(Video: 06/27/14) A demonstration of a drone highlighted research on display at the LSU AgCenter Northeast Research Station Field Day. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard attended the field day and has this report. (Runtime: 1:51 seconds)

(Video 06/11/14) LSU College of Agriculture students were spending the first part of their summer in the woods. The students were part of a wildlife habitat field study class and learning about plant identification. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard tagged along for a trek through the forest. (Runtime: 1:40 seconds)

(Video 06/11/14) Louisiana farmers are harvesting the state’s wheat crop. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard reports that despite winter freezes during the growing season, wheat yields are promising. (Runtime: 1:22 seconds)

(Distribute 06/30/14) The LSU AgCenter will hold three field days for rice farmers in July.

(Distributed 06/30/14) WINNSBORO, La. – Crop varieties change frequently, which sometimes causes farmers to adjust how they apply fertilizers. To ensure its recommendations are up to date, the LSU AgCenter has formed a task force to study the effectiveness of fertilizers on major row crops and forages grown in Louisiana.

(Distributed 06/30/14) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center in Alexandria will host a field day on July 17. Attendees will hear about AgCenter scientists' research on various row crops and management of insects, weeds and diseases.

(Distributed 06/27/14) Copper plants are great foliage plants for the summer and fall landscape. When planted in the spring, these beautiful tropical-looking small shrubs turn into fabulous accent plants in color beds as we get later in the growing season.

(Video: 06/29/14) It’s a nice perk to have beautiful flowers that keep blooming year after year at the same time, without having to replant. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to one of those — a native perennial called Stoke’s aster. (Runtime: 1:50 seconds)

(Distributed 06/27/14) HAMMOND, La. –Many people think attracting hummingbirds is as easy as hanging a feeder. But that is not always successful because many hummingbirds are not accustomed to using feeders. It can be frustrating to put out a feeder and never see a hummingbird.

(Distributed 06/27/14) CROWLEY, La. – The threat of rain kept activities indoors at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station’s 105th annual field day, but that didn’t dampen enthusiasm for the event Thursday (June 25) with roughly 400 people in attendance.

(Distributed 06/26/14) CROWLEY, La. – An LSU AgCenter official urged the Louisiana Rice Growers Association Board of Directors to make comments at a listening session of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aimed at receiving input for a proposed set of regulations that would revise the Clean Water Act.

(Audio 07/01/14) Fall webworms make a strange webbing in the branches of trees and shrubs. They aren’t as destructive as you think; the worms just damage the leaves that are within the webbing. The actual branch isn’t affected. Listen to learn more about what to do concerning webworms in your landscape. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/25/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana homes and other buildings that are infested with tawny crazy ants now have a remedy as a result of a Section 18 quarantine exemption use label for Termidor SC insecticide

(Audio 07/01/14) Between the heat and afternoon rain showers, the grass in your lawn tends to grow a lot faster than normal. Because of this, our lawn chores increase. Your grass will not only need to be cut more often, but depending on how long between rain showers, it may also need to be watered. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/01/14) It isn’t too late to plant some of those late-summer vegetables and start transplants of others to plant as well. Most gardeners either work early in the morning or in the late afternoon to keep out of the daytime heat. Listen to learn more about how to beat the heat and what to plant in your gardens as late summer approaches. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/01/14) Because of the mild winter and early spring, figs trees are a little ahead of time. Birds, weather and summer diseases all have a huge impact on how well your figs trees produce. Listen to learn more about how to help your fig trees during the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 07/01/14) The heat-tolerant plants you selected at the beginning of the summer are in full bloom and looking very healthy now. The plants that aren’t heat-tolerant, however, are probably dying from the heat. You can replace those plants with some that do well to make a beautiful bed for the summer. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/23/14) BOSSIER CITY, La. – As efficient use of nutrients and water becomes an increasingly hot topic in agriculture, LSU AgCenter agronomist Syam Dodla is examining ways to lower production costs and minimize environmental impact without negatively affecting crop health or yields.

(Distributed 06/06/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – A solar dryer designed by LSU AgCenter food engineer Subramaniam Sathivel is helping farmers in Ghana preserve crops so they can maintain a steadier food supply.

(Audio News 06/23/14) Controlling weeds and reducing nitrogen loss are big concerns for farmers. LSU AgCenter researchers addressed both topics at a Northeast Research Station field day in St. Joseph. Participants heard about new herbicide technologies. (Runtime: 1:35)

(Video 06/23/14) One unique way of setting your landscape apart is by adding beautiful plants that move with the wind. On this edition of Get It Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces us to a tough perennial plant full of flowers and graceful in movement. It’s called the Gaura (gar-uh). (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/23/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – An estimated 2,000 people braved the heat and humidity of a Louisiana June day to attend the third annual Garden Fest at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden on June 21.

(Distributed 06/20/14) Louisiana gardeners ought to consider adding some of the new gomphrena – or globe amaranth – to their landscapes.

(Distributed 06/20/14) BATON ROUGE, La.--Students participating in 4-H spent a week (June 17-20) on the LSU campus competing in contests, learning about careers and electing officers for the 2014-15 school year.

(Distributed 06/20/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – It's a phrase typically heard on movie sets in Hollywood. But this week "Lights, Camera, Action!" was the title of a 4-H University program that gives young people a chance to expand their digital literacy skills by shooting and editing their own videos.

(Distributed 06/20/14) HAMMOND, La. – Looking for low-maintenance perennials for a practically nonstop flower show from summer through fall? If you are, consider the many species and varieties of perennial salvia.

(Distributed 06/19/14) ST. JOSEPH, La. – Farmers and crop consultants attending a field day on June 17 at the Northeast Research Station learned about new herbicide technologies that will help control stubborn weeds in their soybeans.

(Audio News: 06/19/14) The gluten-free label is becoming more popular on items in the grocery store. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. People who have the autoimmune disease, celiac disease, experience a toxic immune response when they ingest gluten and should eliminate gluten from their diets, according to LSU AgCenter registered dietician Denise Holston-West. (Runtime: 1:25)

(Audio: 06/23/14) Soaker hoses are the easiest way to thoroughly water your flower beds and gardens during the heat of the summer. They provide that slow leak of water that plants need in order to grow and produce lots of vegetation and flowers. Listen to learn more about why using a soaker hose is a great option. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio: 06/23/14) Lichens are everywhere in your landscape. They often grow on old trees and concrete statues. Lichens are often a gray color and although they may look like they are harming your plants, they aren't. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio: 06/23/14) Gardenias sometimes last until the early part of June, but by late June they are ready to be pruned. This encourages them to grow fuller and make a great show next year. The earlier you prune, the more likely the plants are to make beautiful buds in the future. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio: 06/23/14) Tarragon is a popular herb that we use in many culinary dishes. French tarragon is the most popular, but it doesn’t grow in the heat of the summer. The Mexican tarragon is a great substitute for the French tarragon and it tolerates the heat very well. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio: 06/23/14) Weed control is a constant problem, especially in Louisiana summertime. Preemergence herbicides are applied to prevent new weeds from growing. Many different types correlate with the plants in your garden. Listen to learn more about how to correctly use preemergence herbicides. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/18/14) ST. JOSEPH, La. – As water resources face the risk of declining in both quality and quantity, many farmers want to learn how to be more efficient when they irrigate. LSU AgCenter and National Resource Conservation Service experts offered them some ideas on June 17 at the Northeast Research Station Field Day in St. Joseph.

(Distributed 06/18/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Almost all rice grown in Louisiana is irrigated, but drought can still be a threat to crop productivity. By isolating genes that determine drought tolerance and applying them to rice, LSU AgCenter molecular biologist Niranjan Baisakh is developing rice varieties that can survive as long as two weeks without water.

(Distributed 06/17/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter will host a Summer Saturday Open House at the LaHouse Home and Landscape Center on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Distributed 06/17/14) BATON ROUGE, La – The gluten-free label is becoming more popular on items in the grocery store. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale. People who have the autoimmune disease, celiac disease, experience a toxic immune response when they ingest gluten and should eliminate gluten from their diets, according to LSU AgCenter registered dietician Denise Holston-West.

(Distributed 06/06/14) FRANKLINTON, La – With a tall walking stick in hand, Don Reed, an LSU College of Agriculture professor and AgCenter forestry and wildlife specialist, wandered through Bogue Chitto State Park pointing out trees and plants to a group of students.

(Distributed 06/16/14) ST. GABRIEL, La. – A group of future international leaders visited the LSU AgCenter Audubon Sugar Institute on June 11 to learn more about alternative fuel development in Louisiana.

(Distributed 06/16/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU College of Agriculture has named Jenna Tedrick Kuttruff, a 26-year veteran of the textiles, apparel design and merchandising program, as the head of new Department of Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising (TAM).

(Distributed 06/13/14) ABBEVILLE, La. – A group of 4-H Club members presented the Vermilion Parish Police Jury recently with a proposal for improvements at the local extension office to strengthen it against hurricanes and other major weather events.

(Distributed 06/13/14) Luna hibiscus comes in four colors and is a hardy hibiscus for Louisiana. It was named a spring 2014 Louisiana Super Plant.

(Distributed 06/13/14) ALEXANDRIA, La. – The LSU College of Agriculture is partnering with LSU of Alexandria to offer a concentration in agriculture within the biology degree program at the Alexandria campus.

(Distributed 06/13/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU AgCenter is always buzzing with research, and this project is no exception – literally. Entomologists Kristen Healy and Jim Ottea are studying how insecticides used for mosquito control affect honeybees.

(Distributed 06/13/14) HAMMOND, La. – Gardeners have long desired flowers that are low-maintenance in their landscape. But they also want these flowers to last spring through fall.

(Distributed 06/13/14) ALEXANDRIA, La. – Glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, first confirmed in Louisiana in 2010, continues to spread south in Louisiana, said LSU AgCenter weed scientist Daniel Stephenson. But Louisiana farmers have learned from their peers in other states that early control can be the answer to preventing widespread distribution of this persistent weed.

(Audio 06/02/14) The summer heat starts settling in as June begins. Vegetable gardeners should look for crops that can tolerate hot conditions. Consider vegetables such as okra, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/02/14) If you planted potatoes earlier this year, the nutritious vegetables may be ready to be dug about now. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill shares some important tips for harvesting them on this edition of Get It Growing. (Runtime: 1:45 seconds)

(Video 06/16/14) A tough, reliable perennial for the hot summer months is yarrow (Yah-row). LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill explains on this edition of Get It Growing why this multi-colored plant is a great idea for your garden. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/12/14) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Agricultural producers can help ensure precious water resources remain clean by implementing management practices that reduce runoff and pollution, according to LSU AgCenter water quality expert Changyoon Jeong.

(Distributed 06/12/14) CROWLEY, La. – Rice farmers learned about LSU AgCenter research being conducted to help them control weeds during the Acadia Parish Rice and Soybean Field Day on June 12. Eric Webster, LSU AgCenter weed scientist, said he is testing nine different experimental herbicides.

(Distributed 06/12/14) DELCAMBRE, La. – Louisiana coastal residents were able to see the elevation and flooding threat for their property and residences at the Delcambre Seafood and Farmer’s Market on June 7 at a booth staffed by the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant.

(Audio 06/09/14) Crape myrtle trees create shoots at the base of the trunk called suckers. If they are allowed to grow, they make the tree look more like a bush. There is a proper way to prune these plants so that this doesn’t occur. Listen to learn more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Video 06/09/14) The coneflower, named for its cone-shaped head, has been a popular flower in Louisiana gardens for many years. It has typically come in only one color. But as LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill points out on this edition of Get It Growing, this tough plant has recently been bred to offer an incredible diversity of flower colors. (Runtime: 1:50 seconds)

(Distributed 06/12/14) CROWLEY, La. – The Louisiana Master Farmer Program will offer Phase I training June 23 at the Rice Research Station.

(Distributed 06/12/14) HAMMOND, La. – Horticulture enthusiasts and landscape contractors alike attended the Second Annual Margie Jenkins Azalea Garden Horticulture Lecture Series and Industry Open House at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station on June 5.

(Audio 06/16/14) Petunias make great spring bedding plants, but the heat of the summer causes them to do poorly. There are, however, heat-tolerant petunias available. Listen to learn more about petunias that can take the summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/16/14) Roses become less productive during the heat of summer. They don't need more fertilizer, however. Listen to learn more about how to care for your roses in the summer heat. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/16/14) Zinnias make great additions to your flower beds, but summer rainstorms can cause bacterial and fungal diseases. Some zinnias, however, are more tolerant to the bacteria and fungi. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/16/14) Aquatic gardens are easy to put into your landscape and provide a different look to your gardens. Aquatic plants are easy to add into a water garden and are easy to take care of. Listen to learn more. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/16/14) There are four main categories of fertilizers. One type is soluble fertilizer, which acts differently than other types. Listen to learn more about using soluble fertilizers with your plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/11/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nationwide and in Louisiana, the Cooperative Extension Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary, having been founded in 1914 with the passage of the Smith-Lever Act. For half of those years, a Louisianian, Leodrey Williams, has worked in extension, serving in a variety of capacities at both Southern University and in national leadership positions.

(Distributed 06/10/14) BOSSIER CITY, La. – Smart irrigation technologies could help agricultural producers lower costs and use water more efficiently, according to LSU AgCenter economist Naveen Adusumilli.

(Distributed 06/06/14) NEW ORLEANS – When most urban dwellers see the word GAP, it’s highly unlikely that anything related to food comes to mind. But urban fruit and vegetable growers understand that Good Agricultural Practices are now a part of their lives.

(Distributed 06/09/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Members of the LSU AgCenter’s International Programs office recently hosted a delegation from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand as a future partner in research through an agreement between the two organizations and the LSU Baton Rouge campus.

(Audio 06/09/14) Summer brings high temperature and high humidity in Louisiana. Gardeners need to be aware of ways to prevent getting dehydrated. While taking care of your landscape, be sure to take the proper precautions so you don’t get overheated. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/09/14) Roses are divided into two groups -- repeat-flowering and once-blooming. They bloom at different times of the year, so you have to prune them at different times. Listen to learn more on how and when to prune your roses. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/09/14) Hurricanes affect all Gulf States, and preparations need to be made. Summer months bring storms with high winds and rains that can affect your house and landscape. Your yard should be carefully evaluated to make sure trees and objects that could be blown away are taken care of properly. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/09/14) The ghostlike webs you see on trees during this time of the year come from a tiny insect called bark lice. They are completely harmless to your trees, and there is no reason to be concerned. Listen to learn more about bark lice. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Distributed 06/06/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – More than 1,500 Louisiana 4-H members are expected to participate in 4-H University, set for June 17-20 on LSU's Baton Rouge campus. This annual event gives 4-H'ers between the ages of 13 and 19 a chance to compete in contests, win prizes and explore careers.

(Distributed 06/06/14) Frost Proof gardenia is a great plant for home gardens and deserves more consideration.

(Distributed 06/06/14) HAMMOND, La. – New varieties of crape myrtles are currently available in abundance. Developers have introduced new varieties over the past few years with an emphasis on smaller growth habits, dark foliage colors, earlier bloom and more.

(Distributed 06/05/14) FENTON, La. –Developing a new variety of rice sometimes requires eliminating a good breeding line that once showed promise but isn’t quite good enough. That’s the scenario Steve Linscombe, LSU AgCenter rice breeder, described at the Southwest Rice Field Day held on June 5.

(Distributed 06/05/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Nitrogen and phosphorus can help farmers improve yields, but when these nutrients make their way into streams and rivers, they can also contribute to a low-oxygen, or hypoxic, zone in the Gulf of Mexico. To help reduce this type of pollution, the LSU AgCenter and 11 other land-grant universities recently joined the Environmental Protection Agency’s Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Task Force.

(Distributed 06/04/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – Horse owners should prepare for tropical weather instead of waiting until the last minute just before a storm, advised LSU AgCenter equine specialist Neely Walker.

(Distributed 06/04/14) BATON ROUGE, La. – It’s not every day that Louisiana residents are looking for ways to get rid of crawfish in the lawn. But it does happen, and there are effective ways to get the job done.

(For Release On Or After 06/27/14) Growing a pineapple plant and getting it to produce a pineapple for you is a fun gardening project. Now is a great time to begin, and as you will see, it’s really not all that difficult.

(For Release On Or After 06/20/14) Caterpillars of various types are common pests in vegetable gardens, flower beds, trees, shrubs and even lawns all through the summer. Fall webworms infest a wide variety of fruit and nut trees as well as ornamental trees and shrubs.

(For Release On Or After 06/13/14) Although native to the Far East, crape myrtles are almost indispensable in the Southern landscape. Their vibrantly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, red and white from May to September virtually define the summer season here.

(For Release On Or After 06/06/14) June is the peak month for harvesting early-summer vegetables. One reason people grow their own vegetables is for the outstanding quality of freshly harvested produce. Harvesting at the right stage, however, is essential to getting the best quality vegetables from your garden.

(Audio 06/02/14) Composting is easy to do and everyone with a yard can have a small compost pile. Easy items to compost include grass clippings, leaves, sticks and other yard waste. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/02/14) Many home vegetable gardeners plant members of the onion family such as bunching onions, shallots, leeks and garlic. These plants should be ready to harvest in June. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/02/14) Mowing your lawn frequently with sharp blades is the best way to keep your lawn healthy during summer months. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill recommends mowing every five to seven days. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Audio 06/02/14) Vine-ripened tomatoes are a summer favorite. But longer a tomato sits on the vine the more susceptible it is to disease, pests and birds. Make sure pests don't get your tomatoes before you do. (Runtime: 60 seconds)