Emily C. Dooley, UC Davis

Scientists search for ways to fight resurging parasitic weed that attaches to roots and sucks out nutrients of plants.

Researchers say rare plant disease outbreak of Phytophthora syringae similar to El Niño-influenced events during the 1990s.

UC Davis is releasing a handful of varieties that not only resist deadly pathogen, but also offer high yields and better fruit quality.

UC Davis says it will release resistant varieties to growers later this year.