Agriculture

Northeast Louisiana farmers can learn about improving their rice and soybean crops at an upcoming LSU AgCenter rice and soybean field day July 14.
The event will start at 9 a.m. at the Elliot Colvin farm with a tour of rice research plots followed by a look at soybean variety demonstration plots. LSU AgCenter speakers will include rice breeder Steve Linscombe, agronomist Dustin Harrell, entomologist Natalie Hummel and rice specialist Johnny Saichuk. They will discuss potential varieties, nitrogen rates for Clearfield rice, rice insects and an update on the Rice Verification Program.

Dark brown or black blotches on the bottom of tomato fruit is a sure sign of blossom-end rot.

This problem shows up in many home vegetable gardens across Richland Parish each season. The first indication of blossom-end rot is a slight discoloration, water-soaked in appearance, occurring at the blossom-end (bottom) of the fruit.

This area enlarges rapidly, producing a brown or black sunken area. The skin over the affected area becomes dry and leathery. Blossom-end rot is caused by a shortage of calcium in developing fruit.

Fire blight is a bacterial disease destructive on many varieties of apples and pears but may also damage ornamental plants such as Bradford Pear.

Infection normally occurs during the bloom period followed by infection on leaves, twigs and stems which turn brown and black giving it a scorched appearance, hence the name “Fire Blight”. This year has been particularly bad due to ideal conditions for infection during the blooming period with many infected trees across the parish.

The most important cultural practice that homeowners with pecan trees should remember is proper fertilization.

Low fertility causes poor shoot growth, reduced nut set and increased susceptibility of the tree to disease and winter damage. In late spring and early summer, a properly fertilized pecan tree will have an abundance of dark green, healthy leaves forming a full canopy.

Annual terminal growth on a mature bearing tree should be 8-12 inches. A young non-bearing tree normally producers more growth.

Pecan trees should be fertilized in late winter to early spring.

Vegetable gardening is a favorite pastime for many individuals and families.

Homegrown vegetables are fresher and have higher nutrient value since they are harvested closer to their peak ripeness.

Homegrown vegetables usually cost less than if they were bought in a store.

Gardening provides a means of exercise, recreation, therapy and an opportunity for many to experience a closeness to nature. Statements from gardeners such as “let me show you my garden” or “I grew that” is quite common and give a sense of satisfaction on which a monetary value cannot be placed.

Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during the 75th Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Presented by Price LeBlanc Feb. 13-20 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

To qualify for the state show, competitors had to first participate in parish and district livestock shows across Louisiana. At the state show, more than 3,000 young people competed with more than 6,000 animals, according to the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show office.