(Distributed 03/30/09) A dot-sized insect called the pecan phylloxera may infest pecan trees beginning in mid-March. Severe infestations of phylloxeras can cause loss of the pecan crop for the current year and also for the following year, according to LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dr. John Pyzner.

(Distributed 03/30/09) Planting a spring lawn should start no sooner than it would be safe to set out your tomato transplants, that is, when soil temperatures reach the mid-60s and higher.

(Distributed 03/30/09) Athens Select is a plant evaluation program that measures a variety’s heat and humidity tolerance. Founded in 1999 at the University of Georgia, the program includes trials at the LSU AgCenter’s Burden Center in Baton Rouge and the Hammond Research Station in Hammond.

(Distributed 03/30/09) Many home gardeners are aware that a soil test is a good practice to determine the soil’s nutrient status, pH and other characteristics. Most of us, however, do not know the proper procedures for taking soil samples, which can make the test results inconclusive.

(Audio 03/30/09) Sap suckers are a group of birds that peck holes in trees. These birds feed on the sap and insects that collect near these holes. The damage they cause tends to look worse than it really is. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 03/30/09) Tod Hibbard figures he has grown nearly 10 million chickens in the 16 years he has been a poultry producer. Hibbard has eight chicken houses on rolling land in Jackson Parish. He said business was good initially but has had ups and downs over the years. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 03/30/09) As the weather warms up we spend more time outside in our outdoor living areas like porches, decks and patios. We use plants in beautiful containers to embellish these spaces. (Runtime: 1 minute, 45 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/09) In spring, many gardening organizations, businesses and others have events such as garden shows, plant sales and educational oppportunities. Take advantage of these events to find the latest local gardening information. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/09) Gardeners can plant a wide variety of vegetables in April. Tomatoes, the most popular home vegetable, can be planted in April, and many others can be seeded or transplanted this month. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 03/30/09) Spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye. Gardeners must look over their plants carefully if they suspect a problem. These insects damage the foliage of plants -- but they can be controlled. (Runtime: 60 seconds)