UC Weed Science (weed control, management, ecology, and minutia)

Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa) is an invasive parasitic plant that poses a significant threat to California’s processing tomato industry. Known for its ability to attach to and draw nutrients from host roots, this pest can cause yield losses and trigger strict quarantine measures in California…

Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa) continues to challenge California’s processing tomato industry, particularly in the Sacramento Valley. As a parasitic plant that attaches to tomato roots, its presence threatens both yield and export market access. In a recently published study in Weed Technology, we…

Note: I'm sharing a survey request related to grower and industry needs related to novel weed control technologies in orchards, vineyards, and other perennial specialty crops.  Our team of research collaborators is developing this information as a first step towards a future coordinated national…

Calibration might sound intimidating, but it’s critical for safe and effective herbicide application. Proper calibration ensures that the correct amount of pesticide is applied to an area while achieving the desired level of pest control. To support land managers and pesticide applicators, the UC Statewide…

Originally Posted April 1, 2025. This year in Southern California the rainy season got off to a late start. Southern California has received about one half of the average precipitation total as of this writing (and that's not an April fool's joke). Last year we had over 50% more rainfall than the…