Hammond Research Station Super for 2016 Sweet Potato Roots page 22 page 29 page 34

Vol. 59, No. 2, Spring 2016

Louisiana Specialty

Louisiana , Spring 2016 1 Specialty Block Grants Enhance AgCenter Research

Rick Bogren EDITORIAL BOARD: John S. Russin, Chairman Over the past several years, the LSU AgCenter has received grants totaling more than Linda Foster Benedict $750,000 for research and promotion projects to support specialty crops in Louisiana. Rick Bogren They’re part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture competitive grant program that pro- Melissa Cater vides funding for a range of specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, Daniel Fromme dried fruits, , and nursery crops, including . Glen Gentry Funding comes from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to enhance compet- Christopher Green Kurt M. Guidry itiveness of specialty crops. The grants are awarded through the Louisiana Department of Claudia Husseneder Agriculture and Forestry. Kathy Kramer Recent specialty crop grants support the AgCenter projects: Megan La Peyre • Increase the safety and competitiveness of Louisiana pecans by developing a safe, economical way to thermally treat pecans in a way that does not adverse- EDITOR: Linda Foster Benedict ly affect the pecans’ taste and quality but will be consistent with increasing safe- ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Rick Bogren ty standards. DESIGNER: Kathy Kramer • Combat the spread of bacterial wilt, which is causing severe losses to Louisiana CONTRIBUTORS: Tammi Arender, Tobie tomato, eggplant and pepper growers by creating and disseminating new man- Blanchard, Elma Sue McCallum, Johnny agement tactics involving resistant rootstock lines grafted to popular tomato Morgan, Olivia McClure and Bruce Schultz varieties. • Increase the marketability of Louisiana sweet potatoes by studying the nutri- Louisiana Agriculture is published quarterly tional content of new varieties and providing information to producers for prod- by the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment uct labeling. Reduce the harmful effects on growth and yield of sweet potatoes Station. Subscriptions are free. You may also subscribe to a Web version of the magazine, due to off-target movement or drift of by documenting the effects of which is available at www.LSUAgCenter. reduced rates of 2,4-D and dicamba and providing the results to local com. Please go to the “Louisiana Agriculture growers. Improve management options for the sugarcane beetle through inte- Magazine” site if you would like to receive grated pest management to benefit the Louisiana sweet potato industry. an email notification when a new issue is online. If you would like to download • Increase marketability and sales of Louisiana specialty crops by providing pro- the magazine to your e-reader, go to the ducers with training on using Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Han- magazine’s website, choose the correct dling Practices (GHP). Workshops provide producers with knowledge about format, and follow the directions on your these programs and the tools to implement them. mobile device. For more information or to subscribe, please contact: • Promote the purchase of Louisiana specialty crops and improve youth nutrition Linda Foster Benedict, Editor through a program to promote the consumption of Louisiana specialty crops in Louisiana Agriculture 115 Knapp Hall schools and other institutions. 110 LSU Union Square • Promote the production and sales of Louisiana olives by creating a demonstra- Baton Rouge, LA 70803 (225) 578-2263 tion olive to study the varieties that will best produce in Louisiana and [email protected] how best to manage and raise them, and use the results to inform and promote production. • Raise sod producers’ awareness of zoysia shade tolerance by investigating vari- ety selection, establishment methods and production times for saleable sod and informing consumers of the benefits of zoysia as a grass for home or commer- cial lawns. • Promote the selection and evaluation of new ornamental plants, with empha- sis on native and naturalized species, for nursery production and landscape use www.LSUAgCenter.com in Louisiana. • Enhance competitiveness of Louisiana specialty crop growers through Market- William B. Richardson, LSU Vice President for Agriculture Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Maker, a comprehensive interactive database of food industry marketing and Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station business information. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service LSU College of Agriculture • Determine the best course of action to mitigate the potential disease epidem- ic vectored by the Asian citrus psylid by studying the insect and the pathogens The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities involved. in programs and employment.. • Identify and promote plants that perform exceptionally well in Louisiana The mention of a or use of a trade name for any product is intended only as a report of research and does through the Super Plants program to serve all producers and retailers in the not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the state. Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, nor does it imply that a mentioned product is superior to other products of a similar nature not mentioned. Uses of discussed here have not necessarily been approved by governmental Rick Bogren is a professor in AgCenter Communications. regulatory agencies. Information on approved uses normally appears on the manufacturer’s label.

2 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 Features 2 Specialty Crop Block Grant Enhance AgCenter Research Rick Bogren 4 AgCenter News

6 College of Ag News 14 8 Louisiana’s Diverse Specialty Crop Industry Allen Owings 9 Louisiana Pecan and Fig Production Remain Strong While Peaches Fade Johnny Morgan 10 Researching Roses in the Bayou State Allen Owings 12 Plants with Potential: An Ornamental Material Awareness Program Jason Stagg, Allen Owings and Gina Hebert 14 Evaluating Public Health Pesticides on Honeybee Health and Mortality Kristen Healy 18 16 St. James Ag Day Promotes Food Literacy Johnny Morgan 17 Let Us Eat Lettuce William Afton 18 Growing Great Home Tomatoes Kathryn Fontenot 20 Will the Real Creole Tomato Please Stand Up? Kathryn Fontenot and Robert Williams 22 Hammond Research Station Keeps Up with Changing Times Rick Bogren 24 Dan Gill 26 Chilli Thrips Control, Identification and Management 26 Yan Chen, Steven Arthurs and Dennis Ring 27 Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Threatens Summer’s Most Popular Tree Yan Chen and Rodrigo Diaz 29 Louisiana Super Plants New Selections for 2016 Allen Owings 33 30 Super Plant Past Selections 32 Virginia Buttonweed: No. 1 Weed Problem Of Southern Lawns Ron Strahan 33 Chamberbitter: Invasive and Difficult to Control Ron Strahan 34 Revealing the Hidden Half: Development of a Low-Cost Aeroponics Growth System as a Tool for Sweet Potato Root Research Arthur Villordon

ON THE COVER: A wide range of specialty crops, including sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops, make a significant contribution to the Louisiana economy. Research in the AgCenter supports these crops and markets in a variety of ways.

Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 3 AgCenter News Scientist uses ‘nanosalt’ to reduce sodium in foods Marvin Moncada, an LSU AgCenter food scientist, has found a way to use less salt in foods without sacrificing flavor. Moncada developed nanosalt, which is a powder made of salt par- ticles about 1,000 times smaller than kosher salt. By reducing the size of the particles to make a powder instead of coarse granules, the salt can cover more surface area of foods and enhance the perception of saltiness. Nanosalt is the first product of its kind, and Moncada is hoping to market it after completing more lab tests. It offers a natural route to re- ducing the sodium content of foods, instead of using salt substitutes like potassium chloride. Moncada recently used the nanosalt to make cheese crackers — a popular snack food, but one laden with sodium. The nanosalt crack- ers had up to 50 percent less sodium than their commercially available counterparts. In sensory tests, a majority of consumers said they’d be willing to purchase the nanosalt crackers if they were available, Moncada said. Another potential use for the nanosalt is in nebulizers for asth- ma treatment, Moncada said. His nanosalt particles are slightly smaller than those currently used in most nebulizers, which would offer more salt particles in the solution, he said. Marvin Moncada, an LSU AgCenter food scientist, has developed nanosalt, a powder made of salt particles about 1,000 times smaller than kosher salt. Moncada has worked on the nanosalt project with AgCenter bio- He is seen in this photo working with the nanospray drier used to make the logical engineer Cristina Sabliov and dairy foods technology researcher nanosalt. Photo by Olivia McClure Kayanush Aryana. Olivia McClure

71 earn advanced Master status Potential new rice Seventy-one Master received The Louisiana Master Gardener program varieties on the horizon certification as the first class of advanced was started in Baton Rouge in 1994 to extend One or two breeding lines of rice will master Gardeners during a ceremony in New the educational outreach of the AgCenter’s be chosen this year for seed increases that Orleans on May 12. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. could result in the first variety release for These volunteers have received an ad- To become a Master Gardener, an individ- new rice technology called ditional two years of training, which includ- ual must complete a 50-hour training pro- Provisia. ed obtaining a private pesticide applicator li- gram and in the first year volunteer 40 hours. At field days in May, LSU AgCenter rice cense and completing five core classes. In succeeding years they must give 20 hours breeder Steve Linscombe said whichever Participants also completed two inter- of service each year and complete six con- is selected will undergo a seed increase in est-area classes and passed an exam on horti- tinuing education hours. Johnny Morgan Puerto Rico next winter for a possible re- culture concepts. lease in 2017. “The good news is by 2018, we should have plenty of seed available.” Provisia will provide farmers with an al- ternative technology to fight red rice, ex- tending the viability of Clearfield rice, which is a herbicide-resistant rice that has allowed farmers to control red rice, a weed that plagues the rice industry in Louisiana. The AgCenter released the first Clear- field variety in 2002, but outcrosses of red rice with the Clearfield trait have been causing farmers problems in recent years. Provisia is expected to control those prob- lems. The new technology discovered by BASF has been in development for the past four years. Linscombe also said he will identify one or two lines of Clearfield Jazzman this year for seed increases in Puerto Rico this win- ter, and a new variety could be chosen next year. Bruce Schultz

Many of the 71 new advanced Master Gardeners participated in a ceremony in New Orleans to receive their certificates. Photo by Johnny Morgan 4 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 AgCenter News

Workshop promotes USDA grant to aid grass-fed beef study agritourism LSU AgCenter researchers have received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Keachi Acres in DeSoto Parish is more to study the production and marketing of grass-fed beef. than just a destination. It’s recreation in its Guillermo Scaglia, who conducts beef cattle research at the AgCenter Iberia Research Sta- most natural form started by Mary Nesbitt tion, is working with AgCenter economists to evaluate grass-fed beef breeds and ways to mar- as an agritourism business in 1999. ket and deliver the beef. Nesbitt hosted an LSU AgCenter agri- In the next three years, Scaglia will study four breeds of cattle – Angus, Brangus, Holstein tourism business workshop for landowners and Pineywoods – fed solely on one year-round system of forages such as grasses. He will de- on May 10. termine productivity, grazing behavior and meat quality by studying characteristics such as The workshop attracted about 50 peo- tenderness and fat content. ple who wanted to know more about us- This is a continuation of research Scaglia has been doing on grass-fed beef. He spent sever- ing their property as an agritourism al years identifying forage systems and that work best in the Gulf South. Now, he is looking at destination. breed types. “The workshop focused on teaching ag- “We will look at the type of carcasses and beef these breed types can produce,” Scaglia ritourism operators how to engage their said. Grass-fed beef yields meat that is less fatty and has a different texture than grain-fed visitors through a variety of topics: recre- cattle. ation, lodging, food systems and nature,” AgCenter economist Jeff Gillespie will delve further into what the market wants. The econ- said AgCenter agritourism coordinator omist will study how strategic alliances can be formed among producers, restaurants and gro- Dora Ann Hatch. “Agritourism offers an ex- cery stores. perience for those who are not familiar with Part of his plan is to study farm-to-market structures that the beef industry is already using. farm settings to learn in a fun atmosphere “We plan to study the needs of grocery store and restaurant managers and see what they where food and fiber come from.” prefer and what agreements they might enter into,” Gillespie said. Tobie Blanchard The workshop featured guest speakers who already own an agritourism business, like Nesbitt and Evan McCommon, who AgCenter scientists develop cataract-reducing eye drops owns Mahaffey Farms in Princeton, in Boss- ier Parish. LSU AgCenter scientists A focus of the workshop was to encour- have formulated a nanoparti- age potential operators to get their state cle matrix that could be used agritourism certification, Hatch said. in eye drops to both prevent Tammi Arender and treat cataracts, a lead- ing cause of vision loss in old- er adults. Professor Cristina Sabliov New sugarcane and assistant professor Car- variety on the way los Astete in the Department The latest sugarcane variety to be re- of Biological and Agricultur- leased shows some positive characteris- al Engineering have found a tics. Known as HoCP 09-804, the new vari- way to use nanoparticles to ety was bred and selected at the USDA-ARS efficiently deliver hydropho- Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, said bic lutein and enhance its sta- AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth bility and antioxidant prop- Gravois. erties so it can be used effec- tively in eye drops. The process of releasing a new variety Professor Cristina Sabliov, left, and assistant professor Carlos Astete, is a cooperative effort and concludes by a Lutein is a naturally occur- of the LSU AgCenter Department of Biological and Agricultural vote of the three sugarcane organizations – ring yellow pigment known Engineering, have formulated a nanoparticle matrix that could be the American Sugar Cane League, the LSU as a carotenoid, and it can used in eye drops to both prevent and treat cataracts. Photo by Olivia McClure AgCenter and USDA-ARS. This cooperative be found in the human eye. effort of the three agencies dates back to Studies have shown that di- the mid-1920s. etary supplements can help replenish ocular lu- cataracts occur, Sabliov said. Improving lutein’s HoCP 09-804 proved its ability to with- tein. But treatments using lutein have been lim- stability would also help it remain in the lens, stand lodging, or falling over, following Hur- ited in the past by the substance’s poor water potentially preventing future damage. ricane Isaac in 2011. “After that storm, I was solubility, its susceptibility to degradation and “This new product would have the unique really impressed to see that it was one of low absorption efficiency. advantage of both being able to prevent cata- the few varieties still standing,” Gravois said. “The nanoparticle matrix can deliver lutein racts before they start or to treat cataracts after The variety will be distributed by the to the eye efficiently as an eye drop formula- they form,” she said. American Sugar Cane League to growers tion,” Sabliov said. “Direct application of lutein Traditional treatment involves surgical re- for planting this year, and growers will nor- to the eye in this formulation improves its effect moval of cataracts from the eye lens. The lutein mally buy 10 to 25 tons to begin growing against cataracts.” eye drops could offer an effective, non-surgical their seed cane for next year. The nanoparticle matrix may enhance the and more accessible treatment option. Johnny Morgan benefits of lutein by preventing it from disinte- The AgCenter is in the process of patenting grating before it collects in the eye lens, where the technology. Olivia McClure Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 5 College of Ag News Fashion Association holds 10th annual runway show Douthats create The Fashion Association at LSU held international internship Decadence, an annual runway show, on May 13 at the Royal Cotillion Ballroom in the LSU Student Union. The show featured more than 100 student garments and in- cluded collections by juniors and seniors. The students also participated in the Marsh on the Catwalk competition, which included use of alligator skin, and the Ret- ro Reboot styling competition. Grace Chetta, a senior studying tex- tiles, apparel and merchandising in the LSU College of Agriculture, described the show as a fitting culmination of students’ time in the program. “I think our collections are a testa- ment to what we learned in college, and they show our grasp on our aesthetic,” she said. Senior Jessica Wainright won best in A model walks the runway wearing a design by student show for her collection. Amber Nguyen Jessica Wainright at Decadence, an annual runway show won junior best in show. Chetta placed for put on by the Fashion Association at LSU. Wainright’s best individual design. John and Annette Douthat have established an collection won best in show in the senior category. endowed international internship in the LSU Photo by Tobie Blanchard Tobie Blanchard College of Agriculture. Photo by Tobie Blanchard

Six receive University Medals at College One year spent in Thailand and anoth- of Agriculture commencement er in South Korea changed John and An- nette Douthat’s world view. The Douthats lived abroad early in their careers while John worked for the Ralston Purina Com- pany. Annette said the experience was eye-opening. Now they are helping college students gain international exposure. The Douthats have endowed the An- nette and John Douthat International Ag- riculture Internship for students in the LSU College of Agriculture with preference giv- en to those who have never traveled out of the country. “International travel changes your per- ception of everything,” Annette said. “It im- proves human relations and teaches you about different cultures, religion and food.” Annette, a College of Agriculture alum- na, met John, a University of Florida grad- uate, while she was traveling as a Danforth Fellow, which was part of a Ralston Purina leadership program. The couple eventually settled in Ba- ton Rouge and started AllBrands, a thriv- ing retail and online business specializ- ing in sewing machines and sewing-relat- ed items, which is celebrating its 40th year Six LSU College of Agriculture students received University Medals at the college’s commencement in business. ceremony on May 13 at the LSU Maddox Field House. The University Medal is LSU’s highest academic The Douthats’ international experienc- honor and is awarded to students who receive a 4.0 or higher. The students who received the medals es continue. Their business often takes were (left to right) Nicholas Adams, agricultural education; Ashley Allemand, animal, dairy and them overseas. Of their four children, one poultry sciences; Michelle Bourgeois, animal, dairy and poultry sciences; Brittany Craft, nutrition and lives in Austria. They also host internation- food sciences; Anna Ribbeck, plant and soil systems; and Alexis Allen, natural resource ecology and management. At the ceremony, the college awarded 243 degrees, which included 211 bachelor’s al college students in their home near the degrees, 18 master’s degrees and 14 doctorates. Photo by Tobie Blanchard LSU campus. Tobie Blanchard 6 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 College of Ag News Turkey research aims to Terese named outstanding La. dietetic senior improve land management Julia Terese, of Shreveport, re- describes the cookbook as having ceived the Irene Toliver Pyburn Merit recipes adapted to dormitory and Award from the Louisiana Academy campus cooking. Tobie Blanchard of Nutrition and Dietetics. The award is given to an outstanding Louisiana college senior focused on dietetics. Terese, who graduated from the LSU College of Agriculture in nutri- tion and food sciences in May, said she was “humbled and honored to receive the recognition.” In August, Terese will begin a 10-month internship with the Med- ical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The scholarship she received with the award will help her financial- ly while she is in the internship pro- gram, which is required before she can become a registered dietitian. “I’ve worked with food banks Landon Schofield, a graduate student in the LSU College of and soup kitchens. It’s just some- Agriculture School of Renewable Natural Resources, is studying thing I’ve done,” she said. “I want the turkey population on Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City. Schofield is one of several graduate students working on a project to help people who aren’t already to help landowners better manage their land for turkey habitat. The healthy.” students are working under the guidance of Bret Collier, assistant As a student, Terese has worked Julia Terese, an LSU College of Agriculture professor in the college, who said this research will help landowners senior studying nutrition and food as nutrition assistant for the LSU Of- sciences, received the Irene Toliver manage their land to attract and retain turkeys. Collier said the fice of Wellness and Health Promo- students’ research and collaboration with state agencies and private Pyburn Merit Award from the Louisiana landowners is a primary example of a land-grant university fulfilling tion, where she authored the cook- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. its mission. Photo provided by Bret Collier book “Beyond Ramen Noodles.” She Photo by Tobie Blanchard

Agriculture students set up research project in Mozambique Three students in the LSU College of Agricul- ture accompanied Reagan Errera, an instructor in the School of Renewable Natural Resources, on a research mission to the coast of Mozambique. The students, Jamie Amato, of Kenner; Tanner Jones, of Tyler, Texas, and Brandy Malbrough, of Houma, were in and around Tofo, Mozambique, from March 17-26, 2016, helping Errera set up a project to study the connection between phyto- plankton and whale shark abundance in the area. The organization All Out Africa was looking to better understand whale sharks and turned to Er- rera for help. Errera said they are looking for a reason why fewer whale sharks have been coming to the Tofo area during the past . Tofo developed around tourism based on whale sharks and other marine life. Part of the students’ research was surveying tourists on ocean safaris. When they saw marine life, the students re- corded approximate GPS coordinates, size and numbers and noted behavior. The information will assist in research efforts identifying areas frequented by specific species. LSU College of Agriculture students Brandy Malbrough, Tanner Jones and Jamie Amato received dive Errera plans to go back next year with five to certification while in Tofo, Mozambique, so they could look at fish populations in the area and take water samples at different depths to analyze the phytoplankton and other aspects of the water. Photo 10 students and stay for three weeks. provided by Reagan Errera Tobie Blanchard Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 7 Louisiana’s Diverse Specialty Crop Industry Allen Owings n Louisiana, the specialty cop indus- is our campus.” Every parish has an to 460 from 625 over the past 10 years, try is indeed special. From sweet Extension Service office providing local, overall wholesale production sales are potatoes to nursery crop production timely delivery of horticulture infor- up from $90 million to $118 million over Ito strawberries to citrus to mayhaws and mation. And in every office, most daily the same period. sod, and even Christmas trees, the hor- communication pertains to gardening AgCenter sweet potato special- ticulture industry in Louisiana is diverse and horticulture. ist Myrl Sistrunk reported 9,300 acres and wide encompassing. Every parish Programs such as Get It Growing, in production in 2015 – more than in in Louisiana has commercial horticul- featuring LSU AgCenter horticulturist recent years – with yields at 450 bushels ture production of some capacity. And Dan Gill, provide daily radio along with per acre. Sweet potato growers are pro- this does not even include the backyard weekly newspaper articles and televi- ducing more products for the processing vegetable , home fruit trees and sion stories statewide. The Louisiana market. expansive residential ornamental land- Super Plants program is a success story, AgCenter vegetable specialist Kiki scapes that keep a significant portion of featuring more than 30 highly recom- Fontenot reports that yields and quality Louisiana citizens involved in horticul- mended plants for Louisiana landscapes of fall and winter vegetable crops have ture in their day-to-day life. backed by AgCenter testing. Louisiana been good. Trends toward urban agri- The history of horticulture pro- Master Gardeners and Advanced Master culture and small farms are leading to duction in Louisiana goes back at least Gardeners have been trained to aid fac- more organic production in the vegeta- to the 1880s when nursery crops were ulty and volunteer thousands of hours ble industry and small farms operated by being produced in the well-drained each year in support of horticulture pro- one to two people who market locally at loamy soils of Forest Hill. Our parents gramming initiatives. farms markets. and grandparents in the Florida Parishes Extension turf specialist Ron Strahan According to AgCenter pecan and may remember around 100 refrigerated reports that sod demand has increased fruit specialist Charlie Graham, the 2015 strawberry-filled boxcars a day during in the past five years and should con- pecan crop in Louisiana was 5 million harvest season leaving the railroad tinue over the next couple years. Sod pounds compared with the 2013-2014 depot in Hammond during the 1940s growers and landscape contractors have harvests of 11-14 million pounds. Pecan heading to Chicago. St. Francisville, expanded their businesses by installing harvest from native stands is still strong New Orleans and River Road planta- athletic field turf and maintaining turf- in Louisiana with new international tion homes were landscaped many years grass on high school sports fields. marketing opportunities. prior to these days. Ornamentals like In garden centers most bedding Citrus growers saw a small orange roses, camellias, azaleas and Southern plants and shrubs are sold in spring crop in 2015. Peach production contin- live oaks planted hundreds of years ago from mid-March through Mother’s Day. ues to decline in Louisiana while straw- are still around today. Independent garden centers having berry production continues to be stable AgCenter sweet potato breeding is the most success are those diversifying in the Florida parishes. still a national leader. New efforts in their products by selling hard goods and While forestry is the No. 1 agricul- landscape horticulture research and seasonal holiday items. Garden centers ture industry in Louisiana, special- plant trials are ongoing at the Hammond in metropolitan areas also are expand- ty crops rank No. 2 in terms of overall Research Station. The AgCenter has ing their sales to landscape profession- annual contributions to the state’s econ- started a public gardens outreach initia- als, providing a convenience for smaller omy. The nursery and landscape indus- tive with new directions at the AgCenter landscape firms and allowing garden tries – production, landscape services Botanic Gardens at Burden in Baton centers to expand beyond the home gar- and retail sales – contribute $2.5 billion Rouge. Turfgrass and ornamental dener for additional revenue streams. annually to the state’s economy. The researchers in environmental scienc- Landscape installers and lawn main- fruit and vegetable sector of sweet pota- es are using new research techniques to tenance firms serve both commercial toes, other commercial vegetable pro- preserve levees, slow coastal erosion and and private customers with mowing and duction, small-scale fruit production help nursery growers manage irriga- applying weed control products and fer- and home gardens contributes another tion more efficiently. Fruit and vegetable tilizers as well as installing and main- $400 million. crops continue in importance. The next taining ornamental plantings. Horticulture has always been here generation of growers are doing more Larger wholesale nurseries in and will always be here. Every person is small-scale farming and producing for Louisiana are doing well and even touched daily by agriculture and every local markets. Many Louisiana citizens expanding production acreage because person is touched even more by horticul- want to buy locally grown fresh produce. of plant shortages and in inventory. ture – Louisiana’s growing industry. While research is important, it takes On the other hand, small and mid-size a strong extension delivery program to nursery growers are struggling more to Allen Owings is a professor of horticulture “bring the university to the people.” The find their place in the market. Although at the Hammond Research Station in Hammond. AgCenter still considers that the “state the number of nursery growers is down

8 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 Louisiana Pecan and Fig Production Remain Strong While Peaches Fade Johnny Morgan ecans and figs continue to be pop- By 2011, this caused pecan prices to “Figs are one of our lowest-mainte- ular crops in Louisiana while con- rise to their highest price ever. “That has nance fruit trees,” said AgCenter horti- tinuous freezes in north Louisiana caused an increase in the number of trees culturist Jason Stagg. They are relatively Phave nearly decimated the peach indus- being planted,” Graham said. “And anoth- easy to grow and can easily fit into an try, said LSU AgCenter horticulturist er change we are seeing in the industry organic food production system. Figs Charlie Graham. is growers now have funding to help pro- join blueberries and citrus as the most “During the decade of the 90s, I think mote the industry in foreign markets.” sold fruit plants at garden centers in there were only one or two years that The pecan industry continues to Louisiana. there was a full peach crop in the state,” be strong, mainly because of increased After being dormant for a number he said. “All of the other years, there were exports to Asian and Middle Eastern of years, the AgCenter renewed the either total losses or partial crops due to countries, Graham said. process of selecting potential variet- late-season freezes.” The U.S. pecan industry began work- ies in the 1990s under the leadership of In addition to the freezes, disease also ing cooperatively with the USDA Foreign AgCenter horticulturist Charlie Johnson, has been a big problem for peach growers, Agricultural Service in 2011, Graham now retired. Since then, the AgCenter Graham said. “Some of the larger growers said. It receives primarily Market Access has released new varieties named in the state have been battling armillaria Program funding but has also received Champagne, LSU Gold, LSU Purple, root rot for the past decade.” some Emerging Markets Program O’Rourke, Tiger and Scott’s Black. Graham said peaches are down to funding. “These selections are distinct from below 400 acres statewide. The U.S. This helps U.S. pecan growers par- other available fig cultivars and offer Department of Agriculture doesn’t even ticipate in promotional activities aimed a unique blend of color and size for include Louisiana in its list of peach pro- at expanding exports in several foreign commercial and residential use,” Stagg duction by state. countries. said. They enhance the diversity of fruit This is nearly opposite of the situation Figs have been an important fruit crop characteristics offered for sale and pro- with pecans and figs. in Louisiana for more than 150 years and duce larger, good-quality fruit that can “When you look at the pecan indus- are one of the most popular small fruit increase demand for retail sales. try, for a number of decades, we didn’t see crops grown in the state, according to The new releases also extended the that much change in prices or produc- AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings. harvest season for figs. tion,” Graham said. “It was pretty much a “With local farmers markets becom- “In addition to these six varieties, sev- stagnant industry.” ing more prominent in major popula- eral other unnamed figs from the LSU But in the late 2000s, there was a large tion areas of the state, there is now more AgCenter program have been grown and increase in the export industry, with demand for fresh figs for local sales,” distributed by fig enthusiasts over the China being the driving force behind that Owings said. years,” Stagg said. increase. “They ramped up fairly quickly, Louisiana retailers sell about 10 to 15 The AgCenter now has one of the few beginning with about 10 million pounds varieties of fig trees, but some individuals accurate “true-to-type” fig variety col- and now importing about 80 million and small nurseries have many additional lections in the Southeast, Owings said. pounds,” he said. “That has had a large varieties, ranging up to as many as 60 to The fig research program and orchard impact on the price of pecans.” 100, he said. are being relocated from the AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden in Baton Rouge to the Hammond Research Station. “The newly planted research orchard in Hammond will serve as an accurate germplasm collection, which will allow industry cooperators to obtain cuttings of desired varieties for 10 to 20 years into the future,” Stagg said. Because figs are easily propagated and can be grown to a saleable tree in about 10 months, this should present a good opportunity for local plant nurseries.

Johnny Morgan is a specialist in AgCenter Communications.

Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 9 Researching Roses in the Bayou State Allen Owings oses continue to be one of the most Sustainability (ARTS) began plant trials Louisiana was 2015. The goal is to iden- widely planted flowering shrubs in in 2014. The LSU AgCenter is participat- tify, through regional evaluation and Louisiana. The majority of nurs- ing in both of these programs. testing under low-input conditions, the Rery growers in Louisiana produce roses. AGRS is replacing the All-America most disease- and pest-resistant, hardiest These plants have a wholesale value of $10 Rose Selections program. The last winner and best garden-worthy rose cultivars. In to $15 million annually in the state. in this program was named in 2014, and addition, the trials provide the indus- Rose trials and evaluations have a the first winners in the new AGRS pro- try and gardening public with objective, long history in Louisiana. Notably, rose gram will be in 2016. This trial embodies accurate and reliable information about research has been conducted by the LSU a model using a long-used rose trialing the cultivars tested for each region. The AgCenter in cooperation with several method from Germany. This method methodology used will establish and partners for more than 20 years. Regional includes evaluating disease resistance, maintain an environmentally responsible performance of roses and disease resis- hardiness, attractiveness and habit for testing model that incorporates current tance in roses are important to grow- both sustainability and marketing. Roses research-proven landscape management ers, landscapers, retailers and gardening are not treated with any pesticides in techniques for the evaluation of rose consumers. the evaluations. United States region- cultivars for regional suitability in the In Louisiana, active rose variety trials al winners will include the Northeast, United States for landscape use under are ongoing at the AgCenter Botanic Southeast, North Central, South Central, minimal input conditions. More infor- Gardens at Burden in Baton Rouge Northwest and Southwest. The LSU mation on ARTS trials is located at www. and the Hammond Research Station in AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden is americanrosetrialsforsustainability.org. Hammond, along with the Gardens of one of 12 AGRS trial sites in the country. Kordes Rose Trials the American Rose Center in Shreveport. The motto of this new program is “bring- The LSU AgCenter is also looking Typical peak spring bloom on roses is ing you great roses you can grow where for the better-performing Kordes rose early to mid-April with fall peak bloom in you live.” The initial winning varieties varieties for the Gulf South. Kordes is October. for 2016 are Looks-A-Likes Phloxy Baby, one of the largest and one of the oldest Finding good-performing roses in Thomas Affleck and Dee-Lish. You can rose-breeding companies in the world. Louisiana should be a good indication of see more information on ARGS trials at are not used in their rose roses that will do well in other parts of www.americangardenroseselections.com. development and evaluations. Disease the country. Louisiana has much more The first year of the American Rose resistance in hybrid teas, sustainabili- rainfall than other states in the south- Trials for Sustainability evaluations in ty in rose growing and growing “own- eastern and south central United States. Every year, 65 inches of rain is common in south Louisiana, with 40-45 inches regularly occurring in north Louisiana. Climate conditions favor blackspot and Cercospora leaf spot diseases, with Cercospora being a more significant problem than many rose growers realize. Many roses that have little to no black- spot fungus problems show high suscepti- bility to Cercospora. Current rose research and promo- tion and marketing in Louisiana include studying Earth-Kind; evaluating Easy Elegance, David Austin, Certified Roses and Kordes; recommending Easy Tea hybrid tea cultivars; selecting Louisiana Super Plant roses; initiating a Gulf District Rose of the Year program; par- ticipating in the American Garden Rose Selections and American Rose Trials for Sustainability studies and more. Louisiana is home to both of the relatively new national programs to evaluate roses. The American Garden Rose Selections (AGRS) debuted in The and the Steele Burden Memorial Orangerie at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at 2013, and the American Rose Trials for Burden in Baton Rouge. Photo by John Wozniak 10 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 root” modern roses can be achieved with some of these varieties. Well-known older Kordes varieties that have successfully been growing in Louisiana many years include Shreveport and Iceberg. Some of the newest Kordes hybrid tea and floribunda roses being evaluat- ed at the Hammond Research Station and at the Botanic Gardens at Burden include Beverly, Grand Amore, Pink Enchantment, Sunny Sky, Wedding Bells, Winter Sun, Poseidon and Summer Sun. Cinco de Mayo, the American Rose Society Gulf More Rose Trials – David Austins, District (Louisiana and Mississippi) Rose of the Easy Elegance, Easy Teas Year for 2016. Photo by Allen Owings Belinda’s Dream in the Earth Kind Rose Trials at David Austin English roses are crosses the LSU AgCenter. Photo by Mark Claesgens between modern and old garden variet- as the “rose to grow” for rose-grow- ies. They have the profuse flowering of Heritage and Molineaux to be the best ing first timers. Belinda’s Dream has modern roses along with the fragrance performers, with other top perform- an attractive shrubby growth habit and and disease resistance of older garden ers being Abraham Darby, Tess of the excellent disease resistance. Bushes reach roses. A new three-year AgCenter trial d’Urbervilles, Benjamin Britten, Jude the heights of 5-6 feet with an equal spread, on these varieties started in 2014 and Obscure, Charlotte and Cordevale. but they can be easily maintained at 4 includes observations of factors such as Easy Elegance roses from Bailey feet. Flowers are medium-pink and fully flowering, plant size, flowering cycles, Nurseries have been trialed in Louisiana double with the form of hybrid tea roses. leaf spot susceptibility, blackspot suscep- to a small degree before, but a 2015 plant- The fragrant blooms are larger than tibility and more to determine the best ing at the gardens in Shreveport along most landscape roses and produce spring of these roses for south Louisiana. The with AgCenter gardens in Hammond through fall. Belinda’s Dream is an excel- study is partially financially supported by will help to clarify the best of these roses lent low-maintenance, easy-care land- the Louisiana Society for Horticultural for the Gulf South. Easy Elegance roses – scape rose with large hybrid-tea flowers. Research. Plants are being exposed to such as My Girl – have been proven to do The 2016 Gulf District Rose of the typical rose cultural practices with the very well in other trials in the South and Year is Cinco de Mayo. This floribun- exception of disease and pest control; in previous trials in Louisiana. da rose has done well in southern U.S. fungicides and insecticides will not be Any Louisiana rose research article trials since its 2009 introduction from used. must mention the Easy Tea Hybrid Tea Weeks Roses and is an All-America Rose The five most popular David Austin Rose trial winners from the four-year Selections winner. Cinco de Mayo flow- English roses in Louisiana are Graham AgCenter study at the Gardens of the ers have 25 petals, are 3 to 3 1/2 inches in Thomas, Heritage, Pat Austin, Abraham American Rose Center. Tahitian Sunset, diameter and are slightly fragrant with Darby and Molineaux. Prior studies in The McCartney Rose, Fredric Mistral, the scent of cut apples. The uniqueness Louisiana from about 10 years ago found Traviata and Pink Traviata were treated of Cinco de May is the bloom color – with only four times annual- described as smoky lavender to a blend ly in a minimum-spray study and were of rusty-orangy red. In the landscape, shown to be blackspot free for the majori- Cinco de Mayo is a slower grower. Mature ty of the four growing years. height is 36-42 inches with an equal spread. Plants have a nice deep glossy Gulf District Rose of the Year green foliage appearance The American Rose Society Gulf Roses have a great tradition in District, which includes Louisiana and Louisiana, and AgCenter horticultur- Mississippi, started a rose-of-the-year ists hope this will continue. Research is program in 2015. AgCenter research finding new roses for improved landscape observations are included in the selec- performance. tion process. The inaugural winner was LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super Plant Belinda’s Dream. roses include Belinda’s Dream, Red Drift, Belinda’s Dream has proven to be one Pink Drift, Peach Drift, Apricot Drift, of the best in Louisiana. It is frequently Popcorn Drift, Icy Drift, Sweet Drift and recommended by rosarians in the South Coral Drift.

Allen Owings is a professor of horticulture at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station and Gulf District director for the American Rose Society. Cercospora leaf spot is higher in occurrence in Louisiana and the Gulf States when compared to Portions of this article were previously published in a publication of the American Rose Society, the other areas of the country. Photo by Allen Owings American Rose Annual 2015 edition. Used with permission.

Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 11 Plants with Potential: An Ornamental Plant Material Awareness Program Jason Stagg, Allen Owings and Gina Hebert he LSU AgCenter Hammond Using plant material free from panion plants to sell alongside premium Research Station created a new propagation regulations can present a varieties. outreach program in 2015 to significant cost savings to the indus- Participants in the program who Tannually introduce and distribute try when introducing alternative vari- receive stock plants include small to unfamiliar, non-patented plants to ety selections. A core component of medium-size wholesale growers, retail Louisiana’s ornamental nursery and the program is offering “unprotected” nurseries, landscapers, landscape landscape industry. Plant species or plants that can be propagated without architects, Master Gardener plant sale varieties selected for the program suffer any restrictions. Increasing numbers of groups, professional horticulture orga- from limited or no commercial avail- newly developed varieties on the market nizations, public gardens and other uni- ability and use in the state, but evidence carry invention patents, and protect- versity or research facilities. Plants in suggests they have excellent landscape ing the inventor’s development costs is the program are generally easy to propa- performance potential in the challenging important. Patented plants, however, and were chosen based on observed Gulf South climate. generally require a license to propagate landscape performance of existing plant While this program is not an offi- and payment of royalties to the inven- material at the Hammond station. Plant cial trial study, the industry may benefit tor. Another form of protection enables sources include heirloom varieties, pas- from learning about and receiving these companies to trademark existing unpro- salong favorites, older or forgotten cul- stock plants for evaluation of growth tected varieties under a new name, tivars, limited regional releases and new characteristics or customer interest. which prevents anyone else from prop- non-patented releases. Nine plants were Nurseries may be able to broaden their agating and selling the plant with the propagated and distributed during 2015. product lines, and landscapers could trademarked name. Because both types Each plant is listed below along with a diversify their plant material palettes to of protected plants are generally more brief description. Common names are in enhance profitability, while increased expensive, the Plants with Potential pro- parentheses. distribution of these plants will help pre- gram helps the industry by identifying a serve unique varieties. good mix of economically-grown com-

Acalypha wilkesiana Kapiolani Bronze Average Annual Extreme (Kapiolani Bronze copper plant) Minimum Temperatures 1976-2005

Temp (F) 8a 10 to 15 8b 15 to 20 9a 20 to 25 9b 25 to 30 10a 30 to 35

Bogalusa

Orleans New Orleans Tropical shrub producing a dense mass of small reddish-bronze leaves. This foliage plant performs best in full sun and has an upright growth habit, reaching 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Propagated by cuttings. Usually not winter hardy in USDA hardiness Zone 8 but may overwinter in warmer regions of Zone 8b and Zone 9. Map of Louisiana with USDA Hardiness Zones 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b

Jason Stagg is an instructor, Allen Owings is a professor and Gina Hebert is a research associate at the Hammond Research Station.

12 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 Acalypha wilkesiana Musaica Pelargonium sp. Mary Helen Portulaca oleracea Florida Dwarf Rose (Musaica copper plant) (Mary Helen geranium) (Florida Dwarf Rose purslane) The trailing or creeping prostrate growth habit of this plant forms a dense mat of succulent foliage that bears fuchsia or magenta-colored flowers. This purslane is a passalong annual that prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it is not winter hardy. It can be used as a border or in containers. Easily propagated by cuttings.

Salvia sp. Silke’s Dream (Silke’s Dream salvia) This is a beautiful perennial salvia found in Texas from a cross of S. darcyi x S. microphyl- la. The plant produces 15-inch-long spikes of dark orange-red flowers that attract hum- Tropical shrub with very large multi-col- mingbirds and butterflies. Silke’s Dream ored leaves in shades of orange, bronze and blooms from summer to frost and performs green with red-to-orange markings. Musaica best in full sun. It prefers good drainage is another foliage plant that grows best in and will grow 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. full sun, reaching 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 feet This is an unusual drought- and heat-toler- Propagated by cuttings. Winter hardy in wide. Propagated by cuttings. Usually not ant heirloom variety from south Texas. Mary Zones 8 and 9. winter hardy in Zone 8 but may over-win- Helen produces medium-red to orange- ter in southernmost areas of Zone 8b and in red flowers from spring to fall, but it prefers Zone 9. good drainage and protection from the Turnera ulmifolia Trailing Yellow afternoon sun. Plants are vigorous and can (Trailing Yellow turnera, Begonia sp. Barbara Rogers reach 3 to 4 feet tall with some support. It Creeping Buttercup turnera, (Barbara Rogers begonia, was brought to Texas A&M University by hor- trailing or creeping yellow alder) ticulturist Jerry Parsons and has been consid- possibly Friendship begonia) ered for their Texas Superstar plant trials. It is not available commercially but is easily prop- agated by cuttings. Overwintering potential has been inconsistent in Zones 8 and 9.

Pentas lanceolata Nova (Nova pentas, Nova Pink pentas, Egyptian Star Flower, Egyptian Star Cluster)

This plant is believed to belong to the semperflorens group of begonias and was collected from South Carolina. The plant is vigorous and somewhat upright, growing 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Glossy or waxy This wonderful little plant is the trailing dark green foliage is enhanced by flowers of or creeping form of the yellow-flowering very light pink to white from spring to fall. tropical shrub turnera. Bright yellow flowers Landscape performance is comparable to bloom midspring through fall atop small, the BabyWing series of begonias. Although serrated, dark green leaves. The plant does it can be planted in full sun, it prefers part best with protection from the afternoon sun. sun. Propagated by cuttings. Perennial in The prostrate growth habit up to 8 inches Zones 8 and 9. tall and 2 feet wide makes it great for hang- This 1999 Georgia Gold Medal Winner is ing baskets, containers or borders. It is easily reportedly one of the hardiest and most propagated by cuttings but has poor winter Lantana camara Belle Starr Gold vigorous pentas varieties. It easily grows hardiness below 40 degrees. (Belle Starr Gold lantana) 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide in full sun. Vibrant yellow and gold flower clusters Large clusters of 3-to-4-inch rose-pink, bloom from spring to frost on this plant and star-shaped flowers appear atop dark are highly attractive to butterflies. Belle Starr green leaves from late spring through fall, Gold is 2 to 3 feet wide and about 2 feet tall. making this plant an excellent butterfly Propagated by cuttings. Reliable perennial in attractant. There is limited commercial Zones 8 and 9. availability, but it is easily propagated by cuttings and can be a perennial in Zone 9b.

Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 13 Honeybee on sugar maple flower. Photo by Claudia Husseneder

Evaluating Public Health Pesticides on Honeybee Health and Mortality Kristen Healy oneybees are important for both forefront of pollinator research. At that a tablespoon of product over an entire honey production and pollina- time, neonicotinoid pesticides were the football field. While most people are tion services. Approximately one main focus of concern because they had familiar with the visible cloud of product Hout of every three bites of food we eat recently been banned in Europe based that comes out of a spray truck, these are relies on bees for pollination, and hon- on limited and inconclusive findings. actually ultra-low volume applications eybees contribute to billions of dollars’ However, the attention toward these of product mixed with oil or water. The worth of pollination services annual- particular insecticides had beekeepers droplets themselves, which are micro- ly in the United States. While the U.S. concerned about pesticides in gener- scopic in size, impinge on the mosquito, Department of Agriculture projects the al. This provided entomology labs with exposing it to extremely small con- U.S. population to be between 2.5 mil- an opportunity to evaluate the effects of centrations of insecticide. As a result, lion to 3 million honey-producing colo- pesticides on honeybee health and mor- large-bodied insects are generally not nies, there have been ongoing concerns tality. In the summer of 2013 a lab in the affected by such small doses. regarding population declines and colony AgCenter Department of Entomology The initial hypothesis was that if mos- collapse disorder (a condition where the received EPA grant funding to evaluate quito control is done correctly, it should majority of honeybees in a hive disap- the effects of public health pesticides on have minimal effect on honeybees. This pear without any apparent cause). Despite honeybees. This opportunity led to estab- was based on the assumptions that (1) technologies designed to improve bee lishing a research partnership among the mosquito control is done at night when health, beekeepers are faced with numer- USDA Honeybee Breeding, Physiology bees are in the hive and (2) mosquito con- ous factors – pests, disease and loss of and Genetics laboratory in Baton Rouge, trol products break down within hours habitat – that can affect the health and local beekeepers, local mosquito control, before bees would be foraging in the well-being of their colonies. In particu- USDA agricultural engineers and the LSU morning. While some bees may exhibit lar, varroa mites and tracheal mites can AgCenter. Involving both beekeepers and a behavior known as “bearding” during be devastating to honeybee colonies by mosquito control in this research initia- hot summer nights when bees congregate reducing the health of a colony, by trans- tive provided an unbiased evaluation of outside the hive to keep it from overheat- mitting pathogens or by causing addition- the data. ing, proper ventilation of hives can help al stress to a hive. In mosquito control, the amount of reduce this behavior. In 2013, concern over the effects of actual insecticide that gets sprayed is Overall findings of the study showed pesticides on honeybees came to the so small that it is like trying to spread that when mosquito control is done 14 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 correctly, bees face minimal risk. It is Additional studies indicate that posi- increased mortality because of mosqui- important to note that mosquito con- tioning hives at least 200 feet from the to control. While this was only a single trol must always factor in protecting road and orienting them away from the season of data collection, the results sug- the health and well-being of the public. spray would greatly reduce exposure. gest that honeybees have minimal expo- Therefore, AgCenter researchers strongly Therefore, beekeepers should contact sure to public health pesticides. encourage beekeepers to increase com- their local mosquito control programs to munication with their local mosquito become more knowledgeable about the Mosquito Control and control programs. products used in their programs and how Public Health Pesticides often they are applied. Mosquito control programs are the Laboratory-based Studies best defense against transmission of There is an old saying, based on a Field Trials mosquito-borne pathogens, such as statement by Paracelsus, that “it is the In the summer of 2014, researchers West Nile virus, Zika virus and Eastern dose that makes the poison.” In toxicolo- collaborated with members of the Capital Equine encephalitis virus. Mosquito gy, everything is toxic at a particular con- Area Beekeepers Association, who pro- control involves Integrated Mosquito centration. However, whether or not we vided sentinel beehives as part of this Management (IMM) techniques that are actually exposed to that concentration study. Half the volunteer beekeepers were employ strategies that have the great- determines the actual risk. In the labo- in areas that received frequent mosquito est impact on mosquito populations ratory, researchers evaluated the relative control, while the other half were in areas while minimizing any effects on the toxicity of several different public health that received no mosquito control. As environment. pesticides to honeybees. This included part of this study, researchers evaluated While most people are familiar with several pyrethroid and organophosphate multiple health and mortality parameters mosquito control spray trucks, they are pesticides that target adult mosquitoes. in each of the participating bee colonies not aware of the many other management While the researchers were able to and found no difference between honey- practices used to control mosquitoes. determine the lethal concentrations of bee colonies within or outside mosquito These include using biological control these pesticides, it is highly unlikely that control areas. In fact, many beehives were agents that target the immature mosqui- bees would be exposed to these concen- located close to roads, and researchers toes, conducting surveillance for mos- trations in the field. Mosquito control had many spray events during the study. quito abundance and mosquito-borne uses extremely small doses of a product During the study, the mosquito virus activity, conducting water man- designed to target mosquitoes, while control program had used both truck- agement projects that help improve the having the smallest possible effect on based applications of pyrethroids and environment while reducing mosquitoes, other organisms. Most insects, including aerial applications of organophosphates. and incorporating technologies that have honeybees, are much larger than a mos- However, researchers did not see any the smallest potential carbon footprint. quito and would not be affected by such Mosquito control, when done correctly, low concentrations of insecticides. does an amazing job at reducing mosqui- toes and protecting the public from mos- Semi-field Cage Studies quito-borne diseases. In 2013 and 2014, AgCenter research- Before modern mosquito control, tens ers conducted several semi-field cage of thousands of individuals in Louisiana studies in Baton Rouge to evaluate the lost their lives to yellow fever and malar- effects of public health pesticides on ia, both of which are caused by mos- honeybees. Each trial put out honeybees quito-borne pathogens. Thankfully, and mosquitoes at 50-foot intervals up Louisiana has many parishwide mos- to 300 feet away from the spray truck. At quito control districts conducting IMM. each distance, researchers put out cages A loss of mosquito control programs of bees, cages of mosquitoes and devices performing IMM could result in dra- to collect data on pesticide droplets and matic increases in both nuisance and concentrations. While researchers were vector mosquito species. And with cur- able to kill mosquitoes during this trial, rent threats from chikungunya and Zika they rarely saw any bee mortality. viruses, mosquito control programs that Even at the closest distance to the use IMM are essential tools to protect the spray truck, the trial was unable to public, our family and friends, and our kill honeybees with pyrethroid pesti- pets from mosquito-borne diseases. cides, which are most commonly used in truck-based applications. Mortality Kristen Healy is an assistant professor in the increased slightly with organophosphate Department of Entomology. pesticides. However, researchers only saw mortality when the highest possi- ble label rate was used and when bees were located within 150 feet of the spray Vivek Pohkrel, Graduate Student, evaluates a truck. sentinel beehive. Photo by Kristen Healy Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 15 St. James Ag Day Promotes Food Literacy Johnny Morgan An idea that was born over 15 years “It’s not that we promote fast food, but each of the Ag Day stations. Adult and ago has become a bi-annual teaching tool we want the kids to know where that fast youth volunteers set up all equipment that shows students how food gets from food comes from,” Hymel said. along with teaching or assisting at each the farm to their table. The Ag Days and other events at Fast station, he said. Twice a year, the Fast Food Farm in Food Farm are a collaborative effort “Ag Day is funded by grants provid- St. James Parish prepares for nearly 1,000 among the Fast Food Farm board of ed to the Fast Food Farm,” AgCenter 4-H area students to tour the facility and take directors, corporate sponsor Mosaic agent Tara Roussel said. “And this year we home a message that will last a lifetime. Louisiana, the St. James Public School have a number of businesses and indus- Denise Hymel, executive director of System, St. James extension, parish 4-H tries that are providing volunteers to help Fast Food Farm Inc., took an idea she got Clubs, students at the St. James Career us make it a success.” from a pizza garden in California and and Technology Center and other local The goal for the event is twofold, presented it to family and friends in St. business and industry. according to Roussel. “First, we want to James Parish. That started the process “The Fast Food Farm has been devel- teach the kids where their food comes that led to Fast Food Farm. oped into an outdoor classroom to teach from because some of them believe it “I came back from that American young people about their favorite fast comes from the grocery store,” she said. Farm Bureau meeting determined to do foods, as well as all food and how it “We also are teaching leadership skills to something to help the children under- makes its way to the table,” Guidry said. students in seventh through 12th grade, stand the importance of agriculture and The farm is a hands-on, whole body who are actually leading these activities – to recognize where their food comes experience for the youth to learn about being peer teachers.” from,” Hymel said. foods, nutrition, science, math and a host For her efforts in developing the Fast LSU AgCenter agent Ken Guidry said of other important subject areas, he said. Food Farm and the St. James Parish Ag the site hosts two Ag Days each year for The all-volunteer work force plans and Day, Hymel will be travelling to Phoenix kindergarten through fourth-grade stu- hosts these events, and each Ag Day has in June to receive the Ag in the Classroom dents. “Each fall, we bring over 900 Pre-K in excess of 150 volunteers giving at least Ag Advocate Award. to second-grade students to the farm. eight hours of service. And in the spring, we have a similar St. James 4-H’ers and students in the Johnny Morgan is a specialist in AgCenter number of third- and fourth-grade stu- ProStart culinary program and agricul- Communications. dents,” he said. ture science serve as peer teachers for

St. James Parish third and fourth grade students learn how to grow herbs during the St. James AgDay in Gramercy on April 21. The event is held during the spring and fall to teach students where their food comes from. Development of the Fast Food Farm began over 15 years ago. Photo by Johnny Morgan 16 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 Let Us Eat Lettuce William Afton ith an array of beautiful cool-season plant, gardeners get the best season. Aphids, armyworms, cutworms, colors and a variety of tex- results planting lettuce in the fall and cucumber beetles and whiteflies are all tures, lettuce has some of the spring months. Fall lettuce can be planted known pests that attack lettuce. Some of Wwidest ranges of selections within most anywhere between mid-September and the diseases that occur on lettuce include of the vegetable crops grown today. We the end of October, and a spring crop alternaria leaf spot, downy mildew and see lettuce all over our menus. Whether can be planted from the first of January rhizoctonia bottom rot. To help discour- in a salad, an ingredient for sandwich- through mid-March. age these pest issues, it is recommend- es or even as a garnish for appetizers, Gardeners should not plant lettuce ed to plant during the right time of year, lettuce has made its way into the lives of during the long, hot days of summer follow proper plant spacing requirements Louisianians. because it can cause “bolting.” Bolting and use recommended varieties. Four different types of lettuce are is the term used to describe the lettuce Plant spacing will depend on type of grown throughout the world. flowering cycle, which produces a physio- harvest. Plant every 12 inches to grow out • The most common type, crisp- logical change inside the plant and affects heads of lettuce or broadcast seed onto head or iceberg, is described as dense its flavor. planting are to harvest baby greens. The head-forming plant, similar to that of a Lettuce is typically started by direct use of mulch in the garden will provide a cabbage. It is the only type of lettuce that seeding because it has a short germina- physical barrier between the soil and the does not produce a red colored form. tion period, and experienced gardeners plant. This will not only help with pre- • Butterhead or bibb lettuce also pro- know that the best variety selection can venting disease organisms from coming duces a head but not quite as dense. It be obtained through the use of seeds. The into contact with the plant but also will produces soft, pliable leaves in various seeds are extremely small. To help with help keep the plants clean from excess shades of green and red. the seeding process, many companies offer soil deposits. • Romaine lettuce produces a dense pelletized seeds that are coated in clay, A simple survey of popular seed catalogs head but differs due to its elongation. making them easier to handle. Lettuce will provide you with over 250 different This type of lettuce comes in several transplants are becoming more popular varieties of lettuce. Look for varieties adapt- colors and is prized for its thick mid with retail nurseries and garden centers. ed for hot, humid climates of the Southeast. rib, which adds a desired crunchiness Customers are able to start out with a Red Sails, New Red Fire and Salad Bowl when eaten. small plant and get a jumpstart to harvest are well-suited varieties of leaf lettuce. • Leaf lettuce types give us the most by eliminating the germination phase. Some recommended varieties of variability in physical characteristics. In-ground gardens, raised beds and romaine lettuce include Green Towers, The plant itself is a loose rosette of container gardens all accommodate Cimarron Red and Ideal. leaves that form a mound more so than growing lettuce. A routine soil sample Skyphos, Harmony and Buttercrunch are a head. Leaf lettuce varieties can have analysis will provide gardeners with excellent choices from the butterhead type. anywhere from coarse to very fine tex- the tools needed to maintain proper For those looking to try growing crisp- ture and come in multiple shades and soil fertility. The optimal soil acidity or head varieties, look for Raider and Ithaca. combinations of red and green. pH range for lettuce is between 6 and 7. Days from planting to harvest can vary This can be adjusted using agricultural William Afton is a county agent in St. among the different types of lettuce. Leaf lime or elemental soil sulfur if needed. Tammany Parish. lettuce generally is harvested at 30 days The analysis will also quantify levels of Photos by William Afton and bibb lettuce at 30-55 days, while both phosphorous and potassium, which will romaine and crisphead lettuce generally influence the type of fertilizer needed. require a longer interval of 60-65 days. Lettuce, like all other vegetable crops, There are two seasons to plant and has a few insect and disease pests that grow lettuce in Louisiana. Because it is a can be a problem during the growing

New Red Fire Salad Bowl Green Towers Skyphos Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 17 Growing Great Home Garden Tomatoes Kathryn Fontenot very backyard garden needs at least one tomato plant. virus-resistant varieties in the spring is strongly recommended Sneaking tomatoes into your garden or landscape is rel- as “crop insurance” for spring-planted tomatoes. atively easy if you follow LSU AgCenter recommended Summer and fall tomatoes are planted mid-July to late August Egrowing practices. and are harvested until the first killing freeze. High nighttime temperatures result in poor set and sometimes steriliza- Soil Preparation tion of pollen, resulting in poor fruit set. Because nighttime tem- Before planting, loosen the soil at least 6 inches to 8 inches peratures during this period are often greater than 75 degrees, and add , aged manure or fertilizer. Routine soil tests gardeners plant heat-set varieties. will identify fertilizer needs and potential soil pH adjustments. Optimum soil pH for tomatoes is between 6.0 and 7.0. In clay Variety Selection soils, mounding soil into rows is encouraged to help pro- There are literally hundreds of tomato varieties to choose vide drainage. In sandier soils, hipping or forming rows is not from. However, good gardeners select varieties that perform necessary. well in the area where they live. The AgCenter regularly con- Tomatoes grow well in containers. Canvas, clay, ceramic, ducts spring tomato trials. All varieties in the trials were rep- plastic, wood or metal containers are all acceptable, provid- licated at least three times with 10 to 15 plants per replication. ed they have drainage holes and are at least 5 gallons in size. The varieties were also randomly planted in the field using Container size is important because tomatoes have extensive drip irrigation and plastic mulch. Tomatoes come in two types: root systems. Tomato roots quickly outgrow small containers, Indeterminate tomatoes have apical meristems that terminate in leaving the gardener watering the plant both morning and night. a vegetative bud, allowing them to grow very tall. Determinate Planting tomatoes in larger containers reduces irrigation fre- tomatoes are short, bushy types. Their apical meristems termi- quency. An added bonus of reducing irrigation is the likelihood nate in a flower bud. of less blossom end rot. Blossom end rot is a calcium deficien- cy in the plant and is exhibited by blossom end of the tomato Kathryn Fontenot is an assistant professor and extension specialist in rotting. Most native soils and potting mixes contain sufficient the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. calcium, but overwatering leachs the calcium from the soil in container-grown plants. Tips for Tomato Success Seasonality 1. Water consistently. Inconsistent water leads to blos- Spring tomatoes are planted immediately after the last frost, som end rot, a disorder that causes the blossom end of a typically March 15 in south Louisiana and April 1 in north tomato to rot. Louisiana. Spring tomatoes are harvested through June and 2. Give tomato plants extra nitrogen at the first and second sometimes later if heat-set varieties were planted. The spring bloom set. 1 teaspoon of calcium nitrate or other 15 per- season is optimum for heirloom tomatoes, hybrids and non- cent nitrogen source per plant is adequate. Nitrogen is the heat-set types. Louisiana gardeners face a potential virus termed first number of the three listed on a bag of fertilizer. The number 15 indicates that the bag contains a product with tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in the spring. The virus is 15 percent nitrogen. spread by thrips, a tiny insect that within 10 seconds of pierc- 3. Mulch tomatoes heavily to prevent weeds from growing ing into the foliage infect a plant. If the plant is infected prior under the plant. Mulching heavily also prevents soil from to fruit set, it will not produce fruit. If fruit has already set, splashing onto the lower foliage. Soil that contacts foliage the skin will show yellow halos. Insecticides are not helpful may introduce new diseases to the plant. against this virus. Therefore, planting a few tomato spotted wilt 4. Space tomatoes 18 inches apart. 5. Prune the lower suckers on tomato plants. On determinate bush types, prune all suckers up to the first flower cluster. On indeterminate vining types, prune all suckers from the ground up to the third flower cluster. helps increase fruit size and opens the foliage canopy. 6. Harvest orange to light red tomatoes before heavy rain especially, if you are a home gardener or small grower not using plastic mulch. Heavy rain will cause maturing fruit to split. 7. Early blight, a disease that affects tomato foliage, is almost a definite problem every year. Spray copper fungicide on the bottom of foliage for the first two to three weeks tomatoes are in the ground to help delay problems. 8. If you aren’t growing tomatoes, you don’t know what you are missing. Home-grown, Louisiana-grown are the best! Try at least one plant this year.

18 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 Variety trials and the top performers in each

2011 Home Garden Tomato Variety Trial Pink Brandywine The 2011 home garden tomato trial was conducted at the LSU Dark pink exterior. Interior is pink but with white blotches AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden in Baton Rouge. This trial was Extra Large intended to look at disease-resistant varieties, but because of a green- Indeterminate house mishap, it ended up being a trial of the best tomatoes easily Not Top Yielding but Worth Noting. Large blossom end scar and cat available for home garden use. The varieties were chosen from what facing. Won taste test during Garden Fest at the Botanic Gardens. was readily available in most garden centers and hardware stores. Seventeen varieties were evaluated; three were cherry tomatoes. Spring 2013 and 2014 Tomato Spotted Wilt Sun Gold Virus-Resistant Tomato Variety Trials Dark yellow-orange exterior and interior The 2013 and 2014 spring seasons were dedicated to evaluating Cherry tomato spotted wilt virus-resistant tomato varieties. Nine variet- Indeterminate ies were selected for evaluation. The trials were planted at the LSU 98 percent of taste testers at the 2011 Houma Tomato Field Day said AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden. this heat-set tomato tasted better than Sweet Pea Current tomatoes and Sweet Million cherry tomatoes. Tribute Orange-red exterior color. Interior color is red. Creole (Source: Naylor’s Hardware Source) Small to Medium Red exterior and interior Determinate Small Top producer in 2013 and second top producer in 2014. Indeterminate Very firm, no cracks. 80% marketable fruit. Blemish-free, firm fruit. Top producer in 2011 trials and second top producer in the 2015 Creole tomato trials. Won taste test in both Tribeca 2011 and 2015 at the Garden Fest at the Botanic Gardens. Orange-red exterior color. Interior color is red. Small to Medium Determinate Spring 2012 and 2013 Heirloom Tomato Trials Second in production in 2013. The 2012 spring season was excellent for heirloom tomato production. Very firm, no cracks. 80% marketable fruit. Taste test winner both The spring weather warmed up early and did not get hot too quickly. years. Rainfall was average. The 2013 spring season started late because of cool temperatures well after the last frost date and warmed up to high PSO1522935 temperatures quickly. This reduced fruit set on the heirloom plants to Orange-red exterior color red interior color fewer than 10 fruit per 45 plants. Therefore, data were not collected in Small to Medium 2013. When planting heirlooms, expected yields are extremely weath- Determinate er-dependent. This trial was planted at the Botanic Gardens at Burden Top producer in 2014 and third in production in 2013. This variety and replicated at Covey Rise Farm in Husser, Louisiana. Ten heirloom matures earlier than both Tribeca and Tribute Firm tomato; very few varieties were evaluated. cracks. 82% marketable fruit.

Thessaloniki Red interior and exterior Spring 2015 Creole Tomato Variety Trial Small Are all Creole tomatoes created equally? That was the question of Indeterminate this trial. Eleven “Creole” tomatoes were sourced from varying seed Firm, blemish-free. Almost looks too perfect to be an heirloom. companies, and the results were, as expected, varying in yields, time Top producer in terms of both total and marketable production. to production, plant growth and fruit size. Conducted at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden Black from Tula Maroon-colored tomato with green shoulders, burgundy interior Creole (Source: Organic Direct) color with a green jelly around the seeds Orange-red exterior, red interior. Small to Medium Small Indeterminate Indeterminate Many concentric cracks. Soft fruit. Do not stack these tomatoes. Full ripening occurred later in the season (had green shoulder in Second in total production. early season) Top yielding in trial. Very firm fruit. Minimal scars. First harvest Persimmon occurred 55 days after planting. Deep yellow to orange interior and exterior. Extra Large Creole (Source: Naylor’s Hardware Store in Baton Rouge) Indeterminate Red exterior and interior. Full ripen throughout the season. Not top yielding but worth noting. Firm for an heirloom tomato. Large Small to Large blossom end scar and radial cracks. Taste test winner at Covey Rise Indeterminate Farm in Husser. Second in production in trial. Taste test winner. Some radial cracking. First harvest occurred 71 Mortgage Lifter days after planting. Dark pink exterior and interior color Extra Large Indeterminate Not Top Yielding but Worth Noting. Small blossom end scar. Tied for taste test winner at Covey Rise Farms in Husser.

Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 19 Will the Real Creole Tomato Please Stand Up? Kathryn Fontenot and Robert Williams Results ouisianans have various definitions of what constitutes a “Creole” tomato. Traditionally, farmers in St. Bernard Germination and Plaquemines parishes marketed their tomatoes as Germination percentages were conducted 22 days after seed- LCreole. According to these producers, allowing the tomatoes ing. T. Swift and CherryGal had less than 25 percent germination to vine-ripen and grow in a rich alluvial soil created a unique rate. Other sources had 100 percent germination rate (Table 1). flavor distinguishing their tomatoes from other Louisiana- and Maturity U.S.-produced tomatoes. St. Bernard and Plaquemines parish Maturity dates are important because early tomatoes com- tomato producers did not plant only one variety. Saving tomato mand a higher price at retail than those available later in the seed is a common practice among professional and home gar- season. Figure 1 indicates the number of days between field deners. As gardeners purchased Creole tomatoes, they saved the planting and the first harvest. All tomatoes were medium-sized, seed, grew it and passed the seed to other gardeners. with the exception of the T. Swift, which produced cherry-sized To add to the confusion, former LSU AgCenter research- tomatoes. This size does not fit any typical Creole tomato er Teme Hernandez released a tomato variety named Creole description; therefore, data collection beyond germination rate in 1969. The variety Creole was not commonly grown in St. and first harvest ceased. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. Hernandez described Creole as a tomato with medium-sized, deep red fruit with some resis- Yield tance to fusarium wilt. The AgCenter did not maintain seed Twenty plants of each tomato source were planted into stock of Creole. Today, Creole has become a marketing term for the field with the exception of T. Swift and CherryGal. The any tomato grown in Louisiana. plants continued to produce beyond July; however, data collec- To demonstrate variation, LSU AgCenter researchers grew tion ended in late June in order to present information to the a demonstration plot of “Creole tomatoes” in spring 2015. Louisiana Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association members at the annual field day. The top three producing Creole tomatoes Materials and Methods were sourced from Organic Seeds Direct (Amazon), Naylor’s Creole tomato seed was sourced from 11 companies. Only Hardware in Baton Rouge and TomatoFest. Seed sources had 88 seed named “Creole” or described as the 1969-released Creole percent, 74 percent and 82 percent marketable yields, respec- was purchased (Table 1). Seed was sown on January 14, 2015. tively. Marketable tomatoes were free from cracks, bruises and Seedlings were hardened off outdoors one week prior to trans- evidence of disease, insect or environmental injury. Individual planting. On March 24, 2015, the Creole tomato seedlings were fruit size ranged from 4.2- to 7.8-ounce fruit. Yield per plant planted at the AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden. was poor, ranging from three to six pounds (Table 2). A pre-plant fertilizer rate of 600 pounds per acre of 13-13-13 was incorporated into rows. Drip irrigation was installed, and Taste silver-coated mulch was laid. Seedlings were planted on 18-inch Ninety-five percent of taste test participants chose Naylor’s centers and trellised. Fertilizer was applied through the irriga- Hardware Store “Creole” for best flavor. tion water starting at first bloom for four weeks, alternating 60 Conclusions pounds of calcium nitrate per acre per week and 75 pounds of All tomatoes labeled Creole are not equal. The poor pro- potassium nitrate per acre per week for four weeks. The plants duction of these plants also provides speculation as to why the were treated with fungicide at planting and later on a 10-to-14- LSU-released “Creole” never became popular among commer- day schedule during the growing season. cial producers. An average production of three to six pounds per Harvest occurred at full ripe stage with data collected plant does not justify growing Creole tomatoes commercially from May 18 to June 26, 2015. Data included germination rate, because these yields will not result in a profit. maturity dates, total yield, marketable yield, average fruit size and taste. The taste test occurred on June 20, 2015, during the annual Garden Fest at Burden, where 192 people tasted the Creole tomato varieties. Sources were not identified.

Kathryn Fontenot is an assistant professor and extension specialist and Robert Williams is an extension associate in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.

20 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 Days after planting to the rst harvest of Creole tomatoes by source 100 78 80 71 71 71 73 66 66 60 55 55 55 55

40

20

0

Pace T swift Annie Reimer Gabrielle Cherry Gal Restoration Tomato Fest Organic Direct Naylors Hardware Store Abbeyville Hardware Store Figure 1. Days to harvest by source in the 2015 Creole tomato demonstration

Table 1. 2015 Creole Tomato Demonstration Seed Sources and Germination Rates Number of Plants Germination Creole Seed Source Transferred Rate to the Field Reimer Seeds | reimerseeds.com 100% 20 Restoration Seeds | restorationseeds.com 100% 20 Organic Seeds Direct | Amazon 100% 20 T. Swift | Amazon 25% 9 Pace Seeds | www.paseseeds.com 100% 20 CherryGal | cherrygal.com 22% 8* Tomato Fest  | tomatofest.com 100% 20 Gabrielle Gardens 100% 20 Annie’s Heirloom | anniesheirloomseeds.com 100% 20 Thibodeaux’s Town & Country 100% 20 1124 N Lafitte Rd, Abbeville, LA 70510 Naylor’s True Value Hardware Store 100% 20 14441 Old Hammond Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 N = 36 for germination counts *5 died after transplanting into the field

Table 2. Yield Data from the 2015 Creole Demonstration Percent Average Average Total Pounds Tomato Source Marketable pounds per Tomato Size Harvested (Pounds) plant (oz.) Thibodeaux Feed Store 73 78 4 6.1 Abbeville, La. Annie Heirloom Seeds 68 82 3 6.5 CherryGal 5 49 2 7.8 Gabrielle Acres 69 74 3 6.7 Naylor’s Hardware Store 105 74 5 5.4 Baton Rouge, La Organic Seeds Direct 123 88 6 5.2 (Amazon) Pace Seeds 63 65 3 6.0 Reimer 68 89 3 5.4 Restoration Seeds 94 85 5 4.2 Tomato Fest 100 82 5 6.0 N = 20 except CherryGal N = 3 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 21 Retention pond and constructed wetland. Photo by Rick Bogren Hammond Research Station Keeps Up with Changing Times Rick Bogren he landscape of south Louisiana Bracy said that visiting horticulture One of the initial landscape horti- has changed over the past century, research facilities in other parts of the culture projects at the revamped sta- and so has the mission of the LSU South convinced her that the Hammond tion was the creation of the Margie TAgCenter Hammond Research Station. station had to be more than rows of Jenkins Azalea Garden, which was The fourth LSU agricultural experi- plants. So she and Odenwald collaborated unveiled at a garden party to raise ment station was established as the Fruit to create an environment that broadened funds in 2006. The garden is named and Truck Experiment Station in January the scope of variety trials with landscape for Margie Jenkins, a legendary nurs- 1922 about 6 miles east of Hammond in beds rather than rows of flowers. erywoman in Louisiana and owner of Tangipahoa Parish. The parish police jury “He laid out beds that curled and Jenkins Farm and Nursery in Amite. purchased the land with a special tax levy curved and envisioned walkways, water The results were beyond expectations as and then leased it for 100 years to LSU for the features and resting areas,” Bracy said of the event brought in more than $50,000 purpose of providing agriculture research. Odenwald’s design. “We wanted to dupli- with donors from all across the United Over time, agriculture in Tangipahoa cate the growing conditions experienced States, Bracy said. and the other Florida parishes changed. by homeowners and landscape profes- The Louisiana Nursery and By the turn of the 21st century, little fruit sionals in their landscapes.” Landscape Association is supportive of and vegetable production was left. But In 2008 the Hammond station ded- the station and provided early funding, the research station, by then called the icated new office and laboratory build- said Allen Owings, who replaced Bracy Hammond Research Station, was still ings to reflect the focus on serving the as resident coordinator when she moved providing research-based information to landscape and horticulture industry in to the position of AgCenter Southeast mostly strawberry, commercial vegetable Louisiana. The original station includ- Region director. and citrus growers. ed several tracts of land that were not The landscape industry in Louisiana By the time Regina Bracy, a horticul- contiguous, Bracy said. One was across has been growing, Owings said. With ture researcher at the station, became a road, another across a railroad and the about 2,200 landscape horticulture pro- resident coordinator in 2004, it was obvi- third was landlocked within another fessionals, 550 wholesale nurseries and ous agriculture in the area was changing. farm. numerous garden centers around the With landscape horticulture growing in In 2005, the Tangipahoa Parish state, station research targets the broad the area and vegetable production declin- Government transferred about 47 acres to diversity of the commercial landscape ing, Bracy and LSU landscape design pro- the AgCenter with an agreement that the horticulture industry fessor Neil Odenwald began developing a land would be sold with the income used “Commercial horticulture is our prior- master plan for a new design. for capital improvements at the station. ity,” Owings said. “We’re helping growers, 22 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 retailers and landscapers, and we evaluate varieties for them.” What you’ll see at the Hammond Research Station In addition to the Louisiana indus- try, the station regularly receives land- Southern Homestead Planting scape industry visitors from Mississippi, A two-story Southern house built in the late 1800s is surrounded by “homestead” Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, plants, which duplicate 30 to 50-year-old landscapes found throughout the South. Tennessee and Oklahoma as well as from Urban Forest across the country. This area planted in 2005 includes 32 species of shade trees. Over time, these trees will “This is the place people come to see,” provide research opportunities in suitability for urban uses and maintenance practices. Bracy said. “We started with 10 landscape beds. Then it was 20. And now I’m not Sun Garden sure how many we have. We plant beds Small “island” groupings of ornamental shrubs, annuals and perennials showcase some of the newer introductions in the plant world. so people can see the plants in a natu- ral setting. We include different varieties Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden and types together in garden settings so This garden established in 2006 currently includes Robin Hill, Encore, Crimson and people can see how they can combine dif- Southern Indica families of azaleas. Over 50 different species of native trees and shrubs ferent plants.” can be found scattered among the azaleas. Research measures of plant per- Retention pond and constructed wetland formance are more visual and subjec- This water feature adds an aesthetic drama to the entry of the station and also serves tive than empirical, unlike agricultural as a demonstration and research area on landscape pollution mitigation and landscape crops, which can be measured by things pond management. like yield, Owings said. Evaluations can be short-term, such as one season for a Heritage Live Oaks bedding plant, or long-term, such as for Two 100-year-old oaks at the entrance to the station demonstrate protection and pres- ervation of historic trees. The station has four centurion and eight junior live oak trees, shrubs and trees that may require three to of which seven are registered with the Live Oak Society. five years before evaluations can begin. The Hammond station has one of W.F. “Hody” Wilson Camellia Garden the largest herbaceous plant trials in More than 600 camellia plants from the early work of W.F. “Hody” Wilson Jr. were the Southeast. “We generally plant 800 planted in the early 1940s and 1950s and can be found nestled under a pine forest. A Camellia Stroll is hosted annually in February by the AgCenter and Tangipahoa Parish warm-season plant varieties and 300 to Master Gardeners. 400 cool-season plant varieties each year,” he said. “This is complemented by regular additions of new trees and shrubs for eval- The performance of the new plants and new varieties of old plants are evaluated under uation. Almost every day new plants are shade provided by an old stand of spruce pine trees and oaks. Plants include caladiums, going in and old plants are coming out.” impatiens, torenia, begonias, hostas and gingers. “It’s a landscape horticulture research Piney Woods Garden and extension center,” Bracy said of the Located under a pine canopy, this five-acre garden of 40-plus landscape beds features transformation. “We’re beyond the master plantings of native trees, Southern heritage shrubs, native azaleas, Japanese maples, plan now.” yellow-flowering magnolias, dogwood species, heat-tolerant rhododendrons, hydran- The station hosts an average of nearly geas, new shade tree selections and more. two meetings every week, serving Master Gardeners, garden clubs, educational pro- grams, government agencies and indus- try associations as well as school groups including Head Start and vocational agri- culture classes. “This is a place people come to and use,” Bracy said. “It’s a well-used facility.” The station is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day, and a brochure for a self-guided walking tour is available online. “All the plants, shrubs and trees are marked,” Bracy said. “When I visit an or public garden, I want to know what I’m looking at.”

Rick Bogren is a professor in AgCenter Communications.

Sun Garden. Photo by Rick Bogren Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 23 Pollinator Gardening Dan Gill ou may have read or heard news tors. The structure of tomato flowers, for a hole in base of the tube to access the reports about the declining pop- instance, allows them to be pollinated without pollinating the flower. ulations of native , even if not visited by bees. Many trees If the flowers of plants are not polli- Ysuch as bees, butterflies, moths, hum- and all of the grasses are wind pollinated nated, they will not produce seeds and mingbirds and others. It appears that the and do not make use of pollinators. They fruit. In nature, this may prevent a species problem is complex, and multiple factors release pollen into the air and allow the from properly reproducing and maintain- are at work. But much of the decline in wind to carry it to the female parts of ing its population. Many native birds and populations can be attributed to habitat other flowers. mammals feed on the fruits and seeds loss, disease and parasites, pollution and A large number of plants, however, that result from pollination. So food pesticides. rely on various animals to transfer supplies for many native animals may be Particularly dramatic have been pollen from flower to flower. Pollinators affected if low populations of pollinators losses in commercial hives of European include many types of insects, par- prevent proper pollination. honeybees. This non-native bee spe- ticularly bees, butterflies, moths, We can use our landscapes to provide cies plays a critical role in the produc- beetles, wasps and even some flies. food and shelter for pollinators and help tion of many crops, such as peaches, Hummingbirds also help carry out pol- increase their populations in a variety of pears, apples, citrus and almonds. Bees lination of plants in Louisiana. In desert ways. are important in many vegetable crops, areas, bats play an important role in both for production and to create the pollination, but not here in Louisiana. Plant Choice seeds needed to grow succeeding crops. To ensure pollination, these plants pro- When choosing landscape plants, such Factors such as frequent transportation, duce showy flowers to attract pollinators as trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, agricultural pesticides, poor diet and to the blossoms and provide nectar to perennials and bedding plants, keep issues with parasites have been identified reward them. Some pollinators, notably pollinators in mind. Choose native spe- in hive losses known as colony collapse bees, also collect some of the pollen for cies when you can, but do not overlook disorder. food. non-native species. Look at the time of A home gardener can do little to The flowers of plants that use pol- blooming, and choose plants that bloom affect the loss of commercial honeybee linators have evolved to attract and at various times of the year, from spring hives. We can, however, help support use particular pollinators. Flowers are to fall and even in winter. native pollinators by creating pollina- structured to ensure pollination from When it comes to selecting trees, tor-friendly landscapes and pollinator the correct pollinator and may exclude many popular shade trees, such as oak, gardens, as well as protecting wildlife others. Plants that produce long, tubu- maple, elm and pine, are wind pollinat- habitat. lar flowers are generally pollinated by ed. Be sure to also include flowering trees Pollination in plants occurs when hummingbirds, butterflies and moths, such as native magnolias, dogwood, crape pollen from the male parts of flowers is which are able to access the nectar with myrtle, native hollies, American fringe transferred to the female parts of flow- their long tongues. Open-faced flowers tree, redbud, black cherry, American per- ers and fertilizes the eggs. This results and those with short flower tubes make simmon and loquat. in fruit containing seeds. The flowers nectar available to short-tongued bees. Many flowering shrubs are also avail- of some plants are able to carry out this Bees, however, will sometimes crawl to able, both native and non-native, that process without any help from pollina- the base of a long-tubed flower and chew provide colorful flowers for our land-

Coral honeysuckle. Photo by Dan Gill Loquat. Photo by Dan Gill 24 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 scapes. Choose a variety of shrubs that vers (white and crimson) and members of bloom at different times of the year. the aster family, (daisies, sunflowers and Avoid varieties that have highly double zinnias). flowers with many petals. Rather, choose You may also provide larval food those with single or semi-double flowers plants for butterflies. Butterflies lay because they provide more nectar and eggs only on certain plants, which vary pollen. depending on the species of butterfly. Flowering vines also may be planted Monarch caterpillars will only feed on for pollinators. Vines like coral hon- milkweed plants, and Gulf fritillary cat- eysuckle, cross vine, yellow jessamine, erpillars prefer species of passion vines. American wisteria and coral vine bloom The parsley worm, which grows up to be at various times and are attractive to a the Eastern black swallowtail, feeds on variety of pollinators parsley, dill and fennel. Sulfur butterflies lay their eggs on cassias, while bean leaves Plant a Pollinator Garden are the preferred food of long-tailed skip- Beds in your landscape may be dedi- per caterpillars. cated to planting perennials and bedding If your property is large enough, you plants that provide food to pollinators. may dedicate an area to a wildflower Pollinator gardens are generally attractive meadow planting. A blend of native Monarch butterfly on Mexican milkweed. Photo and colorful due to the use of abundant- wildflower seeds, both annual and by Kathy Kramer ly flowering plants. Diversity is key when perennial types, may be planted in that planting pollinator gardens. Choose a area and allowed to grow to create a more wide variety of plants that produce flow- natural habitat for pollinators. ers of many different shapes, colors and sizes to attract the greatest diversity of Other Things to Consider pollinators. Also, choose perennials and The use of pesticides is detrimental to bedding plants that bloom at different pollinators and should be kept to an abso- times of the years. Cool-season bedding lute minimum. Many landscape insect plants, grown from October to May, will and disease outbreaks of trees and shrubs even provide flowers during winter, when will clear up on their own without treat- bees and other pollinators may forage on ment with pesticides. mild days. Learn to tolerate some damage to Gardeners have long created gardens landscape plants. For example, leaf for butterflies and hummingbirds. Many cutter bees will cut circular pieces of rose of the flowers fed on by butterflies and leaves about the size of a dime or nickel. hummingbirds will attract bees and other Although unsightly, this damage does not Monarch caterpillar feed on Mexican milkweed insects. The many kinds of salvias so greatly affect the health or blooming of leaves. Photo by Kathy Kramer commonly used in butterfly and hum- the roses, and treating with an insecticide mingbird gardens will also attract bees. will kill this helpful pollinator. When planting to attract more types of pollinators, also choose flowers that are More Information easy for bees to feed on, such as the clo- A list of native plants attractive to pol- linators is very helpful when considering what to plant. The offers planting guides tailored to specif- ic ecoregions. The Selecting Plants for Pollinators guides have excellent infor- mation on pollinators and provide exten- sive lists of native plants. To get the guide specific to where you garden, visit the Pollinator Partnership website at www. pollinator.org. Click on Plant Guides, and then enter your 5-digit zip code. The regional guide you see will have charts that list which native plants grow best in Gulf fritillary adult butterfly feeds on nectar from your area so that you can plant them to lantana flowers. Photo by Kathy Kramer attract more pollinators to your gardens.

Dan Gill is a consumer horticulture specialist in the School of Plant, Environmental Salvia. Photo by Dan Gill and Soil Sciences. Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 25 Chilli Thrips Control, Identification and Management Yan Chen, Steven Arthurs and Dennis Ring hilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, bulged abdomen (Photo 2). All thrips is native to south Asia and has inhabit secluded areas on plants, such become a worldwide pest in coun- as unopened flower and terminal buds, Ctries having horticulture commodities. which reduces exposure to insecticide It attacks more than 100 plant species, applications. They also superficially including chili peppers, tea, strawberries, resemble some other thrips species that, tomatoes and many other vegetable, fruit if mistaken, may result in poor control and ornamental crops. In the U.S., it was because the insecticides selected may not Photo 2. Chilli thrips (lower left) is a tiny insect, first reported in Hawaii in 1987 and then be efficient against chilli thrips. which is about one-quarter the size of the established in Florida in 2005. It is now Since 2013, a team of horticultur- western flower thrips (upper right). The latter widespread throughout the Southeast. ists and entomologists from the LSU is more commonly seen in garden plants and prefers pollen and nectar. Photo by Yan Chen In Louisiana, chilli thrips damage has AgCenter and the University of Florida been reported in landscapes and in pro- has worked on management options to duction nurseries in many ornamental keep the chilli thrips at bay in both pro- gardeners to periodically check plants plants, such as Knock Out roses, cleyera, duction nurseries and landscapes. The during the seasons when chilli thrips Indian hawthorn, duranta, ligustrum, team started with monitoring this pest are active and for nursery growers to be viburnum, camellia and bottle brush, in gardens and nurseries and evaluated familiar with early damaging symptoms and herbaceous plants such as begonia, critical questions such as at what pest of this pest. coleus, snapdragon, zinnia, coreopsis and level insecticides are needed to prevent Detecting and treating pests before verbena. the thrips from causing crop damage a high population builds up are key Chilli thrips feeds on stem terminals, and what biorational pesticides that are actions. Early injury symptoms – leaf young leaves, developing flower buds and “soft” on beneficial arthropods can be curl and distortion – need to be moni- fruits with a rasping-sucking mouth- used to reduce the use of conventional tored weekly. Tapping foliar terminals part. This type of feeding causes bronzed, insecticides. over a sheet of white paper will dislodge curled and distorted leaves, which may Because chilli thrips prefers to feed thrips that can be examined with a hand look like herbicide burn or leaf rust on tender plant tissue, more infesta- lens. In nurseries, thrips can be mon- (Photo 1). Severe infestation can defoliate tion cases in landscapes, especially with itored with yellow or blue sticky cards or slow plant growth. roses, have been reported in mid-May situated next to the susceptible plants and in September to early October. (Photo 3). These are the time periods many land- Because this thrips may overwinter as scape plants will have their new growth. adults in leaf litter or weeds, cleaning up In production nurseries, because debris from infested plants and remov- plants are routinely pruned to promote ing weeds are important activities to branching and new growth, chilli thrips reduce the overwinter population. This is can be problematic throughout the especially critical for nurseries that have growing season. Therefore, it is import- had chilli thrips infestations in the past. ant for landscape managers or home At the beginning of a local outbreak in

Photo 1. Chilli thrips damage on Knock Out roses. Photo by Sheldon Johnson

Detecting and managing chilli thrips is difficult because they are very small, only 0.016 to 0.024 inch in length. Compared with the more common west- ern flower thrips, chilli thrips are about Photo 3. For production nurseries, sticky cards placed on sensitive hosts (such as cleyera) is an efficient one-quarter of the size, with a more way to detect this pest early and treat before damage occurs. Photo by Yan Chen

26 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 the landscape, severely infested branches of chilli thrips as well as other pests. such as Conserve, can be rotated with should be cut and bagged for disposal. However, natural enemies alone may not ultra-fine oil or soapy water to treat The research team also found that provide satisfactory control on plants pre- infested plants during thrips active high nitrogen and phosphorus con- ferred by chilli thrips. seasons. tents in plant leaves contribute to higher AgCenter research showed that a For nursery growers, insecticides numbers of chilli thrips on Knock Out rotation between spinosad and the containing abamectin (Avid), acephate roses. Applying fertilizer lightly, such as biological control fungi Metarhizium (Orthene), chlorfenapyr (Pylon, green- a split application at the recommended brunneum (Met52) and Beauveria bas- house only), flonicamid (Aria), imida- rate, may avoid promoting chilli thrips siana (BotaniGard 22WP), or insect cloprid (i.e., Marathon), spinetoram reproduction. growth regulator (azadirachtin, Molt- (XXpire), spiromesifen (JUDO) and spi- The use of pyrethroids, organophos- X), and horticultural oils (such as the nosad (Conserve) can help control chilli phates or other broad-spectrum insecti- ultra-fine oil or SuffOil-X) reduced thrips. Rotation among different classes cides is not recommended for controlling chilli thrips populations by 88 percent and modes of actions is recommended to chilli thrips in landscape plants because to 95 percent. These products are con- reduce the risks of developing insecticide of their potential effects on beneficial spe- sidered “soft” on beneficial arthropods resistance and the outbreaks of secondary cies, including minute pirate bugs (Orius and are available to commercial land- pests. spp.), lacewings and predatory mites scape professionals. For home garden- or spiders that help prevent outbreaks ers, insecticides containing spinosad,

Yan Chen is an associate professor at the Hammond Research Station in Hammond; Steven Arthurs is an assistant professor in the Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida; and Dennis Ring is a professor and entomology extension specialist in the Department of Entomology. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Threatens Summer’s Most Popular Tree Yan Chen and Rodrigo Diaz ith showy summer flowers, ness, dwarf growth habits, and new foli- attractive bark color and bril- age and flower colors are being released, liant fall foliage, crape myr- including several series of burgundy- and Wtles are the most widely planted summer black-foliaged varieties (Delta, Black landscape tree in the South (Photo 1). Diamond, Ebony and Magic). More New varieties with improved cold hardi- importantly, this year-round garden performer is relatively low mainte- nance. Common pests include aphids and late-summer leaf spots, which do not need treatments in most cases. Over the past few years, the crape myrtle bark scale, Eriococcus lager- stroemiae, has become a new threat to the future of crape myrtles across the Photo 2. Trunk of a crape myrtle tree infested with Southeast. After the first report from the the crape myrtle bark scale. Photo by Yan Chen Crape Myrtle Trails World Collection Park in McKinnery, Texas, in 2004, turn black from the sooty mold fungus this pest has quickly spread to 96 coun- grown on the sugary exudes of the scales ties in 11 states: Alabama, Arkansas, (Photo 2). Stem dieback, decreased Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New number and size of blooms, and slow Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, decline (reduced vigor) of trees have been Texas, Virginia and Washington. In observed. Bark scale prefers feeding on Louisiana, infestations have been found pruning cuts and is attracted to the exces- in Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden sive bark growth around the wounds and Monroe in 2012, Rayville and New of improperly pruned trees (Photo 3). Orleans in 2013, Hammond and Houma Removing the top canopy of the tree, aka in 2014, and Baton Rouge in 2015. “crape murder,” may worsen bark scale The scale is easy to identify because infestation. it is the only known bark scale that feeds Eggs of bark scale are protected inside Photo 1. The popular Delta Jazz crape myrtle is one of the dark-foliage varieties released in recent on crape myrtles. Branches and trunks the felt-like ovisacs. The young scales, years. Photo by Allen Owings are often covered with felt-like scales and called crawlers, and their more mature

Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 27 10

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8 Tree 1 7 Tree 2 6 Tree 3 5

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1 Photo 3. Inappropriate pruning worsen the bark scale infestation on crape myrtle trees because 0 excessive bark growth attracts scale to feed. 2-Jul 9-Jul 4-Jun 2-Apr 9-Apr 3-Sep 6-Aug 16-Jul 23-Jul 30-Jul 5-Mar 7-May 11-Jun 18-Jun 25-Jun 16-Apr 23-Apr 30-Apr Photo by Yan Chen 27-Feb 10-Sep 17-Sep 13-Aug 20-Aug 27-Aug 12-Mar 19-Mar 26-Mar 14-May 21-May 28-May nymph stage feed on tissue beneath the Figure 2. Number of crawlers per square inch of double-sided Scotch tape collected from three infested trees from February 27 to September 17, 2015, in Shreveport. bark, and both are susceptible to chemi- cal treatments (Figure 1). Nymphs either develop into winged males or become females enclosed in ovisacs. These life stages are hard to manage with traditional insecticides. However, beneficial insects such as the twice-stabbed lady beetle (Chilocorus stigma) and the lady beetles in the Hyperaspis genus can rupture ovi- sacs and feed on eggs. Further research on using these predators and other natural enemies may provide long-term manage- ment solutions. Gardeners, landscapers and crape myrtle growers are concerned because of the speed at which bark scale is spreading and the limited information available on its control. Since 2014, LSU AgCenter hor- ticulturists and entomologists have been working with scientists from other institu- Figure 1. Life cycle of the crape myrtle bark scale includes egg, nymph (crawler), pupae, male and female. tions in the region to develop management Photos by Zinan Wang recommendations for this exotic pest. With assistance from northwest Crape myrtle flowers do not have gest trimming and carefully bagging all Louisiana Master Gardeners, AgCenter nectar, but their “feeder ” are an debris to avoid spreading the infestation. personnel monitored the crawler popula- important food source for bees in the It will take efforts from homeowners, tion on infested trees in Shreveport during summer. To manage bark scale with landscape professionals, nursery growers 2015 and found two or three crawler pop- reduced impact on bees, AgCenter and retail garden centers to contain and ulation peaks. The first peak appeared researchers recommend using system- mitigate this potential threat from bark around mid-April, which correlates with ic insecticides as a basal soil drench after scale to crape myrtles, an iconic land- the budding of leaf buds in these trees the full bloom to avoid direct or indi- scape plant in the South. (Figure 2). Ultra-pure horticulture oil and rect impact on bees. Products such as imidacloprid (Merit or Bayer Advanced Acknowledgment: We thank LSU AgCenter insect growth regulators such as pyriproxy- Northwest Region horticulture agent Jennifer fen (Distance) and buprofezin (Talus) can Garden Tree and Shrub Insect Control), Williams, Terrebonne Parish horticulture agent be applied at this first crawler peak. They dinotefuran (Zylam, Safari, Transtect Bennett Joffrion, research associate Joey and Greenlight Tree and Shrub Insect Quebedeaux and research assistant Zinan Wang are more efficient on crawlers, and the use for their assistance to this project. This project of these products is less harmful to ben- Control with Safari) and thiomethoxam is funded by the USDA National Institute of eficial arthropods and pollinators com- (Meridian) have shown control effects in Food and Agriculture Crop Protection and Pest Management grant program. pared to long-lasting systemic insecticides. field trials. Foliar application of systemic Additional research on crape myrtle phe- insecticides is prohibited by label during nology, which is the timing of bud break, full bloom to avoid acute impact on Yan Chen is an associate professor at the LSU first bloom and full bloom, if proven to be pollinators. AgCenter Hammond Research Station in correlated to scale activities, will also help If a decision is made to remove the Hammond, and Rodrigo Diaz is an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology. time the application on crawlers. infested plant, AgCenter researchers sug- 28 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 the Serena variety, which was named a Louisiana Super Plants Louisiana Super Plant in 2011. The rasp- berry-blooming Serenita Raspberry was New Selections for 2016 chosen because of its unique flower color. Allen Owings Raspberry blooms are not available in any other seeded-type angelonias. Plant he LSU AgCenter Louisiana Super angelonias in late April to early May. Plants program is now five years Serenita Raspberry is a compact grower old. With the announcement of in the landscape reaching about 12 inches Ttwo new varieties for spring and one for to 14 inches tall compared to the 16-inch fall 2016, the program has now named Serenas. Space plants 10 inches to 12 exceptional landscape plants that per- inches apart. form well in Louisiana and would be great selections for home gardens. Some Mrs. Schiller’s Delight viburnum of these are new varieties, and some are older varieties with a proven track record. The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana’s nursery and landscape industry, through the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association, identified the need for a state-based program that uses university research to identify and promote excep- tional plants. The Hammond Research Evolution Violet salvia. Photo by Allen Owings Station, along with the School of Plant, growing is also an option. Plants of the Environmental and Soil Sciences, leads white-flowering variety grow to 10-12 the program. inches tall while the violet-blooming vari- Each Super Plant must have at least ety will grow to 14 inches tall. Flowers two years of rigorous evaluations and are abundant on the tight foliage canopy a proven track record under north and from late spring through first killing south Louisiana growing conditions. frost. Pollinators love these plants. When Louisiana Super Plants must prove hardy spring planted and growing in a well- across the state and must be easily pro- drained bed, plants can be perennial after duced and available for all nursery and winters of only light frosts and freezes. Mrs. Schiller’s Delight viburnum. Photo by Allen Owings landscape industry wholesalers and Removing spent flowers by deadheading retailers to market and sell. will keep plants blooming more pro- A native shrub deserving of more use Louisiana Super Plants are select- lifically. Lower growth, blooms spring in Louisiana is the Mrs. Schiller’s Delight ed a year or two in advance of a public through fall and compact habits make Viburnum obovatum, or Walter’s dwarf announcement. The selection process these two varieties super. viburnum. This could be a great substi- includes LSU AgCenter horticulture fac- tute for Indian hawthorn, dwarf yaupon, ulty and members of the Louisiana nurs- Serenita Raspberry angelonia dwarf hollies and similar popular ever- ery and landscape industry. The program Angelonia, also called summer snap- green foundation shrubs. This viburnum results in home gardeners having an dragon, has become one of the more pop- is maintainable at 3 feet to 4 feet tall and increased awareness of better-performing ular summer grows to a height of 5 feet. Space plants 4 landscape plants. bedding feet to 5 feet apart in full sun, part sun or Three new Louisiana Super Plants plants. These part shade in a well-prepared landscape have been named for 2016 – the Evolution are general- bed. Small clusters of white flowers cover series salvia and Serenita Raspberry ly considered the canopy in midspring for four weeks. angelonia for spring, and Mrs. Schiller’s annuals and These plants make a nice addition to Delight viburnum for fall. work in full woodland, filtered-shade native gardens. sun and dry This viburnum is known for its landscape Evolution salvia landscapes toughness. Prune if needed in spring A salvia that is not necessarily new – a common after flowering is completed. Irrigation is but is lesser known is the Salvia farina- problem with needed only during periods when rainfall cea series Evolution. Both the Evolution angelonias is is absent for two to three weeks. White and the Evolution Violet are prop- over-irrigation. agated from seed. In the landscape, plant The Serenita Louisiana Super Plants are “university tested and these varieties in a full to mostly sun series is the industry approved.” The three 2016 selections and all the past selections can be chosen to make great location in a well-drained landscape bed Serenita Raspberry angelonia. smaller-grow- colorful warm-season and cool-season Louisiana 14 inches to 16 inches apart. Container Photo courtesy Ball Seed ing version of landscapes.

Allen Owings is a professor and resident coordinator at the Hammond Research Station. Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 29 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 29 Cool-season flowers Warm-season flowers Amazon dianthus BabyWing begonias Swan columbine Bandana lantanas Diamonds Blue delphinium Butterfly pentas Redbor kale Little Ruby alternanthera Sorbet violas (Joseph’s coat) Camelot foxglove Senorita Rosalita cleome Serena angelonia Luna hibiscus (rose mallow) Kauai torenia (wishbone flower) Mesa gaillardia Henna coleus Fireworks fountain grass Amazon dianthus Homestead Purple verbena Henna coleus

Swan columbine Bandana lantana Senorita Rosalita cleome

Camelot foxglove Diamonds Blue delphinium Homestead Purple verbena

Luna hibiscus (rose mallow)

Sorbet violas

Butterfly pentas

Redbor kale Mesa gaillardia Fireworks fountain grass

30 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 Shrubs Aphrodite althea (rose of Sharon) Belinda’s Dream rose Conversation Piece azalea Drift roses Frostproof gardenia Penny Mac hydrangea ShiShi Gashira camellia Leslie Ann camellia Flutterby Petite Tutti Fruitti Pink buddleia (butterfly bush) Rabbiteye blueberries

Frostproof gardenia ShiShi Gashira Camellia

Penny Mac hydrangea

Belinda’s Dream rose Aphrodite althea (rose of Sharon)

Leslie Ann camellia Flutterby Petite Tutti Frutti Pink buddleia (butterfly bush) Conversation Piece azalea

Drift rose Rabbiteye blueberries

Trees Shoal Creek vitex Southern sugar maple Willow oak Evergreen sweetbay magnolia

Shoal Creek vitex Southern sugar maple Willow oak Evergreen sweetbay magnolia

Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 31 the summer are needed after the initial Virginia Buttonweed: spring applications to get buttonweed under control. No. 1 Weed Problem of Southern Lawns A program approach works best Ron Strahan to control buttonweed. According to research trials conducted by the LSU irginia buttonweed is widely perennial plants emerge from winter AgCenter, herbicides that contain the considered the most invasive dormancy. active ingredients 2,4-D, dicamba, meco- weed infesting turfgrass in the April and May are good months prop and carfentrazone (Speed Zone VSouth. The plant is extremely prolific and to begin spraying buttonweed in spot Southern, Weed Free Zone, Weed B has multiple ways to reproduce, includ- applications. Perennial plants that went Gon) have been effective in suppressing ing heavy seed production that occurs dormant after the first frost will begin emerging perennial plants and killing the both above and below the ground from emerging in early April. Seedling plants first flush of buttonweed seedlings when self-pollinating flowers, rooting stem germinate around the perennial “mother” applied in early spring. Once tempera- fragments and tap roots that allow plants plants as temperatures warm in spring. tures exceed 85 degrees, herbicides con- to survive through winter. Mowers set at During this early growing season, peren- taining 2,4-D cause too much injury to nial plants are tender with new growth. even the lowest blade height do not inter- St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass. It is at this time that the perennial plants fere with growth or seed production of In the hot summertime, metsulfuron are most susceptible to herbicide uptake. this plant. (MSM, Mansion) or Celsius herbicides Additionally, herbicide applications Because of the potential for stem frag- should be applied. Always repeat metsul- during spring will easily kill germinat- ments to root, mowing may actually aid furon or Celsius applications four to six in the spread of buttonweed. Turning the ing seedling plants and reduce the overall weeks after the initial application. Both mower deck discharge toward landscape buttonweed population significantly. Celsius and metsulfuron have performed beds could even start populations of but- The worst thing to do is to wait until well in research trials, and these herbi- tonweed in flower beds. late July or August to make the first cides seem to be tolerated pretty well by herbicide application. By late summer, St. Augustinegrass even in hot weather. Virginia buttonweed control heavy Virginia buttonweed populations Virginia buttonweed is tolerant of can form a dense mat that can kill large Ron Strahan is a weed scientist and most selective herbicides used for weed areas of the lawn. Single herbicide appli- associate professor in the School of Plant, control in turf, especially when plants cations, especially late-season, have not Environmental and Soil Sciences harden off in late summer. Managing been effective on mature Virginia button- the weed should start early in spring as weed. Multiple applications throughout

Virginia Buttonweed Control Program for Louisiana Lawns Herbicide Timing Comments Sources Speed Zone Southern, Apply in early spring as perennial Labeled for all Southern turfgrass. Turf chemical distributors, retail Weed Free Zone, plants break dormancy and Expect injury on St. Augustinegrass nurseries, big-box retail centers, Weed B Gon seedling buttonweed emerges and centipedegrass when online sources (2,4-D + dicamba +, temperatures exceed 85 degrees. mecoprop + carfentrazone) MSM Turf, Apply in summer when Labeled for all Southern turfgrass. Turf chemical distributors, retail Mansion (metsulfuron) temperatures exceed 85 degrees. Kills bahiagrass. nurseries, online sources Celsius Apply in summer when Safest herbicide to use in hot Turf chemical distributors and (iodosulfuron + thiencarbazone + temperatures exceed 85 degrees. weather. Do not apply to bahiagrass online sources dicamba) or carpetgrass.

Flowering buttonweed. Photo by Ron Strahan Virginia buttonweed. Photo by Ron Strahan Seedling buttonweed. Photo by Ron Strahn 32 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 Chamberbitter: Invasive and Difficult to Control Ron Strahan hamberbitter (Phyllanthus uri- Chamberbitter is a tropical plant that non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate naria), also called gripeweed starts germinating as temperatures warm to destroy populations before they have a or leaf flower, is a highly inva- in the springtime, usually late April, so chance to produce seeds. Csive summer annual broadleaf that has apply preemergence herbicides accord- Chamberbitter is an extremely dif- become a serious weed of nurseries and ingly. Re-apply as directed by the prod- ficult weed to manage in ornamental landscape beds in Louisiana over the past uct label. In landscape beds, a good thick settings. It will take an integrated man- 15 years. It is believed that the weed orig- mulch will also help suppress chamber- agement approach that includes mulch inated in tropical Asia, but it has become bitter emergence, especially when used in and preemergence herbicides along with problematic across the southeastern conjunction with an effective preemer- frequent hand weeding and glyphosate United States from Virginia to Texas. gence herbicide. applications to reduce populations in The weed is characterized by leaves Since chamberbitter is a prolific seed nurseries and landscape beds. arranged in two rows on alternate producer, it is extremely important to not branchlets, superficially resembling allow emerged plants to produce seed and Ron Strahan is a weed scientist and mimosa seedlings. However, the most add more seed to the soil weed seed bank. associate professor in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. common distinguishing feature is fruit Either hand-remove the weed or apply a attached directly to the underneath sides of branches. Reproduction is by seeds, which explode outward from maturing fruit onto surrounding areas. Seeds require soil temperatures above 75 degrees to germinate, and plants persist into late fall until a killing frost. Chamberbitter grows 1 to 2 feet in height and produces thousands of seeds. The weed is unsightly in flower beds and is costly to control in nurseries.

Chamberbitter control in landscape beds and nurseries Because few selective postemergence options are available for controlling broadleaves infesting ornamentals, preemergence herbicides are the back- Chamberbitter seed capsules are located on the underside of leaves. Photo by Ron Strahan bone of weed management in flower beds and nurseries. Unfortunately, chamberbitter responds erratical- ly to most preemergence herbicides labeled for ornamentals. However, a few preemergence herbicides pro- vide at least suppression of the weed. Herbicides that contain oxyfluorfen (Rout, OH2 and others), flumioxazin (Sure Guard and Broadstar) and isox- aben (Snapshot, Gallery) are useful in reducing chamberbitter populations in perennial groundcovers and woody plants. Dimethenamid-containing her- bicides (Free Hand and Tower) can be moderately effective in bedding plants. Always follow product labels and pre- cautions when using herbicides in and around ornamentals. With all preemergence herbicides, it is important to apply them before weeds germinate. Fruit on chamberbitter. Photo by Ron Strahan Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 33 Revealing the Hidden Half: Development of a Low-Cost Aeroponics Growth System as a Tool for Sweet Potato Root Research Arthur Villordon he sweet potato has a system of Growth system requirements Materials and methods roots that allow it not only to The principle of aeroponics is to grow One of the principal goals of the work obtain soil-based resources like plants with their root systems exposed was to develop a low-tech system that Twater and nutrients but also store food to a nutrient mist. Plants show optimal simulates the timing of storage root for- reserves. This storage capacity is unique growth in aeroponics systems because of mation by field-grown plants. Another to the sweet potato and represents the an unimpeded oxygen supply to the root requirement was simplicity in operation most economically important biologi- system. Unlike roots that are 100 percent to avoid complex machinery. The use of cal activity of the crop. Lateral or branch immersed in nutrient solutions, roots off-the-shelf components helped ensure roots, the main determinants of root grown in aeroponics systems typical- flexibility and adaptability in many envi- architecture, enable plant root systems ly show optimum lateral root develop- ronments, including resource-limited to perform these functions. The onset of ment, an important consideration for root locations. Figure 1 shows the basic com- this specialized function is referred to as architecture research. ponents of the growth system: a plas- storage root formation. Roots that fail to At minimum, the system is composed tic container (A) was used as a misting undergo storage root formation become of a root chamber in which the mist is chamber while an air pump (B) was used lignified, or woody, and do not contrib- intermittently sprayed. The nutrient mist in conjunction with a venturi mister (C) ute to productivity. Hence, the knowl- can be produced by mechanical foggers, to propel the nutrient spray to the root edge of the intrinsic and environmental venturi-type sprayers, ultrasonic fog- system. The nutrient solution is self-con- factors that favor storage root formation gers or pressurized solutions delivered tained within the plastic container and is important in developing and testing through nozzles. The duration of the refilled when necessary. Sweet potato management practices that contribute to spray interval has an important effect on cuttings were inserted through open- improved agricultural yields. the development of the root system and ings on the plastic lids and secured using New research has uncovered a funda- should be adjusted for each plant species. commercially available foam collars. A mental association between lateral root Infrequent spraying might cause water commercially available timer was used to branching and the ability of sweet pota- stress, whereas too frequent or continu- determine the spray intervals after initial- toes to form storage roots. In roots with ous misting may lead to leaching essential ly evaluating different interval settings. restricted branching, swelling is delayed nutrients from the root system. or reduced. Thus, understanding the fac- The nutrient solution is typically col- Results and discussion tors that control root branching will lead lected at the base of the chamber or in The multiyear experiments were to developing and testing methods that an external container and recirculated. conducted at the Sweet Potato Research promote optimum use of soil resourc- Regulating the nutrient solution tempera- Station. The initial hypothesis was that es and consistent productivity. However, ture, composition, concentration and pH manipulating nutrient availability over the study of plant roots has traditional- can be either automated or performed time contributed to storage root forma- ly lagged behind studying stems, leaves, manually at specified time intervals. tion and enlargement. This was based on flowers or fruits. Traditional methods for measuring roots grown in soil, such as washing and root tracing, are destructive and time consuming. Alternative approaches such as the use of underground observation windows typically underestimate some root growth factors. Recent advances in imaging technologies have enabled the non-destructive measurement of root nutrient development but are currently cost pro- mist hibitive and generally inaccessible to the broader scientific community. Another plastic container method is the use of a technique called venturi aeroponics, where plant roots are fully mister accessible through the growth cycle and can be fully recovered for harvesting. air pump LSU AgCenter researchers are developing an inexpensive aeroponics growth system as a tool for sweet potato research. Figure 1. Diagrammatic cutaway view of the aeroponics growth system.

34 Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 Conclusions and prospects It has been demonstrated that sweet potato plants can be manipulated to form storage roots in an aeroponics growth system developed from relative- ly inexpensive, off-the-shelf components. Results from ongoing work will increase the understanding of how nutritional cues influence sweet potato root system development and storage root forma- tion. Such knowledge has potential direct agricultural applications through the identification and evaluation of manage- ment practices that optimize fertilizer recommendations. Other potential research applica- tions include mineral nutrition, disease research, temperature effects, screen- ing for desirable root mutants and root exudates. Root exudates are compounds excreted by root systems in response to Figure 2. View looking into the aeroponics misting Figure 3. View of swollen storage roots of sweet stress stimuli in the soil environment chamber, showing the developing root system of potato variety Bayou Belle grown in an aeroponics and represent an important knowledge sweet potato plants at five days after planting. growing system at 57 days after planting. gap in sweet potato research. The aero- ponics system is a convenient method to measurements from earlier experiments plete nutrient solution did not manifest study the effects of nutrient deficiency that showed root swelling was accom- root pigmentation, and root swelling was on storage root formation and associat- panied by the reduction of nitrogen in minimal. Long-term evaluation of the ed physiological and molecular process- the growth medium. In addition, studies system showed that the timing of stor- es. The nutrient delivery system enables were conducted in order to synchronize age root formation also was influenced the targeted removal of a specific nutrient the timing of storage root formation in by variety and non-uniformity of nutri- without interference from biotic and abi- the aeroponics culture as close as possi- ent availability in root systems during otic variables that are found in agricul- ble with field conditions. Thus, the initial advanced stages of development. In par- tural soils. experiments consisted of an initial growth ticular, it was determined that the sweet phase (Figure 2) using a nutrient solution potato variety Bayou Belle formed storage Arthur Villordon is a professor at the Sweet with complete macronutrients and micro- roots without the nutrient solution having Potato Research Station at Chase. nutrients followed by a storage root for- been changed when the developing root mation phase characterized by removing system restricted the access of some roots Photos by Arthur Villordon nitrogen from the nutrient solution. to the nutrient mist. It was determined that root swell- These findings ing was more consistent when the ini- demonstrate the tial phase was at least 20 days before the advantage of the imposition of the nitrogen-deprivation aeroponics system in treatment. One of the initial responses facilitating non-de- that were observed following the removal structive, real-time of nitrogen was the pigmentation of roots observations of devel- as early as three to four days. Around this oping root systems time, the roots also increased in diameter compared with roots by as much as 25 percent to 50 percent. grown in soil or arti- These observations would not have been ficial growth media. possible if the plants were grown on soil In particular, the or in pots. marked increase in Swollen roots were clearly visible root pigmentation in after 35 days, a time frame similar to response to nutrient field-grown roots (Figure 3). At the same deprivation would time, shoots showed nutrient-deficien- have been easily cy symptoms, indicating that nutrients missed in root sys- were diverted from the leaves to support tems grown in soil or enlarging the storage roots. On the other an artificial growth hand, plants grown in a continuous com- substrate. Aeroponics growth system in .

Louisiana Agriculture, Spring 2016 35 Inside: Popular garden flowers throughout the United States, roses require special consideration in the Louisiana climate. See page 10 LSU AgCenter 128 Knapp Hall The AgCenter Hammond Research Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Station has developed into an important source of information for specialty crop growers and homeowners alike. See page 22 We can use our landscapes to provide food and shelter for pollinators and help increase their populations in many ways. See page 24 Sweet potato researchers are looking at how roots develop to increase their understanding of how to manage the crop in the field. See page 34

Louisiana Super Plants for 2016

® Ask for Evolution series salvia Louisiana (Spring) Super Plants

University tested and industry approved . Serenita Raspberry angelonia Superior performance under (Spring) Louisiana growing conditions

Mrs. Schiller’s Delight viburnum (Fall) For more information, contact your LSU AgCenter extension agent or visit: LSUAgCenter.com/SuperPlants