Agriculture

LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh displays a dead boxwood that has been affected by boxwood dieback. (Photo by V. Todd Miller/LSU AgCenter)

LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh displays a dead boxwood that has been affected by boxwood dieback. (Photo by V. Todd Miller/LSU AgCenter)

AgCenter takes boxwood disease training to Louisiana’s Nursery Capital

Harlan Kirgan
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Cutlines: The first thing one notices when exiting Interstate 49 to Forest Hill in Rapides Parish is mile upon mile of plant nurseries — the largest concentration in the state, according to one attendee of a boxwood dieback disease identification and management training presentation on Oct. 19.
Abundant nectar produced by goldenrod attracts pollinators such as bees. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Abundant nectar produced by goldenrod attracts pollinators such as bees. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Don’t blame the goldenrod — it’s the ragweed!

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 22, 2021
If you are like me, you suffer from seasonal allergies — sneezing, headaches, itchy eyes and cough, all due to pollen from local, native plants that bloom in autumn. Among many culprits, two of the most common are goldenrod and ragweed.
Gourds can be used to make decorative ornaments, utensils and even birdhouses. (Photo by Kiki Fontenot/LSU AgCenter)

Gourds can be used to make decorative ornaments, utensils and even birdhouses. (Photo by Kiki Fontenot/LSU AgCenter)

Spice up your home, garden with fall favorites

Harlan Kirgan
Saturday, October 16, 2021
The novelist Samuel Butler once said, “Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers, we more than gain in fruit.” Fortunately for the Gulf South, this isn’t exactly true, as many flowers are still in bloom.

Unwanted pesticide collection set in Crowley

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Agricultural producers, pesticide applicators and homeowners can drop off unwanted pesticides during the Unwanted Pesticide Pick-Up day from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Nov. 2 at Simplot Grower Solutions, 1110 West Mill St. in Crowley.
Pollen-producing sunflowers are perfect for home gardeners who are planting to support pollinators.

Pollen-producing sunflowers are perfect for home gardeners who are planting to support pollinators.

Sunflowers always face the sun

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 8, 2021
Perhaps one of the most brilliant and uplifting of flowers is the sunflower. Native to North America and made popular throughout Europe, this plant has a long history. Helen Keller once said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do.
Caption: A boxwood exhibiting random dieback of twigs caused by boxwood dieback disease. (Photo provided by Raj Singh)

Caption: A boxwood exhibiting random dieback of twigs caused by boxwood dieback disease. (Photo provided by Raj Singh)

LSU AgCenter to host boxwood dieback disease identification, management training

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 1, 2021
Boxwood dieback disease caused by a fungal plant pathogen is spreading at an alarming rate in the United States. LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh identified it in Louisiana and first reported in the United States in 2015.
Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo has been named a fall 2021 Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Photo by Craig Gautreaux/LSU AgCenter )

Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo has been named a fall 2021 Louisiana Super Plant selection. (Photo by Craig Gautreaux/LSU AgCenter )

Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo: A super selection for cool-season color

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, October 1, 2021
Just like the name suggests, Supertunias are epic and bold. This petunia series is an award winner and bestseller in garden centers across the U.S. This fall, the LSU AgCenter is adding Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo to the cool-season bedding plants on the Louisiana Super Plant list.
Renee Castro, LSU AgCenter area ag agent, examines shredded and browned tops of sugarcane that was impacted by Hurricane Ida’s strong winds in St. John the Baptist Parish, Sept. 8, 2021. Many cane stalks in this field, such as those to the left of Castro, were bent due to the wind impact. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Renee Castro, LSU AgCenter area ag agent, examines shredded and browned tops of sugarcane that was impacted by Hurricane Ida’s strong winds in St. John the Baptist Parish, Sept. 8, 2021. Many cane stalks in this field, such as those to the left of Castro, were bent due to the wind impact. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Louisiana agriculture suffers at least $584M in damage from Hurricane Ida

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
The Louisiana agriculture industry has suffered at least $584 million in damage after Hurricane Ida walloped the southeastern portion of the state last month with strong winds and flooding, according to a new report from LSU AgCenter experts.
Trees that are severely damaged should be removed by a licensed arborist. (LSU AgCenter file photo by Dan Gill)

Trees that are severely damaged should be removed by a licensed arborist. (LSU AgCenter file photo by Dan Gill)

Dealing with damaged trees after a storm

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 10, 2021
Originally published Oct. 16, 2020. Louisiana has had its fair share of storms this year. Many people are dealing with damaged trees after hurricanes Laura and Delta. According to LSU AgCenter specialists, Hurricane Laura alone took out 757,538 acres of timber.
Volunteers help to distribute hay donated for livestock affected by Hurricane Ida. (Photo by Christine Navarre/LSU AgCenter)

Volunteers help to distribute hay donated for livestock affected by Hurricane Ida. (Photo by Christine Navarre/LSU AgCenter)

Hurricane Ida ag damage could be extensive

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 3, 2021
LSU AgCenter agents are beginning the arduous task of damage assessment and recovery from Hurricane Ida.