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Beauregard Parish
219 W Second Street
P.O. Box 609
DeRidder, Louisiana 70634
337-463-7006
October 2026 Events
West Louisiana Forestry Festival
Vernon Fair Grounds 4-11
Beauregard Parish Fair
Fair Grounds 6-10
Beauregard Master Gardeners Meeting
12th 9:00 a.m. WMCC
Allow Me to Introduce Myself
Greetings Producers and Friends of the LSU AgCenter!
Welcome to the Horticulture Connection Newsletter. Your editor here is Michael Lavergne, ANR Agent for Horticulture and Agronomy covering parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Evangeline, and Vernon.
I would love to place interested Clients on my email list to receive this newsletter as well as Horticulture Hints and other horticulture related topic materials in a timely manner through direct email. If you would like to receive regular Horticulture Connection and other related Horticulture emails, please email me your name and email address to [email protected] to be placed on our email list.
My goal is to provide you with information about upcoming events and opportunities in the area and across the state, such as field days, meetings, classes, and any other events that would be of interest. I will also plan to provide you with the latest news and information on the issues affecting you, whether it be drought or other weather-related conditions, garden and landscape production and maintenance, soil sample interpretations, fertilization, and management, marketing your crop and more.
Pasture Mealybug Raises Concerns for Louisiana Lawns
The pasture Mealybug is a relatively new pest affecting Louisiana Sugarcane and pastures.This pest could also potentially affect our Louisiana lawns as well. They have recently been found in pastures in Ragley.
Louisiana homeowners take pride in maintaining healthy, attractive lawns, but a newly detected invasive insect may present a future challenge for turfgrass management across the state. According to the LSU AgCenter, the pasture mealybug (Helio coccus Summerville) has recently been confirmed in Louisiana and has the potential to affect a wide range of grass species, including turfgrasses commonly found in residential landscapes.
The pasture mealybug is an invasive insect that was first detected in Louisiana sugarcane fields in Vermilion and Iberia parishes. Researchers note that insects have also been associated with significant damage to pasture grasses in other regions. Because the pest feeds on various grass species, LSU AgCenter specialists are encouraging landowners, lawn care professionals, and agricultural producers to remain vigilant for signs of infestation.
Although most attention has focused on impacts of sugarcane and livestock pastures, the LSU AgCenter warns that all species of pasture and turf grass are considered potential host plants. This includes many of the warm season turfgrasses commonly used in Louisiana landscapes, such as St. Augustine grass, centipede grass, bermudagrass, and zoysia grass.
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy coating that gives them a “cottony” appearance. The pasture mealybug’s immature stages, known as nymphs, are believed to be responsible for plant damage through feeding activity. LSU AgCenter researchers indicate that nymphs may be found on or near grass plants and can be difficult to detect because of their small size and protective wax covering.
Homeowners should be aware of several symptoms that may signal the presence of pasture mealybugs. In pasture systems, early signs include yellowing or reddening of grass foliage. As infestations become more severe, feeding damage may weaken plants, making them more susceptible to stress and disease. Prolonged infestations can ultimately result in thinning turf, dead patches, and loss of vigor. Similar symptoms have been observed in affected pastures in Texas, where widespread grass dieback has been reported.
One challenge in managing the pest is that many of these symptoms resemble those caused by drought stress, nutrient deficiencies, disease, or other insect pests. For that reason, proper identification is critical before any management decisions are made. LSU AgCenter specialists emphasize the importance of carefully scouting affected areas and seeking professional assistance when unusual turf decline is observed.
At present, researchers are still working to better understand the pest’s behavior, distribution, and potential impact in Louisiana. Surveys are being conducted to determine how widespread the insect may become in sugarcane fields, pastures, and other grass systems throughout the state. While infestations in Louisiana lawns have not been widely documented, experts believe monitoring is important because turfgrasses are considered susceptible hosts.
Good lawn management practices remain the first line of defense against many turf problems. Maintaining proper fertilization, irrigation, mowing height, and overall plant health can help grasses tolerate environmental stress more effectively. Healthy turf is generally better equipped to recover from pest pressures than weakened or neglected lawns.
The LSU AgCenter encourages homeowners to pay close attention to unexplained areas of yellowing, declining growth, or patches of dying grass. Early detection may prove essential in limiting the spread of this invasive pest and helping researchers better understand its impact on Louisiana landscapes. As monitoring efforts continue, staying informed and reporting suspected infestations can help protect both agricultural and residential grass systems across the state.
Fall Armyworms: A Late-Season Threat to Louisiana Lawns and Home Gardens
As summer transitions into fall, Louisiana homeowners often focus on maintaining lawns and preparing gardens for cooler weather. Unfortunately, this season also coincides with increased activity from one of the state's most destructive turfgrass pests: the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). According to the LSU AgCenter, these caterpillars can quickly damage lawns, ornamental landscapes, and other grassy areas, sometimes causing severe injury in a remarkably short period of time.
Fall armyworms are not new to Louisiana. LSU AgCenter experts describe them as a common insect pest that affects turfgrass throughout the state each year. These insects are most problematic from June through November, with significant outbreaks often occurring during late summer and early fall. The caterpillars are the damaging stage of the insect's life cycle, feeding aggressively on grass blades before developing into adult moths.
What makes fall armyworms particularly troublesome is the speed at which they can destroy healthy turf. LSU AgCenter publications note that larval feeding can devastate a lawn in a single night. Initially, small caterpillars scrape the undersides of leaves, creating a "windowpane" or skeletonized appearance. As the larvae grow larger, they consume entire leaf blades, leaving behind thin, brown, bare patches that can resemble drought stress or disease damage.
Although most lawn grasses are susceptible, bermudagrass is frequently targeted. However, homeowners with other warm season turfgrasses should not assume their lawns are safe. Fall armyworms feed on a wide variety of grasses and have more than 60 reported host plants, including lawns, pasture grasses, and several agricultural crops.
Recognizing an infestation early is essential. Mature fall armyworm larvae vary in color from tan and green to nearly black. They are easily identified by distinct stripes running lengthwise along the body and a characteristic upside-down "Y" marking on the front of the head. When disturbed, they often curl into a C-shaped posture. LSU AgCenter specialists also note that homeowners may observe increased bird activity in affected lawns, as birds frequently feed on armyworm caterpillars.
Other warning signs include chewed grass blades, green fecal pellets scattered across the turf surface, and rapidly expanding brown areas. Adult moths are commonly attracted to outdoor lights during the evening, which may indicate that egg-laying activity is occurring nearby. Female moths deposit eggs on many surfaces, including grass blades, allowing infestations to develop quickly under favorable conditions.
While fall armyworms are best known for lawn damage, homeowners should also monitor vegetable gardens and ornamental plantings located near heavily infested grassy areas. According to LSU AgCenter information, fall armyworms utilize numerous host plants and can move considerable distances as they search for food. Large populations may migrate into adjacent landscape beds after consuming available turfgrass.
One useful diagnostic tool recommended by the LSU AgCenter is the "flush test." To perform this test, mix one tablespoon of lemon-scented dish soap in one gallon of water and slowly pour the mixture over grass near damaged areas. Within five to ten minutes, armyworms and other surface-feeding insects may emerge, making it easier to confirm their presence. This simple scouting method can help homeowners determine whether insect damage is responsible for declining turf.
Maintaining a healthy lawn remains one of the best defenses against insect injury. LSU AgCenter specialists recommend proper fertilization, irrigation, and regular mowing to improve turf vigor and recovery. A healthy lawn can better withstand feeding damage and recover more quickly after an infestation. Homeowners should follow LSU AgCenter soil test recommendations and avoid excessive fertilizer applications. Adequate irrigation is also important, particularly during periods of drought stress, which can favor fall armyworm activity.
In some situations, chemical control may be necessary when armyworm populations become severe. LSU AgCenter publications list several active ingredients used for fall armyworm control, including bifenthrin, chlorantraniliprole, halofenozide, carbaryl, and Spinosad. As with any pesticide application, homeowners should carefully read and follow all label directions to ensure safe and effective use.
The key to minimizing fall armyworm damage is vigilance. Regularly inspecting lawns, particularly from late summer into fall, can help homeowners identify infestations before significant injury occurs. By watching for the characteristic caterpillars, chewed grass, bird activity, and developing brown patches, Louisiana residents can respond quickly and protect the health and appearance of their landscapes.
Fall armyworms may be a recurring challenge in Louisiana, but informed homeowners can successfully manage their impact through routine scouting, sound lawn care practices, and timely intervention when necessary. Staying alert during the peak armyworm season can make the difference between a minor nuisance and a lawn that requires months of recovery.
While fall armyworms cannot always be prevented, LSU AgCenter recommendations focus on early detection and maintaining healthy turf to reduce damage and promote recovery.
1. Maintain a healthy lawn
2. Scout your lawn frequently
3. Learn to identify fall armyworms
4. Use the flush test
5. Protect newly established turf
6. Treat infestations promptly when necessary
Key Takeaway
The best defense against fall armyworms is a combination of healthy lawn care, frequent monitoring, early detection, and rapid response. Because these caterpillars can severely damage a lawn in a short period of time, homeowners should be especially vigilant from late summer through fall.
Homeowners who prefer to minimize insecticide use can often reduce fall armyworm damage by encouraging natural controls and maintaining a healthy landscape. LSU AgCenter information supports several non-chemical approaches:
1. Encourage Natural Predators
Many birds feed on armyworm caterpillars, and increased bird activity is often one of the first signs of an infestation. Allowing birds to access lawns can help reduce armyworm numbers naturally.
2. Maintain Healthy Turfgrass
A dense, vigorous lawn is better able to tolerate feeding damage and recover after infestation. LSU AgCenter recommends:
3. Scout and Detect Early
Small armyworms cause less damage than mature caterpillars. Frequent lawn inspections allow homeowners to identify infestations before populations explode. Look for:
4. Use the Soap Flush Test
The LSU AgCenter recommends a simple soap flush to locate armyworms:
5. Reduce Stress on Lawns
LSU AgCenter notes that stressed turf has a harder time dealing with insect injury. Avoid practices that weaken grass, such as over-fertilization, improper mowing, or prolonged drought stress.
6. Monitor During Peak Season
Armyworm injury is most common from summer through fall, particularly from June through November in Louisiana. Regular monitoring during this period can help prevent severe outbreaks.
Natural and Organic Options
While the LSU AgCenter sources cited here do not specifically discuss organic controls, biological products containing Spinosad are commonly used in many home garden settings and are listed by the LSU AgCenter as an active ingredient effective against fall armyworms. Homeowners should always read and follow product labels.
Bottom line: The most effective natural strategy is a combination of healthy lawn care, routine scouting, encouraging beneficial wildlife, and catching infestations while caterpillars are still small. These practices can greatly reduce the likelihood of widespread turf damage.
Allen Parish Fair is set for November 11-14th in Oberlin. Allen Residents may enter a variety of items from Produce, live plants, fruits, flowers, jellies, arts and crafts. Fair Catalogs should be out soon. More information to come.
Beauregard Parish Fair is set for Tuesday through Saturday, October 6-10, 2026, in DeRidder at the Fair Grounds. Beauregard Residents may enter a variety of items from Produce, live plants, flowers, fruits, jellies, arts and crafts. Fair Catalogs should be out soon. More information to come. There is a Livestock show as well.
Vernon Parish Fair is set for Wednesday through Sunday, October 4-10, 2026, at the West Louisiana Forestry Festival Grounds. Vernon Residents may enter a variety of items from Produce, live plants, flowers, fruits, jellies, arts and crafts. Fair Catalogs should be out soon. More information to come. There is a Livestock show as well.
Email List
I am working on compiling an email list to share this newsletter, Horticulture Hints and other LSU AgCenter information. I am also compiling a list of interested individuals who would like to participate in our LSU AgCenter Master Gardener class. I will hopefully offer a Master Gardener class soon. If you would like to be included in our email list or added to a potential Master Gardener class, please email myself at [email protected]. I look forward to working with each of you.
Soil Testing: A Smart Start for a Healthy Lawn and Garden
If your lawn or garden isn’t thriving, the problem might be right under your feet — your soil. The LSU AgCenter recommends soil testing as the first step to understanding what your soil needs. A simple test can reveal nutrient levels and pH, helping you apply the right type and amount of fertilizer or lime. This not only saves money but also protects the environment from excess runoff.
Soil testing is especially helpful before planting new lawns, vegetable gardens, or flower beds. It can also explain why plants aren’t growing well, even with regular care. The LSU AgCenter suggests testing every 2–3 years for best results.
Homeowners can pick up soil test kits from their local AgCenter office. Just collect samples, send them in, and receive customized recommendations to improve your soil’s health.
For more information, visit LSUAgCenter.com and search “Soil Testing.”
A healthy, dense lawn is one of the best defenses against weeds, but even well-maintained landscapes can experience unwanted invaders. According to the LSU AgCenter, several weeds commonly appear in Louisiana home lawns and often serve as indicators of underlying lawn conditions. Understanding what these weeds are and why they appear can help homeowners take steps to improve turf health and reduce future weed problems.
One of the most recognizable lawn weeds in Louisiana is dollar weed (Hydro cotyle spp.), sometimes called pennywort. Dollar weed is easily identified by its bright green, shiny leaves that resemble silver dollars. The LSU AgCenter notes that this perennial weed thrives in moist or poorly drained soil and spreads through seeds and underground stems known as rhizomes. Because it flourishes in wet conditions, a heavy infestation of dollar weed may indicate excessive irrigation or drainage issues within the landscape.
Another troublesome weed is annual bluegrass (Poa annua), a cool-season grassy weed commonly found throughout Louisiana. Annual bluegrass spreads primarily by seed and often appears in compacted soils. It produces dense clumps of light green foliage and can tolerate very low mowing heights, making it difficult to manage once established. According to the LSU AgCenter, this weed is especially prominent in Bermudagrass lawns and can quickly produce seeds, allowing infestations to spread from year to year.
The best long-term strategy for weed control is prevention. LSU AgCenter specialists emphasize maintaining a healthy lawn through proper fertilization, mowing, and soil pH management. Dense, vigorous turfgrass competes more effectively with weeds for sunlight, water, and nutrients, reducing opportunities for weed seeds to become established. Regular mowing at the recommended height for your turf species also helps maintain lawn density and discourages weed growth.
Homeowners should also pay attention to environmental conditions that favor weeds. Poor drainage can encourage dollar weed, while compacted soils often promote annual bluegrass infestations. Correcting these underlying issues can significantly improve long-term weed management and reduce reliance on herbicides. Manual removal of weeds may also be helpful, particularly for isolated infestations.
Ultimately, weeds are often symptoms of lawn stress rather than the primary problem. By identifying common weed species and addressing the conditions that favor their growth, homeowners can create healthier, more resilient lawns that naturally resist future weed invasions.
For a late summer and fall lawn weed article, LSU AgCenter information supports highlighting annual bluegrass and dollar weed, but homeowners in Louisiana also commonly encounter other seasonal weeds such as henbit, chickweed, and clover during the fall and winter establishment period. LSU AgCenter specifically identifies annual bluegrass as a major cool season weed that begins germinating as soil temperatures decline in early fall
Late Summer and Fall Weeds to Watch For
As summer transitions into fall, many Louisiana homeowners notice weeds becoming more visible in their lawns. According to the LSU AgCenter, one of the most troublesome fall lawn weeds is annual bluegrass (Poa annua). This cool-season grassy weed germinates when soil temperatures fall below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and spread rapidly by seed. Its ability to tolerate low mowing heights and form dense clumps makes it difficult to control once established. Annual bluegrass is especially common in Bermudagrass lawns and can produce seed throughout late winter and early spring, leading to recurring infestations.
Another weed frequently observed in Louisiana lawns is dollar weed, also known as pennywort. Dollar weed thrives in moist or poorly drained areas and is often a sign of excessive soil moisture or overwatering. Easily recognized by its round, bright-green leaves, dollar weed spreads through both seeds and underground stems, making long-term control challenging if drainage problems are not corrected.
Other common cool season weeds that emerge during the fall include henbit, chickweed, and clover. These broadleaf weeds often establish in thin or weakened turf where sunlight reaches the soil surface. Once established, they can compete with desirable turfgrass for nutrients, moisture, and growing space.
The LSU AgCenter emphasizes that the best defense against fall weeds is maintaining a dense, healthy lawn through proper fertilization, mowing, and soil pH management. Thick turfgrass shades the soil and reduces opportunities for weed seed germination. Additionally, pre-emergence herbicides applied in mid- to late September can be an important tool for managing annual bluegrass before it emerges.
By paying attention to weed activity in late summer and fall, homeowners can address problems early and enter spring with a healthier, more attractive lawn.
Should You Fertilize in Fall? Louisiana usually stays warm well into the fall, and lawns continue to grow until nighttime temperatures dip into the 50s. So be sure to mow and water your lawn as needed to keep it healthy. More than likely it is time to put up your fertilizer spreader. Fertilizing warm-season grasses during the fall with high nitrogen summer-type fertilizers or winterizing fertilizers containing high levels of nitrogen is not recommended for Deep South lawns. Stimulating fall growth of St. Augustine grass, centipede grass and zoysia with nitrogen leads to increased large (brown) patch disease and winter kill. Bermudagrass may be fertilized into September, but I would not make any more applications of high percentage-nitrogen-containing fertilizers after late August on St. Augustine grass, centipede grass or zoysia. If you would like to extend the green color in home lawns this fall, apply foliar iron spray or spreadable iron granules. This will give you a nice flush of green color without increased growth.
Do You Need to “Winterize?” I’m sure that you have heard of winterized fertilizers. Potassium, which is the last number in the analysis on fertilizer bags, is the nutrient associated with winter hardiness and increased disease resistance with turfgrass. There is an advantage to having the correct amount of potassium in the soil. Get a soil test before applying high-potassium fertilizer, however, because there is no advantage to applying excessive amounts of this nutrient. If a soil test indicates that potash is lacking, choose a potassium-containing fertilizer with zero or a very low percentage of nitrogen during the late summer or early fall because we are not trying to stimulate growth for the reasons discussed above. If a soil test calls for adding potassium, you can apply it during September while temperatures are still warm, and the lawn is still growing. Very slow growth occurs as day lengths get shorter by late September and October.
An important fact to consider if you bag your lawn clippings: The removal of grass clippings from lawns can severely deplete the soil of potassium. Grass leaves and stems contain very high levels of potassium. Keep in mind that when a lawn is mowed appropriately, it is better to leave clippings to decompose on the lawn as a good source of turf nutrients, including potassium. Clippings from a lawn that is mowed regularly have only a small role in the overall buildup of thatch in turfgrass.
Pawpaw and Pomegranate: Two Unusual Fruit Crops for Louisiana
Pawpaw Scientific name: Asima triloba
OVERALL EASE OF CARE RATINGS
• Insect and disease pest control: Easy
• Weed control: Moderate
• Climatic adaptation: Good
• Pruning and training: Moderate
• Pollination requirements: Cross-pollination
• Chilling requirement: 250-850 hours
• Adaptation to hot/humid conditions: Good
• Cold hardiness: Good
Site and soil requirements: Native pawpaw trees are found growing in deep shade near rivers and creeks. Pawpaw trees grow best in bottomland soils with good drainage. Soil pH should be in the range of 5.5 to 6.0. Pawpaw trees are sensitive to soil pH greater than 7.0. Although pawpaw trees will tolerate shade, fruit production is limited with increasing shade. For best fruit production, trees should be planted in an area that receives full sun or at least six hours a day during the growing season.
Irrigation requirements: Irrigation is important in tree establishment and growing a large tree for fruiting. Also, additional water applied as the fruit begins to ripen will dramatically increase fruit size.
Plant spacing and mature canopy size: Trees are generally spaced at least eight to 12 feet apart in rows 15 or more feet apart. A mature tree will have a spread of 6 to 8 feet. Space is needed between trees to maintain the orchard and allow for air movement. Crowding trees close together reduces air movement and reduces sunlight to fruit buds.
Years to bearing: Three to four.
Potential yield: 5 to 40 pounds per tree.
Planting stock: Best stock is a dormant, 3-year-old, container-grown plant that stands about 3 to 4 feet tall. Plants less than 3 feet tall are sensitive to direct sunlight and usually struggle to survive when planted in the open field. A shade structure may be needed until plants are 3 to 4 feet in height.
Varieties: There are a limited number of pawpaw varieties offered through local nurseries. Local pawpaw seedlings are frequently offered for sale and can make a productive tree.
Establishment: Site selection and establishment should begin several months prior to planting the tree. Surface drainage can be accomplished by constructing furrows and ditches to remove the water from the area.
Fertilization: Preplant fertilization is important in establishing a strong, productive tree. In sandy soils with low native nutrient levels, 2 to 3 pounds of a fertilizer with high potassium levels are incorporated into the planting site two to three months prior to planting.
Pruning and training: Pawpaw trees are usually trained to a modified central leader system. The first year, remove all lateral growth from ground level to up to 18 to 24 inches. Arrange the lateral limbs around one central stem. Prune around the central leader in such a way as to leave a lateral limb every 6 to 8 inches. The limbs should be arranged in a spiral formation. The first growing season is important in establishing the framework of the tree. Several light pruning’s may be necessary the first growing season to establish the framework of the tree. In the second and subsequent years, light pruning each winter is done to allow sunlight to the interior of tree.
Major insect pests: Scale
Major disease pests: Leaf spot
Pomegranate
Scientific name: Punica granatum
OVERALL EASE OF CARE RATINGS
• Insect and disease pest control: Moderate
• Climatic adaptation: Good
• Pruning and training: Light to moderate
• Pollination requirements: Self fertile
• Chilling requirement: 250-450 hours
• Adaptation to hot/humid conditions: Fair to good
• Cold hardiness: Good
Site and soil requirements: Pomegranates are large shrubs or small trees. Pomegranates grow best in sandy soils with good internal and external drainage. Soil pH should be in the range of 6.0 to 6.8. The site should receive eight hours or more sunlight each day. Soil amendments if needed should be applied to the tree site well in advance of planting.
Irrigation requirements: Irrigation is important in tree establishment and growing a large tree for fruiting. Also, additional water applied as the fruit begins to ripen will help prevent premature dropping and increase fruit size.
Plant spacing and mature canopy size: Plants are generally spaced about 8 feet apart. A mature shrub will easily have a spread of 6 to 10 feet. Space is needed between trees to allow for air movement. Crowding plants close together reduces air movement around the canopy and increases problems with fruit diseases, such as anthracnose, and insects, such as stink bugs.
Years to bearing: Three.
Potential yield: 10 -30 pounds per tree.
Planting stock: Best stock is a 1 or 2-year-old, container-grown old shrub. Select a plant with three to five upright stems. Be sure to check the root ball and cut any coiled roots.
Varieties: There are only a few varieties of pomegranate from which to choose. The Wonderful variety is by far the most prominent variety offered through the nursery trade. The Wonderful variety is adapted to the Gulf Coast area. Many ornamental type pomegranates exist in the nursery trade and are sometimes confused with fruiting types. Most fruiting-type pomegranates have a single set of petals in the flower. The ornamental types usually have two or most sets of petals in the flowers, which enhance the ornamental value.
Establishment: Site selection and establishment should begin several months prior to planting the shrub. Drainage issues and soil amendments, such as lime, are added if needed at least three months prior to planting. Actively growing roots cannot survive in saturated soils for a long period of time. Surface drainage can be accomplished by creating ditches to remove the water from the area. The site should receive at least eight hours of full sunlight for the plant to be productive.
Fertilization: Preplant fertilization is important in establishing a strong productive tree. In sandy soils with low native nutrient levels, fertilizer needs to be applied at least one month prior to transplanting. In soils high in nutrients, very small amounts or no preplant fertilizer is needed. A soil test is needed to determine the nutrient status of the planting site.
Pruning and training: Pomegranate plants are medium sized shrubs and are usually trained to a multi-trunk (four to six trunks) plant. Remove all lateral growth from the ground level up 24 to 30 inches on each trunk. As the plant develops, most lateral growth from the main trunks is removed, leaving evenly spaced branches that do not overlap other branches. The three to five main trunks are cut back at about 8 feet from the ground level for maintenance and harvesting. Basal shoots should be removed during the growing season to promote growth. Some pruning and tying with string for support for the first three or four years may be needed to support the developing bush. Pomegranate plants will need some pruning each winter to maintain shape and good fruit bearing surface.
Major insect pests: Stink bugs, aphids.
Major disease pests: Anthracnose.
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