Scientists Pershang Hosseini and Matt Fatino discuss their research for controlling the parasitic plant Orobanche, commonly called broomrape. Strategies include drawing down the bank of seeds in the soil, adding herbicide to irrigation water and timing transplants going into infested fields.
Kenneth W. Tate, a professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences and a UC Cooperative Extension specialist, died unexpectedly on June 5, 2025, at the age 58. He is remembered for his leadership in rangeland science and management and for his mentorship of students and other researchers.
The first in a new series of videos has been posted to help educate the coming generation of workers and managers in California's vegetable industry. The project is led by Jeff Mitchell, of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
Walnut trees don't need water early in the season. UC Davis scientists are field-testing a new method that lets the trees tell farmers when to start irrigation, saving time, money and a precious resource.
Department researchers are revealing important ways that universities, government agencies and other support organizations can help our food producers develop resilience to environmental challenges and remain profitable.
Research shows ranchers benefit from planning for extreme weather, but climate-smart strategies alone aren’t enough. A new $990K USDA grant will support training, outreach, and resources to help ranchers adapt to drought and climate change.
Leslie Roche has received the Outstanding New Academic Award from University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources. Roche is an associate professor of Cooperative Extension, based in the Department of Plant Sciences. Her research looks at the agricultural, environmental and social aspects of ranching and livestock production.
Four students connected to the UC Davis Department of Plant Science have received grants from the Milton D. and Mary M. Miller Plant Science Award, which supports learners interested in careers with Cooperative Extension. The 2024 awardees are Maya Shydlowski, Erika Escalona, Sam Dudley and Ben Baldi. All four students said they are eager to share what they are learning with people in the field who need solutions for everyday problems.
The Diagnosing Herbicide Symptoms field day at UC Davis trained growers and researchers to identify crop damage causes, from herbicides to water stress. Experts emphasized detective work, careful application, and alternative explanations like pests or soil issues.
UC Davis researchers found that walnut tree disease resistance and growth vigor are linked to cell wall formation. This insight could speed up the breeding of resilient rootstocks, protecting California’s $1.1B walnut industry from climate and disease threats.
