Branched broomrape is a parasitic weed that continues to challenge processing tomato production in California. Nearly 70% of its lifecycle is completed underground; once it emerges, it can flower and set seed within just a few weeks. Current best management practice recommendations for broomrape management in conventional processing tomatoes includes a herbicide treatment regime to control early-stage broomrape at the time of root attachment and removal of emerged plants before they set seed.
