UC Weed Science

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Figure 1. Mustard and other annual plants dry out at the beginning of the summer, creating fuel that could quickly burn during a fire. Photo by Luca Carmignani, UCCE.
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Weeds and Wildfires

October 15th, 2023
By Belinda Messenger-Sikes, Karey Windbiel
Wildfires are part of California's ecosystems, and they do not have to lead to the destruction of structures and livelihoods. Each of us can contribute to improving wildfire resilience, from individual homeowners and businesses to entire communities.
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Photo 2: Brad Hanson, a professor of Cooperative Extension in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, examines a stock of Orobanche ramosa pulled from off a tomato plant in nearby Woodland, where scientists are studying the parasitic weed. (Emily C. Dooley/UC Davis)
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Parasitic weeds threaten tomato plants on California farms

October 9th, 2023
At first glance, Orobanche ramosa looks like an interesting blossoming plant, one that could add a unique flair to flower arrangements. But it's a parasitic weed that attaches to roots, sucks out nutrients and is threatening California's $1.5 billion processing tomato industry.
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