Home > Lawn & Garden > Home Gardening > Fruits & Nuts > 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 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) Home Blueberry Production in Louisiana [Image: home blueberry production] Blueberries fit into any general home landscape design and can serve as hedges, borders or backgrounds. The blueberry’s native adaptation to both the soil and the climate of the Southeast makes it a productive fruit for Louisiana. Use these guidelines to sucessfully add blueberries to your home landscape. (PDF Format Only) Plant a citrus tree for home-grown fruit (Radio News 01/07/08) If you enjoyed Louisiana citrus during the past few months, you should consider growing your own. Planting a citrus tree starts with selecting the proper location says LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Dr. Bobby Fletcher. (Runtime: 60 seconds)  more articles... Pecan Disease Synopsis [Image: Scab lesions on nuts] This document describes the diseases that occur most frequently on pecan trees in Louisiana. Enjoying Blackberries for Pleasure and Profit [Image: Blackberries] Blackberries and dewberries are native to Louisiana, and many commercial varieties are well adapted to growing conditions of the state. They can be profitable commercial fruit crops. Blackberries also can be grown in the home garden with few or no pesticides. Types, recommended varieties, location of site, soil preparation, fertilization, pruning, and weed, disease and insect control included. Control Pecan Phylloxera Galls in April [Image: Pecan phylloxera galls] The article describes the symptoms and life history of pecan phylloxera on pecan trees. Pictures of symptoms and nymphs are provided. Blackberry Varieties for Louisiana [Image: Kiowa blackberry fruit] The article contains a brief description of blackberry varieties that are adapted to Louisiana. A description of primocane blackberries is also given. Protecting Citrus Trees from Freeze Damage [Image: citrus] Citrus trees, such as satsumas, oranges and grapefruit, are popular for home fruit production. Citrus trees offer gardeners beauty and fragrant flowers as well as a tasty fruit. Their dark, glossy evergreen foliage is attractive year round. Proper Harvesting and Storage of Pecans Improves Quality [Image: Photo of Cracked Pecans] The article provides a brief description of factors to consider when harvesting and storing pecans. Fruit Thinning Adds Quality [Image: Plum Overload Closeup] Fruit thinning is a time-consuming task that is often required to produce good quality fruit. It can be very beneficial for peach, plum and apple trees. Feijoa -- A Tasty Landscape Plant [Image: Feijoa Flowers] The article provides a brief description of feijoa. Information on selecting varieties and cultural practices are included. Growing Loquats in Louisiana [Image: Loquat ripe fruit] Loquat, sometimes called Japanese plum or Japanese Medlar, is an attractive small tree or shrub that is frequently planted in landscapes as an ornamental in Louisiana. The tree has large thick evergreen leaves, which thrives in most well-drained soils, can be used as an edible landscape plant. Selection and Care of Pecan Varieties for Louisiana Yards [Image: Selection and Care of Pecan Varieties for Louisiana Yards] The pecan tree is prevalent in Louisiana as a shade tree in the landscape and also as a source of nuts for home use. The recommended varieties for home planting are listed and described in this publication. More...