Home > Lawn & Garden > Home Gardening > Fruits & Nuts > 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. Home Garden Strawberry Production [Image: Strawberries ready to harvest .] Strawberries are a good additon to any home garden. To be succeesful, gardenrs must obtain disease free plants of the right varieties and plant them correctly in a well prepared site. Harvest normally begins in mid March and last six to eight weeks. 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) Pecan Disease Synopsis [Image: Scab lesions on nuts] This document describes the diseases that occur most frequently on pecan trees in Louisiana.  more articles... 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. 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. February Best Time To Prune Fruit Trees February is the best time to prune most fruit trees in Louisiana. The coldest part of winter is usually over, and trees will soon be growing and can heal pruning injuries. Jefferson, Orleans Soil Contamination May Not Be As Serious As Feared LSU AgCenter experts say soil contamination in Jefferson and Orleans parishes from flooding after this summer’s hurricanes may not be as serious as originally feared. Initial results of tests conducted in October indicate no need for special preparations to the soils prior to planting and that there should be no danger for individuals digging or planting in the soil. Bug Biz: Twospotted Spider Mites in Strawberries [Image: spider mites] The twospotted spider mite is one of the most persistent and damaging pest problems affecting strawberry production in Louisiana. Damage, description, life cycle, monitoring, control information and color photos included. Spanish version also included. LSU AgCenter Faculty Checking New Orleans Soil, Plants [Image: LSU AgCenter faculty testing soil in Jefferson and Orleans parishes] Will the grass come back and how long will it be before vegetable gardens can be planted were questions on the minds of LSU AgCenter faculty members who recently toured the New Orleans area. Click for more information...