GIIEIIICAL WEED CONTROL I N bllAL L FIIUIT PLANTIIIGS 



Chemical weed control is the newest of v;eed control methods and is undergoing 

 rapid changes as new materials are introduced. Therefore, this discussion will 

 be limited to chemical methods. For a fuller discussion of x^eed control in small 

 fruit plantings, see Fruit Notes for June 1962. 



Before using chemicals, several important points should be considered. 

 Fir St , chemicals cannot entirely replace cultivation, at least not with such 

 crops as strawberries 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. Seco nd, chemicals, like a sharp knife, can be a great help if 

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

 with weed killers is entirely different from spraying with fungicides or insecti- 

 cides. With the latter, one makes up a mi;:ture of the proper strength and sprays 

 until the plant and foliage are thoroughly covered v;ithout 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 material, or so many pounds of actual active ingredient, 

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

 chemicals are being applied for weed control. The equipment used should be cali- 

 brated 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 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 6c 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 important 

 that the user of any chemical for weed control on or around fruit plants read the 

 container label very carefully and follow its directions precisely. 



WARNING: MOST PESTICIDES ARE POISONOUS. READ AND FOLLOT ALL DIRECTIONS 

 AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON LABELS. HANDLE CAREFULLY AND STORE 

 OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN, PETS AND LIVESTOCK. 



FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. 



Avoid contaminating streams, lakes and ponds with insecticides. 



NOTE 



All pesticide chemicals mentioned in this publication are registered and 

 cleared for the suggested uses in accordance with federal laws and regulations. 

 Chapter 727, Acts of 1960, Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all pesti- 

 cides sold in Massachusetts be registered with the Massachusetts Department of 

 Public Health. Trade names, where used for clarity, do not indicate endorsement 

 nor imply that similar products are not satisfactory. 



