Effect of weeding method on weed infestation and yield of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) in Hawassa, Sidama region, South Ethiopia

Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis Mill is a highly important and extensively cultivated medicinal plant in the folk medicine and cosmetic industry. Weeds have impact on medicinal plants yield. The effect of weeds on medicinal plants accounted for approximately ۴۵% yield loss. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate weeding method for Aloe vera plant and to improve the yield of Aloe vera. Nine different weeding methods were arranged, including herbicide and weedy check. The experimental trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three repetitions at Hawassa location. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. The results recorded ۳۰ weed species belonging to ۱۴ families associated with the A.vera plant in Hawassa. The highest weed density was recorded in the Weed-Check plot (WD=۵.۰۰). The lowest number of monocot and dicot weeds was recorded in HWH۴ (MW=۱.۳۳; (DW=۰.۳۳). Higher fresh and dry leaf weight were recorded for HWH۳ (FLW=۱۶۵.۸۸g) and HWH۴ (DLW=۱۲۶.۳۲g), respectively. Higher gel weight was recorded in HWH۳ (GW=۲۲۷.۹۹g). A significantly lower weed density was recorded when weeds were removed up to ۶۰ DAP at ۱۵ days interval. Therefore, hand weeding and hoeing four times after transplanting Aloe vera suckers was the most effective weeding method for Aloe vera.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aloe vera ، Medicinal plant ، Ethiopia ، Weeding method ، Herbicide ، Gel yield