(Radio News 05/28/07) Wheat producers have several varieties to choose from when planting wheat. LSU AgCenter wheat specialist Dr. Ed Twidwell says there are 10 recommended varieties and that planting several is preferred. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 06/29/07) The heat is on, and we can expect daytime highs around 90 or above and nighttime lows in the 70s from now until September.Trees that shade the house during the summer can lower air-conditioning bills by blocking the sun from the windows, exterior walls and roof.

(For Release On Or After 06/22/07) There is still time to add colorful bedding plants to your landscape, but it’s important for you to choose plants that are able to thrive in the intense heat of a Louisiana summer.

(Distributed 05/25/07) Crawfish producers learned at a meeting on May 23 that investigators have few answers to questions about how the White Spot Syndrome Virus infected four crawfish ponds in South Louisiana. Officials from several agencies said they have yet to come up with a key factor.

(For Release On Or After 06/15/07) Adequate moisture is critically important to landscape plants during hot weather, but too much rain or excessive watering also can bring problems. Wet soil combined with high temperatures can create stressful conditions for bedding plants, vegetables, shrubs and even trees – especially those just planted this year.

(Distributed 05/25/07) Restoring the Gulf Coast comes down to questions involving finances, political will and social sciences, John M. Barry told a conference on natural resources economics and policy Monday (May 21).

(For Release On Or After 06/08/07) One of the most popular summer bedding plants is the periwinkle or vinca. Known for its prolific and long blooming season, it is heat- and drought-tolerant and thrives in our climate.

(For Release On Or After 06/01/07) June marks the beginning of hurricane season, and it’s important to understand powerful hurricanes can affect the entire state – not just the southern portions. As you make your plans, remember there are things that need to be done to prepare a landscape for the possibility of storm and things to do when a storm threatens.

(Distributed 05/24/07) The LSU AgCenter will again sponsor free educational seminars on gardening during the Sixth Annual Daylily Festival and Garden Show on Saturday, June 2.

(Distributed 05/24/07) For many years pine needles have been the fuel for getting rid of underbrush in pine stands or the potential fuel for wildfires. But now the pine straw, which once was regarded only as waste, is proving to be a product with money-making potential.