Matrix Chemigation: Why use it?

While other tools are in development, Matrix chemigation remains one of the few effective, grower-ready options for broomrape control.

Recent UC research shows that applying Matrix through chemigation earlier than previously recommended - around 20, 30, and 40 days after transplanting - significantly improves control. This timing targets broomrape seeds at germination, preventing their attachment to tomato roots and reducing emergence by up to 85%, with no impact on tomato yield compared to untreated plots.

This cost-effective, grower-managed approach can substantially lower broomrape pressure in a field and help slow its spread across the region. Adjusting to the new application timing gives growers greater control over their 2025 crop and beyond.

• Curly top pressure is higher this season in parts of the San Joaquin Valley as compared to the past two years. The CDFA BCTV program itself, UC Specialist and Extension personnel, and grower observations confirm increased incidence - particularly in Fresno and Kings Counties.
• Grower collected beet leaf hopper samples are being accepted by the Program and can be dropped off at the CDFA Fresno Office at 2895 N Larkin Ave, Suite A, Fresno, CA 93727.

• As with BCTV, TSWV levels are higher overall, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, than in the past two seasons.
• In the San Joaquin Valley, Generation 3 is developing now. If you are planning on treatment, now is the time.
• The Sacramento Valley is one week to 10 days behind in thrips generational development, with Gen 3 adults expected to peak in the second week of June.

Weeding Technology Demo Day, organized by Morning Star

• Tuesday, May 20th, 10am - 2pm
• Location: Tracy, CA
• Lunch provided, make sure to RSVP
• A live demonstration day featuring leading automated weeding technologies, including FarmWise, Stout, SeedSpider, Ecorobotix, and Verdant Robotics. Events like this are an opportunity for growers to see tools up close and engage directly with companies developing solutions for in-row weed control — a fast-moving area of interest across the processing tomato industry.

UC Davis Annual Weed Day

• June 24th
• Location: UC Davis
• More details to come. To set expectations, info from the same event last year is posted here.

VINE Connect Field Day, organized by UCANR

• June 26th, 8:30am - 11:30am
• Location: West Side Research & Extension Center
• Coffee and breakfast provided, make sure to RSVP
• See cutting edge pest detection, irrigation, equipment automation, and pollination technologies in the field from the following companies: Spornado, HotSpot Ag, Edete US Corp, CropVue, Verdi, and Bonsai Robotics.

We build durable coalitions around the questions whose answers drive the long term success of the California processing tomato industry. Founded in 1968, the CTRI is a non-profit organization of processing tomato growers.