(For Release On Or After 04/28/06) Daylilies are coming into bloom about now, and gardeners would be hard pressed to find a plant that provides so many colorful flowers for so little effort. Available in an amazing variety of colors, shapes and sizes, there are daylilies to fit virtually every taste and garden situation.

(For Release On Or After 04/14/06) It’s great to spend time outside with your children, but you need to take a few precautions to ensure they stay safe.

(For Release On Or After 04/07/06) Fertilizing lawns is best done in early to mid-April. Some people try to rush it and fertilize earlier, but it’s important to wait until the right time – which is about now.

(For Release On Or After 04/21/06) An important part of successfully gardening is learning to water your plants properly. Doing it correctly is not complicated, but during hot, dry weather watering appropriately can make a world of difference to the health of the plants in your landscape.

(Distributed 04/13/06) The USA Rice Leadership Development Class recently toured the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station during its swing through Louisiana.

(Distributed 04/03/06) Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco recently heard from LSU AgCenter county agents about the losses Vermilion Parish farmers have endured in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita.

(Distributed 04/12/06) The boll weevil can cause extensive damage to a cotton crop, but the state’s boll weevil eradication program, which started in the late 1990s, has managed to rid most cotton fields of this insect, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Ralph Bagwell.

(Distributed 04/10/06) The LSU AgCenter is sponsoring a portable sawmilling workshop and demonstrations on May 13 at its Idlewild Research Station near Clinton.

(Posted 04/07/06) Spring is garden show time in Louisiana. LSU AgCenter faculty members across the state are participating in a variety of events aimed at helping the public learn more about gardening and be more successful at it.

(Distributed 04/10/06) Volunteer leaders from across the state will gather for the 17th Louisiana Community Economic Development Seminar May 16-17 at the Louisiana Emerging Technology Center on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 04/18/06) Fish will swim, crawfish will crawl, butterflies will fly… and kids will learn while having fun April 29-30 when the LSU AgCenter opens the doors to its AgMagic exhibits to the public. Slated for the LSU AgCenter’s Parker Coliseum on Highland Road in Baton Rouge, Ag Magic is designed to help children and adults understand agriculture, natural resources and the environment – as well as the important roles those play in their lives.

(Distributed 04/26/06) Louisiana sugarcane farmers are going to have the opportunity to diversify their sugarcane crops with the release of two new sugarcane varieties.

(Distributed 04/19/06) The overall value of Louisiana’s agricultural production was down by $1 billion last year, and officials warn the long-term effects of the 2005 hurricanes could mean even more decreases.

(Distributed 04/18/06) Forest landowners and family members interested in transferring family-owned forests from one generation to another can learn more about the subject at a May 13 meeting in Ruston. Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and the Northeast Louisiana Forest Landowner Association, the one-day session will focus on continuity in forest management plans and objectives as part of estate planning, according to Steven Hotard, LSU AgCenter area forestry agent.

(Distributed 04/27/06) Heavy rains that moved across South Louisiana this week (April 25-26) brought a little relief to some Louisiana farmers, but they weren’t enough to allay all concerns for the current growing season.

(Distributed 04/19/06) Much of South Louisiana is enduring a drought that traces back as much as a year or more. Worse yet, experts say the effects of dryness now could be more serious for home landscapes and some crops as we progress through May and June.

(Distributed 04/10/06) The LSU AgCenter’s Rosepine Research Station will host its annual Beef Cattle and Forage Field Day May 4. Co-sponsored by the Beauregard Parish Cattlemen’s Association, the event will feature tours of research plots at the station and will include the 19th Annual Beauregard Cattlemen’s Trade Show.

(Distributed 04/12/06) The moods of farmers at the Thornwell Warehouse farm supply and rice dryer in Jefferson Davis Parish seem to be marked by plenty of highs and lows at the beginning of the 2006 rice growing season.

(Distributed 04/21/06) The LSU AgCenter received approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors today (April 21) to move ahead with part of its exigency plan to reduce costs. This first step involves merging two academic departments and closing one of its three dairies.

(Distributed 04/28/06) LSU AgCenter 4-H agents are working with students in St. Bernard Parish to help them find things to do and ways to take their minds off the devastation all around them.

(Distributed April 2006) Focusing on health and on changing behavior, instead of on weight loss, is the apparent key to better health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed April 2006) Although many people already have completed this year’s tax returns, it’s not too early to start considering items that may help you save on next year’s taxes. Child-care costs are one of those areas, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed April 2006) With strawberry season in full swing, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says to choose Louisiana strawberries for a nutritious, healthy treat.

(Distributed April 2006) Front-wheel-assist (FWA) is a popular option on many compact utility tractors, and it’s standard equipment on several models. It’s also available on some lawn and garden tractors.

(Distributed April 2006) National Volunteer Week, slated for April 23-29, is a perfect opportunity to recognize the contributions of volunteers, according to LSU AgCenter 4-H youth volunteer expert Dr. Janet Fox.

(Distributed April 2006) One of the newest groups of zinnias catching on the last five years have been the Profusion series. These zinnias are rapidly gaining popularity among home gardeners and landscape professionals.

(Distributed April 2006) Eating only 100 more calories a day than you burn can lead to a weight gain of 10 pounds a year. With today’s larger portions, it’s easy to consume 100 extra calories, and more, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed April 2006) Dyeing and decorating eggs is a popular Easter tradition for many families. Because eggs are perishable, though, it is necessary to follow food safety precautions, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

(Distributed April 2006) A new online table from Agricultural Research Service nutritionists lets users check the amount of "added" sugars in foods. The table contains information on added sugars, total sugars and carbohydrates in 2,041 common foods.

(Distributed April 2006) Programs exist to help families make better decisions about child care, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Known as Child Care Resource and Referral Programs, these local agencies provide free assistance to families who are actively searching for care and need help with making informed decisions about the best care for their children, Gioe explains.

(Distributed April 2006) Pecan trees are sometimes infested by dot-size insects called pecan phylloxera in April. The feeding of these minuscule insects can produce round galls ¼- to 1-inch in diameter on twigs and leaves in late April, May and early June.

(Distributed April 2006) Louisiana gets a lot of rain, but it isn’t spaced out uniformly. Sometimes there’s too much rain, and other times there are periods of drought. Plants do better, however, with a more uniform water supply.

(Distributed April 2006) Youth across the nation will observe National & Global Youth Service Day April 21-23 with service and civic activities.

(Distributed April 2006) If you have a small garden, or if you have a larger garden and are energetic, a powered rotary tiller is not always necessary, according to an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.

(Distributed April 2006) Now is the time to begin working on a new lawn, and LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske has advice for those undertaking such a project.

(Distributed April 2006) Spring has sprung, and the grass is now growing. But, says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske, there is usually no good reason to push early growth with lots of fertilizer.

(Distributed April 2006) Starting a lawn from seed is a tough proposition even when all things are done right. Poor fertility, too much or too little moisture, rain washouts, ants, weeds and disease all can cause havoc during establishment.

(Distributed April 2006) A relatively new category has been added to All-America Selections, home of the popular All-America Rose Selections, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Allen Owings. That group is daylilies.

(Distributed April 2006) Nearly a half million injuries occur each year from lawnmowers and garden equipment. Riding lawnmowers account for almost 6 percent of these injuries.

(Distributed April 2006) Knowing the variety of child-care options available to you can help you choose the one that’s best for you and your family, experts with the LSU AgCenter stress.

(Distributed May 2006) Residents and authorities have vowed to be more prepared for hurricanes this year following the disasters of Katrina and Rita last season. Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 21-27.

(Distributed May 2006) Extremely dry weather in recent months across the southern Louisiana parishes has many farmers concerned about a repeat of the mega-drought conditions of 1998-2001. And their fears are not unfounded, according to LSU AgCenter weather specialist and extension climatologist Jay Grymes.

(Distributed May 2006) The best season for vegetable gardening is almost behind us in Louisiana. We can work toward the summer, hot-season plantings or still try to get some of a late spring crop in. North Louisiana still has a little more spring left than the southern parishes do.

(Distributed May 2006) Horticultural articles and booklets often use special terminology in discussing fertilization practices. Knowing exactly what they are saying is essential for success with your cultural program.

(Distributed May 2006) "Eating healthfully is one of the most important things women can do to achieve and maintain good health," says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames, in observance of National Women’s Health Week May14-20.

(Distributed May 2006) Louisiana officials soon will launch a quality rating system for child-care programs. Just as restaurants and hotels are rated, this system will grade child-care programs and help consumers choose programs based upon their quality.

(Distributed May 2006) Caring for children can be an exciting and rewarding field, but it’s also a huge responsibility, so an LSU AgCenter child-care associate says there are many factors to consider before starting a child-care business.

(Distributed May 2006) "Play ball," the umpire calls out, and the game begins. The grade-schoolers are in their defensive positions on the field, the pitcher prepares to make the first pitch and the batter is ready. The young player dreads the possibility of getting out and letting his team down, but he dreads more the cutting remarks he may face, including those of his parents and coach

(Distributed May 2006) Service-learning is a teaching strategy sweeping the nation that links community service to formal and informal education.

(Distributed May 2006) May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Yet, about one quarter of American adults report doing no significant physical activity.

(Distributed May 2006) May is a good time to enjoy mayhaw jelly, Louisiana’s state jelly. The mayhaw, Crataegus opaca, is a native fruit of Louisiana. It begins ripening in late April and finishes about the first week in June. Fruit color is usually bright red, although it can deviate toward pink or yellow.

(Distributed May 2006) Increased emphasis on safer sports turf has evolved greatly over the past years. About 20 years ago, two-thirds of reported sports injuries occurred on practice fields. Those fields were less maintained than game fields.

(Distributed May 2006) Nearly all Americans consume much more salt than they need, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Increased salt (sodium chloride) intake is linked with higher blood pressure. Decreased salt consumption reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

(Distributed May 2006) A sticky dripping substance falling from pecan trees in spring and summer can be annoying. The dripping material is called honeydew.

(Distributed May 2006) "A patch of dead grass, even a small one, in an otherwise acceptable lawn can be an eyesore and a weed magnet," says LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske. Use turfgrass to patch the lawn. It’s easy, immediate and permanent and checks soil erosion.

(Distributed May 2006) May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, to help educate people about the importance of preventing and treating high blood pressure.

(Radio News 04/10/06) Vitamin and mineral supplements are not necessary if you get a healthy diet. On the other hand, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says there are some circumstances when such supplements are needed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/13/06) Dying and decorating Easter eggs is a tradition in many homes. But since they are perishable, follow food safety precautions when using them. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames explains how to cook eggs for dying. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/10/06) The boll weevil can cause extensive damage to a cotton crop, but Louisiana's boll weevil eradication program, which started in the late 1990s has managed to rid most cotton fields of this insect. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 04/24/06) Caterpillars are making their spring appearance, and populations seem to be almost as heavy as last year. Eastern tent caterpillars and forest tent caterpillars won’t harm people or pets, but they can damage trees, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/17/06) As much as 30 percent of Louisiana's usual rice-growing acreage may not be planted this year because of salt in the soil and water. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says farmers that can plant their crops will still have a difficult year financially. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 04/24/06) Aphids are infesting daylilies, roses and many vegetables, and LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says these small insects can cause big problems for plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 04/24/06) Outbreaks of armyworms are occurring around the state, cording to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. Many sugarcane farmers have reported seeing armyworms in their fields. While the worms won’t cause serious damage to sugarcane, they can cause problems in other areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/10/06) The crawfish season got off to a rough start for crawfish farmers and consumers. Crawfish were small and scarce, and prices were high. Midway into the season, however, the situation is improving. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/17/06) Hurricane Rita deposited salt water in rice fields and irrigation canals across southwestern Louisiana. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Dr. Johnny Saichuk says rice growers were optimistic that the winter would provide rain to wash the salt from the soil and waterways, but unfortunately those rains didn't come. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/17/06) Horses are at risk for several encephalitic diseases. West Nile posed a threat to horses several years ago, but that disease is not as serious as eastern equine encephalitis and wester equine encephalitis. LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Dennis French says encephalitis viruses are considered sleeping diseases because of the neurological effects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 04/24/06) This is the time of year honeybees start new colonies, and the dry weather has bees searching for water sources, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. If you have a problem with swarms of bees or bees in walls, do not try to remove them yourself. Call a professional. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/17/06) In 2001 and 2002 the state’s horse populations saw significant outbreaks of West Nile virus. But now, four years later, the disease is under control, says LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Dennis French. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 04/24/06) It’s only April, but the so-called June beetles already are showing up. The first sign of these early insects are the immature white grubs that feed on the roots of several lawn grasses. June bugs feed at night and prefer the foliage of oaks and several nut trees. Their voracious appetite can surprise homeowners. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/10/06) Louisiana’s boll weevil eradication program is in its last phase before moving into containment mode. LSU AgCenter cotton specialist Dr. Sandy Stewart says the eradication portion has two components necessary for its success. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/17/06) In 2001 and 2002 the state’s horse populations saw significant outbreaks of West Nile virus. But now, four years later, the disease is under control, says LSU AgCenter veterinarian Dr. Dennis French. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video News 04/17/06) The effects of Hurricane Rita linger in rice fields scattered across Southwest Louisiana. The storm surge brought in salt and salt water that, because of little rainfall, have stuck around. (Runtime 1 minute, 43 seconds)

(TV News 04/10/06) Louisiana's crawfish season is reaching its peak. The catch is improving, which is good news for consumers who crave the Cajun crustacean this time of the year. It's also good news for crawfish farmers. (Runtime: 1 minute, 32 seconds)

(TV News 04/03/06) Louisiana’s boll weevil eradication program has been successful at eliminating the weevil from most cotton fields, but some pockets of the insect exist. This summer the program will make a push to get these last remaining weevils. (Runtime: 1 minute, 16 seconds)

(Video News 04/24/06) Horses are at risk for a number of diseases. Several years ago West Nile virus caused a scare for horse owners. While the scare has died down, the need for vaccinations against West Nile virus is still very important. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds)