Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Louisiana Recommendations for Control of Pecan Insects in Commercial Pecan Orchards: An Illustrated Guide [Image: Spraying Pecan Trees with an Air-Blast Sprayer] Current insecticide recommendations for commercial pecan orchards in Louisiana. This illustrated guide provides information on insecticides, rates of application, and timing of applications. For each insect listed, a photo of the insect, damage caused by the insect or both are provided. Prime Time for Sweet Potatoes [Image: harvesting sweet potatoes] The LSU AgCenter leads with the world’s most popular and best-tasting sweet potato, the Beauregard. In fact, if it hadn’t been for the introduction of this variety, way back in 1987, the sweet potato industry probably wouldn’t exist today in the state. In 2006, the most recent figures, the contribution that sweet potatoes made to the Louisiana economy was more than $100 million. Citrus and Freezing Temperatures The cold weather we typically receive now through January can cause problems for home and commercial citrus in our area. It is important to know the critical temperatures and the factors affecting them. Louisiana's Suggested Chemical Weed Control Guide [Image: 2008 weed guide cover] This guide includes helpful information on herbicides and weed control with detailed suggestions for aquatics, commercial nursery stock, field crops, forestry, fruit crops, home gardens, lawns and many other Louisiana crops. It includes information on different types of herbicide registrations, as well as information on herbicide labels and restricted uses. Also included are sprayer calibration techniques, suggestions for reducing herbicide drift and a guide to proper spray tip selection.  more articles... Removing and Collecting Plastic Mulch [Image: Plastic mulch lifter] The use of plastic mulch is a common practice for strawberry and vegetable growers, but there are two major problems with plastic mulch: it is expensive to install and at some point it has to be removed from the field. Several machines are available that help simplify the removal of the mulch. Citrus Leaf Miner Management [Image: Damage caused by the citrus leafminer] Citrus trees that survived hurricane damage may have lost significant amounts of foliage. These trees could experience a strong flush as they start their own healing process. This is very important because new foliage will provide nutrients needed for winter survival and faster tree recovery. Producers must implement practices to protect from additional leaf loss which can be caused by the citrus leafminer. Iberia Station Update - June 27, 2008 [Image: iberia update June 27] The best plots at the Iberia Research Station are about 8 feet tall and varietal differences in height and plant population are evident. Knifing Carrots [Image: Carrot knives] When growing carrots for commercial production, it is helpful to run a knife in the soil beside the rows. This breaks up any soil compaction, allowing the carrot roots to grow straight. Bioenergy exhibit big hit in Washington [Image: Audubon sugar faculty receiving an award] LSU AgCenter’s participation at the Biomass and Energy Awareness Days (BEAD II) EXPO in Washington, D.C., June 19-22, was a success. Field Notes 6/23/08: Shealth Blight, Iron, and Nealley Sprangletop [Image: sheath blight] Photographs and accompanying text on rice plant growth stage, rice disease identification and control measures, weed identification, and iron problematic issues in rice fields Rice Research Station Sweet Sorghum blog -June 20, 2008 [Image: rice station plot on June 20 - 1] A lot has happened since my last blog. Let me see if I can get you caught up…On Friday, June 20, we began to see a few heads emerge from the flag leaf of the Dale and the Theis varieties. Field Notes 6/18/08: Borers, Bugs, and Wind Damage [Image: rice stalk borer] Photographs and accompanying text on firing of rice leaf tips and rice insect pest identification and control. Sweet sorghum research progress (Southeast Research Station, Franklinton, LA) - June 16, 2008 [Image: Southeast station plot - June16] Field was sprayed right after planting with 1 quart/acre of Atrazine as a pre-emergence herbicide. Sweet Sorghum at the Hill Farm Research Station [Image: Hill Farm Sweet Sorghum test 1] The sweet sorghum varieties Dale, M81-E, Theis, and Topper were planted in a variety trial at the Hill Farm Research Station on April 16, 2008. More...