime landowners can combat the invasive aquatic weed with herbicides, according to an LSU AgCenter weed specialist.

(Distributed 08/23/14) Princess flower (tibouchina) includes several species.

(Distributed 08/23/13) HAMMOND, La. – Late summer is the time to begin preparations for spectacular fall blooms on your roses. Roses need disease management and proper fertilization in August through early September for best fall performance.

(Distributed 08/16/13) HAMMOND, La. – Gulf Coast muhly – or pink muhly grass (known botanically as Muhlenbergia capillaris) – is one of the most stunning grasses in the fall landscape in Louisiana. This coastal native ornamental grass has received a considerable amount of attention the past few years.

(Video 09/02/13) Vines can help liven up a landscape. But some are unmanageable. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to the very well-behaved firecracker vine – a plant that pops with a profusion of scarlet red flowers attractive hummingbirds. (Runtime: 1:29)

(Video 08/26/13) Now is the time to get some of your fall vegetables planted. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains which plants to grow and what to look for when selecting vegetable transplants. (Runtime: 1:28)

(Audio News 08/20/13) At the Audubon Sugar Institute, a scaled-down version of a sugar mill processes sweet sorghum to make biofuels and specialty chemicals. Ben Legendre, Audubon Institute director, says the purpose of the mill is to extract juice from the crop. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Video News 8/20/13) A cold spring delayed development of Louisiana rice crop. Now summer storms are pushing back the harvest. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this story. (Runtime: 1:49)

(Audio 08/26/13) Louisiana gardeners can plant many types of vegetable transplants this time of year. These plants are kept in shady conditions and are well-watered at the nursery, so they will be need to be toughened up a bit before planting them into your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/26/13) By late summer, cannas and gingers have been blooming nicely. Remember, each stalk only blooms once. After the blooms fade, you can prune back the shoots. This makes room for fresh, new stalks to grow. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/26/13) This time of the year you may notice a fine, silvery webbing on the bark of a tree. This webbing is not harmful. It's created by bark lice that feed on organic debris on the crevices of the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/26/13) The heat could cause roses to look poorly in late summer. The good news is they'll bloom again in the fall. To get them ready for fall blooming, cut them back and fertilize them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/26/13) Louisiana summers can be stressful on plants. Late August is a good time to evaluate your plants and see if they are able to withstand the heat. Make a note of which ones work to plant again next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/16/13) Golden dewdrop, pigeon berry and sky flower are common names for durantas.

(Audio 08/16/13) Storms that blew through Acadiana kept farmers out of their rice fields. Workers at Randy Thibodeaux’s family farm were using the break from harvest to move rice out of bins for shipping. Thibodeaux and his brothers farm 4,300 acres of rice. After such a cold spring, he wasn’t sure what kind of crop he would have.

(Audio 08/19/13) Palms can be grown all over the state of Louisiana. They are easy to grow, but they can use a little care. When fertilizing palms, make sure to use a fertilizer labeled for palms. Cutting off old fronds can keep them attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/19/13) Homeowners fertilize lawns to give the grass more vigor and to give it a deep green color. Late summer is a good time to fertilize lawns. If you want to fertilize, do it by the end of August. Fertilizing later can make the lawn susceptible to cold damage in winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/19/13) Plants can experience heat stress in August. This makes it a bad time to plant hardy trees or shrubs. If you are looking to plant something now, consider tropical plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/14/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Man-made modifications in the Mississippi River Valley – levees, cut-offs and dams – have all caused changes in the ecology of the Atchafalaya Basin and similar areas, Wes Cochran, a graduate student in the School of Renewable Natural Resources, told a conference audience recently.

(Audio 08/19/13) The wishbone flower, also known as torenia, is a summer annual. It comes in lots of colors and likes partial shade. It also tolerates the heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/19/13) Grass clippings can be beneficial to your lawn. But to do this right, you need to mow frequently with a regular mower or use a mulching mower. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/09/13) POLLOCK, La. – 4-H’ers at Camp Grant Walker learned about outdoor skills and science on Aug. 5-9 with a program aimed at getting seventh- and eighth-graders interested in science and the outdoors.

(Audio News 08/09/13) A population of insects can build up on crops as summer drags on. LSU AgCenter entomologist Jeff Davis said the redbanded stink bug is the most destructive pest on soybeans. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Video News 08/09/13) Harvest season has started in Louisiana. Crops such as rice, soybeans, sugarcane and cotton all get plucked from the fields in late summer and fall. Corn is one of the first crops to get harvested. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 08/09/13) HAMMOND, La. – Evaluations of landscape plants at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station include a shade garden area where varieties of new ornamental plants or improved varieties of older ornamental plants are evaluated under partially shaded to shaded conditions.

(Audio 08/12/13) Plants in containers can eventually outgrow their pots. You may notice surface roots or roots growing out of the drainage holes. These are signs the plants need to be repotted into a larger container. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – As the “dog days” of summer drag slowly into mid-August and beyond, cotton growers need to monitor leaf spot disease in their crop, said LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Trey Price.

(Distributed 08/09/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Louisiana grain farmers appear to be holding off the invasion of herbicide-resistant weeds, with only pockets of resistance in the state, according to Daniel Stephenson, LSU AgCenter weed scientist at the Dean Lee Research Station.

(Distributed 08/08/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana corn farmers learned a tough lesson in 1998 when aflatoxin showed up in amounts that caused significant problems.

(Audio 08/12/13) Louisiana is in the migration path of the wonderful monarch butterfly. If you want to attract monarchs to your garden, plant milkweed. Monarchs lay their eggs on the foliage of milkweed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 08/08/13) Healthy habits often take a back seat to summer activities. But with schools starting back up, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Denise Holston-West says parents should reestablish consistent patterns for eating breakfast, family meals and bedtime. (Runtime: 1:20 seconds)

(Distributed 08/08/13) HAMMOND, La. – The Master Gardeners of Tangipahoa Parish continues to have steady growth since its inception more than 15 years ago, according to LSU AgCenter county agent Sandra Benjamin.

(Audio 08/12/13) Louisiana iris is a wonderful plant to have in the landscape. It can survive along ponds and in shallow water or do well in typical flower beds. August and September are good times to divide or transplant iris. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/12/13) If you are looking for gardening projects in the shade - work with ferns. Ferns will get brown foliage mixed in with the green. This is a good time to prune out brown fronds. You can also mulch and fertilize ferns in August. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/12/13) Pears ripen best off of the tree. Pears can be harvested when they began to show color. These pears will soften when wrapped in newspaper and kept in a cardboard box for about two weeks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 08/07/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers are conducting a number of important grain sorghum research projects to help maximize cost-effective returns for farmers.

(Distributed 08/07/13) CROWLEY, La. – A burgeoning interest in growing soybeans in southwest Louisiana has led LSU AgCenter agronomist Dustin Harrell to start a project this year to find out the best planting window for soybeans in southwest Louisiana.

(Distributed 08/06/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Under a baking sun, Louisiana’s corn crop is drying down and ready for harvest. On the stalks are large ears of corn. LSU AgCenter corn specialist Ronnie Levy said this signals the potential for another bumper crop.

(Distributed 08/06/13) BATON ROUGE, La. –The Louisiana 4-H forestry team placed fourth out of 13 state teams that competed in the 34th national 4-H forestry invitational held July 21-25 at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston, W.Va.

(Distributed 08/06/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The threecornered alfalfa hopper is in all Louisiana soybean fields. But how much of a threat it is to yields is being studied by Julien Beuzelin, LSU AgCenter entomologist.

(Distributed 08/06/13) NEW ORLEANS – The Vermilion Parish team of Paige Patout, Katherine Trahan and Austin Gaspard won the 4-H edition of the Great American Seafood Cook-Off contest on Aug. 4.

(Distributed 07/25/13) WINNSBORO, La. – The LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station will host a pest management and crop production field day Sept. 5.

(Distributed 08/05/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the biggest expenses faced by corn growers. Finding the appropriate amount to apply so no more is used than necessary is the goal of research by LSU AgCenter soil scientist Brenda Tubaña.

(Video 08/19/13) All ornamental plants don’t get the attention they deserve – partly because they’re not seen in their colorful glory at the nursery. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to an annual plant that deserves more attention. It’s called Amaranthus tricolor, and this towering beauty will definitely catch a stare or two. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Video 08/12/13) If you’ve noticed a crusty grey or green growth on the branches of your plants, there’s no need to be alarmed. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that these are lichens, and they are harmless. (Runtime: 1:40)

Pride of Barbados is a great, small-growing tropical tree. You see more of these planted in Houston, San Antonio and Austin, Texas, than you do in Louisiana. But we should use these plants much more. Whenever garden centers have them in stock, they are liquidated quickly.

(Distributed 08/02/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and Burden Horticulture Society will present its annual corn maze at Burden Sept. 28-29 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in conjunction with the LSU Rural Life Museum’s Harvest Days.

(Distributed 08/02/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Denise Holston-West, registered dietitian and program manager for the LSU AgCenter’s Smart Bodies program, is the winner of the 2013 Southern Region Excellence in Extension Award.

(Audio 08/05/13) Young trees have not established a good root system. These trees need more water, especially if we experience dry conditions. Mulch can help trees' roots retain moisture. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/05/13) Coleus offers beautiful foliage rather than flowers. You can find different varieties of coleus at your nursery. Make sure your purchase the right type for your landscape. Some can tolerate sun; others prefer shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 08/02/13) A highly contagious citrus disease has been confirmed in New Orleans, and homeowners with citrus trees are urged to be on the lookout for it. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on the symptoms of citrus canker and what to do it you suspect your tree has the disease. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Video News 07/31/13) Sugarcane farmers gathered at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station to learn about research that can help their crop. AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was at the Sugarcane Field Day and has this report. (Runtime: 1:39)

(Distributed 08/02/13) HAMMOND, La. – Popular foliage landscape plants from the 1970s and 1980s are being brought back again with the introduction of great new varieties. They include the once-popular alternantheras, also called Joseph’s coat, and copperleaf or copper plants.

(Distributed 08/02/13) CROWLEY, La. – A group of Colombian rice industry representatives visited the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station and toured Arkansas and Louisiana rice-growing regions. The group is part of a consortium formed to decide how funds, resulting from the Free Trade agreement with Colombia, will be spent.

(Video News 08/02/13) LSU AgCenter researchers are helping farmers fight weeds, diseases and insects. Farmers in and around central Louisiana participated in a field day to learn more about these efforts. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard was there. (Runtime: 1:54)

(Distributed 08/01/13) JEANERETTE, La. – Soybean prices are likely to hover in the $12-$13 per bushel range until this year’s harvest gives a clearer picture of the U.S. crop yield, according to Kurt Guidry, LSU AgCenter economist.

(Audio 08/05/13) Eggplants, bell peppers and sweet peppers are popular in summer gardens. These plants can withstand the summer heat. They may need some care before they start producing again in fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 08/05/13) It is not unusual to have long dry spells in late summer. Plants will need water during these times, but people can make the mistake of watering frequently and lightly. Hear more to learn the proper way to water your plants during dry spells. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/10/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Fifteen people from the LSU AgCenter have won awards in the annual competition of the Association for Communication Excellence, an international professional organization.

(Audio 07/31/13) LSU AgCenter county agents and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry personnel are ready to respond to a potential outbreak of the disease citrus canker. Citrus canker affects all varieties of citrus, and there are no measures that can prevent it. Raj Singh, LSU AgCenter plant scientist, said the disease can infect all young parts of the plant. Anyone with a citrus tree needs to be aware of the symptoms. (Runtime: 1:55)

(Audio 08/05/13) Spider mites are often a problem late in the summer. Spider mites prefer dry conditions and are found on vegetables and ornamentals. They can be controlled with a couple of different products. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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 07/29/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Home insulation was one of the hot topics of conversation during an open house at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center on July 27.

(Distributed 07/26/13)BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter Food Incubator has turned out to be more popular than expected when it was first established in December 2012. Already, 19 clients are taking advantage of the incubator’s services, even though the processing kitchen facilities in Ingram Hall on campus won’t be open until Aug. 1.

(Audio 07/29/13) Chinch bug damage is more common late in the summer. Chinch bugs suck the sap out of the grass, causing the leaf blades to roll up lengthwise. The grass also will appear to need water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/29/13) Louisiana gardeners have more than their share of late-summer pests. Insects have had all season long to build up their populations, and we usually see the worst outbreaks this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 08/30/13) The Knock Out rose has become amazingly popular over the past 10 years. This rose has singlehandedly changed the market for roses since its introduction and has ushered in a whole new way to look at roses and use them in our landscapes.

(For Release On Or After 08/23/13) When you walk outside this time of the year, the heat and humidity are almost unbearable. At times you can hardly breathe. Imagine you are a plant in your landscape. You can’t just go inside and cool off. Instead, you have to stand there and take the heat day after day, night after night.

(For Release On Or After 08/16/13) Most gardeners agree that gardening would be a lot more fun if we didn’t have to deal with weeds. Weeds are nature’s way of reminding us who is really in charge. Stop mowing the lawn and weeding beds for just one summer, and you’ll see what I mean.

(For Release On Or After 08/09/13) Most gardeners are aware of the important relationship plants have with light. We are forever talking about the light preferences of plants. And every garden reference stresses how important it is to provide the proper light for different plants – indoors or outside.

(For Release On Or After 08/02/13) You can do many things to protect your plants from damage. Here are a few to consider.

(Distributed 07/26/13) PALMETTO, La. – An LSU AgCenter plant pathologist warned farmers at the St. Landry Parish rice and soybean field day on July 25 that fungicide-resistant disease has been found in soybeans in some areas of the state.

(Distributed 07/26/13) Ornamental sweet potatoes are popular warm-season annuals for adding foliage color to the summer landscape. The original varieties include plants with leaves that are chartreuse-lime green (Marguerite), blackish purple (Blackie, Black Beauty, Ace of Spades) and tricolored (Pink Frost).

(Distributed 07/26/13) NEW IBERIA, La. – Sugarcane farmers attending the Iberia, St. Mary and Vermillion parishes field day got to see how an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is currently being used to help growers be more efficient in crop production.

(Distributed 07/26/13) VICKSBURG, Miss. – A tourism workshop on Aug. 13 will be aimed at attracting international tourists to local communities.

(Distributed 07/26/13) ST. JOSEPH, La. – Because cars can now “talk” and phones can play movies, it’s only natural that farm equipment would communicate with satellites to make farmers money.

(Distributed 07/26/13) HAMMOND, La. – One of the programs at the LSU AgCenter, “Louisiana Yards and Neighborhoods,” was developed several years ago to inform home gardeners about sustainable landscaping and home horticulture practices.

(Audio News 07/24/13) Louisiana has about 700,000 acres of corn, a significant increase over recent years. LSU AgCenter corn specialist Ronnie Levy says despite a cold spring, growers were able to get their crop in. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/29/13) Louisiana gardeners get a second shot at growing tomatoes in late summer. Tomatoes planted this time of the year may have pest problems, so keep an eye out insects or diseases. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 08/05/13) Crape myrtles are grown throughout Louisiana because they are reliable and beautiful, but you may have noticed the appearance of black spots and some yellow, orange and red leaves on your trees. As horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing, it’s not a sign of an early fall, but a disease. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Distributed 07/17/13) WEST MONROE, La. – Results from the 44th annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show held July 9-13, 2013, have been released.

(Audio 07/29/13) August ushers in late summer and early fall for our vegetable gardens. Gardeners can plant vegetables that can tolerate the heat and ones that will productive into fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/29/13) During this hottest time of summer, large numbers of people don’t typically flock to plant nurseries. But on this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains that now is an ideal time to go to your nursery to select flowers that will add great color to your landscape – colors that can last until October. (Runtime- 1:33)

(Audio 07/29/13) Louisiana has a long summer growing season. Plants that were planted back in April will live in our gardens for months. If your summer bedding plants are tall or leggy, trim them back to keep them attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/24/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Lee Southern, LSU AgCenter professor emeritus, has been chosen as an American Society of Animal Science Fellow for his contributions to the studies of swine and poultry nutrition.

(Video News 07/22/13) A new insect that can damage soybeans has been found in Louisiana. The kudzu bug arrived on the East Coast about four years ago and has been migrating west. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:42)

(Video News07/15/13) Louisiana’s rice crop is midway through its growing season, and despite delays, the crop is in decent shape. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has an update on the crop and a look at the future with potential new varieties. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Audio New 07/23/13) Farmers across Louisiana’s delta region are fighting weeds that have developed resistance to the herbicide glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup. LSU AgCenter weed scientist Daniel Stephenson encouraged farmers to use pre-emergence herbicides on their fields to kill weeds before they pop up. (Runtime: 1:40)

(Distributed 07/22/13) POLLOCK, La. – The LSU AgCenter’s Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center is bringing computer literacy opportunities to central Louisiana.

(Audio 07/22/13) Louisiana sugarcane farmers grow a mix of varieties, and next year they will have another option. LSU AgCenter assistant sugarcane breeder Michael Pontif said the variety, Ho 07-613, will likely be released in 2014. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Distributed 07/22/13) A beef cattle and forage field day will be held Sept. 12 at the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research Station and Extension Center on U.S. Highway 71 south of Alexandria.

(Distributed 07/22/13) ST. MARTINVILLE, La. – Sugarcane growers in St. Martin Parish met to get updates on the current growing season July 19 at the 51st Annual LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Field Day for St. Landry, Lafayette and St. Martin parishes.

Louisiana’s state tree is the bald cypress. This tree goes by the scientific name of Taxodium distichum. It is one of our most distinguished native trees and is widely used in Louisiana landscapes.

(Audio 07/19/13) The unusual winter and spring has affected the state’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois gave an outlook for the crop at the LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Field Day. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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 07/19/13) ALEXANDRIA, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers are continuing in their quest to find solutions to the No. 1 fungal disease in Louisiana soybeans – Cercospora leaf blight.

(Distributed 07/19/13) ST. GABRIEL, La. – Louisiana’s unusual winter and spring weather affected this year’s sugarcane crop. “We had a global warming January and an ice age March,” said Kenneth Gravois, LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist. “We went from a crop that was a month ahead of schedule to a month behind.”

(Distributed 07/19/13) HAMMOND, La. – All ornamental plants benefit from mulching when it’s done correctly. Good mulching can have several beneficial effects on plants, soil and the surrounding area.

(Distributed 07/18/13) RAYVILLE, La. – This year’s rice crop has defied expectations from earlier this year, LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk said at the Northeast Louisiana Rice Field Day on July 17.

(Distributed 07/17/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana turtle farmers have provided research funds to the LSU AgCenter in their continuing efforts to convince federal agencies that baby turtles are safe as pets for humans and should be allowed in interstate commerce.

(Audio 07/26/13) During Louisiana's humid summer, it is not unusual to see mushrooms in the landscape. Mushrooms are mainly a nuisance. Some types of mushrooms can be poisonous, so consider gathering and disposing of them if you have children or pets. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/25/13) Chrysanthemums are the queen of the fall flower garden, but summer is a good time to cut them back. If you wait too long to do this, it may interfere with their blooming. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/24/13) Palms are popular in Louisiana landscapes. Because our winters are mild, we can plant a wide variety of palms. Summer is the perfect time to plant palms, so consider adding some to your yard. Remember to get one hardy enough for your area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/23/13) Gardeners don't cut enough flowers from their flower gardens. In this segment of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gills offers tips to get the longest life out of your cut flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/22/13) Basil is popular herb used in many dishes. It is also easy to grow. This is a good time to plant basil. The herb comes in different varieties, so choose one that suits your needs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/12/13) Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii) is a pass-along kind of old garden plant that still has great potential in gardens and landscapes of today. These plants have recently been named Texas Superstars.

(Distributed 07/12/13) HAMMOND, La. – As we reach the middle of summer in Louisiana, we need to keep in mind the importance of irrigating our landscape plants. When we irrigate, it is important to apply water needed and efficiently. In many cases, plants are commonly over-watered rather than under-watered.

(Video 07/15/13) The name “jasmine” is often used for plants that provide pleasing fragrance. But not all of them are actually jasmine plants. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some “true” jasmine plants that have nice aromas and beautiful white flowers. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Video 07/22/13) Asparagus ferns are not really ferns, but they offer lush, green foliage similar to a true fern. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this adaptable, drought-tolerant plant works well in sunny or shady parts of your landscape. (Runtime: 1:48)

(Distributed 07/09/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – Cercospora leaf blight is the No. 1 fungal disease in Louisiana’s No. 1 row crop – soybeans. The emerging disease, which has appeared only in the past five to 10 years, has no resistance in any soybean lines, according to LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Zhi-Yuan Chen.

(Audio 07/15/14) Bark lice are small insects that feed on the bark of trees. The lice scavenge organic debris off the surface of the bark. They don't harm the tree, and no control is needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/08/13) LSU AgCenter agronomist Dustin Harrell is helping farmers in southwest Louisiana grow better rice and better soybeans. He is looking at nitrogen loss on rice and stressing the importance of applying nitrogen to dry soil. (Runtime: 1:30)

Angelonia is a great bedding plant for the warm season. Angelonias come in white, pink, blue, lavender, lavender pink and raspberry flower colors. Some folks call angelonias “summer snapdragons.” They come in both seed-propagated and vegetatively propagated varieties. The Serena series is a Louisiana Super Plant from spring 2011.

(Audio 07/05/14) A cold and wet March and April delayed development of Louisiana’s rice crop. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk says this is the latest he has seen rice with virtually no heading. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/05/13) HAMMOND, La. – The LSU AgCenter has implemented a landscape evaluation trial of more than 40 varieties of hardy hibiscus, primarily Hibiscus moscheutos, at the Hammond Research Station. These are what we typically refer to as the dinner plate hibiscus. They sometimes go by the old variety name, Disco Belle.

(Audio 07/15/13) Blackberries are an easy fruit to grow. They don't have many insect or disease problems, but they do require judicious pruning. Listen to learn how to prune blackberries. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/15/14) High temperatures in summer can stress roses. Flowers may be smaller and may not last that long. Deadhead your roses and water them weekly if we enter a dry spell. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/15/14) Hydrangeas and gardenias are considered early summer-blooming shrubs, but they set their flowers for next year in late July or early August. If you need to do some pruning on them, do it as soon as possible. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/15/14) Gardeners can start harvesting figs in July. Ripe figs are vulnerable to bird or insect damage. Make it a habit to harvest figs often so you get to enjoy your figs instead of the birds enjoying them. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/05/13) FENTON, La. – The rice harvest in south Louisiana, delayed by a couple of weeks, should begin soon. And it’s not too early for farmers to decide if they will grow a second crop, an LSU AgCenter agronomist advised at two field days Tuesday (July 2).

(Distributed 07/03/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – The National Sweetpotato Collaborators Conference, a project that includes LSU AgCenter faculty, has received the 2013 Excellence in Multistate Research Award from the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges.

(Audio 07/08/13) LSU AgCenter rice breeder Steve Linscombe is working with two experimental lines he believes will become new varieties. Both are varieties that take advantage of the Clearfield technology that allows growers to control the red rice weed with a herbicide that won’t harm their rice. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Audio 07/08/13) When mowing frequently, you are more likely to notice if you have problem areas in your lawn. Shade is a common problem in landscapes, so consider a shade-tolerant grass or ground cover or just mulch the area. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/08/13) Caladiums are a common bedding plant to use in shady areas of the landscape. They are reliable but require some care, including a good layer of mulch and an adequate amount of water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 07/08/13) Begonias are perennial plants that come in dramatically different sizes and shapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, horticulturist Dan Gill explains the ever-expanding selections of begonias and which ones to be wary of in our hot, humid summer climate. (Runtime: 1:36)

(Distributed 07/02/13) BATON ROUGE, La. – A new disease of citrus called citrus canker has been detected in New Orleans by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine division, according to LSU AgCenter plant scientist Raj Singh.

(Audio 07/08/13) Leaf miners are a common problem in the vegetable garden, flower bed and even on fruit trees. They feed on the inside of the leaf. They can be controlled by an organic insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/08/13) The heat in the summer can make it difficult to garden. If you do feel the urge to get out there and garden, you can find wonderful bedding plants that will tolerate the heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/08/13) Weeding is a job that is never quite done. Weeds will always pop back up. But if you follow a few guidelines, you can weed less often. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/02/13) NEW ORLEANS – Since 1998, Master Gardeners in the Greater New Orleans area have been getting involved in projects that help keep the region green. The first Master Gardener classes in the area were held in Orleans, St. Bernard and Jefferson parishes.

(Audio News 07/02/13) An LSU AgCenter entomologist has confirmed the arrival of the kudzu bug in Louisiana. Sebe Brown said the insect, which can feed on soybean plants, has been found in Madison and Tensas parishes in northeast Louisiana. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 07/02/13) WINNSBORO, La. – Farmers have finished planting sweet potatoes, and acreage continues to decline. Tara Smith, coordinator of the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station, said Louisiana has about 7,500 acres, which is down 25 percent from last year and less than half of what farmers were planting 10 years ago.

(Audio News 07/01/13) Farmers have finished planting sweet potatoes, and acreage is low. LSU AgCenter sweet potato specialist Tara Smith says Louisiana has about 7,500 acres, which is down 25 percent from last year and less than half of what farmers were planting 10 years ago. Smith says several factors have led to lower acreage. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Distributed 07/01/13) PALMETTO, La. – A soybean and rice field day will be held at the Charlie Fontenot farm in St. Landry Parish on July 25 starting at 8 a.m.

(For Release On Or After 07/26/13) I have always thought of gardening as a “green” activity. Indeed, the horticulture industry that includes wholesale nursery growers, retail nurseries and landscape installation and maintenance companies has long been known as the “green industry.”

(For Release On Or After 07/19/13) Grassy weeds are among the most difficult to control in the landscape. Torpedograss is a scourge around the state, and common bermudagrass is a problem no matter where you go. Grassy weeds are a problem in both lawns and beds.

(For Release On Or After 07/12/13) After a rainy period in summer, we typically see mushrooms popping up everywhere. Some people are concerned, some are curious, and some are downright irritated when these strange growths appear in landscapes.

(For Release On Or After 07/05/13) Many vegetables that were planted in spring, such as tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and snap beans, are finishing or have already reached the end of their productive season. Once the harvest is finished, they should be removed from the garden.

(Audio 07/01/13) Webworms are a common type of caterpillar that infest trees in Louisiana during summer. They prefer pecan trees and seem to be prevalent this year. They look terrible, but don't threaten the health of the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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.

(Video 07/01/13) It’s a nice perk to have beautiful flowers that keep blooming year after year at the same time, without having to replant. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of those — a native perennial called Stoke’s aster. (Runtime: 1:37)

(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.

(Audio 07/01/13) Tomato season is just about over. Heat-tolerant tomatoes will keep producing in July, but standard tomatoes begin to lose quality. You can use insecticides to battle summer pests or you may decide to pull the plants up. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/01/13) Summer is not a good time to plant shade trees into your landscape. It is a good time to see where you may need more shade. Trees can lower cooling bills and provide shade around decks and patios. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio News 07/01/13) Summer lawn care mainly involves mowing. When rain is frequent, you will likely need to mow more often. Cutting the grass regularly keeps it healthy. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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.

(Audio 07/01/13) Gardeners willing to endure the heat can plant many great vegetables this month. Keep in mind these vegetables must be able to tolerate the extreme heat and will likely need plenty of water early on. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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 05/31/13) Wheat suffered from rain and cold during the winter and spring. And while the cold appears to gone, rain is now complicating the harvest. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has this report. (Runtime: 1:32)

(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.