Posts in LSU AgCenter
Louisiana Crops Newsletter: June 2025

Common rust may be the first disease found in corn fields and usually occurs in the lower-to-mid-canopy. Pustules of common rust are brick red to dark orange, somewhat elongated, and will appear on both leaf surfaces (Figure 1).Common rust will progress during relatively cool temperatures (60-75oF) combined with rainy weather or heavy dews (6 hours of leaf wetness), and cloudy weather; however, very rarely are fungicide applications warranted for common rust. Warmer temperatures (> 80oF) will greatly slow common rust development.

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LSU AgCenter Explains Feral Pig Problem, How They're Working to Control Population

Across Louisiana, the feral pig population continues to grow. They can be found in all 64 parishes, and the total number of feral pigs is around 900,000 in the state.

"When I first started this, I thought Texas had a pig problem, not Louisiana. However, when you look at the population estimates for the states and compare it by the land area, we have about the same density of feral pigs as Texas," LSU AgCenter's Interim Southeast Regional Director Glen Gentry said.

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American Sugar Cane League Announces New Variety Highlighting Successful Research Partnership

The American Sugar Cane League, in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the LSU AgCenter, has announced the release of USDS ARS HoCP 18-803, another new variety for Louisiana sugarcane farmers to utilize.

This milestone is the latest result of more than five decades of collaboration between the League and its research partners. It also stands as a clear example of what sustained investment and industry-wide commitment can deliver.

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LSU's Agriculture VP Matt Lee Will Serve as Interim President

Matt Lee, LSU's vice president for agriculture, will serve as the university's interim president starting July 1, the university said Monday.

He will serve as interim leader while the university conducts a national search for a permanent president. The announcement follows the news that LSU President William Tate IV will step down after June 30 to become president of Rutgers University in New Jersey.

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Loveland Products Wins AgExcellence Award For Grant That Supports Research, Professors

A seven-year collaboration between Loveland Products, Inc., and the LSU AgCenter is driving innovation in rice breeding and agricultural research. Through the LPI Research Station Support Fund, Loveland has provided critical resources that have enabled the AgCenter to expand its rice breeding program, launch impactful grant writing initiatives and support early-stage research projects.

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Louisiana Weekly Climate Summary: April 30-May 6, 2025

The Louisiana Drought Team (LDT), in coordination with the national USDM authors, agreed to “status-quo” across the state this week. Thus, D0 “abnormally dry” coverage was maintained but not expanded across portions of Cameron and Vermilion parishes. 

Several periods of rain during the 7-day monitoring period resulted in street/nuisance flooding in some areas, saturated or over-saturated soils, and rivers and streams rising to near or above flood stage. Moisture demands will be increasing as we move later through spring and into summer, but right now moisture reserves are more than sufficient to meet that increase. 

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The Alexandria Zoo & The LSU AgCenter's Effect On Low-Income Families

Low-income households frequently encounter significant barriers in accessing safe and affordable opportunities for physical activity. Many neighborhoods lack parks, recreational facilities and safe walking paths, making it difficult for families to engage in regular exercise. Interestingly, many zoos in the United States are situated in low-income areas, presenting a unique opportunity to address the lack of accessible recreational spaces.

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