Home > News Archive > 2006 > August > Radio & TV > Weather Causes Fluctuations In Crop Prices [Image: Crop Prices] (TV News 08/28/06) Cotton likes dry, hot weather, but the weather Louisiana saw in July was so hot and so dry that even the cotton started to suffer. Experts say timely rains have helped the state's crop rebound, but drought conditions persist elsewhere, and the crop in those parts of the country still is suffering. (Runtime: 1 minute, 21 seconds) Dry Conditions Earlier In Summer Still Affecting Insect Populations (Radio News 08/28/06) While recent rains have offered relief to the dry start of summer, the effects of the dry weather persist in the insect populations. LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says the dry weather definitely affected honey production. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Cicada Killers Appear Menancing But Are Not (Radio News 08/28/06) Large populations of a threatening-looking insects are alarming some area residents. But LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says you really don't have much reason to worry. These wasp-looking insects get their name because they prey on cicadas. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Bark Lice Responsible For Webbing On Tree Trunks (Radio News 8/28/06) Homeowners may notice thin webbing forming on the trunks of their trees. This webbing and the tiny insects causing it are appearing a little earlier than normal this year, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet, who says these signs of bark lice usually aren't seen until later in September. (Runtime: 60 seconds)  more articles... Industry Interested In New Sugarcane Varieties (Radio New 08/28/06) Lately varieties are a top concern of sugarcane growers. For a decade growers relied on one variety to perform well for them and the variety called LCP 85-384 did. But in recent years it has become vulnerable to the serious disease sugarcane rust. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Success Does Not Stop Variety Research (Radio News 08/28/06) The sugarcane variety development program is the primary research at the LSU AgCenter’s St. Gabriel Research Station. Even though breeders have developed outstanding varieties in the past, their pursuit continues. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Sugarcane Growers Have New Options When Planting [Image: Sugarcane Varieties] (TV News 08/21/06) Sugarcane growers have two new options when planting cane. Two varieties were released this year, allowing growers to diversify their fields. (Runtime: 1 minute 34 seconds) Prices Drop For Corn And Soybeans (Radio New 08/21/06) The weather has played a significant role in crop prices this year. LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says dry weather early in the season hurt corn and soybean production but helped prices. Then favorable weather moved into parts of the Midwest and improved the outlook for the crops but lowered prices. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Dry Weather Causes Fluctuations In Cotton Prices (Radio News 08/21/06) Weather conditions are leading to spikes and declines in crop prices. Dry, hot weather has persisted in some areas of the country, and LSU AgCenter economist Dr. Kurt Guidry says the cotton crop is suffering. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Routine Helps Youngsters Ease Into School Year (Radio News 08/21/06) Students are returning to classrooms, and LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe says parents can help youngsters get excited about the new school year. She says following a routine will help children adjust to their new school schedules and staying organized will help ease the transition. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Anxiety Normal In Displaced Students Starting New School Year (Radio News 08/21/06) The start of a new school year can cause anxiety in youngsters, but this year it can be especially hard on students who were displaced following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (Runtime: 60 seconds) School Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility (Radio News 08/21/06) Bright yellow school buses have returned to our streets, and everyone can do their part to make sure students get to and from school safely, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. She points out that school bus transportation is safe, but motorists need to be extra vigilant when school is in session. (Runtime: 60 seconds) Rice Breeders Improve On Variety Lines [Image: Rice Varieties] (TV News 08/14/06) Rice breeding is the backbone of the LSU AgCenter's rice research. The scientists continuously strive to improve upon existing varieties, and they currently are working on conventional and Clearfield lines. (Runtime: 1 minute, 40 seconds) Dehydration Threatens Out-of-practice Student Athletes (Radion News 08/14/06) Student athletes are be hitting the practice and playing fields. But before they do, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says they must make sure they are properly hydrated. (Runtime: 60 seconds) More...