INTERCROPPING STRAWBERRIES WITH MARIGOLDS, PARSLEY, AND DILL

Abstract

In February 1992. `Allstar' strawberry plants were planted in 16 plots Each plot was three rows wide and 5 m long The rows were spaced 1 m apart, and wheat straw mulch was spread between them. In June, marigold, parsley. or dill plants were set through the straw on either side of the center row of each plot The control plots had no plants set between the strawberry rows The marigolds and parsley grew into full size plants. but the dill bolted and did not produce much plant mass Plots with marigolds and parsley in them appeared to have less weeds and strawberry daughter plants growing between the rows. although weeds were still a problem in the strawberry rows. No significant arthropod infestations occurred in any of the plots The marigolds made their plots especially attractive during the growing season, and the parsley remained green during the winter when the strawberry plants turned red and went dormant The next spring. the strawberry fruit were harvested The marigolds and dill were trampled by the pickers There were no significant differences in strawberry yield or fruit quality among the four treatments.