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DeSoto Extension Agent

Root rot disease creeping up in Louisiana lawns

LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh says homeowners around the state are beginning to see an increase in take-all patch, also known as take-all root rot.

The disease is caused by the soilborne fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis (Ggg). The fungus is frequently found in association with turfgrass roots without causing significant disease.

“Take-all patch disease can be quite destructive,” Singh said. “The aboveground symptoms appear after the root system has already been severely compromised.”

The appearance of these symptoms generally coincides with periods of several abiotic stresses.

“The initial symptoms of takeall root rot are generally visible as an overall yellowing, thinning or drought-stressed appearance of the turf,” Singh said. “Diseased roots are often short, dark-colored and somewhat brittle.”

July 4th is approaching soon and it is one of the most sacred days for the American Citizen. On July 4th, 1776, delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Penn. voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence. The 56 men who issued that famous document realized they were signing their own death warrants because the British would consider them traitors. A follow- up article next week will tell of the suffering and hardships each of the signers and their families went through.

Let’s get baking!!

I’ve never hid the fact I’m not much of a baker BUT apparently I also wasn’t great at picking spouses years ago either (shocker I know).

Carrion Crows?

A startling site the other afternoon as I sat on the back patio was two of these big black birds wheeling expertly through the dense forest of large pine trees. I thought that was pretty peculiar to see them flying so low and emitting a kinda clacking churring sound to each other.

I was used to seeing them wheeling around way up it the sky and remembered that there were different types here in Louisiana the Turkey Vulture and the Black Vulture. Wikipedia tells of early Spanish explorers hearing tails from the Atakapas Indians along the Atchafalaya River in south Louisiana of large red-headed vultures feasting on a Wooly Mammoth that had died on the banks of the Vermillion River. The explorers reported these birds as “Carencro Tete’ Rouge” and the little settlement took that Spanish name of Carencro.

Remember that you are someone’s role model… be it your child, a friend, or just simply a spectator that thinks highly of you. Put on a professional attitude when in dialogue with others let your best strengths lead in your actions of sensible logic, for the unknown to ones self. There’s always a somebody that admires the way one carries themselves, therefore you should take it upon yourself in a specific degree of mannerism for the purpose of allowing others to learn every trait of decently being a great person in life.

Let’s get shakin!!!! So last week we talked about “The Trinity” now let’s get to talking about dat Roux.

Roux!!! What is a Roux? Roux is one of the first tasks taught in culinary school. Quite simply it’s the base.

Roux is a shortening of beurre roux, which in French translates as “brown butter.”

It’s the thickening agent for a lot of Cajun, Creole and some country recipes. The most famous and notable of these is of course gumbo. BUT it’s used in meatball stew, chicken stew, smothered pork and étouffée’s even though a lighter roux is usually used for dishes like étouffée.

The thought of making roux can and has intimidated the masses for decades. It can be a daunting task if you don’t take the time to follow a few simple steps. I still see a lot of great cooks (even a couple restaurant chefs that will remain nameless) using jar roux, roux mixes, and store-bought shortcuts.

A Close Place

Methodist Pastor Kathy Fitzhugh used to say that a “Close Place” was one where heaven and earth were not far apart. She told me that the reason why she often walked around the Female College Museum grounds was because she felt that this old campus was one of those places. Most battlefields have that same hallowed feel to them and, locally, we are our very own nearby.

But the first of the week I especially felt the spirits close by. Coming to work it seemed I saw the gleam of chrome from a passing car as I parked by the side of the Museum. There was no passing car and I thought the sensation odd. As I unlocked the door I noticed the door to the attic open and the handcart in front of it pushed back. As unsettling as that was I also noticed that all of the vanity and cabinet door in the bathroom were open.

Let’s Get Shakin!!

People think of different things when they hear the word, ‘trinity’. If you’re from the south, especially Louisiana, odds are the first things you think of is……. Good food.

The expression “holy trinity” as it applies to Cajun cooking is thought to have originated with famed New Orleans chef, Paul Prudhomme, who specialized in Cajun and Creole cuisines.

Growing up, Louisiana weekends (especially in the fall and winter months) were for family, friends or get together’s of some kind. As you can imagine these get togethers always involved some of the best food to be had.

In my opinion there’s never a wrong time for gumbos, stews, sauce picante’s, étouffées or jambalaya. BUT in the south these are typically made during the colder months; mostly due to the heat down! The last thing you wanted was a stove top heating up an already hot house. Also, these hearty meals aren’t always the best after a long days work in the heat.

A Close Place

Methodist Pastor Kathy Fitzhugh used to say that a “Close Place” was one where heaven and earth were not far apart. She told me that the reason why she often walked around the Female College Museum grounds was because she felt that this old campus was one of those places. Most battlefields have that same hallowed feel to them and, locally, we are our very own nearby.

But the first of the week I especially felt the spirits close by. Coming to work it seemed I saw the gleam of chrome from a passing car as I parked by the side of the Museum. There was no passing car and I thought the sensation odd. As I unlocked the door I noticed the door to the attic open and the handcart in front of it pushed back. As unsettling as that was I also noticed that all of the vanity and cabinet door in the bathroom were open.

Why Can’t Methodists Stay in Their Own Lane?

When I lived in the big city I had many friends who attended other churches. Sometimes I’d go with them to a special concert or maybe a conference. But for the most part we all stayed in our own lanes.

Why did we feel the urge to stick within our own church circles? We weren’t religion snobs— we all had friends who were Catholic, Presbyterian, etc. Goodness, we even had friends who were (gasp!) Church of Christ. Maybe we believed once we picked our churches, we shouldn’t stray. Maybe we were afraid if we spent too much time with other denominations, our pastors might confiscate our membership cards and banish us forever.But honestly I think we all felt the churches we’d chosen met our needs. So why would we dip our toes into other religious waters?