Residue free start to strawberry production

Growers planning this autumn’s strawberry plantings could reap significant weed, pest and disease control benefits of soil sterilisation according to Certis.

"Sterilising land prior to planting provides an excellent platform for optimising plant health for the future benefit of the crop," says the firm’s Alan Horgan.

"There’s evidence that soil borne problems are on the increase, but the use of ’in crop’ treatments can have their problems. Supermarket protocols increasingly require residue reduction strategies that can limit pesticide applications.

That’s coupled with a limited availability of herbicide weed control options following the demise of a number of key treatments. Meanwhile, restrictions on the availability of good quality land is placing intense pressure on cropping rotations for strawberry producers.

"By beginning your crop protection strategy using a sterilant before cropping it gets round having to use a herbicide – the use of which will always hold back the crop," he says.

"And there are no fears of residues being picked up in the fruit, which can otherwise be a concern.

"Soil sterilant Basamid, containing dazomet is an effective broad spectrum treatment that is compatible within an integrated approach to control. It has activity against a range of weeds species such as chickweed and nettles and significantly reduces the incidence of major strawberry soil-borne diseases such as crown rot, red core, and verticilium wilt, along with numerous soil pests and nematodes.

Eel worm is one problem pest controlled by Basamid which can build up otherwise unnoticed in untreated ground." Only when it comes to planting can their presence become a problem when they attack more vulnerable, smaller plants, by which time it’s too late" he says.

"Sterilisation can also aid crop establishment and spur on growth, delivering bigger and stronger crowns before winter.

He explains that this is because Basamid releases mineralised nitrogen, boosting growth and ultimately yield.

Alan says it’s essential to invest in getting the application process right to achieve optimum results. Application of Basamid can be undertaken by either a contractor or the grower. Alan advises that for the best results soil temperature, moisture levels and the sequence of sterilising activities need to be carefully considered.

"A soil water holding capacity of 60-70% is important as a crucial trigger to break the dormancy of difficult weeds along with soil temperature," explains Alan.

Weeds, pests and diseases respond to warm soil temperatures, with the optimal levels being between 15oC and 20oC.

"Where soils are wet for 14 days before application the weed seeds will be more likely to be stimulated into germination and be far more vulnerable to the fumigant gas penetrating the seed coat. Fungi will also be encouraged to break their dormancy – making them more susceptible and giving a more effective treatment.