Weeds

Mesgaran creates new tool: Google Weed View

Researchers have developed a more high-tech weapon against the invasive weed: artificial intelligence and machine learning. Using photos from Google’s Street View database, the researchers tracked down more than 2,000 cases of johnsongrass.

Parasitic weeds threaten California tomato farmers

UC Davis researchers, led by Professor Brad Hanson, combat Orobanche ramosa, a parasitic weed threatening California's $1.5 billion tomato industry. Funded by the California Tomato Research Institute, the multidisciplinary effort focuses on detection, management, and long-term solutions.

Hanson named fellow of Western Society of Weed Science

Folks in Davis know Brad Hanson as the Weed Doctor, always available during the annual UC Davis Picnic Day festivities to answer questions about what’s that growing in the yard. He's equally knowledgeable about solving farmers’ issues, and that commitment was recognized recently when he was named a fellow of the Western Society of Weed Science. The distinction is the society’s highest honor and recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the society and to the discipline of weed science.

Release of Weevil for Biological Control of Yellow Starthistle

The USDA will allow the release of a weevil (Ceratapion basicorne) in the United States to help control yellow starthistle, an invasive weed found in 40 of the lower 48 states. The weevils will initially be released in California. Brad Hanson, weed specialist in Plant Sciences, addresses management of yellow starthistle.

Automated Weeders are Attracting More Interest: Steve Fennimore Explains

Three factors drive automation in vegetable crops: Employee shortages, availability of technology, and fewer new herbicides. Weed specialist Steve Fennimore, Plant Sciences, UC Davis and UC ANR, explains the importance of mechanization and robotic weeders, due, in part, to labor shortages and fewer herbicides.

Broomrape Eradication is High Priority for UC Researchers

Control of branched broomrape, a parasitic weed that can badly infest tomato and other crop fields, was addressed by UC Davis, UC ANR researchers — Brad Hanson, Mohsen Mesgaran, and Matt Fatino — at the annual Weed Day field day at UC Davis.

Weed Management in Specialty Crop Production (video #7 of 26)

Weeds can result in yield losses in California’s specialty crops. They also harbor pests and diseases. In this video, weed specialist Steve Fennimore (Plant Sciences, UC Davis, and UC ANR) addresses the use of herbicides and hand labor, along with the cost of weed control.