UC Davis researchers are using innovative techniques, including drone data collection, to battle an invasive species of weed that is threatening California's tomato industry. Orobanche ramosa isn’t just menacing to tomatoes. It puts various other crops at risk too. With our commitment to sustainable agriculture and advanced agricultural practices, our esteemed faculty and devoted students are on a mission to find robust solutions, ensuring the thriving future of farming and preventing plant diseases. Learn more about their efforts here: https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/parasitic-weeds-threaten-tomato-plants-on-california-farms Video description: California-grown tomatoes are under attack from a parasitic weed once thought to be eradicated. Orobanche ramosa attaches to the roots of tomato plants and sucks nutrients away. California farms grow 95% of all processing tomatoes in the United States. UC Davis has multiple research teams working to combat Orobanche — safely. Partnering with a local farmer, researchers are using drones to collect data on hundreds of plants in this infected field. Tomato leaf samples are then collected and taken back to a lab on campus where they can be studied. UC Davis researchers are looking at detecting the weed in the field, managing it, and developing long-term solutions to minimize the damage. #shorts