The effect of defoliation on Portulacaria afra.

Abstract

Defoliation is essential in order to increase the production potential of Portulacaria afra. Results indicate that defoliation intensity should range between 25% and 50% and that the season of defoliation is particularly important in maintaining the high production of the species. A relatively low level and rate of production and initiation of leaves and shoots respectively is recorded for P. afra.

Keywords: afrikaans; defoliation; eastern cape; portulacaria afra; production potential; south africa; uitenhage district