STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION USING CORN GLUTEN MEAL AS A NATURAL NITROGEN SOURCE AND WEED CONTROL PRODUCT

Replicated field studies were conducted to determine the potential use of corn gluten meal for weed control and plant growth and development in strawberry production.
The use of corn gluten meal in single or multiple applications and at different rates, and the use of corn gluten meal from different processors were evaluated.
Established ‘Jewel’ strawberry plots receiving conventional applications of dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate had the least average number of grass weeds, but corn gluten meal plots had comparable or less average number of broadleaf weeds.
Plots receiving applications of corn gluten meal at renovation (July) and at flower bud development (August) had weed numbers similar to plots receiving three or four applications throughout the season.
Four applications of corn gluten meal reduced ‘Jewel’ total fruit yield and average berry weight.
Reduced yields were due possibly to excess nitrogen levels since vegetative leaf area was greater in these plants.
There were no differences between processor sources of corn gluten meal.

III International Strawberry Symposium

G.R. Nonnecke, N.E. Christians

Fragaria x ananassa

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1997.439.121