(Video 06/11/12) The coral honeysuckle is one of the showiest vining honeysuckles you can find. It’s tough and attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains some uses for this climbing vine with bright flowers. (Runtime: 1:29)

(Video 06/04/12) Red yucca is not really a yucca, and it’s not really colored red. But it is a beautiful, low-maintenance succulent without the dangerous dagger-like leaves of a true yucca plant. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to this heat-tolerant plant, which also attracts butterflies. (Runtime: 1:27)

(Video 06/18/2012) Flowers are not the only game in town when it comes to summer color. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to some special hibiscus plants that display beautiful purple – and even pink – foliage. (Runtime 1:29)

(Video 6/18/12) Runoff from road construction contributes to the impairment of water bodies across the country. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports that may be a simple fix to this recurring problem. (Runtime 1:46)

(video 06/25/2012) Some plants are not only showy, but they also attract beautiful wildlife. That aptly describes the milkweed plant, which invites Monarch butterflies to nest on its leaves. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill describes a particular milkweed that grows well here but is native to Mexico. (Runtime 1:36)

(Distributed 06/28012) CROWLEY, La. – The Louisiana Master Farmer Program is being fine-tuned with changes to enable more agricultural producers to achieve certification with completion of the program’s three phases.

(Distributed 06/29/12) CROWLEY – The tell-tale signs of diseased rice could be seen from the road at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station Field Day held Thursday (June 28), with several plots showing sterile panicles that will produce little or no grain.

(Distributed 06/28/12) July is Smart Irrigation Month across the country. This is an effort of the Irrigation Association to educate industry professionals and homeowners on proper irrigation in the landscape. In order for an irrigation system to be effective, it needs to be designed right, installed right and water right. What does all this mean?

(Distributed 06/26/12) Theo Udeigwe, LSU AgCenter agronomist, is in his first year of studying the effects of different wheat residue and stubble management techniques on soil quality and soybean yield in a wheat-soybean double crop system.

(Radio News 06/26/12) The outlook is optimistic for Louisiana’s corn crop. The mild winter allowed for early planting, which has benefited the crop, says LSU AgCenter corn specialist John Kruse. (Runtime: 1:15)

(Distributed 06/25/12) BATON ROUGE, La. – Members of 4-H clubs from across Louisiana were named state contest winners on June 21 at the closing session of the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H University.

(Distributed 06/25/12) July 4 is the biggest hot dog holiday of the year, with Americans downing an estimated 155 million wieners. Although Americans enjoy hot dogs all year long, we eat an estimated seven billion between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

(Distributed 06/25/12) The recent outbreak of foodborne illness in several southern states, including the death of a young girl in New Orleans, calls attention to the need for individuals to follow food safety practices, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames.

(Radio News 06/25/12) The Senate passed its version of the farm bill, and it includes only one commodity subsidy program. The crop insurance program in the Senate’s version of the bill offers agriculture risk coverage. This protects farmers who may have crop failures, but lacks adequate support for growers of certain crops that are important to Louisiana’s economy. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Distributed 06/22/12) Many coreopsis are available for our landscapes in Louisiana. Coreopsis, sometimes called tickseed, are herbaceous perennial flowers. Sometimes we treat these as annuals in Louisiana, and sometimes we treat them as perennials.

(Distributed 06/22/12) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension field day on July 19 will feature presentations on biofuels, cotton, corn, soybeans and cattle.

(Distributed 06/21/12) OAK GROVE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a midseason field day for northeast Louisiana rice and soybean farmers on July 12 in West Carroll Parish.

CROWLEY, La. – Representatives of the Kellogg Co., Louisiana Rice Mill and the LSU AgCenter unveiled on July 18 the Master Rice Grower Program, which provides incentives to qualified farmers for following sustainable production practices.

(Distributed 06/19/12) ST. JOSEPH, La. – More than 170 farmers and agriculture industry representatives heard about the latest research on corn, soybeans and cotton at the annual field day held June 14 at the LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station.

(Audio 06/19/12) A layer of compost/mulch mixture has been found to reduce sediment runoff from highway construction zones. LSU AgCenter correspondent Craig Gautreaux reports on the findings of a recent study by an AgCenter soil scientist. (Runtime 1:25)

(Audio 06/19/12) Beef producers need to look at the genetics of their herd in order to produce better quality animals, according to an animal scientist with the LSU AgCenter. (Runtime 1:00)

(Audio 06/25/12) Louisiana figs will soon begin to ripen. It is important to make sure fig trees are receiving a sufficient amount of water. To prevent birds from feeding on your figs, purchase bird netting from your local nursery. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/12) Frequent summer rainfall makes the weather humid and damp. Snails and slugs love this type of weather, and they are likely to come out and feed on your plants. Deal with snails and slugs by setting out beer traps or using iron phosphate baits. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/12) Gardeners should practice weed control in Louisiana beds during the summer. Regardless of how you weed, chances are the weeds will grow back. Try using mulch as a defense against weeds, and you also may want to apply a pre-emergence herbicide to prevent weeds from developing. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/12) Louisiana gardeners welcome flowering plants that are able to withstand the intense heat of summer. Profusion zinnias are a hybrid group of zinnias that are insect-free. They grow very well during the summer. Hear more about growing zinnias in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/25/12) If you have tomatoes planted in your vegetable garden, by this time of the year you should be harvesting many fresh red tomatoes. You may notice some of the flowers that the plant produces will begin to fall off due to high temperatures and lack of pollination. If you want to harvest tomatoes well into the summer, be sure to plant heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/18/12) Hector Zapata, professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, has been named interim associate vice chancellor for International Programs, a joint appointment between the LSU AgCenter and LSU A&M. He replaces Lakshman Velupillai, who will retire from that post on June 30.

(Distributed 06/14/12) BOSSIER CITY, La. – An LSU AgCenter soybean breeder is going back to the wild to find ways of increasing soybean yields.

(Video 06/18/2012) Raising cattle in the subtropical climate of Louisiana can present some challenges. LSU AgCenter corrrespondent Craig Gautreaux reports on research undertaken by the AgCenter that beef producers can use to imporve the quality of their herd. (Runtime 1:48)

(Distributed 06/14/12) CROWLEY, La. – Farmers midway through their rice-growing season heard advice Wednesday (June 13) from LSU AgCenter experts at the Acadia Parish field day on precautions to be considered to protect this year’s crop.

(Distributed 06/14/12) You may sometimes see crape myrtles not blooming well. “Why?” you might ask. Here are some factors to consider:

(Audio 06/18/12) Many people plant trees during the winter season and into spring. When the temperatures rise, these trees are going to need supplemental watering. Here are some tips for watering newly planted trees. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/12) While French tarragon will not grow properly through Louisiana’s hot summers, Mexican tarragon could serve as a substitute. This relative of marigolds has a rich flavor and grows beautifully in full sun. Learn more about planting Mexican tarragon in your herb garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/12) Just about everyone loves a colorful flower bed in the summer. Pentas are wonderful, reliable plants that come in a variety of beautiful colors and sizes. Hear more about planting pentas in your flower bed. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/12) Most baldcypress trees that are planted in the landscape don’t usually produce knees. If your cypress does produce knees, this can be a nuisance when they come up in the lawn. While cypress knees in a flower bed appear picturesque, it is beneficial to eliminate the ones that appear in your lawn. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/18/12) Petunias produce beautifully while the weather is relatively mild in the spring. It is not unusual for these spring-planted petunias to begin to languish during the intense heat of summer. If you are planning to plant petunias for the summer, be sure to choose heat-tolerant varieties. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/11/12) Producing the highest quality beef in order to improve return on investment was the primary topic of the LSU AgCenter Beef Field Day held at the Central Research Station in Baton Rouge on June 9.

(Distributed 06/11/12) Downy mildew was recently found on impatiens in the south Baton Rouge area.

(Distributed 06/08/12) One of the most popular non-woody perennials in Louisiana is the purple coneflower. The scientific name of this plant is Echinacea purpurea. It is native to an area from the Midwest into the southeastern United States.

(Distributed 06/07/12) The big, black eastern lubber grasshopper has started making its appearance in southern Louisiana. But its frightful look should be no cause for alarm, said Tim Schowalter, LSU AgCenter entomologist and head of the Department of Entomology.

(Audio 06/11/12) Louisiana gardeners who spend long periods of time outside in their gardens should take precautions to protect themselves from summer’s heat. Hear more about drinking plenty of fluids, gardening in the shade and other helpful tips. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/06/12) Applying a combination of wood mulch and compost on highway construction sites can significantly reduce the amount of rain runoff and accompanying erosion, according to research from the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 06/06/12) Louisiana blueberry growers have a new pest to watch for that has the potential of reducing their yield by up to 30 percent.

Rice farmers should be vigilant for disease, specifically leaf blast, that is worse than in previous years, LSU AgCenter experts advised during field days in Evangeline and Jefferson Davis parishes.

(Distributed 06/05/12) The Louisiana County Agents Association recently honored LSU AgCenter county agents Keith Fontenot and Terrence Marshall with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award.

(Distributed 06/05/12) FRANKLINTON, La. – Producers from as far away as Texas and Mississippi learned about the newest hay equipment and improved summer forages at the forage field day May 31 at the LSU AgCenter Southeast Research Station.

(Audio 06/11/12) Caterpillars are a major pest on plants such as vegetables, ornamentals and fruit trees. Gardeners should keep an eye out for caterpillar damage and take action for controlling infestation if necessary. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Trees are an irreplaceable aspect of landscapes, but their tall heights make them vulnerable to lightning strikes. A lightning strike does not always cause a tree to die, but homeowners should be aware of how to handle a dying tree. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Many gardeners have outdoor container plants. Be careful when growing container plants on wooden decks because it could cause staining or rotting of the wood. To prevent this from happening, boost container plants by placing them on top of bricks or pot feet. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/11/12) Gardenias are popular in Louisiana gardens and are known for their amazing fragrance. When gardenias finish their blooming season in June, it is time for gardeners to begin pruning if necessary. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider pruning your gardenias. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/01/12) The LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Foundation finalized a limited lease and use agreement on May 24 that allows the foundation to rent LSU AgCenter property at the Dean Lee Research Station in Alexandria to manage their cattle.

(Distributed 06/01/12) Spring bloom on roses is just about completed. Roses in most home landscapes have their best bloom performance at first flowering in the spring (mid-April) and at the fall bloom in October.

(Distributed 06/01/12) Two nuisance caterpillars are out in greater numbers than usual this year in Louisiana. One is a dangerous stinging caterpillar, and the other can wreak havoc in small fruit and ornamental trees.

(Distributed 06/01/12) CROWLEY, La. – The LSU AgCenter will hold a field day June 13 for Acadia Parish farmers.

(Distributed 06/01/12) Garden and research plot tours, food sampling and music will be featured at a morning-long Garden Fest at Burden Center on June 30 at the LSU AgCenter Burden Center in Baton Rouge.

(Audio 06/04/12) Lichens are a crusty, grayish growth found on tree branches, statues and fences. Gardeners are often concerned that this growth is damaging the plant. Learn more about lichen growth in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/12) Lawns often have many issues that are sometimes difficult to treat. Slime mold is an unattractive fungus-like organism that lives in lawns throughout the year and decays organic matter. Hear how slime mold can actually benefit your lawn rather than cause damage. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/12) A sucker is an undesirable, vigorous shoot originating at the base of a plant. When dealing with suckers, it is important to prune them properly to prevent a stub from sprouting again and producing more suckers than before. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/12) Hurricane season begins in June. High winds from these storms can cause damage to landscapes, and gardeners should be aware of this and prepare their landscapes accordingly. Hear about how you can properly prepare your yard for hurricane season. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/04/12) Now is the time for gardeners to start pruning their once-blooming rose bushes. These roses are just finishing their blooming season, and by pruning them now, the plant will produce vigorous new growth. This new growth will produce flowers for you next year. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(For Release On Or After 06/29/12) There is a great deal of confusion among gardeners about what fertilizers are, what they do and why we use them. To put things in perspective, using fertilizers properly is an important part of gardening, but it is almost never a matter of life and death.

(For Release On Or After 06/22/12 ) As if mowing the lawn wasn’t trouble enough, dealing with and disposing of grass clippings can be a major problem. Clumps of grass clippings left on the lawn are unsightly and yellow the grass beneath them.

(For Release On Or After 06/15/12) No other summer-flowering shrub surpasses the tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for glossy, dark green foliage and nonstop flowers in shades of and blends of pink, yellow, orange, white, lavender or scarlet. And their exceptionally long blooming season runs from late spring through late fall.

(For Release On Or After 06/08/12) People often take their longest vacations during summer. When planning a vacation, people make arrangements to have someone take care of everything from their pets to the newspaper. But it’s also important to have someone look after plants and home grounds during an extended absence.

(For Release On Or After 06/01/12) Gardeners crave color in shady areas of their landscapes just as much as they do in sunny areas. Unfortunately, shade-loving plants are generally not so flamboyant, and the selection of colorful bedding plants for shady gardens is limited. Thank goodness for caladiums.