Home > News Archive > 2006 > April > West Nile Risk Lower But Vaccinations Still Necessary [Image: Horses] (Video News 04/24/06) Horses are at risk for a number of diseases. Several years ago West Nile virus caused a scare for horse owners. While the scare has died down, the need for vaccinations against West Nile virus is still very important. (Runtime: 1 minute, 28 seconds) Salt Leaves Rice Fields Barren [Image: Rice] (Video News 04/17/06) The effects of Hurricane Rita linger in rice fields scattered across Southwest Louisiana. The storm surge brought in salt and salt water that, because of little rainfall, have stuck around. (Runtime 1 minute, 43 seconds) LSU AgCenter Agents Working To Help St. Bernard Students Find ‘Release’ [Image: St. Bernard Unified School student works on rocket project] (Distributed 04/28/06) LSU AgCenter 4-H agents are working with students in St. Bernard Parish to help them find things to do and ways to take their minds off the devastation all around them. Rains Bring Some Relief, But Farmers Need More (Distributed 04/27/06) Heavy rains that moved across South Louisiana this week (April 25-26) brought a little relief to some Louisiana farmers, but they weren’t enough to allay all concerns for the current growing season.  more articles... LSU AgCenter To Focus On Developing Bio-based Energy (Distributed 04/26/06) Louisiana farmers and forest producers could find a silver lining in the cloud of rising fuel prices – with the development of new fuels from crops they already grow or could grow. Two New Sugarcane Varieties Ready For Louisiana Farmers (Distributed 04/26/06) Louisiana sugarcane farmers are going to have the opportunity to diversify their sugarcane crops with the release of two new sugarcane varieties. LSU AgCenter Merges Departments, Closes Dairy (Distributed 04/21/06) The LSU AgCenter received approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors today (April 21) to move ahead with part of its exigency plan to reduce costs. This first step involves merging two academic departments and closing one of its three dairies. June Beetles Early This Year (Radio 04/24/06) It’s only April, but the so-called June beetles already are showing up. The first sign of these early insects are the immature white grubs that feed on the roots of several lawn grasses. June bugs feed at night and prefer the foliage of oaks and several nut trees. Their voracious appetite can surprise homeowners. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Leave Honeybee Removal To Professionals (Radio 04/24/06) This is the time of year honeybees start new colonies, and the dry weather has bees searching for water sources, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. If you have a problem with swarms of bees or bees in walls, do not try to remove them yourself. Call a professional. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Armyworms Damage Lawns And Fields (Radio 04/24/06) Outbreaks of armyworms are occurring around the state, cording to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. Many sugarcane farmers have reported seeing armyworms in their fields. While the worms won’t cause serious damage to sugarcane, they can cause problems in other areas. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Aphids, Leaf Miners Causing Problems For Gardeners (Radio 04/24/06) Aphids are infesting daylilies, roses and many vegetables, and LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says these small insects can cause big problems for plants. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Caterpillar Populations High This Year (Radio 04/24/06) Caterpillars are making their spring appearance, and populations seem to be almost as heavy as last year. Eastern tent caterpillars and forest tent caterpillars won’t harm people or pets, but they can damage trees, says LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Sufficient Rain Unlikely As Homeowners, Farmers Face Drought (Distributed 04/19/06) Much of South Louisiana is enduring a drought that traces back as much as a year or more. Worse yet, experts say the effects of dryness now could be more serious for home landscapes and some crops as we progress through May and June. Louisiana Agricultural Value Down In 2005; Further Decreases Anticipated (Distributed 04/19/06) The overall value of Louisiana’s agricultural production was down by $1 billion last year, and officials warn the long-term effects of the 2005 hurricanes could mean even more decreases. More...