(Video News 07/14/11) Rice farmers learned about new varieties at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station Field Day. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard also reports about issues facing this year's crop. (Runtime: 2:00)

(Audio 07/01/11) More than 20,000 species of insects are housed at the Louisiana State Arthropod Museum on LSU’s campus. The collection helps with insect identification and tells the history of insects in this region. Christopher Carlton is the museum director. (Runtime: 1:53)

(Video News 07/29/11) A cold winter and dry spring haven’t hurt Louisiana’s sugarcane crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports on the current condition of the crop and work AgCenter researchers are doing to help the sugarcane industry. (Runtime: 1:58)

(Video 7/18/11) Plants in containers or pots help liven up patio areas. Rather than just putting one type of plant in the container, you can use plant combinations. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill provides ideas for combining container plants for very nice effects. (Runtime: 1:37)

(Video 7/11/11) Compact flowering bedding plants are typical in summer flower gardens. But taller, wilder looking flowering plants are coming back to the garden landscape. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a new plant that fills spaces with color, while exerting its freedom to grow up and out. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Video 07/04/11) You can find all types of daisies at your local nurseries now. They’re known for their colorful and distinctive flowers. But don't think that just because you’ve seen one daisy, yo've seen them all. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to these diverse and prolific summer flowers. (Runtime: 1:34)

(Video 07/25/11) Some once-popular plants have faded from common use today. But occasionally one of those plants will make its way back into marketplaces and landscapes. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of these comeback kids. Some people call them “pepperoni plants.” (Runtime: 1:39)

(Distributed 07/29/11) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Nematodes love drought, and some Louisiana soybean and cotton farmers are having problems this year with these microscopic pests that eat away at plant roots. “We’re in reniform nematode country,” LSU AgCenter agronomist Charles Overstreet told farmers gathered for the annual field day at the Dean Lee Research and Extension Center on July 28.

(Distributed 07/18/11) WEST MONROE, La. – Results from the 42nd annual Louisiana 4-H and FFA State Horse Show held July 5-9 have been released.

(Distributed 07/29/11) Stagnant water left from recent rains could become a favorite breeding ground for disease carrying mosquitoes, but some simple practices can keep you safer.

(Distributed 07/29/11) PARKS, La. – This year’s sugarcane crop is responding well to recent rainfall, after a dry spring and early summer.

(Radio News 07/29/11) Managing nitrogen in sugarcane can be challenging for farmers. It is a large crop that is not replanted every year and has to survive through all weather conditions. LSU AgCenter graduate student Josh Lofton is studying nitrogen management. Lofton says the wide array of field conditions also complicates nitrogen control. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 07/2911) LSU AgCenter researcher Brenda Tubana is working to deliver the most effective fertilizer guidelines for sugarcane farmers. Sugarcane requires a large number of nutrients, but she is looking at the nutrients needed in the largest amounts. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Distributed 07/29/11) OPELOUSAS, La. – Louisiana 4-H’ers heard that working in the equine industry can be lucrative as well as dangerous at a career day held July 23 at Evangeline Downs.

(Distributed 07/29/11) Food is a necessity for life, and as a result, a three-day emergency food supply is something you hear a lot about when a hurricane approaches. But just what is a three-day emergency food supply? LSU AgCenter nutritionist and food safety specialist Beth Reames says it involves more than just food.

(Distributed 07/29/11) It’s the time of the year, or at least one of the times of the year, when home gardeners have crape myrtle questions. We will answer a few here.

(Audio 07/25/11) Flowers from the garden should be brought indoors. Cutting flowers allows you to enjoy the flowers more and beautifies your living areas. Cut your flowers during the coolest part of the day and keep them in water. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/25/11) Mushrooms can pop up in landscapes from time to time. Wet weather can encourage mushroom growth. They are a nuisance and are harmful to lawns and plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/25/11) Bark lice form webbing on tree trunks and branches. While it may look alarming, these insects do not harm the tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/25/11) Basil is a popular herb in the home garden. Gardeners who planted basil during the spring have been enjoying a wonderful harvest. When a basil plant starts blooming, that signals the end of its season. But you still can plant another crop of basil to enjoy for the rest of summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/11) The sugarcane borer is the major pest in cane, but a new pest that arrived in Louisiana two to three years ago also threatens the crop. The Mexican rice borer is harder to manage than the sugarcane borer, because insecticides can’t kill the rice borer once it makes its way into the cane stalk. LSU AgCenter entomologist Gene Reagan says the Mexican rice borer is a plant-stress pest. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Radio News 07/25/11) Louisiana’s dry spring stressed many crops, but extreme weather conditions haven’t had a negative effect on the state’s sugarcane. A colder-than-normal winter helped to keep disease problems down, which allowed the crop to thrive. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois explains. (Runtime: 1:15 seconds)

(Audio 07/21/11) The LSU AgCenter, working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Sugar Cane League, recently released a new sugarcane variety, HoCP 04-838. LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois says the variety has good disease and insect resistance, as well as cold tolerance. (Runtime: 1:20)

(Radio News 07/19/11) Rice farmers have been using lower seeding rates when planting their crops, and LSU AgCenter entomologist Mike Stout says this could affect how seed treatments work. He’s conducted research on seeding rates with insecticide treatments Dermacor, CrusierMaxx and NipsitInside. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 07/15/11) Louisiana rice growers have seen unusual early season pests in their rice fields this year. LSU AgCenter rice entomologist Natalie Hummel says a combination of dry weather and more farmers drill-seeding their rice could have caused this insect activity. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/18/11) July is a good time to prune old blackberry canes. Be careful not to prune any new canes, however, because those are the ones that will produce berries next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/26/11) ST. GABRIEL, La – Scientists discussed the strengths of new sugarcane varieties and various management options available to growers during the July 20 sugarcane field day at the LSU AgCenter Sugarcane Research Station.

(Distributed 07/26/11) Hurricane season is a reminder that every family should have a family disaster plan, says LSU AgCenter child and family development specialist Becky White.

(Distributed 07/20/11) Results of research on how best to insulate raised floor homes in hot, humid climates is now available on the AgCenter’s website.

(Distributed 07/22/11) Vinca is the most popular, most sold and most planted warm-season bedding plant in Louisiana. We sometimes call this plant periwinkle. Many home gardeners and landscape professionals claim that vinca is the only summer flower they want to plant.

(Distributed 07/21/11) SHREVEPORT, La.--The LSU AgCenter and the City of Shreveport are collaborating in an educational farm program that has taught six teens how to be entrepreneurs.

(Distributed 07/19/11) A Livingston Parish 4-H member recently received a scholarship from the Friends of the National Rifle Association in Washington, D. C.

(Radio News 07/19/11) Seed treatments can help rice farmers control the rice water weevil. Natalie Hummel conducted demonstrations in six parishes across Louisiana to evaluate treatments. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Audio 07/25/11) Cuttings this time of the year are semi-hardwood cuttings. Gardeners can propagate their shrubs with cuttings now. Listen to learn how. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/19/11) The onset of hurricane season is an important time for families to get ready for disasters, and parents can enlist their children to help get ready by assembling a family disaster preparedness kit, says LSU AgCenter child and family development specialist Becky White.

(Distributed 07/15/11) Donald L. Thompson, a professor in the LSU AgCenter School of Animal Sciences, was presented the Equine Science Award on July 11 during the joint annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association and the American Society of Animal Science held in New Orleans.

(Distributed 07/15/11) RAYVILLE, La. – Farmers at an LSU AgCenter rice and soybean field day July 13 heard that a new rice mill being built near Mer Rouge could be open for business by early next year.

(Distributed 07/15/11) July is Smart Irrigation Month across the country. It’s a program of the Irrigation Association to inform industry professional and homeowners about proper irrigation in the landscape.

(Radio News 07/14/11) The disease Cercospora can reduce yields and quality of rice. LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Clayton Hollier is studying the environmental conditions that affect Cercospora and if the rice plant’s canopy encourages the disease to develop. Hollier has set up a test on 33 varieties to learn more about the disease. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Radio News 07/13/11) Freshwater streams that provide surface water for farmers in southwest Louisiana are drying up. Rice farmers rely on this water for irrigation. Instead, water from the coast is making its way upstream. LSU AgCenter rice specialist Johnny Saichuk explains. (Runtime: 1:05)

(Audio 07/18/11) Crape myrtles bloom beautifully through early summer. Gardeners with crape myrtles can prune off fading flowers to encourage additional blooms. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/18/11) Caladiums are excellent plants for shady areas. Taking care of them in the summer will keep them healthy and happy into fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/18/11) Gardeners who haven't pruned their gardenias or hydrangeas are running out of time. Late July is the latest to prune these shrubs before they set next year's flowers. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/18/11) Louisiana figs peak during the month of July. Harvesting the ripe figs daily will yield the best fruit and keep predators from getting to the figs first. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/12/11) Rice farmers will have a few more options when deciding what varieties to plant next year. Breeders released a second aromatic variety, Jazzman-2, which has a few differences from the original Jazzman. Steve Linscombe is the director of the LSU AgCenter rice research station and a rice breeder, and he talks about it. (Runtime: 1:30)

(Radio News 07/07/11) Johnny Saichuk called this year’s rice crop a "confused" crop. The LSU AgCenter rice specialist said warm weather in March helped farmers get an early start on planting, but unusually cool weather returned and stayed into May. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Radio News 07/07/11) Much of Louisiana’s cotton crop hasn’t received adequate rainfall, but LSU AgCenter cotton specialist John Kruse says the state could still produce a good crop. (Runtime: 1:10)

(Radio News 07/05/11) Dry weather has affected most of Louisiana’s crops, especially corn. LSU AgCenter corn specialist John Kruse said irrigated corn looks good, but yields of corn grown in fields that haven't been irrigated likely will vary. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Radio News 07/04/11) Farmers gathered at the LSU AgCenter's Northeast Research Station Field Day to hear from scientists about the various projects conductedin the area. Studies include variety evaluation trials; pest, weed and disease management research; and a cotton defoliation project. The station’s resident coordinator Donnie Miller explains. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/12/11) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension field day on July 28 will feature presentations on cotton, corn, cattle, soybeans and weed management.

(Distributed 07/08/11) Many great plants perform well in summer and fall in Louisiana. Some of these are tropical-like in appearance, including esperanzas, Pride of Barbados and cassava. All of these are low-maintenance in the landscape.

(Distributed 07/07/11 ) From its humble beginnings in 1973 as a project between the student government association and the Dairy Science Department, the popularity of the LSU Dairy Store remains strong.

(Distributed 07/07/11) LAKE ARTHUR, La. – U.S. rice acreage has fallen significantly, and that could affect prices, according to an LSU AgCenter economist who spoke at the Vermilion Parish Rice Field Day July 5.

(Distributed 07/06/11) SHREVEPORT, La. – The Louisiana 4-H Foundation will host a fund-raising sporting clay tournament on Aug. 19 at the Shreveport Gun Club.

(Distributed 07/06/11) The LSU AgCenter’s 29th Annual Sugarcane Field Day will be held July 20 at the Sugar Research Station near St. Gabriel, beginning with registration and an equipment display from 8-9 a.m.

(Distributed 07/05/11) Summer is cookout time, and perfectly grilled Louisiana seafood is moist and flavorful.

(Distributed 07/01/11) CROWLEY, La. – LSU AgCenter researchers are using weather stations to study microclimates in rice fields to determine if the structure of rice plants can influence disease susceptibility or resistance in different varieties.

(Distributed 07/01/11) BATON ROUGE, La. – Sixteen former state 4-H presidents dating back to 1959 met at a reception June 23 in LSU’s Tiger Stadium before the final assembly of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University.

(Audio 07/01/11) Herbicide-resistant weeds are complicating the way farmers grow crops. LSU AgCenter weed scientist Donnie Miller says recent flooding in northeast Louisiana could make the problem worse. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 07/01/11) Louisiana has many great plants that thrive in summer and fall. Some are tropical-like in appearance. They include cassias, princess flowers (also called tibouchinas) and durantas. All are low-maintenance.

(Audio 7/11/11) Leaf miners are common insects on a wide variety of ornamental plants and vegetables. The tiny insects feed between the layers of leaf cells. Leaf miners can be controlled with an insecticide. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/11/11) Container plants can add life to a deck or patio. If you have a wooden deck, though, container plants can cause problems. Use pot feet to boost up container plants so water doesn't ruin your deck. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/11/11) Many bedding plants gardeners planted in the spring are starting to lose their vigor. You can replace these plants with heat-tolerant plants such as zinnias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/11/11) Weeding work is never done, but there are things gardeners can do to suppress weed growth. A good mulch and using a pre-emergence herbicide can help you cut back weeding. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/04/11) Webworms are small caterpillars that form colonies and spin webs on the branches of trees, particularly pecans. They feed on foliage but are relatively harmless to the trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/04/11) Shade trees provide beauty in the landscape -- and they also can decrease cooling costs. Consider planting a shade tree this fall. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/04/11) Tomatoes generally don't like our summer heat, so during July tomato plants aren't producing as well as there were earlier in the season. If you are seeing low quality, pull the plants out and plant something else. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/04/11) When it comes to lawn care this time of the year, the most important thing is mowing. Mowing regularly and at the right height will keep grass healthy and attractive. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/04/11) July in Louisiana is hot, and many vegetable gardeners take a break during this month. For those who still want to work in their gardens, there are heat-tolerant vegetables that can be planted this time of the year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 07/01/11) Lawns and the people who maintain them face a number of issues in mid- to late summer. A variety of lawn-care activities and pest problems need to be dealt with this time of the year.

(For Release On Or After 07/29/11) No other group of plants can be used to create the effects that vines do in the landscape. They can soften and link architectural structures such as pergolas, arbors, buildings, fences and arches to the gardens around them. Vines can be used to provide shade, privacy, flowers, ground covers, edible or attractive fruit, fragrance and food for wildlife. It would be hard to imagine a well-planted landscape without the use of vines somewhere.

(For Release On Or After 07/22/11) Whether we admit it or not, heat and humidity this time of year make gardening outside less enjoyable. I have to confess to retreating into the coolness of my air-conditioned home and spending less time in the garden now that midsummer has arrived. But when I don’t spend as much time in my outside garden, I can turn to my collection of indoor plants to keep me happy.

(For Release On Or After 07/15/11) If you want to boost the color in your landscape, nurseries still have a good selection of colorful bedding plants that will thrive in whatever heat the summer throws at them. They come in a variety of heights, textures and colors and are adapted to grow in everything from moist, shady areas to hot, dry, sunny locations.

(For Release On Or After 07/08/11) I recently came across some poison ivy as I was working in an out-of-the-way area of my landscape. Poison ivy is abundant in urban, suburban and rural landscapes. I keep a sharp eye out for this plant because I’m quite allergic, and I promptly and ruthlessly deal with any as soon as I see it.