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Effects of Harvesting Policy and Nitrogen Application Rates on the Production of Tea in Central Africa. I. Yield and Crop Distribution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

J. B. Cloughley ,
W. J. Grice  and
R. T. Ellis
J. B. Cloughley
Affiliation:
Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa, PO Box 51, Mulanje, Malawi
W. J. Grice
Affiliation:
Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa, PO Box 51, Mulanje, Malawi
R. T. Ellis
Affiliation:
Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa, PO Box 51, Mulanje, Malawi
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Summary

Three levels of N were imposed on mature Indian hybrid tea and green leaves were harvested according to different plucking standards at either 7 or 14-day intervals throughout the main production period. Larger rates of N and less selective plucking standards improved the fresh weight of shoots harvested but dry matter yields were less and the proportions of waste fibre in the finished product were increased. Thus, saleable black tea production was less responsive to N and plucking standard and the order of combined treatment effects was altered. Plucking interval did not affect yield but it changed the distribution of the crop in time. A 7-day interval gave the most uniform crop. These data are discussed in relation to the economics of tea production in Central Africa.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 19 , Issue 1 , January 1983 , pp. 33 - 46
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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