Effects of goosegrass (Eleusine indica) competition on strawberry growth and yield

Abstract

Goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] is one of the most problematic weeds in plasticulture strawberry [Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier (pro sp.) [chiloenis × virginiana]] production systems in Florida. A 2-yr trial was implemented to evaluate the effects of different E. indica densities on strawberry growth and yield. Eleusine indica densities evaluated were 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.8 plants m⁻² equally distributed on the plastic-mulched bed top within the strawberry transplant holes. Eleusine indica density did not affect E. indica height or biomass. However, E. indica seed production was positively correlated with E. indica density in Season 1 and negatively correlated with E. indica density in Season 2. A negative linear regression was observed between E. indica density and strawberry yield in both seasons. For each increase in E. indica plants per square meter, strawberry yield was reduced by 316 and 2,356 kg ha⁻¹ for Seasons 1 and 2, respectively. Our results highlight the importance of achieving adequate E. indica management to minimize yield losses.