News

Detection of plant disease leads to citrus quarantine

RAYMOND, Miss. -- A statewide citrus quarantine was issued recently for Mississippi after one of the most serious citrus plant diseases in the world was detected in the state. Citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing or HLB, was confirmed earlier this year, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or USDA APHIS. There is no cure for the disease, which is caused by a bacterial infection spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, a gnat-sized insect. Infected trees die within a few years.

Careful management limits chemical resistance in weeds

An ongoing challenge in farming is finding a way to manage weeds without creating populations that are chemical-resistant.

The scale of modern farming requires the careful use of chemicals as part of the overall management plan to harvest good yields and make a profit. Although an array of government agencies regulate and oversee the use of these chemicals, farmers themselves are among the most cautious with their use.

Native weeping yaupon holly has multiple uses

I recently saw two grand weeping yaupon hollies growing at a business in Columbia, Mississippi, and was reminded of how useful these trees are in the landscape. Their graceful, cascading branches and finely textured foliage created an elegant presence.

4-H team goes undefeated, wins national horse bowl title

RAYMOND, Miss. -- A team of Union County 4-H members recently achieved a feat that has not been accomplished in 20 years for Mississippi competitors of the youth development organization’s national scholarly contests. The Quiz Bowl Team, made up of Maddie Willard, Abby Grant, Levi Thompson and Karley Harrison, is one of just a few teams in the state to ever earn an undefeated first-place win in the Western National 4-H Roundup Horse Bowl competition.

MSU irrigation research urges moisture sensor use

Water management specialists with Mississippi State University have extensive advice for those implementing different irrigation techniques, but they all agree that using soil moisture sensors is the best way to irrigate.

North Miss. producers share feedback at PAC meeting

MSU Extension specialist honored for research

MSU representatives hear client needs, concerns

RAYMOND, Miss. -- A large group of agricultural producers and industry professionals met with Mississippi State University personnel during the 2025 Central Mississippi Producer Advisory Council meeting Feb. 18 in Raymond at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. The annual forum provides clients, MSU administrators, researchers, specialists and Extension agents an opportunity to meet in small commodity groups to discuss the research and educational needs of producers in the region.

Grow goji berry plants for fruit, flowers, looks

I am always on the lookout for plants that produce nutritious fruits and berries, and during a recent visit to a local nursery, I was drawn to some goji berry plants.