HO-178
Year-Round
Strawberry Weed Control
S. C. Weller and R. A. Hayden, Dept, of Horticulture, Purdue University
Strawberries are a perennial crop that remain in production for several years. Since the crop is low growing any competition from weeds is a serious problem and can affect the longevity, vigor and yield potential of the strawberry plants. Weed free plantings are more productive than weedy ones.
Careful site preparation prior to planting is suggested so any problem perennial and annual weeds can be eliminated the year before planting. Weed control after proper site preparation is considerably easier during the time the berries are in the ground. Weed infested fields should always be thoroughly prepared at least one year prior to planting strawberries. This preparation includes thorough cultivation of the ground and planting of a cover crop where good weed control can be practiced. Perennial weeds can be largely eliminated in the year or two before planting berries by cultivation and careful chemical weed control measures. Avoid using materials that may leave soil residues that could damage strawberry plants or leave undesirable or illegal residues in the fruit.
In situations where weed problems are severe or where prior cropping is impossible and problems associated with soilborne diseases and insects are found, then fumigation of the soil may be required. Materials for fumigation include methyl bromide, methyl bromide plus chloropicrin, Vorlex or Vapam. Although these are expensive treatments, they may result in sufficiently better plant growth and productivity to be worth the cost.
Strawberrv weed control is a year-round process, starting at planting time and continuing throughout the life of the planting. This bulletin outlines suggestions for obtaining optimum weed control in your strawberry field. Continued use of these suggestions will in most cases result in strawberry fields that yield high quality fruit and contain few weeds. Herbicides, however, do not eliminate all weeds and some mechanical and hand removal of problem weeds will be required to maintain complete weed control.

Herbicide Application Procedures
Always read and follow the product label, especially when using a material for the first time. Do not trust your memory as mistakes can be costly. It is generally advisable to experiment with a newly labeled compound to learn how the compound performs under your particular conditions prior to applying the herbicide to large acreages. Experience of the grower with each herbicide is the best insurance for good weed control without crop injury.