Fertilization and Mowing on Persistence of Indian Mockstrawberry (Duchesnea indica) and Common Blue Violet (Viola papilionacea) in a Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) Lawn

Research was conducted to determine the influence of soil fertilization and mowing on persistence of Indian mockstrawberry and common blue violet in an old, weakened tall fescue lawn. Fertilization treatments included: F0 = none applied; F1 = spring and fall application of 0.49 kg N, 0.21 kg P, and 0.41 kg K 100 m-2; and F2 = spring and fall application of twice the F1 rate. Mowing treatments were: M0 = not mowed; and M1 and M2 = mowing heights of approximately 4 and 6 cm, respectively, at biweekly intervals. Persistence of both weeds was influenced more by mowing than by fertilization. Survival of Indian mockstrawberry was greatest when mowed at 6 cm and not fertilized and lowest when highly fertilized and not mowed. Blue violets were virtually eliminated by either mowing treatment and did not respond to fertilization. Mowing and fertilization effectively reduced survival of Indian mockstrawberry and common blue violet in the tall fescue lawn.