Background and objective: Identification, best preservation protocol and understanding of landraces is crucial in addressing the current and future agricultural challenges related to medicinal cannabis. Its therapeutic potent and diverse genetic composition amongst others has also geared the need for classification and identifying landraces with desired medicinal properties. This study was conducted to identify the Cannabis landraces found in Lusikisiki, Ingquza Hill, OR Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa.Methods: Cannabis landraces were collected in three villages where these naturally grow, within the valley forest agroecosystem in Lusikisiki. Prior to specimen collection, each targeted Cannabis were given a unique identifying number to distinguish it amongst the villages and then the plants were tagged for easy identification. Three specimens each were collected from villages 1 and 3, and two specimens were collected from village 2, summing up to a total of eight specimens from the three villages. The sample collection was performed using secateurs and this process was carefully done so that a complete specimen which includes the stem, leaves, and flowers are collected, as these parts are key diagnostic features of the plant. After collection, the samples were placed in a presser for drying for a period of seven days. After the drying process, the specimens were mounted onto a standard 42 cm × 29 cm herbarium sheet and deposited for identification and authentication at Selmar Schonland herbarium, Makhanda, Eastern Cape.Results: Taxonomic analysis indicated that all the eight deposited voucher specimens belong to genus Cannabis and are of sativa specific epithet (binomially known as Cannabis sativa).Conclusion: Therefore, the medicinal Cannabis landraces found in the three villages in Lusikisiki are identified as Cannabis sativa.

Access to finance and production inputs are some of the challenges that dominate the small-scale farming sector in South Africa. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are among some of the alternatives that could be utilised to assist small-scale farmers. An informal partnership was initiated between the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), Rance Rural Development (RRD), and the farmers of Sidalukukhanya Agriculture Co-op (SAC) for pepper production at the Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme. A study was conducted to evaluate the socioeconomic impact of this partnership. A questionnaire was administered to the members of SAC for data collection. Results showed that this PPP significantly improved the livelihood and socioeconomic Status of SAC members farming at the Zanyokwe Irrigations Scheme. Through this partnership, approximately 13% of jobs are created in the field for the co-op members, while 6% are permanently employed in the processing factory. Similarly, 56% of seasonal employment intake occurred during planting and harvesting s in the cropping fields at Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme in Keiskammahoek. A further 25% of seasonal jobs were created through the processing of produce at the agro-processing factory in Stutterheim. Most farmers increased their business by 20% and production skills by 80%. Therefore, this partnership has shown the potential to improve the livelihood and socioeconomic Status of Zanyokwe farmers.

Sorghum halepense is widely recognised as one of the most aggressive invasive perennial grasses affecting agricultural ecosystems worldwide. This systematic review synthesises existing scientific evidence on the ecological invasion dynamics, origin, distribution patterns, impacts on both biodiversity and livestock, and management strategies. A systematic literature review approach was employed to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Relevant studies were retrieved from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate, using predefined search terms related to S. halepense, invasion, impact on native plants and livestock, and possible control measures. Articles were screened based on relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the objectives of the review. The results showed that Johnsongrass is making a gradual invasion in South Africa through seed production and rhizome systems. Sorghum halepense alters native species composition, subsequently reduces biodiversity, and outcompetes native species. Although it may provide forage under certain conditions, its accumulation of cyanogenic compounds and nitrates poses serious poisoning risks to herbivores. Management strategies such as mechanical, burning, and chemical methods vary in terms of effectiveness. Some of these measures are influenced by the genetic make-up of the plant, costs associated with each control measure and other environmental factors. This review highlights the need for integrated management approaches that balance invasive weed control with sustainable forage production. This review emphasises the importance of adopting integrated management strategies that effectively control both seed production and underground stems. Future research should prioritise climate-responsive management approaches, improved understanding of invasion ecology, and the development of cost-effective control measures. Bringing together policy makers and specialists in weed science, natural conservation science, and animal health will be essential for reaching consensus on the actions required to curb the expansion and reduce the economic losses associated with the abundance of Sorghum halepense in our ecosystems.

Achieving sustainable agriculture requires environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Hence, this review seeks to evaluate the sustainable use of syringa as a botanical pesticide in small-scale farming systems. The review applied an integrated literature review framework to synthesize published work on Melia azedarach L. use in insect pest control. Peer-reviewed and grey literature were sourced from multiple databases and repositories using defined keywords. No lower time limit was applied, and literature coverage included published work up to 2026. After screening 159 records, 99 studies were retained and thematically grouped into eight areas: botanical description, distribution, biopesticides and their mode of action, botanical insecticides and their benefits, Melia. azedarach L. as a botanical insecticide, the limitations on the usage of plant-based extracts and the effects of different extraction methods on the efficacy of Melia azedarach L. extracts. A narrative synthesis highlighted key findings, contradictions, and knowledge gaps while noting potential biases, including English-only sources. Studies indicate that Melia azedarach L. exhibits multiple modes of action, including repellency, antifeedant activity, oviposition deterrence, growth inhibition, ovicidal and larvicidal effects, and suppression of adult emergence. Despite challenges such as variability in extract composition, limited field standardization, and short residual activity, Melia azedarach L. shows considerable potential as a sustainable component of integrated pest management for small-scale farming. Future research should focus on standardized extraction protocols, field validation, formulation development, and commercialization to enhance adoption.

Sorghum halepense (Johnsongrass) is widely recognised as one of the most aggressive invasive perennial grasses affecting agricultural and rangeland ecosystems worldwide. Its rapid spread, ecological adaptability, and dual role as both a potential forage resource and a toxic risk to livestock present complex challenges for sustainable livestock production. Despite extensive research on its ecology and management, existing knowledge remains fragmented across multiple disciplines, limiting the development of integrated control strategies. This systematic review synthesises existing scientific evidence on the ecological invasion dynamics, origin and distribution patterns, biodiversity impacts, livestock-related risks, and management strategies associated with S. halepense, intending to inform sustainable livestock production systems. A systematic literature review approach was employed to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Relevant studies were retrieved from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate, using predefined search terms related to S. halepense, invasion ecology, livestock toxicity, and weed management. Articles were screened based on relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the objectives of the review. The findings indicate that S. halepense has successfully invaded diverse agro-ecological regions due to its hybrid origin, polyploid genome structure, prolific seed production, and extensive rhizome system. The species significantly alters plant community composition, reduces biodiversity, and competes with crops and native forage species. Although it may provide forage under certain conditions, its accumulation of cyanogenic compounds and nitrates poses serious poisoning risks to grazing livestock. Current control strategies, including mechanical removal, cultural practices, herbicide application, and prescribed burning, vary in effectiveness and are often limited by ecological constraints, cost, and the increasing emergence of herbicide resistance. The review highlights the need for integrated, ecosystem-based management strategies that balance invasive weed control with sustainable forage production. Future research should prioritise climate-responsive management approaches, improved understanding of invasion ecology, and the development of cost-effective control measures suitable for livestock production systems. A multidisciplinary framework integrating weed science, rangeland ecology, and animal health will be critical for mitigating the ecological and economic impacts of S. halepense in invaded landscapes.

Influence of Temperature on Cannabis sativa Seed Germination: Insights from Lusikisiki Ecotypes, Eastern Cape