Nitrogen (N) is one of the most essential nutrients required for crop growth, development and reproduction. It is the building block of proteins, amino acids, chlorophyll and DNA. Plants require more nitrogen than any other mineral nutrient. Generally, the aboveground portion of the plant contains 3% to 4% nitrogen. Therefore, fertilizing with nitrogen sources is often required for maximizing crop yield and profit.
Read MoreWhile schools were letting out for the summer, the LSU AgCenter was hosting two sessions of Field Crops Insect Scout School to help train crop consultants, insect scouts, extension agents and others on what and how to look for insect pests and damage in field crops.
Read More“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster,” said 18th-century Irish satirist Jonathan Swift. Whether enjoyed fried, grilled, in a seafood gumbo or, perhaps most opinion dividing, raw, there is no denying the oyster’s impact on both Louisiana’s culture and seafood industry.
Oysters have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. Wealthy Greeks and Romans thought of them as a delicacy and an aphrodisiac. While the former is still true in many cultures, the latter is more debatable.
Read MoreWhile schools were letting out for the summer, the LSU AgCenter was hosting two sessions of Field Crops Insect Scout School to help train crop consultants, insect scouts, extension agents and others on what and how to look for insect pests and damage in field crops.
Read MoreThe LSU AgCenter has created a new extension agent position that is aimed at connecting commercial crawfish producers with valuable AgCenter research.
Todd Fontenot will now serve as the AgCenter’s area crawfish extension agent. He said his work in this new role will revolve around crawfish production that is in rotation with rice production.
Read MoreOnce they got started, Louisiana sweet potato farmers made quick work of planting this year’s crop. LSU AgCenter reporter Craig Gautreaux has this report from northeast Louisiana.
Read MoreFor the past two weeks, combines have been harvesting wheat fields across Louisiana. Producers have been pleased with the yields, and some are planting soybeans right behind their wheat crop.
Read MoreA group of more than 100 sugarcane growers, LSU AgCenter researchers and other interested parties assembled at Joby Beaud’s barn in the LaBarre community north of New Roads to hear the latest about new cane variety developments, weed control and other topics.
Read MoreCorralled by staff from the LSU AgCenter, the array of cars trundled through the countryside outside Lafayette, stopping periodically at small farms along the route. It was the AgCenter's sustainable farm tour and, by all accounts, there was plenty to see.
Sustainable agriculture (in this case farming) is farming as it was before the arrival of the modern supermarket system, with smaller farms growing and serving local, fresh produce.
Read MoreLeaders from several countries recently attended the Sustaining Our Seas conference to discuss illegal fishing off Africa’s coast and a host of other national and international issues.
The meeting was hosted by the LSU AgCenter in Baton Rouge and sponsored by the Sustainable Economic and Educational Development Solutions (SEEDS) Institute.
Read MoreVegetable growers all over Louisiana are facing southern bacterial wilt and bacterial spot in tomatoes and pepper production.
LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh said Southern bacterial wilt is caused by the soil-borne bacterium, Ralstonia solanacearum.
Read MoreLSU AgCenter rice researchers are inviting producers and industry professionals to the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station for its annual field day to be held here on Wednesday, June 28.
Read MoreNestled in Franklin Parish, the small community of Crowville, Louisiana, has one corner store, one restaurant and one dollar store — but no grocery store.
Before last summer, residents who wanted fresh fruits and vegetables had to travel to neighboring Winnsboro. Thanks to a group of passionate community leaders, the local Dollar General now features a produce section.
Read MoreHurricane season is once again upon us, and the LSU AgCenter has recommendations to mitigate potential damage and losses to yards, homes and pets as well as tips for keeping food and cleaning supplies on hand.
A fairly average hurricane season thanks to a strong La Niña, 2022 saw 14 named storms — including eight hurricanes, two of which were major.
Read MoreLSU students graduating in the dietetics concentration have once again achieved an exceptional feat, securing a 100% match rate to internships for the fourth consecutive year. A total of twenty-four LSU graduates will embark on internships at institutions across the nation.
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