Farmers can learn specifics about how to efficiently check for insect pests and diseases affecting their crops by watching a series of scouting videos now available on LSU AgCenter’s website, www.LSUAgCenter.com.

The videos focus on key insect and disease issues in Louisiana’s rice, soybean, cotton and citrus crops, according to Natalie Hummel, LSU AgCenter entomologist.

The videos address the proper techniques and tools farmers and crop consultants should use when scouting fields for the presence of major insect pests, Hummel said.

“The comments we’ve received have been extremely positive. The crop consultants that viewed the videos said the information is useful. We’ve received requests for more topics and crops such as wheat and sugar,” Hummel said.

The videos feature entomologists, plant pathologists and state extension specialists for soybeans, feed grains and cotton. The lengths of the videos range from approximately one to seven minutes.

To access the videos, visit LSUAgCenter.com and go to the specific crop where the videos are posted. Videos can be found on the following crops: citrus, corn, cotton, rice and soybeans.

Hummel said more videos are being produced. Topics that will be featured include weed problems in grain crops, harvest aids in soybeans and issues concerning defoliating cotton.