Efficacy and profitability of weed management systems for honeybush in South Africa

Abstract

Weeds reduce crop productivity through competion for nutrients, water, light and space, and impact negatively on commercial crops. Honeybush tea (Cyclopia spp.) is an industry mainly focused on the organic cultivation of tea, using mechanical weeding control methods. To date, no studies have investigated the impact of weeds in honeybush plantations This study quantified the impact weeds have on honeybush plant survival, growth, yield, and economic value in order to identify a cost-effective and efficient integrated weed management system. Impacts of different weeding treatments were assessed at harvest on Cyclopia subternata Vogel 18 months after planting. The use of a synthetic woven mulch in combination with inter-row weeding resulted in significantly higher yield, larger plants, best growth rate and reduced weed biomass. Crop survival under this treatment was also greatly improved.