Effects of Microclimatic Parameter on Tea Leaf Production in Different Tea Estates, Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract:The tea industry of Bangladesh is one of the most important foreign exchange earner and source of income. Sylhet, the northeastern divisional city of Bangladesh, is the major tea-producing region of the country. For this reason the study area was selected in Sylhet district to assess the pattern and causes of fluctuation on tea leaf production in selected tea Estates and the impact of micro-climate change on the productivity of tea leaf. The yield of tea is greatly influenced by microclimatic parameter of a region especially rainfall, temperature. Scanty rainfall causes irreparable losses because irrigation is seldom used on tea plantations. On the other hand, heavy rains erode top soil and wash away fertilizers and other chemicals. An analysis of the results of field experiments with weather data shows that increase highest tea leaf production per hectare lies on 4000mm to 4600mm rainfall. Heavy or scanty or delayed rainfall adversely affected the growth and yield of tea. It is observed that tea leaf production is slightly increased with increase in total annual rainfall. The temperature and humidity have no direct effect on tea leaf production. It may largely depend on soil quality and solar radiation. Loobacherra tea estate produces high amount (1838.70 kg) of tea leaf per unit area, on the other hand, Lackatoorah tea estate produce lowest amount (682.31 kg) of tea leaf. Further study is needed to identify the cause of variation of tea leaf production in different tea estate. Awareness should be rise on micro-climate change amongst the planter, estates and worker groups for the maximum production of tea leaf.

Relationship between Environmental Covariates and Ceylon Tea Cultivation in Sri Lanka

“…It is advisable to avoid flatter and steeper slopes for tea, as steeper slopes pose a significant risk of soil erosion and landslide, whereas flatlands increase water-logging conditions, which are undesirable for tea production [19]. Aspects have a strong influence on solar radiation and temperature and impact the distribution of tea [17,20]. Variations in these topographic covariates pose ecological stress and limitations as well as opportunities for tea production.…”

Rainfall distribution and tea production in Bangladesh: Socio-economic impact analysis

“…The expected average annual rainfall for the excellent tea leaf production in Bangladesh was 4000-4600 mm (Ali et al, 2014). Ochieng et al (2016) revealed that a consistent rainfall pattern is the determinant of high productivity, and any signi cant deviation affects the production.…”

“…The various study showed that the drought alters the metabolites' concentration (Ahmed et al, 2014;Cai et al, 2013;Eric et al, 2019;Kfoury et al, 2018;Han et al 2017). Few studies measured the rainfall's impact on the tea yield of a single or few tea gardens of the Sylhet district (Islam et al, 2021;Rahman et al, 2017;Ali et al, 2014). A study including all tea-producing areas will help better understand the change in rainfall distribution area-wise and the effect on tea yield and the quality of the products.…”

Microbial biocides - Viable alternatives to chemicals for tea disease management

“…A large number of tea pathogens are, thus, not surprising for their existence in tea monoculture across diverse topography, climate, planting material and cultural practices and thereby leads to pathogenesis in tea. According to Lehmann-Danzinger (2000); Anita et al (2012) and Ali et al (2014) tea naturally encourage for the establishment of several tea pathogens as it mostly favours a stable microclimate with alternating wet and dry periods. Blister blight (Exobasidium vexans), black rot (Corticium invisum and C. theae), red rust (Cephaleuros parasiticus and C. mycoidea), charcoal stump rot (Ustulina zonata), brown root rot (Fomes lamaeonsis), black root rot (Rosellina arcuata), Fusarium die back (Fusarium solani), brown blight (Colletotrichum sp.…”