Plant Growth, Yield, and Quality of Bush Tea (Athrixia phylicoides) as Affected by Deficit Hidrico and Mulching
Vhuhwavho Tshilidzi Ndou, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Mangaliso Goge, Tshephiso Papo, Mzamo Shozi, Maanea Lonia Ramphinwa, Fhatuwani Nixwell Mudau

TL;DR
This study examines how water shortage and mulching affect the growth, yield, and quality of bush tea in South Africa.
Contribution
The study identifies optimal water and mulching practices to enhance bush tea growth and health benefits.
Findings
A 30% water regime significantly improved plant growth and biomass in bush tea.
Sawdust mulch enhanced plant growth under field conditions.
Black plastic mulch and no irrigation increased beneficial health compounds in bush tea.
Abstract
Native to South Africa, Bush tea is a plant that thrives in various climates. Cultural practices such as mineral nutrition, fertigation, pruning, and harvesting have been shown to influence bush tea’s quality, growth, and yield. This study set out to determine the effects of mulching and deficit irrigation on the growth, yield, and quality of bush tea. Three deficit irrigation treatments (0%, 30%, and 100% Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) on field capacity) and three mulch treatments (sawdust, black plastic mulch, and no mulch) were included in a two-factor experiment, which was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Physiological and growth parameters were taken every two weeks. The number of branches was counted, and measurements of chlorophyll content and the proportion of radiation intercepted by the canopy were recorded. Yield and secondary…
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Taxonomy
TopicsAllelopathy and phytotoxic interactions · Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems · Flowering Plant Growth and Cultivation
