strawberry plants (Hochmuth, 1988c). Telone II is a nematicide that is registered for use in

strawberry production (for rate and application method, refer the Florida Nematode Control

Guide, 1993, p. 110).


Weeds

 Some common weeds found in strawberry production include nutsedge, indigo, carolina

geranium, and cutleaf evening primrose. Several cultural practices have been identified to

reduce weed populations including crop competition, mechanical control, crop rotation, cover

crops, and use of chemicals. To obtain effective weed control, it is suggested to use two or

more of these methods in combination.

 Mechanical control of weeds includes turning the weeds under by cultivation using a disk

or by hoeing. Mechanical control of weeds also includes mowing. Crop competition increases

the number of plants to effectively compete against weeds for water and nutrients. Mono-

cropping year after year can result in the build up of weeds that are tolerant to cultivation

practices. Crop rotation can reduce the population of weed species specific to strawberry

production practices. The use of a cover crop during the off season can reduce populations of

undesirable weeds. Herbicides and fumigants can also be beneficial in controlling weeds.

 The following chemicals can be used to control weeds in strawberry production. DCPA

(Dacthal) controls germinating annuals. MCDS (Enquik) is applied post-emergence to row

middles for control of broadleaf weeds. Napropamid (Devrinol), a preplant incorporate, can be

used to control germinating annuals. It is also applied before plastic application or as a surface

application. Sethoxydim (Poast) is applied post-emergence for control of grass weeds. Paraquat

(Gramoxone) is a post-emergence contact used for control of all emerged weeds. It can be used