Mohsen Mesgaran, at the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, and team are developing a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence to help growers, backyard gardeners, landowners and others identify and treat weeds. The state Department of Food and Agriculture is funding the project with a grant of nearly $430,000. The development is expected to take two years.
Steam treatment offers growers a chemical-free way to control weeds and soil-borne diseases, benefiting both crops and farmworkers. UC Davis research in Salinas shows it boosts yields while preserving soil health, making it a promising tool for organic farming.
At the Automated Technology Field Day in Salinas, cutting-edge machines tackled weed control with lasers, AI, and robotics. As labor shortages and regulations reshape farming, growers are embracing innovative solutions like canola oil sprayers and smart cultivators to boost efficiency.
UC Davis researchers are evaluating new herbicides and no-till cultivation methods to address challenges in California rice production, including herbicide resistance, water scarcity, and production costs. Trials indicate potential benefits and trade-offs.
California farmers spend over $900M annually on weed control. At UC Davis Weed Day 2024, researchers shared updates on herbicide drift, native plants for weed control, irrigation impacts, and new weed-zapping technology for organic orchards.
UC Davis weed scientists help identify invasive plants and offer advice at Picnic Day’s “Ask the Weed Doctor” booth. Their research supports agriculture, fire prevention, and ecosystem health statewide.
UC Davis researchers developed "Google Weed View," an AI tool that uses Google Street View images to detect invasive johnsongrass. The model identified 2,000 locations at low cost and could soon scale to monitor weeds nationwide.
UC Davis researchers are tackling Orobanche ramosa, a species of broomrape and parasitic weed threatening California’s tomato industry. They aim to detect, manage, and stop its spread through field trials, drone imaging, lab studies, and industry collaboration.
Researchers at UC Davis are testing electric weed control as an alternative for organic farms. The system zaps weeds at the root, offering a potential low-chemical, cost-effective solution while preserving soil health.
Brad Hanson, UC Davis Cooperative Extension weed scientist, was named a fellow of the Western Society of Weed Science, its highest honor, recognizing his research, outreach, and leadership in solving agricultural weed issues.
