Biological Mulches for Managing Weeds in Transplanted Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)¹

Abstract

Diminishing availability and increasing costs of herbicides cause strawberry growers to seek both chemical and nonchemical alternatives, especially for within-row weed control soon after strawberries are transplanted. Several weed control treatments for strawberry establishment were examined during 2 yr in Minnesota. Treatments included: woolen landscaping fabric centered over the crop row; as above, but 2-ply fabric; spring canola incorporated into soil when 30 cm tall; as above, but canola killed with burndown herbicide and left as mulch; standard herbicide, DCPA; hand weeded; and no weed control. Areas between all strawberry rows were cultivated. Measurements included weed densities and weights, numbers of strawberry daughter plants, and fruit yield 1 yr after transplantation. The best alternative treatment was the 1-ply woolen fabric. It nearly eliminated weeds from rows, promoted daughter plant rooting, and allowed maximum fruit yields, equivalent to those of the DCPA and hand-weeded treatments. Canola mulch controlled weeds inconsistently and achieved only modest to low production of daughter plants and fruit. Weed control and fruit yield with incorporated canola were similar to the weedy check treatment.

Weed Control with Hydrophobic and Hydrous Kaolin Clay Particle Mulches

“…For example, 'Apache' plants in plots where weeds were controlled during the establishment year produced two or three canes that were taller than 1.7 m and developed more lateral branches in the second year of growth while plants in weedy untreated plots produced only one cane that was taller than 1.7 m. This resulted in an increase in yield of 2 to 3 times over plants with high weed competition during the establishment year. Our fi ndings clearly showed the importance of weed control during the fi rst cropping year and are in agreement with the results of studies investigating the effects of weed competition on small fruit crops (e.g., strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry) (Forcella et al, 2003;Pritts and Kelly, 2001;Trinka and Pritts, 1992;Warmund et al, 1995).…”

“…Weed management is an important component of small-fruit cropping systems, especially during the fi rst 2 months following crop establishment (Forcella et al, 2003;Pritts and Kelly, 2001;Warmund et al, 1995). It is critical to control weeds in shallow-rooted small fruit crops such as blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries because of their high values, intensive culture, and lack of competitiveness with weed species.…”

“…Weed control in transplant holes is diffi cult and hand weeding is labor intensive. Natural mulches such as ground newspaper, straw, compost, woolen fabric, living or killed sod mulches, dry soil, and shredded bark, degrade and each growing season must be reapplied to maintain weed control (Forcella et al, 2003;Masiunas et al, 1997;Preusch and Tworkoski, 2003;Takeda and Glenn, 1988;Warmund et al, 1995). These conventional mulches have benefi cial effects on plant survival, growth, and fruit yield, but they are often expensive (Dale, 1989).…”

Effect of Organic and Conventional Growing Systems with Different Mulching on Yield and Fruit Quality in Strawberry cvs. Sweet Charlie and Camarosa

“…Weed management is another important problem in organic strawberry growing. To reduce weeds the following management practices are used: rotation, mulching, biological herbicides and cultural precautions (Porcella et at., 2003).…”

Long-term rotation with monoculture cover crops increases yield of strawberry, reduces weed populations, and maintains soil chemical, physical, and biological characteristics during strawberry production

“…Mulches provide a barrier between the soil surface and sunlight and reduce weed germination (Forcella et al, 2003;Hancock et al, 1997). Biological mulches, such as straw, add carbon to the soil and promote soil porosity by increasing biological (worm) activity.…”