From the sky, in laboratories and underground, researchers from across University of California, Davis, are working to detect, manage and fight a parasitic weed threatening the state’s $1.5 billion processing tomato industry.

A multimedia feature story and video, published this week by UC Davis and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, highlights the interdisciplinary work.

Orobanche ramosa, also known as branched broomrape, attaches to the roots of tomato plants and sucks out nutrients. Its seeds, which are smaller than finely ground pepper, can survive decades and be carried around by wind, water, soil and even footwear.

The weed is a concern to industry and regulators, prompting UC Davis teams to research ways to target the weed throughout its life cycle and find ways to fight off the threat.

Source: University of California, Davis