Home > Communications > Publications > Catalog > Lawn & Garden > sub-topics Backyard Composting Best Management Practices Equipment Fruits Insect & Disease Control Landscaping Master Gardener Trees Turfgrass Vegetables Water Quality Weed Control Louisiana Plant Pathology: Southern Root-knot Nematode on Vegetables [Image: southern root-knot nematode] The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a widespread problem in Louisiana. This pest favors the soils where most vegetables are produced and has been found in about 25 percent of the vegetable gardens in our state. This nematode can be extremely damaging to some crops and causes severe losses. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana Plant Pathology: Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot of Sweet Potato [Image: sweet potatoes] Sclerotium rolfsii is a soilborne fungus that causes southern blight on a wide variety of plants. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of Sclerotial Blight and Circular Spot. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana Plant Pathology: Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl [Image: tomato yellow leaf curl] Tomato yellow leaf curl is a relatively new whitefly-transmitted virus disease of tomatoes in the United States. It was first observed in South Florida in 1997 and has since spread throughout much of the Southeast, including Louisiana where it was first observed in 2000. Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of this disease of tomatoes. (PDF Format Only) Disease Management in Home Vegetable Gardens [Image: home vegetable gardnes] This publication is intended to introduce home vegetable gardeners to the various methods used to manage the many diseases that affect these crops.  more articles... Turf Maintenance for Athletic Fields [Image: turf maintenance] A properly constructed and maintained playing surface is an important component of the overall athletic facility. This publication includes information on the construction and maintence of athletic field turfgrass. Zero Turning Radius Mowers: Selection, Use, Maintenance & Safety [Image: mowers] This publication is intended to help you select the correct zero turning radius mower for your purpose, then use it and maintain it correctly and safely. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana Plant Pathology: Fire Blight [Image: fire blight] Fire blight is a common and serious disease of certain members of the pome fruit subgroup of the rose family. This article discusses how the disease develops and steps to manage it. (PDF Format only) Louisiana Plant Pathology: Southern Blight [Image: southern blight] Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of the disease known as southern blight. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana Plant Pathology: Tomato Pith Necrosis [Image: tomato pith necrosis] Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This article is intended to aid in the identification and management of tomato pith necrosis. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana Lawns Best Management Practices (BMPs) [Image: Louisiana Lawns BMPs] Following the best management practices (BMPs) given here should help keep your lawn in good condition. A healthy and properly cared for lawn will resist weeds and other pest problems; thus, a minimum of pesticide products will be needed. Basic lawn care consists of proper fertilizing, watering and mowing and appropriate pest management, as needed. Sod Production in Louisiana [Image: sod production] Interest in commercial sod production has risen because of increased demand for an instant turf by many building contractors and their customers. This publication discusses basic cultural practices and equipment required to produce quality sod. (PDF Only - Rev 04/08) Louisiana Plant Pathology: Phytophthora Blight of Peppers [Image: Phytophthora Blight of Peppers] Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in the identification and management of phytophthora blight on peppers. Louisiana Plant Pathology: Foliar Diseases of Watermelon [Image: diseases of watermelon] Proper identification is the key to successful disease management. This fact sheet is intended to aid in distinguishing among three common foliar diseases of watermelon. (PDF Format Only) Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide [Image: Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide] Use this guide to plant a successful vegetable garden. The information has been developed after considerable research and practical experience. More...