Cultivation Technology for Drought Stress Mitigation in Tea Plants: A Review

Abstract

Tea is one of the beverage crops that has a high-value economy and opportunities to increase its production. The yield and quality of the tea plants are strongly affected by environmental conditions. Global warming is followed by climate change, resulting in changes in rainfall patterns and an increase in air temperature. Changes in rainfall patterns affect drought, namely the occurrence of 3 consecutive dry months. The air temperature has increased over the last 100 years. The air temperature on the earth’s surface has increased by an average of 0.74°C. Shifting climatic conditions as a result of climate change can cause the growth and yield of tea plants to be disrupted. Tea plants can suffer from temporary wilting, chronic wilting, leaves falling off, drying shoots and young branches, and the death of twigs, main branches, and stems as a result of prolonged dryness. Drought caused damage to tea plants, resulting in a 53% decrease in yield. To overcome this, cultivation technology can be used in the following ways: (1) planting tolerant clones; (2) fertilization; (3) mulching and planting shade trees; (3) pruning; and (4) rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems.

Climate change and its adaptation strategies on tea plantation in West Java, Indonesia

“…At the technical level in the field, it is important to maintain stable productivity of tea growth through microclimate manipulation such as the establishment of shading plants especially during El Nino and tolerant tea clones. According to Rokhmah et al (2022) shading plants maintain soil humidity around tea crop 10% higher and crop temperature 7-9 °C lower than without shading. She recommended several shade plants such as acacia (Acacia pruinose, A. auriculiformis), Albizzia falcataria, calliandra (Calliandra calothrysus), Cassia siamea, Erythrina lithosperma, Leucaena leucocephala, and silver oak (Grevillea robusta).…”

“…Anjani and Arifin (2020) noted that extended dry spell in tea plantation markedly reduces tea production. Tea production is 16-19% lower in the dry season according to Dalimoenthe et al (2016), while Rokhmah et al (2022) estimated the yield reduction up to 53% during drought events. Moreover, Dalimoenthe et al (2016) stated that young tea plant under severe drought situation is more susceptible to death, especially in the lowlands.…”