(Radio News 04/03/06) The red imported fire ant has been a serious problem in many areas of New Orleans, but post-Katrina New Orleans offers a unique situation. It will allow researchers a good opportunity to study ant invasion biology in an urban setting. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/03/06) Several years ago, LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Beverly Wiltz sampled ant populations in areas of New Orleans. She is re-visiting those areas for post-Katrina re-sampling. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/03/06) In a city where so many residents are gone, it may seem fire ant populations could go unchecked in New Orleans. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Bui says ants share something in common with people. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 04/03/06) The flood waters from Hurricane Katrina altered fire ant populations in New Orleans. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Bui says many areas are fire-ant free, but populations exist in areas that received little or no water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(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) 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) 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) 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) 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.