Korean Journal of Plant Resources ISSN:1226-3591(Print) 2287-8203(Online) 한국자원식물학회지

This study was conducted to nominate optimal ground cover plants eventually enhancing Aronia production in the highland rolling plains. Total number of 17 weed species were observed in Aronia field when no cover plant was applied. Meanwhile, 12, 14, 15 and 16 weed species were observed when kentucky bluegrass, white clover, rattail fescue and ground ivy were used, respectively. Untreated native weed species were 73.6 ㎝ tall before cut, and kentucky bluegrass, white clover, Rattail fescue and ground ivy were 57.5, 36.8, 48.3 and 40.9 ㎝, respectively. Based on plant height before cut, two shortest plants, white clover and ground ivy, were considered effective as ground cover plants in Aronia field. Coverage at 3^rd year by cover plants ranged from 85% to 100%. Coverage of uncovered Aronia field by native weed species was 95% while coverage by 4 treatments, kentucky bluegrass, white clover, rattail fescue and ground ivy were 100, 87, 85 and 100%, respectively. Aronia yield per plant at 3^rd year was 1,916 g with white clover cover followed by 1,770 g with Rattail fescue, 1,766 g with ground ivy, 1,098 g without cover plants and 931 g with Kentucky Bluegrass. Out results indicated that ground ivy was the best among all treatments based on 3 criteria, (1) short plant architecture, (2) rapid ground covering and (3) better weed control. In addition, ground ivy cover appeared to secure better yield.