Weeds

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.