Agriculture

Satsumas ripen late summer through early winter depending on the cultivar. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Satsumas ripen late summer through early winter depending on the cultivar. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Citrus tree yield off due to Christmas freeze

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 17, 2023
It’s satsuma time in Louisiana. Some plants began ripening in late September while other varieties will continue to mature through late November on into early December. As one of the best cold-hardy citrus types we can grow in the South, satsumas are a great option for home growers in Louisiana.

Agriculture Hall of Distinction nominations due Nov. 17

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 3, 2023
The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction is still accepting nominations through Nov. 17 for its induction ceremony, which will be held March 7, 2024, in Baton Rouge. The nomination form can be found online at www.louisianaagriculturehallofdistinction.
Dianthus is an excellent cool-season bedding plant. Look for Amazon and Jolt dianthus, both Louisiana Super Plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Dianthus is an excellent cool-season bedding plant. Look for Amazon and Jolt dianthus, both Louisiana Super Plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Fall gardening in Louisiana

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 3, 2023
Temperatures are becoming cooler as we progress into the fall season, and this provides much-needed respite from the heat for us and our plants. Fall is a great time to get out into the garden. If you haven’t already, there’s still time to get cool-season vegetables planted in Louisiana.
What if every imported seafood product for sale in Louisiana had a red sticker with the word “Imported” affixed to the front of its packaging?

What if every imported seafood product for sale in Louisiana had a red sticker with the word “Imported” affixed to the front of its packaging?

Foreign seafood invades state market

(not verified)
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
What if every imported seafood product for sale in Louisiana had a red sticker with the word “Imported” affixed to the front of its packaging?
LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso conducts rice research. Famoaso will lead efforts locally on a $22 million award from the U.S. Agency for International Development aimed at making cereal crops more readily available to those most at risk for hunger and malnutrition. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso conducts rice research. Famoaso will lead efforts locally on a $22 million award from the U.S. Agency for International Development aimed at making cereal crops more readily available to those most at risk for hunger and malnutrition. (LSU AgCenter file photo)

LSU AgCenter is part of $22M USAID cereal crops project

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
The LSU AgCenter is partnering with several universities and countries on a $22 million award from the U.S. Agency for International Development aimed at improving lives around the world by making cereal crops more readily available to those most at risk for hunger and malnutrition.
False aster (Boltonia asteroids) is a perennial native wildflower that blooms each fall. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

False aster (Boltonia asteroids) is a perennial native wildflower that blooms each fall. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

A guide to collecting and conserving native wildflower seeds

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 27, 2023
The native wildflowers are just gorgeous right now. If you haven’t noticed all the beautiful yellow, purple and white flowers along the roadsides, in ditches and in natural areas, you are sure to notice them soon.
Attendees of the LSU AgCenter’s seventh annual Louisiana Farm to School Conference sample local satsumas provided by Ben & Ben Becnel Inc. (Photo by Jacey Wesley/LSU AgCenter)

Attendees of the LSU AgCenter’s seventh annual Louisiana Farm to School Conference sample local satsumas provided by Ben & Ben Becnel Inc. (Photo by Jacey Wesley/LSU AgCenter)

Farm to School Conference promotes healthy habits

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 20, 2023
Growing New Connections, the seventh annual Louisiana Farm to School Conference, gathered hundreds of partners to the Pennington Biomedical Conference Center to share ideas and best practices for bringing healthier, local food options to students throughout the state.
Wildflower meadows bring color, height and pollinators to the landscape. (Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter)

Wildflower meadows bring color, height and pollinators to the landscape. (Photo by Anna Ribbeck/LSU AgCenter)

The grass isn’t always greener: The allure of alternative lawns

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 20, 2023
When early settlers migrated westward to establish themselves in North America, they introduced various elements to the world around them. The origins of American lawns can be attributed to landscape designers from England and France.
Mealybugs are often found on the leaves, stems and flower buds of your plants. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Mealybugs are often found on the leaves, stems and flower buds of your plants. (Photos by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

White stuff on plants could be mealybugs

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 13, 2023
If you’ve noticed the presence of white, fluffy, cotton-like formations on your plants, chances are you’ve encountered one of the most common garden pests: mealybugs.