blueberry grower may mulch the rows of plants and cultivate betx^^een the rows. A 

 strawberry grower may cultivate until runner formation begins to interfere with 

 cultivation and then resort to chemicals. 



Since chemical weed control is the newest of the three general methods and a 

 method which involves rapid change, the remainder of this discussion will be 

 limited to this method. 



First, chemicals cannot entirely replace cultivation, at least not with such 

 crops as strav;berries and raspberries. Especially for the strawberry, the soil 

 needs to be kept in a friable condition for the prompt and rapid rooting of 

 runner plants. Second, chemicals, like a sharp knife, can be a groat help if 

 properly used; improperly used they may result in severe injury. Third, spraying 

 with v;eed killers is entirely different from spraying with fungicides or insecti- 

 cides. With the latter, one makes up a mixture of the proper strength and sprays 

 until the plant and foliage are thoroughly covered without particular regard to 

 the amount of the spray mixture applied. On the other hand, recommendations for 

 the application of herbicides are usually based on so many pounds or so many 

 gallons of the commercial matei-ial, or so many pounds of actual acti.vc ingredient, 

 per acre. Therefore, it is very unwise to get careless about amounts where 

 chemicals are being applied for v/eed control. The equipment used should be cal- 

 ibrated so that the required amount can be applied fairly accurately. The County 

 Agricultural Agent or equipment manufacturers can usually furnish the information 

 needed for this calibration. Fourth, use of chemicals on food products is 

 strictly regulated by law. These laws are for the protection of both the producer 

 and the consumer. To be released for sale and use, a chemical must be approved by 

 the United States Department of Agriculture as not injurious to the crop and by 

 the Federal Food Sc Drug Administration as not hazardous to human health. The use 

 of a chemical has to be approved for each kind of plant to which it is applied. 

 In many cases this use is limited to a certain region of the country. Also, 

 rates of application and timing are specified. Therefore, it is extremely impor- 

 tant that the user of any chemical for vjced control on or around fruit plants 

 read the container label very carefully and folloxi? its directions precisely. 



Strawberries 



Sesone (SES) has been recommended for the control of summer Vi/eeds in straw- 

 berries for a number of years. If used according to directions, it is a fairly 

 good weed killer and is very unlikely to damage the strawberry plants. This 

 chemical is in an inactive form when applied to the soil. It must be changed to 

 the active form by bacteria before it becomes effective. Furthermore, it is 

 effective against germinating seeds and very small weeds only. After the v;eed 

 seedlings become 1/4 of an inch tall or more, Sesone is not effective. 



To obtain the best results with Sesone, the field should be thoroughly cul- 

 tivated and hoed to eliminate all weeds immediately before application. Because 

 of the necessity for bacterial action to make Sesone active, the soil should be 

 at a moisture content suitable for a good seed bed. If the soil is very dry and 

 there is no rain for several days, it may be necessary to irrigate in order to 

 make Sesone effective. 



The usual rates of application for Sesone are 2 pounds per acre on very 



