(Video 11/25/15) A new sensory analysis center on LSU’s campus can provide evaluation, testing and consumer research on food products, pharmaceuticals, fragrances and textiles. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard says the center can handle a range of testing needs. (Runtime: 01:39)

(Distributed 11/30/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Some north Louisiana 4-H members had never been to New Orleans, but as winners of the Louisiana 4-H educational award they explored sights in the “Big Easy” and Baton Rouge as a reward for their hard work.

(Distributed 11/30/15) New to the plant market a few years back, the great October Magic series of Camellia hiemalis was developed by Bobby Green of Green Nurseries in Fairhope, Alabama. These are in the Southern Living Plant Collection.

(Distributed 11/25/15) FARMERVILLE, La. – A group of Louisiana 4-H members competed at the North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, Kentucky, Nov. 7-20.

(Distributed 11/25/15) HAMMOND, La. – Plucking fresh fruit from your own orchard can be a delicious way to add beauty and taste to your home landscape. The best time to plant fruit trees in Louisiana is now through January. Plant now, and you can pick your own fruit at home later.

(Audio 11/30/15) When choosing a Christmas tree, make sure it's still fairly fresh. You can buy a tree that has already been cut, or you can cut your own at a Louisiana Christmas tree farm. Listen for more information on choosing a Christmas tree this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/30/15) Don't forget that our mild Louisiana winters allow us to grow vegetables year-round. Try growing beets, cabbage, carrots, collards, kale and other vegetables this time of year. Listen for more information on caring for winter vegetables. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/30/15) During wintertime, gardening activities slow down significantly. This means that a lot of our gardening equipment is going to be in storage. Listen for information on properly storing your tools this winter. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/30/15) Hurry up and plant some cool-season bedding plants in your flower garden before it's too late. Look for plants such as pansies, snapdragons and violas to add to your cool-season garden. Listen for more information on cool-season bedding plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/30/15) At this time of year, many people enjoy decorating their homes with holiday plants. Try adding some poinsettias or a Christmas cactus to your holiday decorations this year. Listen for more information on caring for holiday plants this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/24/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The holidays are upon us, and scores of poinsettias are available in stores and garden centers throughout Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/24/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter has issued a call for entries for photographs for its 2017 Get It Growing calendar to give photographers an opportunity to have their photos selected for the next edition.

(Distributed 11/24/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – An LSU AgCenter aquaculture researcher has obtained a new $150,000 grant from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to find out the nutrient requirements of alligators.

(Video 11/30/15) The firespike is a tropical plant with lush green leaves, topped with blazing red blooms that reach upward. It’s a favorite of hummingbirds. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how to care for this distinguished fall perennial. (Runtime: 01:40)

(Distributed 11/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Professionals in the plant materials industry are invited to the Louisiana Plant Materials Conference at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden on Dec. 8.

(Distributed 11/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Families and friends gather during the holidays to share stories, laughter and, of course, food. LSU AgCenter food safety specialist Wenqing Xu said cooks also should make it a goal this year to share good food safety practices.

(Distributed 11/23/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nominations for inductees into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction are being accepted now through Dec. 15. Selected individuals will be recognized during a banquet at L’Auberge Hotel in Baton Rouge on March 17, 2016.

(Distributed 11/20/15) Ornamental kale and cabbage are becoming increasingly popular as fall bedding plants for Louisiana. These plants have feathery leaves of robust colors that make them well-suited for landscape and container plantings.

(Distributed 11/20/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Several Louisiana 4-H students placed in contests held during the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, on Nov. 18 and 19.

(Distributed 11/.20/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – For the fourth year in a row, costs for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 people have increased on items such as pumpkin pie mix, pie shells, rolls and turkey, according to a supermarket survey of Baton Rouge retailers conducted by LSU AgCenter area nutrition agent Quincy Cheek. The survey was conducted Nov. 9-13.

(Distributed 11/20/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – As fall turns to winter, Burden Museum & Gardens offers many activities to help keep schedules for the holidays and beyond.

(Distributed 11/20/15) HAMMOND, La. – You can include in your landscape many trees and shrubs that will provide significant color in fall and winter year after year. Although decidedly less than spectacular this far south, late November and early December are when the leaves of some deciduous trees turn various colors as they get ready to drop.

(Distributed 11/18/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Morgan Richard, a senior in the LSU College of Agriculture from Elton, Louisiana, is the recipient of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board’s highest scholarship, the James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

(Distributed 11/17/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – As the 78th annual Block and Bridle Rodeo at LSU approaches, some student cowboys and cowgirls are spending this week practicing their roping skills. Others are working up the courage to ride a bull.

(Distributed 11/1/7/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a poinsettia open house and sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 4 at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden, located at 4560 Essen Lane near the junction of I-10 in Baton Rouge.

(Audio 11/16/15) Potted amaryllis bulbs need to be kept inside during the winter months to avoid damaging the plants. Once April rolls around, it will be time to find the perfect location for these flowers in your garden bed. Listen for more information on caring for amaryllis plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/16/15) Root crops are an important part of our winter vegetable gardens. Be sure you take note of which vegetables need to be direct seeded and how each vegetable should be harvested. Listen for more information on winter root crops. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana shoppers should find plenty of turkeys in grocery stores for Thanksgiving, said LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Theresia Lavergne.

(Audio 11/23/15) Are you looking for a large vine that grows profusely, while offering beautiful flowers? Then the blue skyflower vine might fit your needs. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how the skyflower, which blooms in both summer and fall, might be a good choice for your landscape. (Runtime: 01:37)

(Video 11/16/15) Camellias are attractive shrubs that come in various colors and varieties. The Leslie Ann camellia sasanqua has been recognized by the LSU AgCenter as a Louisiana Super Plant. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces us to the tough and beautiful Leslie Ann – a plant that produces scores of buds that flower beautifully in the fall. (Runtime: 01:47)

(Video 11/09/15) Occasionally, you’ll find plants that are both beautiful and functional. Mexican tarragon is one of them. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains how this herb has it all — beautiful flowers and flavorful foliage. (Runtime: 01:53)

(Distributed 11/16/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – A group of scientists from the LSU AgCenter and Southern University AgCenter received a grant of $480,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Foundational Programs to conduct research and outreach activities in the area of grass-fed beef production.

(Audio 11/16/15) We need to be vigilante about protecting our camellias from tea scale insects. These pests can cause leaves to turn yellow on the surface but can be controlled with a horticultural oil spray or insecticide. Listen for more information on controlling tea scale insects in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/16/15) Chrysanthemums are great plants to use for Thanksgiving decorations. For longer lasting plants, try to choose the chrysanthemums with flowers that are not fully in bloom yet. Listen for more information on choosing the right chrysanthemums for you. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/16/15) One advantage to living in the Deep South is that our mild winters allow us to have a year-round growing season for bedding plants and vegetables. Try adding cool-season bedding plants such as pansies, violas, snapdragons, ornamental kale or ornamental cabbage to your garden now. Listen for more information on gardening during the cool season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/16/15) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The 2015 Louisiana soybean crop was not as good as in recent years, but the results were better than expected after weather extremes of flood and drought.

(Distributed 11/13/15) Leslie Ann camellia joins the list of Louisiana Super Plant selections this fall.

(Distributed 11/13/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter recently updated an online directory with current information about forest products companies in Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/13/15) HAMMOND, La. – Camellia season is here, and camellias are one of our popular evergreen shrubs. We typically think of azaleas for spring flowers, crape myrtles for summer flowers and camellias for fall and winter flowers in Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/12/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – After years of civil war and a struggling economy, farmers and entrepreneurs in Liberia are learning the skills they need for success with help from LSU AgCenter experts and others that are part of a federally funded project.

(Video 11/11/15) Sugarcane producers had an exceptional start to their harvest, but recent rains have dealt them a setback. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux explains how this year’s crop is shaping up. (Runtime: 01:38)

(Video 11/11/12) Rice farmers across southwest Louisiana are beginning to harvest their ratoon or second crop of rice. This year’s second crop is looking very good, and LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux gives an update. (Runtime: 01:34)

(Distributed 11/12/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Growing crops among trees in a managed forest can contribute to rural economic development, a group of LSU AgCenter researchers said during a presentation recently at the national convention of the Society of American Foresters.

(Video 11/02/15) Sunflowers are blooming now. But there’s another type of sunflower you might not know about. It’s called Mexican sunflower, and it blooms beautifully in the fall. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains why this tall native of Mexico can make a great addition to your landscape. (Runtime: 01:49)

(Distributed 11/06/15) Rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) is a dual-purpose shrub for the landscape. Rabbiteye blueberries are LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plants.

(Audio 11/09/15) If you're having trouble finding plants that will do well in shade during the cool season, try planting Swan columbines, foxgloves or primroses. These plants come in a variety of colors and can produce some beautiful flowers. Listen for more information on shade tolerant plants in the cool season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/09/15) The Leslie Ann sasanqua plant is a camellia that has been selected as a Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2015. These plants have smaller flowers and leaves than camellia japonicas and bloom in the fall. Consider adding some Leslie Ann sasanquas to your garden this fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/09/15) Although perennials can survive year round for several years, they don't always look attractive. Cut back any untidy or tired-looking perennials and add mulch to their beds. Listen for more information on handling perennials this fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/09/15) Due to the length and temperatures of our fall season, it is possible to grow warm-season vegetables this season. Several vegetables, specifically tomatoes, can easily produce a crop in the fall. Listen for more information on warm-season vegetables in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/09/15) A Louisiana Super Plant for fall 2015, homestead purple verbena, is an excellent flowering perennial to plant in your garden. These low-growing plants have evergreen foliage and will bloom for you in fall, spring and early summer. Listen for more information on homestead purple verbena. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/15) Although fallen leaves in your landscape can be a hassle, deciduous trees dropping their leaves can be advantageous for us. Shade trees losing leaves means more direct sunlight and heat generated in the cooler months. Listen for more information on deciduous leaf loss in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/15) As fall kicks into high gear, it may surprise you to see yellow and orange leaves on your evergreen trees. This is normal, so don't be alarmed when your gardenias, citrus trees, hibiscuses, or azaleas begin to lose their yellowing leaves. Listen for more information on evergreen trees in the fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/15) November is the perfect month to buy some spring-flowering bulbs for your garden. Visit your local nursery and look for plants such as daffodils, hyacinths and anemones. Listen for more information on planting spring flowering bulbs this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/15) There's nothing like the sweet taste of lettuce that has been harvested right out of your own garden. Lettuce plants can be grown from direct seed, transplants, or in pots. Listen for more information on growing fresh lettuce in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 11/02/15) Despite the chilly weather, November is still a great time to plant vegetables in your garden. Some of these vegetables include beets, carrots, radish, spinach, kale, and many more. Listen for more information on growing winter vegetables in your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 11/04/15) BOSSIER CITY, La. – A devastating disease of roses called rose rosette disease caused by Rose rosette virus has been confirmed for the first time in Louisiana by LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings and AgCenter “Plant Doctor” Raj Singh.

(Distributed 11/06/15) HAMMOND, La. – November is prime time for cool-season bedding plants, and dianthus have been among the plants in this group gaining considerable popularity the past 10-15 years. Pansies have long been the most popular cool-season bedding plant, but many new dianthus varieties are making this great, under-used cool-season flower better known to home gardeners.

(Distributed 11/06/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold workshops in Bossier City, Winnsboro and Marksville to educate farmers, crop consultants and other agriculture industry professionals about sustainable row crop irrigation practices.

(Distributed 11/06/15) CROWLEY, La. – Family, friends and former co-workers gathered Nov. 4 for the renaming of the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station for the late H. Rouse Caffey in recognition of his dedication to the rice industry and Louisiana agriculture.

(Distributed 11/06/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana gardeners and others have a chance to “Get It Growing” next year with the publication of the 2016 calendar from the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/04/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Every day for six weeks, Ariel Bergeron goes to the LSU AgCenter poultry research facility to feed and water quail. Bergeron, a senior in the LSU College of Agriculture, is studying nutrition requirements of quail less than six weeks old.

Figure 1: Witch’s broom symptoms caused by rose rosette disease on Knock Out rose in Bossier City. (Photo by Raj Singh, LSU AgCenter) Figure 2: Excessive thorns that are soft and green on infected new growth of Knock Out rose in Bossier City. (Photo by Raj Singh, LSU AgCenter) Figure 3: Thicker daughter cane (right) compared to parent cane (left) on an infected rose in Bossier City. (Photo by Raj Singh, LSU AgCenter) Figure 4: Reddening of new foliage and shoots caused by rose rosette dise

(Distributed 11/04/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter School of Nutrition and Food Sciences will conduct two food safety workshops for seafood processors in December.

(Distributed 11/03/15) BATON ROUGE, La. – Natália Antošová wants to help LSU students have a similar experience to the one she is having.

(Distributed 11/04/15) ST. GABRIEL, La. – When the sugarcane harvest in Louisiana started in late September, growers were harvesting upright stalks, enjoying exceptional sugar recovery levels and fighting dusty conditions in the field.

(Distributed 11/02/15) POLLOCK, La. – After years of wishing, planning and fundraising, the multipurpose pavilion at the LSU AgCenter Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center became reality Oct. 31 with a dedication and ribbon cutting.

Students learn the importance of agriculture to the Louisiana economy by touring AgMagic at the Louisiana State Fair.

(Distributed 11/02/15) SHREVEPORT, La. – It’s not just your normal walk in the woods where bugs and wildlife rule. It’s a journey through a world where youth can learn healthy eating from super heroes who teach about nutrition, watch chicks hatch, look at soil through microscopes, as well as learn about science, engineering and technology.

(For Release On 11/27/15) Insect outbreaks on indoor plants can be disastrous. Indoors, insect pests can reproduce rapidly and cause tremendous damage because of the indoor environment. There is no rain to wash them off the plants, the temperatures are never too warm or too cold, and no natural predators live inside to help control insect populations once they get started.

(For Release On 11/20/15) This is the time to plant cool-season bedding plants in your flower beds. These plants will thrive in the cool to cold weather of fall to spring and keep your flower beds looking attractive.

(For Release On 11/06/15) Various species of camellia brighten our fall, winter and spring landscapes with beautiful flowers. An outstanding Camellia sasanqua cultivar called Leslie Ann has been named a Louisiana Super Plants selection by the LSU AgCenter.

(For Release On 11/13/15) The vegetables we grow in Louisiana during the cool season are some of the most delicious and nutritious that our home gardens can produce. Many of the vegetables we planted in late summer and early fall are now ready to harvest – or will be soon. It is important to harvest vegetables at the proper stage for best results, so here are a few guidelines for some common cool-season crops.