NC State Extension Publications

 

Growing strawberries as an annual crop on black plastic requires a different weed management strategy than the perennial matted row strawberries. Weeds that have hard seed coats, such as vetch and clover, emerge for long periods of time and can establish in the row. They emerge in late fall or spring, grow under the plastic for a period of time, and emerge from any holes in the plastic.

With the loss of methyl bromide, alternative methods for weed control will be needed. Possible options include application of preemergence herbicides to the preformed bed before laying the plastic, postemergence herbicide(s) applied over the top of the strawberry crop, and hand removal.

When strawberries are planted year after year in the same field, an increase in weeds that are not controlled by the current weed management program should be expected. Rotation into different fields can prevent increases in persistent weeds. Avoid fields that have been previously treated with herbicides that have potential to persist and cause damage to strawberries. Information on crops that can be planted after herbicide use can be found on the herbicide label.

Three areas where weeds can easily establish in strawberries grown on plastic are as follows:

  1. The middles between the rows have excellent fertility and moisture and, thus, can support weed growth easily. Once these weeds become established, they can easily shade strawberry plants growing in the row.
    The best practice is to apply a preemergence herbicide in the middles between the rows prior to weed emergence. Another option is to apply a postemergence herbicide to young, actively growing weeds. At this stage of weed growth, postemergence herbicide application is safest and most effective. NOTE: All herbicide applications between rows should be banded and not applied over the plastic. Herbicides can remain active on the plastic and crop injury can occur if herbicides are applied over the plastic. A third option for row middles is to seed ryegrass immediately after laying the plastic. In addition to weed suppression, ryegrass limits soil, wind and water erosion from the middles. Prior to strawberry harvest, the ryegrass can be suppressed then killed with sethoxydim (Poast). Growers sometimes apply wheat straw to middles. If straw is applied to the middles, use straw that contains no weed seeds.
  2. Weeds often emerge from the hole around the strawberry plant. Weeds growing in this area compete with strawberries, often reducing growth, yield and quality. Additional stress can result in crop death. Thus, frequent scouting and hand removal are necessary to prevent this from happening. Small-seeded, broadleaf weeds can be more prevalent in the strawberry row. Alternative methods of control include applying a preemergence herbicide to the preformed bed prior to laying the plastic, applying a postemergence over-the-top herbicide, or hand weeding.
  3. Weeds such as curly dock, vetch, horseweed, sow thistle and prickly lettuce often establish at the ends of fields. If these weeds are not controlled. they will produce seeds that are capable of moving into the production field. Thus, always scout non crop land such as the ends of fields, fence rows, and ditches, and implement cultural and/or chemical control measures when needed. Control weeds prior to flowering to prevent weed seed production.

 

The following herbicides are registered for use in strawberries.


Weed management strawberry (plasticulture).
Weed/Timing Material Amount of Formulation Crop Restrictions REI (hours) Comments
PREPLANT
Annual broadleaf weeds including Carolina geranium and cutleaf evening primrose
oxyfluorfen
Goal 2 XL
1 to 2 pt Apply to soil surface of preformed beds at least 30 days before transplanting. 24 Plastic mulch should be applied soon after Goal application. Best results occur when plastic is applied immediately after herbicide application. Incorporation is not necessary but it may result in less crop injury. Avoid soil disturbance as much as possible after Goal application for best results.
PREPLANT
Annual broadleaf weeds including henbit, chickweed species, cutleaf eveningprimrose
flumioxazin 3 oz Apply to soil surface of preformed beds at least 30 days before transplanting. 12
PREPLANT
Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds

napropamide

Devrinol 2 EC

Up to 8 qt Spray plant beds prior to planting. 12 For new plantings, preplant incorporate to a weed-free soil before laying plastic. Incorporate within 24 hours of application. If weed pressure is from annual broadleaf weeds, apply Devrinol to the soil surface immediately prior to laying plastic. If soil is dry, water or sprinkler irrigate with sufficient water to wet to a depth of 2 to 4 inches.
PREEMERGENCE

napropamide

Devrinol 2 EC

Up to 8 qt Direct to middles between plastic. 12 Apply with a shielded sprayer to a weed-free soil surface. Mechanically incorporate or irrigate to a depth of 1 to 2 inches within 2 hours of application.
PREEMERGENCE DCPA
Dacthal Flowable
Dacthal 75-W
8 to 12 pt
8 to 12lb
Direct to middles between plastic. 12 Apply for preemergence weed control in the middles. Fall application can injure ryegrass (emerged and not emerged) seeded in row middles for erosion prevention. Small grain will be controlled if applied prior to emergence. Rainfall or irrigation is needed within 24 hours of application for herbicide activation.
POSTEMERGENCE
Non-selective weed control
glyphosate
Roundup
WeatherMax 5.5 SL
11 to 22 oz Apply with hooded sprayer or wiper applicator. 12 To prevent severe crop injury, use application equipment and technique that will prevent contact with any portion of the crop or plastic. Strawberries are most susceptible to Roundup damage in fall. Do not apply within 14 days of harvest.
POSTEMERGENCE
Non-selective weed control
paraquat
Gramoxone Max 3L
Gramoxone Inteon 2 L
1.3 pt

2.0 pt
Apply with hooded sprayer or shields to protect crop. 12 Contact kill of all green foliage. Do not allow drift or spray solution to contact crop or severe injury or crop death will occur. The addition of a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v (1 pt/50 gal of spray solution) is required for optimum results. Apply in a minimum spray volume of 20 gal per acre. Do not make more than 3 applications per year.
POSTEMERGENCE
Broadleaf weeds including mustard spp., prickly lettuce, and shepherd's purse
carfentrazone Aim 2 EC 0.51 to 1.6 oz Apply with hooded sprayer to protect crop. 12 Contact herbicide with minimal residual activity. Coverage is essential for satisfactory performance. Apply to actively growing weeds up to 4 inches tall and rosettes less than 3 inches across. Crop injury will occur when spray is allowed to come in contact with green stem tissue, leaves, flowers, or fruit.
POSTEMERGENCE
Broadleaf weeds including ragweed, clover, vetch, dock, cocklebur, dandelion, sowthistle, thistle, and nightshade
clopyralid Stinger 3 EC 0.33 to 0.67 pt Broadcast application. 12 The use of Stinger in strawberry is issued on a state-by-state basis; therefore, it may not be registered for use in all states using this guide. Apply in the spring before harvest or postharvest. Do not apply within 30 days of harvest. Do not use surfactants with Stinger. Do not apply in combination with other pesticides.
POSTEMERGENCE
Annual and perennial grasses
Clethodim Select 2 EC or Arrow 2 EC 6 to 8 oz Newly planted or established plantings. 12 Use high rate and sequential applications are for perennial grasses (bermudagrass grasses or johnsongrass). The addition of a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v (1 qt/100 gal of spray solution) is required. Total use during season cannot exceed 32 oz per acre/year. Do not apply within 4 days of harvest.

POSTEMERGENCE
Annual and perennial grasses

Sethoxydim Poast 1 to 1.5 pt Newly planted and established plantings. 12 Sequential applications will be necessary for perennial grass control. The addition of a non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal of water) or crop oil concentrate (1 gal/100 gal of water) is necessary for optimum results. Do not apply within 7 days of harvest. Total use cannot exceed 2.5 pt per acre year.

Author

Associate Professor
Horticultural Science

Publication date: Jan. 1, 2006
Revised: Sept. 24, 2019

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