Small Fruit (Funt)
August 27, 1996
The weather has reduced the long term effects of herbicides and has increased the weed pressure in many Ohio strawberry fields. August and September weed control in both newly planted and established plantings is vital for a successful weed control program for this fall and next spring. The major concerns are with current weeds and weed seeds that are in the soil that will germinate this fall and or next spring (winter annuals).
Cultivate and remove broadleaf weeds by hand. Apply Poast plus non ionic spreader for grasses as crab grass, goose grass, etc., when grasses are young at 4 to 8 inches and actively growing in cool wet weather (or irrigate), Poast requires 6 to 8 hours drying time. Apply Devrinol at 5 to 6 lbs./acre to weed free soil. Research at Ohio State indicates no plant damage using Poast plus non-ionic spreader plus Devrinol. Spot treat (directed spray away from strawberries) with Gramoxone can be beneficial in treating weeds before seeds are produced.
Do not use 2, 4-D in August or September. Using 2, 4-D after October 15 may be useful if there has been no frost and it can be applied as temperatures are above 55º F. Do not tank mix 2, 4-D and Poast.
Oxalis (Yellow Wood Sorrel)
Many strawberry growers consider this their worst weed. Germination of seeds of yellow wood sorrel takes place over a long period of time through the year. Sinbar is the only pre-emergence herbicide currently registered for use in strawberry, but the current labeled rate control is not good. Splitting the annual allowed rate into renovation (after harvest and leaves removed) and late fall applications (after frost) is recommended. Some post emergence control can be obtained with 2, 4-D in early April. Plants will be controlled if they are small and not hidden under strawberry foliage.
Scouting the fields on yearly basis and removing it by hand can prevent a small problem from becoming a large one. Rotating to crops other than strawberries for several years should reduce the population.
Goal herbicide has been tested for a November application, but federal registration is several years away.
Source: July, 1996 Cornell Small Fruit News.
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