Effects of pruning time and resting period on total non-structural carbohydrates, regrowth and yield of tea (Camellia sinensisL.)

PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF YIELD VARIATION OF TEA (CAMELLIA SINENSIS) DURING DIFFERENT YEARS OF THE PRUNING CYCLE IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF SRI LANKA

“…This is only understandable when the drastic reduction in vegetative biomass at pruning and the subsequent post-pruning regrowth is considered. It is highly likely that physiological changes brought about by pruning and post-pruning regrowth (Bore et al ., 2003; Kandiah, 1971; 1975; Kandiah and Wimaladharma, 1978; Manivel, 1980; Nagarajah and Pethiyagoda, 1965; Selvendran, 1970; Tubbs, 1937) necessitate alteration and adjustment of biomass partitioning at different stages of the pruning cycle and thereby cause variation in yield. In a four-year pruning cycle, yield usually shows an increasing trend during the first three years of the pruning cycle, with the magnitude and rate of increase varying depending on the cultivar, and environmental and management factors.…”

Effect of pruning on carbohydrate dynamics of herbal and medicinal plant species: Prospects leading to research on the influence of pruning on productivity and biochemical composition of bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides D.C.)

“…Resting tea bushes for 11 months before pruning lowered yields compared to resting tea for eight months; moreover, the unrested control had the highest yields, and hence, no advantage of resting period was observed (Watson and Gunasereka, 1986). This result indicates that more dry matter accumulated during the resting period and that resting period before pruning might have an effect on replenishment of carbohydrates used in regrowth of tea after pruning (Bore, 2001). On the contrary, bushes that were plucked continuously had better bud-breaks.…”

“…However, no significant effect of resting period on yields was obtained in the 1997 pruning cycle. Bore et al (2003) claim that the above observation is due to the ``carry-over'' effect. Based on the aforementioned discussion, it is hypothesised that, treatment effects may not be realised within the year of experimentation, but may be carried into subsequent years.…”

“…Through continued photosynthesis on the lungs, starch reserves are accumulated which help the tea bush to recover after pruning (Bore, 2001;Bore et al, 2003). However for it to be effective, lungs should be left on the bushes until the pruned portions have fully recovered.…”

“…Carbohydrate reserves are utilised in times of adverse seasonal conditions. The timing, amount and location of their deposits should be investigated as a possible indicator to predict vigour and yield (Bore et al, 2003). Pruning should be done when the root reserves are high.…”