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News From 2008

February 8, 2008 - Filed Under: Nutrition

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Chocolates and roses are good gifts for Valentine's Day, and as long as the chocolate is not eaten all at once, it can be good for the heart, too.

Brent Fountain, human nutrition specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said chocolate contains compounds known as flavenoids that are basically phytonutrients, or nutrients produced by plants.

February 8, 2008 - Filed Under: Plant Diseases

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- When there is a sick plant in the state, Mississippi State University's state-of-the-art Plant Pathology and Nematology Lab can determine the problem and its solution.

February 7, 2008 - Filed Under: Wildlife Economics and Enterprises

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Some housing prices are sagging, but Mississippi landowners may need to look no further than their backyards to find hidden property value, according to a recent Mississippi State University study.

The study found that properties throughout the state with outdoor recreational opportunities increased in value, particularly in the Mississippi Delta. The results indicated that recreational uses increased land prices by an average of $333 per acre or 36 percent of the property value.

This 2007 garden was spectacular with Sweet Kate tradescantia separating King Tut papyrus, the tallest plant in the back of the border, and Homestead Purple verbena in front, which has flowers that complement Sweet Kate's golden lime-colored leaves.
February 7, 2008 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Few people recognize the plant name tradescantia, but most people are familiar with spiderwort, Purple Heart, Wandering Jew, Moses-in-the-cradle, Three-men-in-the-boat and Moses-in-the-bulrushes, which are all tradescantia. Now add Sweet Kate to the list of must-have tradescantias.

The leopard plant is a hardy, shade-loving plant that typically forms large clumps with rounded, glossy, leather-like leaves. It blooms in October and November, producing 18-inch-tall spikes with clusters of yellow, daisy-like blossoms. (Photo by Norman Winter)
February 5, 2008 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

If you are looking to add some character to your shade garden, then you must add the leopard plant to your mix. This terrific plant is still mostly unknown to gardeners, but new varieties are popping up that are simply irresistible.

February 4, 2008 - Filed Under: Family Financial Management

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- With identity thieves lurking for treasure among household trash, Mississippians are being urged to turn to the shredder rather than the garbage when throwing away junk mail and personal documents.

Bobbie Shaffett, family resource management specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said each person should protect all personal information to prevent identity theft.

Lincoln County Master Gardener Homer Richardson, Karen Peresich and Steve Edge of Gautier plant trees at Pineville Elementary on Menge Road in Pass Christian as part of the Mississippi Master Gardeners Operation Rejuvenation on the Gulf Coast.  (Photo By Marco Nicovich)
January 31, 2008 - Filed Under: Master Gardener

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Sixteen projects were completed across three counties in less than 72 hours when Mississippi Master Gardeners set Operation Swarm in motion last October.

Most of the public landscapes in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties were damaged or destroyed after the onslaught of the waves and winds of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This time, however, the weather cooperated for positive change on the Gulf Coast.

January 31, 2008 - Filed Under: Family Financial Management

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- People who find themselves victims of identity fraud can clear their names and credit if they act quickly to stop the fraud.

Bobbie Shaffett, family resource management specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said identity theft is when one person steals the personal information of another and uses it for financial gain.

January 31, 2008 - Filed Under: Family Financial Management

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A dangerous kind of criminal is taking advantage of people's money and good names without those people even knowing they are victims.

The Federal Trade Commission online says identity theft occurs “when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.”

This combination planting looks somewhat tropical and a little patriotic with the red pentas and the taller vitex sporting blue and white. The white appearance on the vitex comes from the unopened flower buds. This idyllic partnership is not only an incredible sight from the standpoint of aesthetics, but it also features plants known to be major food sources for butterflies and hummingbirds.
January 31, 2008 - Filed Under: Lawn and Garden

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

The lilac chaste tree, or vitex, was chosen as a Mississippi Medallion award winner in 2002, spurring a revival of this great, old-fashioned plant, which some consider a small tree and others describe as a large shrub.

Known botanically as Vitex agnus-castus, the lilac chaste tree is a marvel with its small structure and large, marijuana-looking leaves. Its fragrant, blue blooms are rare among trees.

January 31, 2008 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Expert and beginner rose growers can benefit from an upcoming workshop at Mississippi State University.

The Oktibbeha County Rose Society in cooperation with MSU’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine will host the Gulf District Winter Workshop and Consulting Rosarian School on Feb. 9 at the Bost Extension Center on campus.

A newly designed flood gauge by Mississippi State University helps rice producers conserve water by allowing them to monitor flood depth from a distance. Red indicates "add water," yellow means "prepare to add water," blue signifies "full flood" and green means "losing money from over-pumping." (Photo by Joe Massey/MSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences)
January 31, 2008 - Filed Under: Rice

By Robert H. Wells
Delta Research and Extension Center

STONEVILLE -- Mississippi growers can reduce water use in rice production with the help of newly designed flood gauges, according to recent Mississippi State University research.

“The flood gauges are most helpful after rice canopy closure when it is difficult for producers to determine the presence or absence of water in rice paddies,” said Joe Massey, an associate professor in MSU's plant and soil sciences department.

These two phlox, Astoria Hot Pink and Astoria Pink, complement each other in the landscape. (Photos by Norman Winter)
January 29, 2008 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

When spring arrives and gardeners start trying to jazz up the landscape with color, many will look for long-lasting color so they won't have to change out plant material a couple of times before fall. If that is your goal, too, I would like to heartily recommend the Astoria and Intensia series of phlox.

January 24, 2008 - Filed Under: Family Dynamics

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- He bleeds the “maroon and white” of Mississippi State University while she proudly wears the “red and blue” of the University of Mississippi. He loves walking the Drill Field while she prefers tailgating in the Grove.

He whistles “Hail State,” and she drowns him out with “Forward, Rebels.” He bellows, “We got some dogs up in here,” and she responds with a firm, “Here we go Rebels, here we go.”

January 24, 2008 - Filed Under: Food and Health, Nutrition

By Patti Drapala
MSU Ag Communications

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Eating at a wedding is a daunting step for people with dietary restrictions, but a little pre-planning by the guests and the bride can get everyone through the reception with health intact.

January 24, 2008 - Filed Under: Nutrition

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A few tips can make dining in an exotic honeymoon location as enjoyable as the scenery and the company.

Eating different foods can be a challenge for people who usually stick with the same foods and the same restaurants to avoid stomach troubles. But when visiting someplace new and exciting, part of the fun is in trying the local cuisine.

Brent Fountain, nutrition specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said it is possible to enjoy the local cooking and still be kind to the digestive system.

January 24, 2008 - Filed Under: Family, Landscape Architecture

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Few events are more beautiful or memorable than an outdoor wedding in an idyllic setting, but actually making one happen takes a lot of planning and some fortunate timing.

Bob Brzuszek, an assistant professor of landscape architecture with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, suggested those hosting an outdoor wedding or reception start planning a year in advance.

January 24, 2008 - Filed Under: Family Financial Management

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Financial problems and infidelity often get blamed for divorces, but lack of preparation before and minimal commitment after the wedding may be at the heart of most failed marriages.

Karen Benson is an area child and family development agent with Mississippi State University's Extension Service in Neshoba County. She said it is common for couples to live together without marrying, and young couples marrying today are at a high risk for divorce.

The sun gleams through the foxtail-like blooms of the purple fountain grass, whose leaf color works in monochromatic harmony with the Mexican petunia. The planting also includes Marguerite sweet potato vines with bright chartreuse foliage, making a great complementary marriage with the petunias' iridescent blue flowers.
January 24, 2008 - Filed Under: Flower Gardens

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

The Mexican petunia, or ruellia, is getting more popular with each growing season, and I give a hearty “amen.” One thing that surprised me is how it has crossed from home to commercial landscapes. Most of the time, commercial landscape plants create a frenzy with homeowners.

As you pace the aisles of your garden center this spring, wondering what to plant for color and what to choose as a partner, think about the iridescent blue from the Mexican petunia.

January 24, 2008 - Filed Under: Family Dynamics

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A concerted effort is under way to improve the health of marriages across Mississippi.

Organizers of Healthy Marriage Week, Feb. 7-14, are planning activities in Jackson and towns across the state to draw attention to the benefits of two-parent homes and strong marriages.

Tabitha Staier, family education and policy specialist with Mississippi State University’s Extension Service, said taking care of the marriage relationship is a key to better communities.

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