Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa) poses a significant challenge to processing tomato production in California. Unlike many other weeds growers manage, broomrape spends nearly 70% of its entire life cycle underground attached directly to tomato roots, before ever becoming visible. By the time shoots emerge above the soil surface, the plant has already been established belowground for weeks. Once it emerges, it can flower and produce seed within a couple of weeks.
