Agriculture

Cutline: Brayden Blanchard stands next to sugarcane plants on crossing carts at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Cutline: Brayden Blanchard stands next to sugarcane plants on crossing carts at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

Exclusive Subscriber Content

AgCenter researcher aims to improve crop through quantitative genetics

Olivia McClure / omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
ST. GABRIEL — Growing up on a farm in St. Martinville, Brayden Blanchard knew he wanted to make a living doing something related to sugarcane — the crop his family has cultivated for five generations.
Felipe Dalla Lana, left, and Vinson Doyle, both of the LSU AgCenter, look at rice plants in a greenhouse while visiting the Philippines for an International Rice False Smut Consortium workshop. (Photo provided by the International Rice Research Institute)

Felipe Dalla Lana, left, and Vinson Doyle, both of the LSU AgCenter, look at rice plants in a greenhouse while visiting the Philippines for an International Rice False Smut Consortium workshop. (Photo provided by the International Rice Research Institute)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

AgCenter researchers join study of disease posing growing threat to rice

Olivia McClure / omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu
Monday, December 9, 2024
A disease called false smut is posing a growing threat to the global rice crop, and LSU AgCenter scientists are part of an international group working to learn more about the problem. Felipe Dalla Lana, a plant pathologist at the AgCenter H.
Supertunia Vista Bubblegum petunias are a vibrant choice for cool-season gardens. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Supertunia Vista Bubblegum petunias are a vibrant choice for cool-season gardens. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Out with the old, in with the new: Time for cool-season color in the Louisiana garden

From The LSU AgCenter
Friday, November 22, 2024
From the LSU AgCenter The familiar saying “out with the old, in with the new” is probably not something many folks associate with fall or winter. The adage is more likely to conjure visions of activities like spring cleaning — and the sense of renewal that comes with that season. But guess what?

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Fertilize soil not the plant

From the Eunice Bulb & Blossom Garden Club
Friday, November 15, 2024
Fertilizers improve soil health so that the essential nutrients are available for a plant to soak up through its roots. All plants need rich fertile soil to grow their best and stay healthy. Adding nutrients already plentiful in the soil may cause more harm than good for the plant.
To get a look at a tree’s roots before purchasing, gently slip it out of its container. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

To get a look at a tree’s roots before purchasing, gently slip it out of its container. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

It’s a good time to plant a tree. Here’s how to decide on one that’s right for you.

From The LSU AgCenter
Friday, November 15, 2024
If you’ve been thinking about adding a tree to your yard, now is the time to do it. And if you haven’t given it much thought, now is a perfect opportunity to consider planting a tree. Trees, in short, are great.
PVL03, a widely grown rice variety developed by the LSU AgCenter, was recently found to have a low glycemic index. (Photo provided by Horizon Ag)

PVL03, a widely grown rice variety developed by the LSU AgCenter, was recently found to have a low glycemic index. (Photo provided by Horizon Ag)

Louisiana’s most widely grown rice variety has low glycemic index

Olivia McClure / omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
People in Louisiana love to eat rice. So when an LSU AgCenter-developed rice variety offering a low glycemic index and a boost in protein hit store shelves a couple of years ago, customers took notice.
LSU graduate student Brandi Misiaszek standing around different privets and ornamentals that she has used to study the habits of the ligustrum weevil at a greenhouse at the LSU AgCenter Doyle Chambers Central Research Station. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

LSU graduate student Brandi Misiaszek standing around different privets and ornamentals that she has used to study the habits of the ligustrum weevil at a greenhouse at the LSU AgCenter Doyle Chambers Central Research Station. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

Weevil may be the solution to an invasive species

Anthony Bailey / anthonybailey@agcenter.lsu.edu
Friday, November 1, 2024
Throughout the southeastern United States, an invasive species, Chinese privet, has been entering and taking over land at an exceptional rate. The shrub produces thousands of small, green and purple fruits that are eaten by animals and spread with notable efficiency.
The leaves of Florida Sunshine anise emit a licorice-like scent when handled. The fragrance is pleasant to people and helps repel deer. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

The leaves of Florida Sunshine anise emit a licorice-like scent when handled. The fragrance is pleasant to people and helps repel deer. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Florida Sunshine anise brightens shady spots with cheery chartreuse foliage

From The LSU AgCenter
Friday, October 25, 2024
Each year, the LSU AgCenter names at least four plants to be included in the ever-growing list of Louisiana Super Plant selections. Super Plants are tried and true, tested and tough. They’ve proven themselves to be successful in all parts of the state.
Take care to keep mulch from touching the base of the tree trunk. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Take care to keep mulch from touching the base of the tree trunk. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

‘Mulch’ ado about nothing? Actually, it’s pretty important

From The LSU AgCenter
Friday, October 18, 2024
If you use mulch in your landscape, chances are it has thinned out over the summer and is in need of refreshing. If you’ve been putting off this chore, consider this: Mulching isn’t just about aesthetics.
The delicate pink Confederate rose flower (Hibiscus mutabilis) is captivating with its soft, enchanting hues and large, showy blooms. (Photo by Glenda Balliviero.)

The delicate pink Confederate rose flower (Hibiscus mutabilis) is captivating with its soft, enchanting hues and large, showy blooms. (Photo by Glenda Balliviero.)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Get It Growing Calendars return for 2025

Anthony Bailey / anthonybailey@agcenter.lsu.edu
Friday, October 11, 2024
The LSU AgCenter is once again releasing a Get It Growing calendar for 2025, giving gardeners and plant lovers a new horticulture resource with tips on gardening and sublime pictures.