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

(Distributed 05/24/06) A nationwide animal identification system is still in the planning stages, and its future is uncertain, according to Dr. David Sanson, cattle researcher at the LSU AgCenter’s Rosepine Research Station.

(For Release On Or After 05/26/06) The high temperatures that will be with us from now until October take their toll on some vegetables – although others like it hot. To be successful, you should plan your garden accordingly.

(For Release On Or After 05/05/06) Choosing a fertilizer for your landscape is not as difficult as it might seem – particularly if you look at it the right way.

(For Release On Or After 05/19/06) Insect problems increase when the weather warms up, and many gardeners still feel they should immediately get an insecticide and begin spraying when they see insects or some apparent insect damage in their gardens or landscape.

(For Release On Or After 05/12/06) Humans have a long history of growing plants in containers. That history goes back thousands of years, and the popularity of growing plants in containers continues today for many reasons.

(Distributed 05/09/06) A veterinarian told cattle producers at the recent LSU AgCenter Rosepine Research Station Field Day that they should be on the lookout for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD) because it suppresses immunity to other diseases and can cause pneumonia and abortions.

(Distributed 05/09/06) The destructive force of tidal surges from hurricanes Katrina and Rita at least had one benefit – controlling fire ants, according to researchers from the LSU AgCenter. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Hooper-Bui recently said field surveys in the area of Plaquemines, St. Bernard and Orleans parishes area after Hurricane Katrina and in Southwest Louisiana after Hurricane Rita showed the fire ant population was far below normal in areas flooded by storm surge.

(Distributed 05/16/06) Eighteen members of the LSU AgCenter’s Communications and Information Technology units won top awards from an international professional association. The awards from the Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences (ACE) will be presented during the ACE annual meeting in Quebec City, Canada, June 3-6.

(Distributed 05/29/06) The LSU AgCenter is one of a coalition of Baton Rouge-area groups sponsoring a Hunger Awareness Day event in the state’s capitol city June 6.

(Distributed 05/26/06) Agricultural producers, farm managers and other crop production professionals will have an opportunity to learn about the latest in row crop research during the LSU AgCenter’s Northeast Research Station Field Day scheduled for June 14.

(Distributed 05/12/06) It’s one of the best seasons of the year to try to rid your yard of fire ants, and the most success can come if you get your neighbors involved in the fight, too, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/26/06) The chaos that came in the wake of some of last year’s hurricanes demonstrated the need for families to have basic plans for what to do in case of a storm or any other emergency. LSU AgCenter experts say making the plans isn’t complicated, but making them now ensures everyone has a better chance of knowing what to do if disaster strikes.

(Distributed 05/09/06) Updated versions of the LSU AgCenter’s useful guides to controlling weeds, insect pests and plant diseases are available. The 2006 editions of guides can be downloaded for free from the LSU AgCenter’s Web site at www.lsuagcenter.com – or printed copies of the guides can be purchased through that site.

(Distributed 05/11/06) The LSU AgCenter Thursday (May 11) announced the launch of a major effort to stop the surge of fire ants in the Greater New Orleans area. Called "FAST (Fire Ant Surge Threat) Prevention," the program involves spreading fire ant control products throughout the public areas in New Orleans and encouraging private landowners in both Orleans and St. Bernard parishes to do the same.

(Distributed 05/24/06) Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to talk to your children about hurricanes. Everyone will be able to cope better if you get children involved in your plans and preparations, says LSU AgCenter family development specialist Dr. Diane Sasser.

(Distributed 05/24/06) Changes in Louisiana’s coast have occurred in little more than a human lifespan, Dr. Len Bahr told an audience of 300 scientists from 20 countries meeting in Baton Rouge this week (May 21-24).

(Distributed 05/05/06) The LSU AgCenter is sponsoring two days of seminars June 12-13 to help municipal officials, engineers, planners and architects cope with the challenges of stormwater management.

(Distributed 05/19/06) A group representing local economic development authorities, chambers of commerce and city and parish governments met in Baton Rouge this week (May 16-17) to attend the Louisiana Community Economic Development Seminar.

(Distributed 05/22/06) This game of 20 questions can help you determine whether you and your family will be prepared if a hurricane comes your way, according to LSU AgCenter experts.

(Distributed 05/19/06) LSU AgCenter forester Brian Chandler says many people still need a way to cut and move timber that was damaged in last year’s hurricanes. Although months have passed since the storms, Chandler said he’s seen that situation over and over again. So he brought together manufacturers of portable sawmills from as far away as Canada this month (May 13) to demonstrate their equipment.

(Distributed 05/19/06) A new community building in Gibsland that was dedicated Friday (May 19) is the result of years of involvement by community residents.

(Distributed 05/16/06) More than 300 scientists from 20 countries and six continents will participate in "Challenges in Coastal Hydrology and Water Quality" May 21-24 in Baton Rouge. Sponsored by the LSU AgCenter, the conference has been more than two years in the making, officials say.

(Distributed 05/26/06) Regularly checking the trees in your yard for damage, disease and other indications of danger is important, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter, who say the beginning of hurricane season is a good reminder to do it now.

(Distributed 05/11/06) A company that commercializes proprietary technologies in the field of biologically produced chemicals has acquired the license for vetiver oil extracts and derivatives developed at the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/19/06) Converting crop land to pasture for cattle is more than turning the herd loose to graze on whatever grass takes root. Craig Adam found that out when he switched from growing rice to raising cattle, and more than 75 people learned about Adam’s experience recently at a May 12 field day for the LSU AgCenter’s Master Farmer Program.

(Distributed 05/23/06) You may not be able to prevent hurricanes and storms that interrupt your routine or destroy your home, but you can make plans to keep them from disrupting everything, according to LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker.

(Distributed 05/04/06) Anyone interested in creating a favorable habitat for attracting non-game birds to their backyards and small wooded tracts should consider attending an LSU AgCenter educational workshop later this month.

(Distributed 05/16/06) The 2006 Daylily Festival is set for June 3 in Abbeville and will feature an expert on edible and useful plants found in Gulf Coast states, as well as a variety of other gardening experts.

(Distributed 05/22/06) The hurricanes of 2005 demonstrated what works and what doesn’t for the home-building industry, a prominent building expert said recently during a series of seminars across southern Louisiana presented by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/29/06) You need to take some precautions during hurricane season if you have a boat moored, docked or stored in a recreational harbor along the Gulf Coast, an LSU AgCenter expert says.

(Distribtued 05/18/06) "Reduce the use," Robin Bridges, LSU AgCenter agent in Claiborne Parish, told sixth graders in Charlotte Moring’s classroom at Summerfield School. "Water is the most precious natural resource we have, second only to air."

(Distributed 05/26/06) Hurricanes can cause flooding even in areas where it never occurred before. That means everyone should be prepared before storms approach and should know what to watch for during a storm, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 05/31/06) With this year’s hurricane season starting, LSU AgCenter experts say stocking up on supplies now makes sense.

(Distributed 05/31/06) Most disaster checklists include recommendations to keep a three-day food supply on hand for each person, but just exactly what does that mean? LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames has some of the answers.

(Distributed 05/30/06) If you have pets or livestock, your family’s disaster plans need to include what you’ll do with them.

(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) 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) "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.

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

(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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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 June 2006) The health benefits of blueberries have made the news in recent years. Some of the reported benefits of eating blueberries include improved vision, clearing arteries, strengthening blood vessels, enhanced memory, stopping urinary tract infections and reversing age-related physical and mental declines.

(Distributed June 2006) In the summer months it is highly important to consider the water consumption of your horse. "Water is the most essential nutrient that we provide in a horse’s diet," says LSU AgCenter horse specialist Dr. Clint Depew.

(Distributed June 2006) Spring is full of gift-giving opportunities, but the kinds of gifts have changed for many people.

(Distributed June 2006) The baseball season invokes the familiar clichés, "America's favorite pastime" and "all-American as mom and apple pie." But is there more to the sport than recreation? asks LSU AgCenter 4-H youth volunteer expert Dr. Janet Fox.

(Distributed June 2006) Hedge trimmers may not be as popular now as a few years ago because more people now realize that it’s healthier for plants to be selectively pruned rather than sheared.

(Distributed June 2006) Small diesel tractors with less than 40 horsepower are very popular with homeowners with small acreages as well as with grounds maintenance contractors and small farmers.

(Distributed June 2006) State 4-H officers and leaders helped teach leadership skills to their peers during the Annual Leadership Conference at the Grant Walker 4-H Education Center, March 24-26.

(Distributed June 2006) Most garden tools have fixed handles that may be made of wood, fiberglass or metal. But an LSU AgCenter engineer says some tools now are available with separate handle and toolhead components that can be interchanged as desired.

(Distributed June 2006) Having a good lawn in a tree-shaded landscape is a challenge since all of the warm-season turfgrasses were developed to grow best in full sun, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2006) June is a pivotal time for Louisiana vegetable gardens. It’s the transition from spring to hot summer conditions. At this time many crops are fully in harvest or have been pulled out to make room for new crops.

(Distributed June 2006) Organic mulches can help keep your vegetables producing during Louisiana’s hot summer months. Although mulch is usually applied to control weeds and conserve moisture, it has several other useful functions, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2006) Our sports fields are made up of Bermuda grasses. These grasses may be hybrids, improved seeded selections or just common Bermuda grass. But they all need to begin serious growth in June, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. Tom Koske.

(Distributed June 2006) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently advised consumers that cooking raw poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees will eliminate pathogens and viruses. Past food safety guidelines recommended higher temperatures for some poultry products.

(Distributed June 2006) Celebrate June Dairy Month by consuming nutrient-rich dairy foods, advises LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Milk, cheese and yogurt, for example, may help you better manage your weight and reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers.

(Distributed June 2006) Peaches are a wonderful Louisiana treat. Fresh Louisiana peaches are available from mid-May to early August, with the peak season from mid-June until mid-July. The national peak period is July through August.

(Distributed June 2006) Cardiovascular disease is a common chronic disease and the leading cause of death in the United States, although the rates have declined in the past 25 years.

(Distributed June 2006) Communicating with your children’s teachers may be one of the most important parts of parental involvement – a major key to a child’s educational success, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe.

(Distributed June 2006) Parental involvement is a key to children’s success in school, and LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe says there are a variety of ways you can become involved.

(Distributed June 2006) Keeping food safe at picnics or while eating outdoors poses special problems. The challenge of keeping hands and utensils clean is greater when preparing and eating food outdoors and away from the kitchen.

(Distributed June 2006) The Dietary Guidelines for Americans strongly emphasize the importance of physical activity to promote health, psychological well-being and a healthy body weight. To reduce chronic disease risk in adulthood, the guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, above usual physical activity, most days of the week.

(Distributed June 2006) Biting is a common behavior for children who are one year to two years old – particularly children in group care.

(Distributed June 2006) Father’s Day is a good time to focus on men’s health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. Although many people think of osteoporosis as a woman’s disease, it is also a serious health problem for men. Losing height or breaking a bone may be the first sign of osteoporosis.

(Distributed June 2006) In societies that consume soy products, the populations have a lower incidence of osteoporosis. The soy components thought to be responsible for this are the isoflavones genistein and daidzein.

(Radio 05/01/06) Spikes in natural gas prices can result in huge home utility bills, and LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel says price instability may be a way of life for the foreseeable future. Using blinds and curtains are a start toward reducing the amount of energy you use, but it’s even more effective to shade the exterior of your home during the summer to keep it cooler. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/08/06) Climbing out of debt is no easy task, but LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says a consolidation loan may help. If you manage to get of debt, Tucker also has advice so you don’t fall prey to the same bad habits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/08/06) Some homeowners could become victims of predatory home lenders. LSU AgCenter family economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says these lenders prey on people in need of cash. She says consider all options before taking out a loan and shop around for the best option. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 05/01/06) You may have seen the energy star label on computers or appliances. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel explains what it is and how it could help you save money. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/08/06) Is your retirement at risk? LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Jeanette Tucker says if you put all your eggs in one basket it could be. Some employers automatically buy company stock with their contribution to your 401k. Tucker says to make sure your contribution is in other stocks. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/08/06) As companies downsize and merge, many workers could be faced with the option of early retirement. But you should carefully weigh the options before making a decision. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/08/06) With summer approaching, many parents are wondering what to do with their "tweens." Tweens are youngsters between the ages of 10 and 13 that aren’t quite teenagers yet, but old enough to want some independence. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 05/01/06) For many youngsters their closest encounter with agriculture is in the grocery store. But events such as the LSU AgCenter's AgMagic bring children face to face or foot to hoof with animals, plants and insects. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 05/01/06) Maintaining your air conditioner can save you money and help your health in the long run. Changing the filter regularly can increase airflow into the system and prevent dirt from building up. LSU AgCenter housing specialist Dr. Claudette Reichel explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio 05/01/06) LSU AgCenter 4-H agents are working with the St. Bernard Unified School to give youngsters in the devastated community something to do. 4-H agent Wayne Burgess meets with students three days a week as part of an after-school program. He says the program helps the kids release energy and stress while learning something along the way. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 05/29/06) Areas of Greater New Orleans are fire ant free, and LSU AgCenter entomologists want to keep it that way. They have launched FAST or Fire Ant Surge Threat Prevention to keep fire ant populations down. (Runtime: 1 minute, 41 seconds)

(TV News 05/15/06) The wheat harvest will begin early this year. Conducive weather helped wheat mature early, and growers are expecting a good crop. Growers in Louisiana planted around 110,000 acres of wheat this year. (Runtime: 1 minute, 17 seconds)

(Video News 05/22/06) For a decade one variety has dominated Louisiana’s sugarcane industry, but researchers have developed two new varieties that could diversify the varieties grown in the state. The varieties, called L 99-226 and L 99-233, have greater yield potential than LCP 85-384. (Runtime: 1minute, 15 seconds)

(Video News 05/08/06) The storm surge from Hurricane Katrina inundated St. Bernard Parish. Eight months later, the community is attempting to recover. Every day families return, and LSU AgCenter 4-H agents are working with an after-school program that offers youngsters a break from Katrina-induced stress. (Runtime: 1 minute, 47 seconds)

(Video News 05/01/06) For many youngsters their closest encounter with agriculture is the grocery store. But LSU AgCenter events such as AgMagic bring children face to face or foot to hoof with animals, plants and insects. (Runtime: 1 minute, 11seconds)

(Radio News 05/29/06) While the city of New Orleans is working hard to get residents back, LSU AgCenter entomologists are working to keep fire ants out. Flood waters destroyed fire ants in many areas. The researchers launched a campaign to stop fire ants from re-infesting flood-damaged areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/29/06) Fire ants are moving now. Fire ant mating season – which is late in New Orleans because of flooding from hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the droughts that followed – has begun. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Linda Hooper-Bui is working to get bait spread throughout the city to disrupt fire ants from starting new colonies. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/29/06) New methods of controlling mosquito populations could lie in breaking the reproductive cycle. LSU AgCenter mosquito researcher Dr. Wayne Kramer explains they are looking at egg-laying females and that he is interested in testing new products, especially those active in the larval stage where it is most cost-effective and mosquitoes are easiest to manage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/29/06) As mosquitoes become more abundant and active each year, attention turns to mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus. LSU AgCenter mosquito researcher Dr. Wayne Kramer is studying the cycle of West Nile virus. Beyond helping him understand the virus, Kramer says ultimately his research could lead to protecting the public from this potentially dangerous disease. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/22/06) May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Yet about one quarter of American adults report doing no significant physical activity. People are beginning to realize the importance of exercise in reducing the risks of chronic diseases. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames offers tips to keep you exercising. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/22/06) Swarms of honey bees can cause great concern for homeowners, especially if the swarms turn up next to areas where children play or pets stay. Solitary bees are not so alarming, but they do play a beneficial role. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/22/06) It’s May. You’re driving down the highway. Your car is being bombarded by love bugs. The dry weather may have kept them at bay for a while, but LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says they are making their spring appearance and that environmental conditions are right for high populations in some areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/15/06) Louisiana had a dry start to the year with little rain in the winter and spring. While this was bad for some crops, it could be good news for sugarcane growers. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Dr. Ben Legendre explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/15/06) Recent rains have brought a wave of mosquitoes to Louisiana. LSU AgCenter entomologist and mosquito expert Dr. Wayne Kramer says the public can help keep mosquito populations down. To eliminate all possible mosquito habitats, keep yards clear of standing water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/15/06) Sugarcane growers have two new options when planting sugarcane this year. Two varieties were released to growers that should alleviate some of the problems they are having with the most popular variety. The varieties, called L 99-226 and L 99-233, have greater yield potential than 384. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/15/06) The wheat is turning an amber hue, and that signals the start of the harvest, which will be early this year thanks to dry weather. Growers in Louisiana planted around 110,000 acres of wheat this year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 05/15/06) Wheat prices are between $3 and $3.50 a bushel, but the outlook going into fall has prices reaching $. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says this will likely increase the acreage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)