ISSN : 0972-3129

ANNUAL REPORTANNUAL REPORT

UPASI TEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION

2005

UPASI TEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION

2005

ISSN : 0972-3129

UPASI TEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT

For the period1st January to 31st December 2005

(79th Annual Report)

CAVEAT

This report details the record of work and investigations in 2005. The actual findings in theongoing experiments and new trials initiated and completed during the year are documented.These should not be regarded as recommendations unless so stated or until a separaterecommendatory note on the specific aspect is issued in the Handbook of Tea Culture.

Edited and Published by Dr. N.Muraleedharan, Director, UPASI Tea Research FoundationNirar Dam BPO, Valparai 642 127, Coimbatore District, India

Associate editor and computer typeset by Dr. R. Raj Kumar

Correct abbreviation: Ann. Rep. UPASI Tea Res. Found.

ISSN : 0972-3129

UPASI TEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, VALPARAI 642 127, INDIA©

Trustees of UPASI Tea Research Foundation(as on December 31, 2005)

Mr. E.B. Sethna, Managing TrusteeMr.T.V. AlexanderMr.G..J. Ancheril

Mr. David B. KingMr.N. Dharmaraj

Mr. D. HegdeMr.D.G. HegdeMr.T. Jayaram

Mr.D.P. MaheswariMr. K.A.B. MandannaMr. S.P. MuthuramanMr. Nalin R KhannaMr. Peter Mathias

Mr. D.V.M. PremkumarMr.J.K. Thomas

Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Commerce/Under Secretary (Plant-A)Director (Internal Finance Wing), Commerce Ministry

Mr.Basudeb Banerjee, Chairman, Tea BoardMr. R.D. Nazeem, Executive Director, Tea Board

Mrs. Yashodhara Ray Chaudhuri, Financial Adviser & Chief Accounts Officer, Tea BoardDr.T.C. Chaudhuri, Director (Research), Tea Board

Members of Management Committee(as on December 31, 2005)

Mr.D.P. Maheswari, ConvenerMr. J.K. ThomasMr.D.G. Hegde

Mr.E.B. Sethna, Managing TrusteeDeputy Secretary, Commerce Ministry

Financial Controller & Chief Accounts Officer, Tea BoardMr. R.D. Nazeem, Executive Director, Tea Board

Dr.T.C. Chaudhuri, Director (Research), Tea BoardMr. Ullas Menon Secretary, UPASI TRF

Dr.N. Muraleedharan, Director, UPASI TRF

Secretary, UPASI TRF

Mr. Ullas Menon

STAFF OF UPASI TEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION(as on December 31, 2005)

Director N. Muraleedharan, M.Sc.,Ph.D., F.I.S.P.C.

TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTEBotany Division

Head of Division R. Victor J.Ilango, M.Sc., Ph.D.Senior Plant Breeder S. Babu, M.Sc. (Ag.), Ph.D.Assistant Botanist R. Gunasundari, M.Sc.Assistant Botanist R. Sanjay, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Chemistry DivisionHead of Division S. Venkatesan, M.Sc., Ph.D., D.F.T., D.I.S.Senior Chemist N. Palani, M.Sc.Assistant Chemist K. Balasubramanian, B.Sc.Assistant Chemist R. Kumaraguru, B.Sc.

Entomology DivisionHead of Division R. Selvasundaram, M.Sc., Ph.D.Residue Chemist K.N. Manikandan, M.Sc., Ph.D.Assistant Entomologist Sachin P. James, M.Sc.Technical Assistant N. Sathishkumar, M.Sc., M.Phil.

Plant Pathology DivisionHead of Division R. Premkumar, M.Sc., Ph.D., F.P.S.I.Plant Pathologist U.I. Baby, M.Sc., Ph.D.Assistant Plant Pathologist D. Ajay, M.Sc.

Plant Physiology DivisionHead of Division Abul Kalam Azad Mandal, M.Tech., Ph.D.Senior Plant Physiologist R. Raj Kumar, M.Sc., Ph.D.Assistant Botanist Jibu Thomas, M.Sc.

Tea Technology DivisionSenior Tea Technologist R.S. Senthilkumar, M.Sc.Assistant Tea Technologist S. Murugesan, M.Sc.Technical Assistant N. Radhakrishnan, D.E.E.

Administration and FarmManager Paul Devanesan, M.A.Assistant Field Officer Robert Gunasekaran, M.A.Technical Assistant Bobby AbrahamAccounts Assistant R. Krishnamoorthy, B.Com.Typist Clerk V.B. VasanthaTypist Clerk A. Mahalakshmi, B.Sc.

REGIONAL CENTRES

Coonoor, Nilgiris, Tamil NaduSenior Advisory Officer B. Radhakrishnan, M.Sc., Ph.D.Advisory Officer S.N. Prasad, B.Sc.Advisory Officer G. Venkateswaran, B.Sc.Asst. Advisory Officer Q. Ranjit Kumar, B.Sc., (Ag.)Analytical Chemist M. Navaneetha Krishna Ganapathy, M.Sc.Typist Clerk P.V. BalachandranTypist Clerk K. Rajalakshmi

Gudalur, Nilgiri-Wyanad, Tamil NaduSenior Advisory Officer Spurgeon Cox, M.Sc., Ph.D.Assistant Advisory Officer M.A. Subair, B.Sc.Typist Clerk C. Ravi

Meppadi, Wyanad, KeralaAdvisory Officer K. Ajayakumar, M.Sc., Ph.D.Typist Clerk M. Ranjit

Munnar, Idukki, KeralaSenior Advisory Officer R.Sasidhar, B.Sc.Advisory Officer P. Sankaranarayanan, M.Sc.Typist Clerk R. Ganapathy

Vandiperiyar, Idukki, KeralaSenior Advisory Officer Siby Mathew, M.Sc.Entomologist A. Babu, M.Sc., Ph.D.Assistant Advisory Officer R. Achuthan, B.Sc.Typist Clerk Mohan Mathew

Koppa, Chikmagalur, KarnatakaSenior Advisory Officer K.G. Udaya Bhanu, M.Sc.

We at UPASI Tea Research Foundation are deeplycommitted to maintain the highest level of integrity and qualityin our research, analysis and extension work. We assureaccuracy in analysis, reliability of results and promptness inservice ensuring conformance to national and internationalstandards in compliance with ISO 17025

QUALITY POLICY

CONTENTS

Report of the Director 1

Tea Research Institute

Botany 3Chemistry 10Entomology 23Plant Pathology 31Plant Physiology 42Tea Technology 53

Regional Centres

Coonoor 60Gudalur 65Meppadi 69Munnar 72Vandiperiyar 77Koppa 89

Acknowledgements 93

Appendices

Personalia 95Participation in Meetings/Conferences/

Symposia/Workshops 98Lectures and Training Programmes 107Meteorological Data 111List of Publications 113In-house Seminars 116List of Experiments 117List of Funded Projects 122

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

1

This year UPASI and the Tea Board jointlyorganized the tea quality competition, “The Golden LeafIndia Awards: Southern Tea Competition 2005”. TheTRF played an active role in making this event a grandsuccess. The Advisory Officers were entrusted withthe task of collecting tea samples from participatingestates, as per IS 3611:2000. After the first levelscreening of these teas by the National Jury, 130 entrieswere selected for analysis for PFA act parameters andalso for the residues of pesticides as per EU MRLs.Only those teas passing the analytical tests were eligiblefor final evaluation, adjudged by an International Jury.It is indeed a matter of pride that the TRF played adecisive role in the successful conduct of the event.

By and large, the weather in the tea districts wasnormal. Most of the plantation districts experiencedonly moderate drought due to the receipt of earlysummer showers. However, in the Nilgiris and Karnatakadrought was broken only by April. All the districtsreceived higher rainfall except the Nilgiris where totalrainfall was 36% less compared to that of previous year.High Range experienced unusually heavy rainfall inJuly with two records; the highest rainfall for the monthin the last 44 years and the highest rainfall recorded fora day in the last 70 years! Damage due to frost occurredboth in the Nilgiris and High Range. In Nilgiris, thedamage was in the months of January, November andthird and fourth week of December, while in High Rangeit was during January and February and again in thelast week of December. The area affected was about600 ha in Nilgiris and about 1000 ha in High Range.This does not include the areas under the small holdingsand the non member estates.

In the last year, there had been several importantdevelopments in the research and extension activitiesat the TRF. Research had been intensified on controlledhybridization for the selection of biclonal seed stocks,mutation breeding and nursery grafting. Germplasmcollection had been strengthened by the addition of afew clones obtained from Darjeeling. Mother bushblocks of these elite clones from Darjeeling have beenestablished at TRI with a view to raise similar blocks inCoonoor and to evaluate them under the agroclimateof Nilgiris. A few native species of trees are now beingevaluated for their usefulness as shade trees in teafields.

Plant biotechnology work is progressing at ourlabs through projects funded by DBT, CSIR and TeaBoard. These works include molecular characterizationof tea germplasm, pathway engineering of catechinsand genetic transformation studies. The division isalso undertaking marker studies in relation tosusceptibility and tolerance of tea clones to the blisterblight pathogen. Different isolates of the grey blightpathogen were subjected to RAPD analysis and theresults indicated a high degree of genetic dissimilarityamong the isolates.

We have already published our recentrecommendations on NK manuring and yet anotheruseful study relating to the broadcasting of rockphosphate-citric acid mixture along with N&K wascarried out. Application of this mixture may be carriedout twice in a year. Needless to say that this newrecommendation on broadcasting of rock phosphate-citric acid mixture along with N&K will lead toconsiderable saving when compared to the cost of

2

placement of P. The experiments on urease activityrevealed that the ideal interval between two successiveNK applications should be 27 days for Karnataka,Wayanad and Vandiperiyar area, 26 days for Nilgiris,33 days for Anamallais and 18 days for High Range.The field experiments on irrigation being conducted indifferent tea districts are in different stages of progressand the results achieved so far are encouraging.

A recommendation on fungicide applicationschedule for blister blight control using the combinationof tridemorph (90 ml) and hexaconazole (100 ml) orpropiconazole 75 ml/ha been released. This schedule isintended to reduce the residues of copper in tea. Controlof grey blight using carbendazim or mancozeb has alsobeen recommended. The project work relating tobiofertilizers has been completed and thecommercialization of the UPASI strains is in progress.One consortium will contain the selected isolates ofAzospirillum whereas the second product will haveefficient strains of phosphate solubilising bacteriacollected from different tea areas of south India.

In the field of pest control, a strain of theentomopathogenic fungus, Paecilomycesfumosoroseus isolated by UPASI TRF has been foundvery effective against the red spider mite. A formulationcontaining this strain is now commercially availableunder the name “Mycomite”. This could be used at 1.5to 2.0 kg per ha, depending on the severity of red spidermite attack. The fungal formulation will be useful forspider mite control both in conventional as well as inorganic tea gardens.

Several chemicals currently used in the tea gardenswill be going out of the EU list of approved chemicalsby the middle of 2006. The Tea Board, in collaborationwith countries under the Inter-Governmental Group(IGG) on tea has prepared a list of chemicals forclearance under Codex and UPASI TRF has givensignificant research inputs on this matter. TRI has donea survey of south Indian teas for the residues ofdifferent pesticides and heavy metals such as lead,cadmium, nickel and arsenic.

Two workshops on ‘pacha taint’ in tea had beenconducted at Gudalur and Wayanad to transfer theinformation generated through the NTRF project to theend users. In view of the extensive use of shears astudy was conducted by the Tea Technology Divisionto assess the influence of cut leaf content on the qualityof made tea. High percentage of cut leaves led todeterioration in the overall quality of black tea.

The Advisory Officers made more than 1000 visitsto the estates and the centres in Koppa, Gudalur andCoonoor organized Area Scientific Conferences. Themonthly advisory circulars from all the centres and theseveral training programmes strengthened our lab toland programme. Besides the TRI in Valparai, the labsin Vandiperiyar, Coonoor and Gudalur are now equippedto analyse teas for quality parameters as per PFA act.These labs can also analyse samples of lime sulphurfor their polysulphide content.

Messrs. K.N. Manikandan, Residue Chemist, D.N.P.Sudarmani (Entomology Division) and R. Sanjay(Botany Division) were conferred Ph.D. degree by theBharathiar University. At the annual tea colloquium,Mr. Jibu Thomas (Plant Physiology Division) baggedthe first prize for the best paper presentation. Mr. R.Sanjay (Botany Division) and Mr. N. Radhakrishnan(Tea Technology Division) shared the second prize.Congratulations to the winners and achievers!

Our thanks are due to the Tea Board, National TeaResearch Foundation, Council of Scientific andIndustrial Research, Department of Scientific andIndustrial Research and the Department ofBiotechnology for the grants received for the differentprojects. The receipt of grant-in-aid from the Tea Boardis gratefully acknowledged.

(N. MURALEEDHARAN)DIRECTOR

BOTANY

1. GENERAL1.1. Farm and service

About 7500 fresh cuttings of the newly releasedclone, TRF-1 and 5.450 kg of the rooting hormonalformulation were supplied to the member estates duringthe year.

1.2. Weather and crop

Drought in the Anamallais was not severe during2005 due to the intermitant showers received from thelast week of January and first week of March. Total rainfall received from December 2004 to March, 2005 was140.8 mm. The district received 463.6 mm of premonsoonshowers in April and May. Rainfall in south westmonsoon was very high with a total of 4049.3 mm.Similarly 447.7 mm rain was received in the north eastmonsoon period. Total rainfall for the year was 4636.4mm and the total number of rainy days was 163. Totalcrop for the year in the Anamallais was 28.5 m. kg asagainst the production of 27.192 m. kg during 2004.

2. VISITS

Dr.R. Victor J. Ilango visited Sholayar, Korangumudi,Sheikalmudi and Murugali estates in the Anamallais andKelagur, Goomankahn, Devon, Balanoor, Quard Hitlowand Glenlorna estates in Karnataka.

3. RESEARCH3.1. Nursery3.1.1. Rejuvenating the over grown nursery plants bycleft grafting (BOT/219 (N)/03-AN)

A large scale trial was carried out in an estate’snursery to rejuvenate the over grown nursery plants bycleft grafting. UPASI-9 clonal plants were retained inthe nursey due to their poor growth. In order torejuvenate these plants, self grafting was carried out onthese plants using single nodal cuttings of UPASI-9. Inanother set, crop shoots with four leaves and a bud and

three leaves and a bud of clone, A2 collected from aplucking field were used as scion and cleft grafted onthe over grown plants. Observations were made on thegrowth of the grafted plants at the end of nine monthsafter grafting. Results revealed that graft success wasas high as 92% when self graftings was carried out usingsingle nodal cuttings of UPASI-9 on the root stock ofUPASI-9 (Table 1). The per cent graft take was low whencrop shoots of the clone, A2 was used as scion. However,shoot growth of all the successful grafts weresatisfactory and fit for planting in the field.

3.1.2. Evaluation of crop shoots of UPASI-3 as scion forfor the root stock clone, ATK-1 (BOT/ 220(N)/ 02-AN)

A large scale trial was carried out in an estate’snursery to evaluate three leaves and a bud of UPASI-3as the scion for the rootstock, ATK-1. Single nodalcuttings collected from the pruned fields of UPASI-3were also used as scion for comparison. Observationsmade at the end of nine months after grafting revealedthat all the successful grafts had vigourous shootsystem. Between the two types of scions, grafted plantsdeveloped through three leaves and a bud were tallerthan that developed through single nodal cuttings.These grafted plants had more number of leaves withmore of stem girth when compared to the grafted plants

Table 1. Field performance of nursery plantsrejuvenated by cleft grafting

Scion/ Graft Plant No. ofRoot stock success (%) height (cm) leaves

Single nodes ofUP-9/UP-9 92.7 45.6 8.0

4 leaves & a budof clone, A2/UP-9 56.0 53.8 11.0

3 leaves & a budof clone, A2/UP-9 48.0 31.4 6.0

3

developed through single nodal cuttings as scion (Table2).

3.1.3. Field performance of nursery plants rejuvenatedby cleft grafting (BOT/228(N)/05-AN)

UPASI-8 and UPASI-17 as scions after graftingon the two year old plants of UPASI:BSS-1 andUPASI-9 showed vigorous vegetative growth in thefield when compared to the ungrafted plants ofUPASI-8. Both the graft combinations producedhigher number of lateral branches with excellentcanopy cover when compared to the ungrafted plants(Table 3).

3.1.4. Approach grafting technique for rapidmultiplication of mother bushes (BOT/229(N)/05-AN)

A large scale trial was carried out in an estateto multiply mother bushes of the clone, TRF-1 byapproach grafting technique. One year old nurseryplants of ATK-1 along with the nursery sleeveswere selected as the rootstock. About six to eightATK-1 plants were first attached to the three yearold mother bushes of TRF-1 to facilitate approachgrafting. Uniform sized branches of both TRF-1and ATK-1were brought close and approachgrafted. Four months after grafting branches ofscion and rootstock were detached so as to havea composite plant with a root stock of ATK-1 and

Table 3. Growth parameters of rejuvenated nurseryplants

Scion/ Height Stem girth Number ofRoot stock (cm) (cm) branches

UPASI-8/BSS-1 107.2 7.4 12UPASI-17/UPASI-9 112.0 6.4 7UPASI-8 87.5 4.9 4

TRF-1 as the scion. Success rate of approachgrafting was found to be 88%.

4. Mechanization4.1. Leaf expansion time for machine harvesting (BOT/230 (AG)/05-AN)

Leaf expansion time for the two men operated‘Ochiai’ harvesters was observed in a clonal fieldplanted with UPASI-9 and a seedling field. Machineharvesting was initiated in a third year field in the monthof April and continued upto mid June. The fields werebrought back to hand plucking during July and August.Machine harvesting was again initiated from Septemberand continued upto November. After harvesting thecrop, time taken for the retained buds on the pluckingsurface to become three leaves and a bud was recorded(Table 4).

5. Weed Research5.1. Evaluation of XL 41 GI for weed control in tea fields(BOT/231 (AG)/05-AN)

A statistically designed field experiment had beenlaid out to evaluate XL 41GI (glyphosate IPA salt 41%SL, manufactured by using glyphosate IPA salttechnical 62% imported from Nufarm (Asia) Pte. Ltd.,Malaysia) supplied by M/s Excel Crop Care Limited,Mumbai for weed control in tea fields. The treatmentsinculuded are XL 41 GI 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 ml/l, market sample

Table 2. Evaluation of crop shoots of UPASI-3 as scionfor the rootstock, ATK-1

Scion/ Height Leaves Stem girthRoot stock (cm) (No) of scion (cm)

3 leaves and a budof UP-3 on ATK-1 42.7 12 2.1Single nodal cuttingof UP-3 on ATK-1 22.7 5 1.7

Table 4. Plucking interval for two men operated‘Ochiai’ harvesters

Month Method of Clone ‘Assam’harvesting (UPASI-9) seedling

Jan Hand plucking 12/13 12/13Feb Hand plucking 13/14 13/14Mar Hand plucking 12/13 12/13Apr Machine harvesting 22/23 27/28May Machine harvesting 22/23 27/28Jun Machine harvesting 22/23 27/28Jul Hand plucking 13/14 13/14Aug Hand plucking 10/11 10/11Sep Machine harvesting 22/23 27/28Oct Machine harvesting 22/23 27/28Nov Machine harvesting 22/23 27/28Dec Hand plucking 10/11 10/11

4

of Glycel @ 5.0 and 10.0 ml/l besides the untreatedcontrol. Per cent weed control at weekly intervals isbeing monitored.

5.2. Collection of made tea and soil samples for residuestudies (BOT/ 232 (AG)/05-AN)

A statistically designed field experiment had beeninitiated to collect made tea and soil samples from theplots sprayed with XL 41GI at different doses. Thereare three treatments viz., 1) XL 41 GI 5.0 ml/l, 2) XL 41 GI10.0 ml/l and 3) untreated control. Samples will becollected at periodic intervals and forwarded to theInternational Institute of Biotechnology andToxicology, Chennai for residue analysis.

5.3. Evaluation of carfentrazone ethyl for weed controlin tea fields (BOT/ 233 (AG)/05-AN)

A statistically designed field experiment had beenlaid out to evaluate carfentrazone ethyl, a postemergence herbicide supplied by M/s. FMC, Bangalore.The herbicide was sprayed at different doses alongwith glyphosate 41% SL and 2,4-D sodium salt. Thetreatment details are given below:

T1. Carfentrazone ethyl + glyphosate 0.93 + 32.5 ml/10 lT2. Carfentrazone ethyl + glyphosate 0.93 + 27.1ml/10 lT3. Carfentrazone ethyl + glyphosate 1.39+39.0 ml/10 lT4. 2,4-D + glyphosate 31+39 ml/10 l; T5. Glyphosate67 ml/10 l, T6. Carfentrazone ethyl 0.93 ml/10 l and T7.untreated control. At weekly intervals weed control isbeing monitored.

6. Germplasm6.1. Germplasm collection (BOT/ 234 (AG) 05-AN)

During the year 30 natural variants collected fromthe old seedling populations of commercial estates wereadded to the germplasm. Descriptors of six moreaccessions were prepared and published for registration.As a follow up of registration 18 accessions were sentto National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)and got the national identity number.

6.2. Field evaluation of newly introduced accesions fromnorth east India (BOT/ 235 (AG) 05-AN)

Growth parameters such as phytomass producedabove the height of centering, first and second tipping,stem girth at 10 cm from the ground and plant height

were observed. Among the different accesions, initialgrowth of P-263 was found to be superior to that of thestandard clone, UPASI-9 (Fig. 1). Growth parameters ofall the other accessions were lower than that of theUPASI-9.

6.3. Field evaluation of Darjeeling clones (BOT/236(AG) 05-AN)

Growth parameters such as phytomass produced abovethe height of centering, first and second tipping, stem girthat 10 cm from the ground and plant height were observed.Initial growth of all the Darjeeling clones were lower thanthat of the standard clone, UPASI-9 (Fig.2). However, thefinal evoluation will be aimed at quality parameters.

7. Shade tree7.1. Growth characters of Grevillea robusta raised injumbo bags (BOT/237(AG)/05-AN)

Grevillea robusta plants were raised in jumbo bagswith a dimension of 45 X 15 cm in order to grow themupto 120 cm in height by extending their nursery life for18 months. Objective of the study was to grow Grevilleaplants that are taller than the tea canopy at the time ofplanting. If they are above the tea canopy, their growth

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

CP-1 J-5P-263

L-807N-411

RD-46

HK- 2214S3A1

TRI - 7

L-1100BJ-2

UPASI-9

Clones

Fig. 1. Growth parameters of accessions introducedfrom north east India

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

TK-78 TK-253 PB-312 RR-144 AV-2 UP-9

Clones

Gro

wth

par

amet

ers (

%)

Fig.2. Growth parameters of Darjeeling clones

5

will be fast and damage by wild animals and accidentalspray of herbicides can be avoided. These plants at theend of 18 months reached upto 120 cm height with athick main stem. Plants raised in small nursery sleeveswith a dimension of 20 X 5 cm reached only a height of60 cm with a very thin main stem (Table 5). Grevilleaplants raised in both the type of nursery sleeves will beplanted in the field to observe their establishment andgrowth.

possible combinations with a sub type of C (n(n-1)/2F1s and n (n-1)/2 reciprocal F1s = 42) (Fig. 3). Among thedirect and indirect crosses made during 2005, the percent fruit set in direct crosses were reasonably good inall the combinations when compared to the indirectcrosses (Table 7).

8.2. Mutation Breeding (PB/6/MB/05-AN)

A study was initiated during the year to standardisethe dosage of gamma radiation with respect to lethalityand survival rate of tea clones. Single nodal cuttings of

Table 5. Growth characters of Grevillea robustaraised in jumbo poly bags

Sleeve Plant Stem girthdimension height (cm) at 10 cm

Jumbo bags (45 X 15 cm) 120 3.2Estate practice (20 X 5 cm) 60 1.8

7.2. Evaluation of alternate shade trees (BOT/ 227(AG)05-AN)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 2004 (p.11). Evaluation of Dimocarpuslongan, Ormosia travancorica, Filicium decipiensand Trichelia connaroides was continued. Growthparameters recorded are given in Table 6. Anothertropical rain forest tree species Toona ciliata wasplanted as a shade tree in tea fields during the year.Establishment and growth of this tree species wasfound to be promising. Seedlings of another treespecies Melia dubia seedlings are being raised in thenursery.

8. PLANT BREEDING8.1. Heterosis breeding (PB/4/HB/05-AN)

Under the hybrid development programme, a diallelmating design type II was carried out using UPASI-1,UPASI-2, UPASI-8, UPASI-9, UPASI-17, UPASI-27 andCR-6017 to identify or clones that can be used as parentsfor hybridization. Objective of this mating design wasto find out the cross combinations likely to yielddesirable segregates, so that crosses having lowprobability of producing high performance segregatescould be discarded. Apart from this experiment, diallelmating design also permits estimation of the magnitudeof additive and non additive components of heritablevariance and some other genetic properties of parentalline. Therefore, these clones (seven) were crossed in all

Table 6. Growth characters of rain forest tree species

Year of planting/ Height Stem Branches CanopySpecies (cm) girth (No. per (cm2)

(cm) plant)

2004Dimocarpus longan 47.2 3.0 0 150Ormosia travancorica 40.0 2.9 0 90Filicium decipiens 41.5 1.9 0 350Trichelia connaroides 42.7 2.1 0 752005Toona ciliata 149 7.5 2 5368

Fig. 3. Radial diagram showing the diallel pattern ofcrossing

1. UPASI-1; 2. UPASI-2; 3. UPASI-8; 4. UPASI-9; 5.UPASI-17; 6. UPASI-27; 7. CR-6017

4

4

5

73

4

3

6

27

3

5

27

6

42

7

6

3

5

6

5

2

1

6

UPASI-3, UPASI-8, UPASI-9, UPASI-17, TRF-1, TRI-2025 and ATK-1 were subjected to different levels ofgamma irradiation (such as 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 krad)with 60Co source at Indira Gandhi Centre for AtomicResearch, Kalpakkam. After treatment the cuttings wereplanted in the nursery sleeves to observe the lethality,mutation frequency and relative number of different typeof mutants in M1 generation.

Results showed that all the clones except UPASI-3failed to toelrate higher doses such as 3.0 and 4.0 kradand found to be 100 per cent lethal (Table 8). Lethalitywas not uniform to all the clones and each cloneregistered its own lethality per cent against differentgamma irradiation levels. Tea clones, ATK-1 followed

Table 7. Per cent fruit set in different diallel crosses

UPASI-1 UPASI-2 UPASI-8 UPASI-9 UPASI-17 UPASI-27 CR-6017

UPASI-1 * 20.0 13.0 23.6 21.3 23.6 2.0UPASI-2 8.0 * 10.7 2.0 14.7 18.7 2.0UPASI-8 9.3 4.0 * 12.0 8.0 13.3 2.0UPASI-9 14.7 2.0 13.3 * 16.0 26.7 2.0UPASI-17 5.3 8.0 6.6 4.0 * 2.0 2.0UPASI-27 2.0 6.6 2.0 6.6 18.6 * 9.3CR-6017 10.7 24.0 2.0 8.0 10.7 41.3 *

Figures presented in bold characters are indirect crosses

by UPASI-9, UPASI-17, UPASI-3 and TRI-2025withstood irradiation to a higher extent compared toother clones. Most susceptible clone against gammairradiation was TRF-1.

Rate of mutation frequency observed in all the clonesare given in Table 9. Highest mutation frequency rateof 0.16 was registered in ATK-1 at 1.0 krad followed byUPASI-9 (@ 0.10 & 0.5 krad) and UPASI-3 (@ 0..08 &1.5 krad). Type of mutation observed were xantha viridis,leaf size modification, multiple branching and plantheight.

Similarly three bilconal seed stocks, BSS-1, BSS-2and BSS-3 were also treated with 30, 50, 60, 70, 85 and 90krad in first set and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 krad inthe second set. After each set of treatment, the seedswere put out for germination in the nursery and no seedgermination was noticed . Therefore seeds wereirradiated with 1, 2, 5, 7.5, 10, 20, 25 and 30 kGy under thelow capacity gamma reactor. All the biclonal seed stocks

Table 8. Lethality and survival percentage of differentclones over different levels of gamma irradiation

Clone Different levels of gamma irradiation (krad)0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0

UPASI-3 68.7 73.4 76.7 80.0 85.4 95.031.3 26.6 23.3 20.0 16.6 5.0

UPASI-8 78.4 84.4 95.0 88.4 100.0 100.021.6 15.6 5.0 11.6 - -

UPASI-9 58.4 67.5 76.7 92.5 100.0 100.041.6 32.5 23.3 7.5 - -

UPASI-17 66.7 84.4 81.7 100.0 100.0 100.033.3 15.6 18.3 - - -

TRF-1 91.7 91.7 98.3 100.0 100.0 100.08.33 8.33 1.67 - - -

ATK-1 47.4 50.0 75.0 91.7 100.0 100.052.6 50.0 25.0 8.3 - -

TRI-2025 73.4 75.0 86.7 100.0 100.0 100.026.6 25.0 13.3 - - -

Figures presented in bold characters indicate lethality

Table 9. Mutation frequency rate in M1 generation on100 plant basis

Clone Different levels of gamma irradiation (krad)0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0

UPASI-3 0.05 * 0.08 0.03 0.03 *UPASI-8 * * 0.03 0.02 * *UPASI-9 0.10 0.03 0.03 0.03 * *UPASI-17 0.03 0.03 0.02 * * *TRF-1 0.03 * * * * *ATK-1 * 0.16 0.03 * * *TRI-2025 0.03 0.05 0.03 * * *

7

germinated and produced mutants at some of the doses.Observation on lethality percentage, mutationfrequency and type mutants were recorded.

An uniform trend of higher lethality percentage withincresed gamma dose was noticed in all the biclonalseed stocks as seen in the vegetative cuttings. Fifty percent lethality was observed at 7.5 kGy in BSS-1, between20 and 25 kGy while in BSS-2 around 5 to 7.5 kGy followedby BSS-3 (Table 10).

Among the seed stocks, BSS-2 registered a higherrate of mutation (0.22) at 30 kGy. Results revealed thatby increasing the dose, occurence of mutation wasalso high (Table 11). Different type of mutations suchas leaf size modification, growth variation in plant heightand production of twin seedling from single seed werenoticed.

Table 10. Lethality percentage of different biclonal seedstocks over varying levels of gamma irradiation

Dosage (kGy) BSS-1 BSS-2 BSS-3

1.0 25.0 25.0 28.02.0 23.3 33.3 28.05.0 40.0 28.3 30.07.5 50.0 16.6 73.3

10.0 73.3 27.5 64.015.0 73.3 34.3 61.420.0 81.7 68.0 53.025.0 71.3 50.0 60.030.0 81.7 61.3 60.0

Table 11. Mutation frequency rate in M1 biclonal seedstocks (100 plant basis)

Dosage (kGy) BSS-1 BSS-2 BSS-3

1.0 - - -2.0 - - -5.0 0.03 - 0.037.5 - 0.03 0.03

10.0 - - 0.0315.0 0.08 - 0.0320.0 0.03 0.08 0.0525.0 0.06 0.08 0.0530.0 0.08 0.22 0.14

After recording the lethality percentage in the clonesand biclonal seed stocks, the data were subjected toprobit analysis to find out the lethal dose 50 (LD50) tocreate high rate of mutation in the population. The LD50value obtained was not uniform for any clone or seedstocks, each population registered differentially withrespect to LD50 value (Table 12). The experiment is inprogress.

Table 12. The LD50 value for different clones and seedstocks based on probit analysis

Clone LD50 Seed stock LD50

UPASI-3 0.10 krad BSS-1 8.5 kGyUPASI-8 0.32 krad BSS-2 16.6 kGyUPASI-9 0.61 krad BSS-3 7.2 kGyUPASI-17 0.48 kradTRI-2025 0.44 kradATK-1 0.79 kradTRF-1 0.01 krad

8.3. Clonal selection (PB/2/CS/99-AN)

Under the clonal selection programme, 34 accessionswere planted for field testing. Observations on leaflength, leaf breadth, stem diameter and number ofbranches were recorded. Data recorded were subjectedto K mean cluster analysis and pie chart diagram (Fig.4). Based on the cluster centre obtained from theanalysis, the clones studied were grouped into fourgroups. Clones under cluster I (2) and IV (8) were

S1S1020B

5A6

13B

5A17

3B

5B

5A7

5A1

5A115A8

5B11BSSN10 19B A20

1B15B

2B

10B

A19

9B

5A14

14B

12B

5A16

5A5

7B

S14S16

S20S7S15

5A12

Fig. 4. Pie diagram displays the contribution of eachcharacter to a total

8

considered with high branching, stem girth andmoderate leaf size. Clones grouped under cluster II (21)were with less branching and clones under cluster III(3) with large size leaves (Tables 13-15). The experimentis being continued.

8.4. Selection of elite clones from the naturally openpollinated population (PB /5/ COS/ 03-AN)

The natural open pollinated seedlings raised in thenursery were planted in field during the year. Casualityper cent in the field planted populations was recorded.High casuality was noticed in some of the compositepopulations such as ATK - 1, TRI - 2025, UPASI - 8 andUPASI - 16 probably due to their poor out crossingbehaviour and inbreeding depression (Table 16). Theplants were trained by early centering and two stagetipping. The experiment is being continued.

Table 13. Mean performance of clones for differentcharacters

No. of Stem Leaf LeafClone branches girth length width

(cm) (cm) (cm)

S1 9 10.1 8.4 4.0S10 10 10.5 12.8 5.520B 6 10.9 15.6 6.35A6 13 9.1 14.8 5.413B 10 8.4 11.9 5.25A17 9 7.5 12.0 5.03B 10 8.5 11.7 4.75B 10 7.3 12.8 5.85A7 6 7.3 11.4 5.35A1 7 7.5 15.3 7.45A11 11 9.2 12.2 6.15A8 6 8.6 16.6 6.55B11 7 5.5 14.1 6.3BSSN10 11 9.7 13.8 5.619B 6 6.6 11.8 4.8A20 5 6.5 10.8 4.71B 14 6.3 11.7 5.115B 5 6.8 13.8 6.62B 6 5.4 11.0 4.210B 7 6.4 10.8 4.7A19 7 5.6 14.1 5.59B 8 6.4 12.7 4.95A14 6 5.9 12.8 5.314B 6 6.4 11.1 5.212B 5 6.4 11.8 5.05A16 7 6.8 12.4 4.95A5 4 4.4 14.9 6.27B 7 6.0 9.9 4.2

Table 14. Final cluster centre values of clones understudy

Characters Cluster centreI II III IV

No. of branches 9.50 6.00 6.11 10.79Stem girth (cm) 9.10 6.53 5.68 8.29Leaf length (cm) 10.6 11.59 15.03 12.59Leaf breadth (cm) 4.75 4.89 6.50 5.36No. of clones 2 21 3 8

Table 15. Clones under different clusters

Cluster No. Clones

I S -1, 5 A 17II 5 A 7, 19 B, A 20, 15 B, 2 B, 10 B, A 19,

9 B, 5 A 14, 14 B, 12 B, 5 A, 16, 5 A 5, 7 B,5 A 12, S 14, S 16, S 20, S 7, S 15

III 20 B, 5 A 1, 5 A 8IV S 10, 5 A 6, 13 B, 3 B, 5 B, 5 A 11,

BSS N - 10, 1 B

Table 16. Per cent survival of progenies of openpollinated seeds

Clone Survival (%)

UPASI-1 60.9UPASI-2 49.2UPASI-8 36.7UPASI-10 61.2UPASI-15 52.1UPASI-16 26.6UPASI-21 53.3TRI-2024 55.2TRI-2025 30.1TRI-2043 47.6ATK-1 18.9

R. Victor J IlangoSr. Botanist and

S. BabuSr. Plant Breeder

9

1. GENERAL

During the year, 24,862 estimations were carried outfrom 6,334 samples of soils, fertilisers and plant materials.For advisory purpose, 1262 soil samples, 272 soilamendments, 116 fertiliser, 199 zinc sulphate/micronutrients, 229 insecticides, 70 fungicides, 40 herbicides,40 organic manure, 116 plant materials/made tea and 68miscellaneous samples were analysed under regularactivities of the division.

2. VISITS

Dr.S. Venkatesan, Head of Division and hiscolleagues visited Quard Hitlow, Devon, Silver Cloud,Carolyn, Attikunna, Thenmalai, Arivikad, Nallatanni,Semnivalley, Ladrum, Caradygoody, Akkamalai,Nadumalai, Karamalai, Kelagur, Balanoor, Goomankhan,Glenlorna Sirikundra, Pasuparai, Sheikalmudi,Kurangumudi, Waterfall East and West Estates inconnection with various experimental and advisorywork.

3. RESEARCH3.1. Experiment on chelated zinc (Liberal Zn) (CHE/141 (Zn)/04-AN)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 2004 (p.19). Treatments were imposed onOctober as per the schedule. Main objective of theexperiment was to compare the efficiency of chelatedzinc with zinc sulphate. Advantage of this product isthat it is compatible with DAP and therefore mixed alongwith DAP and applied. Among the various doses triedstatistically significant yield increase was noticed dueto application of liberal Zn at 2.5 kg/ha/yr in 4 splits(Table 1). The experiment is being continued.

3.2 Experiment on Nirmal-Biopower and Bioforce(CHE/156 (BIO)/05-AN)

A new field experiment was initiated to examine thesuitability of Nirmal Biopower and BioForce. Nirmal

CHEMISTRY

Biopower reported to be developed from natural extractsof special type of Blue green algae and sea-weedscontains natural free amino acids, phytohormones, asmall quantity of macro and micro elements and plantgrowth stimulating tri-terpenoids. Bioforce is reportedto contain amino acids, tri-terpenoids, siderophore, etc.,and developed from beneficial bacteria fortified withblue-green algae. Biopower bring a solid was suppliedalong with NK while Bioforce, liquid formulation wascombined with other foliar applied nutrients in this trial.Treatment details are given in Table 2.

3.3. Effect of electro-magnetically treated water (Vi-aqua) on growth of tea (CHE/157 (IRR)/05-AN)

Effect of electromagnetically treated water onnursery plants was studied and result reported in theAnnual Report for 2004 (p.17). A new field experimentwas initiated on mature tea with ten treatments andreplicated in three blocks. Main objective of thisexperiment was to find out the yield benefits of tea asinfluenced by foliar application of various nutrientsusing Vi-aqua water. Required quantity of water isenergized for five minutes and used for application ofnutrients like Zn, DAP and NK mixture. The treatments

Table. 1. Crop response to chelated Zn (Librel zinc)

Treatment details* Mean made tea yield (kg/ha)

Standard treatment** 2797Foliar application of

Librel Zn @ 0.5 kg/ha (4 splits) 2813Librel Zn @ 1.0 kg/ha (4 splits) 2922Librel Zn @ 1.5 kg/ha (4 splits) 2973Librel Zn @ 2.0 kg/ha (4 splits) 2827Librel Zn @ 2.5 kg/ha (4 splits) 3364

S.E. m ± 246C.D. at P = 0.05: 550

*DAP, MnSO4, NAA and boron were added in therecommended dose in all the treatments except in the standard.**MgSO4, MnSO4, NAA and boron were added as per thestandard recommendation.

10

are 1. application of micronutrients using normal water,2. micronutrients using Vi-aqua water, 3. DAP usingnormal water, 4. DAP using Vi-aqua water, 5. NK usingnormal water, 6. NK using Vi-aqua water, 7. all nutrientsusing normal water, 8. all nutrients using Vi-aqua water,9. normal water alone and 10. Vi-aqua water alone.Treatments were imposed on October 6th 2005 and theyield data are being recorded.

3.4. Experiment on lime dose: Determination based onbuffering capacity of tea soils (CHE/158 (LIME)/05-AN)

This experiment was started to explore the possibilityof determining the dosage of lime based on bufferingcapacity of tea soils. It is being conducted in Sirikundraestate where soil buffering capacities estimated by SMP,Woodruff, Adam and Evan and Mehlich buffer methodswere compared with standard recommendation. Limedoses as estimated by various buffering capacities andstandard methods were applied on 14th May 2005. Soilsamples were collected on 15, 30, 60, 90,120,150, 180,210, 240 and 270 days after treatment and analysed forpH. The pH went up in all treatments upto 120th dayand then started declining slowly. Preliminary resultsindicated that the Mehlich buffer method keeps the soilpH at the desired level for a longer time than those bythe other methods.

3.5. Tolerance of tea plants to iron present in zincsulphate (CHE/142 (Zn)/03-AN)

A field experiment was conducted with the clone,UPASI-9 to check whether the presence of iron in zinc

sulphate influences the yield. Ferrous sulphate wasused to adjust the agricultural grade zinc sulphate tohave 2000, 5000, 7500, 10000 and 20000 ppm of iron.During the year 2004-05, five rounds of applicationswere given. Standard treatment resulted in significantincrease in yield where the iron content was less than1000 ppm (Table 3). Addition of iron upto 2000 ppmdid not significantly affect made tea yield. However,when the concentration of iron was more than 5000ppm there was decrease in crop yield. The trial is beingcontinued.

3.6. Influence of citric acid on phosphorus availability(CHE/147 (CITP)/04-AN)3.6.1. Laboratory Experiment

A laboratory experiment was carried out with 11treatments and four replications for a period of 250

Table 2. Treatment details of Nirmal Bio-Power and Bio-Force experiment

Sl. No. Treatments

1 Control (Only recommended dose of chemical fertiliser without Nirml BP and Nirmal BF)2 Application of Nirmal BP@ 25 kg/ha/yr. along with recommended dose of chemical fertilisers in single split3 Application of Nirmal BP@ 50 kg/ha/yr. along with recommended dose of chemical fertilisers in two splits4 Spraying of Nirmal BF @ 2 mL/lit of water in four sprays5 Spraying of Nirmal BF @ 2 mL/lit of water in six sprays6 Application of Nirmal BP@ 25 kg/ha/yr.+ spraying of Nirmal BF @ 2 mL/lit of water in four sprays7 Application of Nirmal BP@ 50 kg/ha/yr. along with 75 % of recommended dose of chemical fertilisers + Spraying

BF @ 2 mL/lit of water in four sprays8 Application of Nirmal BP@ 50 kg/ha/yr. along with 75 % of recommended dose of chemical fertilisers + Spraying

BF @ 2 mL/lit of water in six sprays9 Application of Nirmal BP@ 25 kg/ha/yr. along with 75 % of recommended dose of chemical fertilisers + Spraying

BF @ 2 mL/lit of water in 10 to 12 rounds along with various nutrient sprays.

Table. 3. Experiment on tolerance to iron present inzinc sulphate - yield data

Treatment Made tea yield (kg/ha/yr)

Control 1252Standard recommendation 1463Standard recommendation + Fe 0.2% 1526Standard recommendation + Fe 0.5% 1282Standard recommendation + Fe 0.75% 1335Standard recommendation + Fe 1.0% 1333Standard recommendation + Fe 2.0% 1397SEm± 51.85CD 5% 112.98CD 1% 158.40

11

days under controlled conditions to find out theinfluence of addition of carboxylic acids on P availabilityof tea soils. Treatments include three organic acids viz..,malic, citric and oxalic acids. Organic acids were addedat various doses like 8 mM, 10 mM and 20 mM to teasoils and incubated for 250 days. Soil samples werewithdrawn from the incubation medium at constantintervals and analysed for P content. In both Munnarand the Anamallais soils, the concentration of availableP went on increasing till 140 days and then starteddeclining gently (Table 4). Concentrations of organicacids also had a positive and significant influence on Pavailability at any point of time, irrespective of the typeof organic acid. Net P release was calculated on 140thday and the results indicated that citric acid was superiorin terms of P availability (Fig.1). Results also revealedthat P availability was not influenced uniformly in boththe soils (The Anamallais and Munnar) as evidencedby increased P availability.

3.6.2. Field experiments

Field experiments were conducted in the Anamallais,Koppa, Meppadi and Vandiperiyar using citric acid asorganic acid. Treatment details are given in Table 5. Soilsamples were collected on 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150days after application of fertilisers. Phosphorous content

was analysed periodically and found to be higher in theblocks where citric acid was added with rock phosphateboth by placement and broadcast methods. Resultsobtained in field experiments were in line with the resultsof incubation experiments. A significant increase in soilavailable P was noted due to addition of citric acid alongwith rock phosphate. Although the increase in soil Pavailability was not uniform in all the field experimentsconducted at various locations of south India, asignificant improvement in P availability was monitoredin all the field experiments. Pattern of P availability as

Table 4. Influence of carboxylic acids on P availability in tea soils (Incubation experiment)

Availble P (ppm) in daysTreatment Anamallais Munnar

10 20 40 60 100 140 180 250 10 20 40 60 100 140 180 250

Soil 80 93 82 73 73 72 74 65 71 82 89 90 92 97 91 86Soil + RP 158 184 257 310 342 385 388 391 163 175 233 288 313 330 321 311Soil + RP + 8 mM CA 360 458 500 512 528 551 504 453 282 353 389 418 442 463 424 409Soil + RP + 10 mM CA 370 493 522 555 579 595 547 489 337 379 413 433 468 477 451 426Soil + RP + 20 mM CA 397 516 539 572 614 627 595 518 359 407 434 455 483 503 483 455Soil + RP + 8 mM MA 332 415 440 488 502 519 493 441 209 300 343 365 393 409 385 365Soil + RP + 10 mM MA 350 438 462 514 528 545 510 472 254 326 365 383 409 423 404 386Soil + RP + 20 mM MA 367 490 504 541 572 589 568 494 303 364 405 421 437 454 442 405Soil + RP + 8 mM OA 351 438 479 512 519 541 494 430 221 322 360 382 413 430 411 396Soil + RP + 10 mM OA 365 477 504 533 555 563 534 484 269 363 388 406 431 455 435 422Soil + RP + 20 mM OA 384 505 516 554 576 589 550 500 333 392 416 437 464 483 459 445

S.E. m ± 2.0 2.3 1.8 3.0 3.5 3.9 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.3 3.54 4.2 3.9 2.8 3.3 3.5C.D. at P = 0.05: 4.3 4.7 3.8 6.3 7.3 8.1 7.5 7.9 8.4 9.1 7.38 8.7 8.1 5.9 6.9 7.4C.D. at P = 0.01: 5.8 6.4 5.1 8.6 10.0 11.0 10.2 10.8 11.5 12.4 10.06 11.8 11.0 8.1 9.4 10.0

RP: rock phosphate; CA: citric acid; MA: mallic acid; OA: oxalic acid

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

CA MA OA CA MA OA

Various organic acids at various concentrtations

Net

P re

leas

ing

amou

nt (p

pm)

8 mM 10 mM

20 mM

Anamallais Munnar

Fig. 1. Net P releasing capacity of the soils ofAnamallais and Munnar

CA: citric acid; MA: mallic acid and OA: oxalic acid

12

influenced by citric acid addition is presented in Table5. Results of laboratory experiment revealed that Preleasing capacity was consistently higher in all thelocations when citric acid was added along with rockphosphate. Hence it has been suggested to use 15 kgP2O5/ha/split blended with 300 g of citric acid andapplied by broadcasting along with NK at six monthsinterval. To ensure proper mixing, the entire quantity ofcitric acid should be first mixed with smaller portion ofrock phosphate and then with full quantity of rockphosphate followed by mixing with NK. Labour costinvolved in placement varied between Rs. 1800 and 2200ha-1/cycle whereas the new method of (broadcasting)will cost only Rs. 560/ha/yr including the price of citricacid.

3.7. Influence of trace elements on the activities of soilhydrolytic enzymes (CHE/159 (SE)/05-AN)

Trace elements are inevitable for plant growth.However, when the concentration of such elementsgoes higher, contamination takes place. Althoughthere are several ways to measure the adverse effectof trace element contamination on the soil, assayingof enzyme activity has been established as one ofthe important methods. In the present study, effortshave been made to determine the influence of copper,manganese, zinc, iron, molybdenum and aluminium

Table 5. Effect of citric acid on availability of soil P (Field experiment)

Treatment pH Available P (ppm)*

Control (soil only) 5.03 -120 kg P2O5/ha/cycle by placement (60 + 60 in alternate years) 4.94 +NS15 kg of P2O5/ha/split along with NK by broadcasting (2 splits /yr) 5.16 +NS10 kg of P2O5/ha/yr along with NK by broadcasting + 10 kg PSB/ha/yr0 5.17 +NS15 kg of P2O5/ha/split along with NK by broadcasting + 100 g citric acid (2 splits / yr) 5.30 +S10 kg of P2O5/ha/split along with NK by broadcasting + 200 g citric acid (2 splits /yr) 5.08 +S10 kg of P2O5/ha/split along with NK by broadcasting + 300 g citric acid (2 splits /yr) 5.20 +S40 kg of P2O5/ha/alternate years by placement along with 20 kg PSB/ha/ application 5.03 +NS60 kg of P2O5/ha/alternate years by placement + 200 g citric acid ( 2 splits / cycle) 4.90 +S40 kg of P2O5/ha/alternate years by placement + 500 g citric acid ( 2 splits / cycle) 5.17 +S40 kg of P2O5/ha/alternate years by placement + 700 g citric acid ( 2 splits / cycle) 5.03 +SApplication of citric acid alone by broadcasting @ 1 kg /ha/yr (No P2O5 application) 5.00 +NSS.E. m ± 0.46 5.00C.D. P = 0.05: 0.95 10.37C.D. P = 0.01: 1.29 14.10

* Trend observed in Anamallais, Wayanad, Karnataka and Vandiperiyar; +NS - Non-significant increase; +S -Statistically significant increase

on the activities of various hydrolyzing enzymes likephosphatase, urease and aryl sulfatase. Soil sampleswere collected from the Anamallais, Nilgiris, Munnarand Vandiperiyar. Solution containing the traceelements of Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Mo and Al were addedso as to incorporate 25 and 75 µmole of trace elementsper gram of soil. Enzyme assays were done in triplicateand suppression of enzyme activities observed dueto addition of 75 µmole of trace elements. Higherconcentration of trace elements inhibited enzymeactivities than at lower concentration (25 µmole). Ina few cases, reduction in enzyme activity was almostdouble when the concentration of heavy metal wasincreased. Acid phosphatase activity of Vandiperiyarsoils was inhibited appreciably by Zn than by otherelements. Alkaline phosphatase activity was higherin the Nilgiris followed by Munnar. This may beprobably due to higher organic matter content. Orderof inhibiting power of trace elements on alkalinephosphatase activity was different from that of acidphosphatase activity (Tables 6 and 7). Zinc inhibitedthe alkaline phosphatase activity by 85%.

Aryl sulfatase activity of tea soils of south India wasestimated and it varied between 9 and 42 µg of p-nitrophenol formed g-1 soil h-1 under controlled conditions(Table 8). Activity recorded in the soils of Munnar wasthree times higher than that of the Nilgiris and

13

Table 6. Effect of trace elements on acid phosphatase activity in tea soils

Trace element Anamallais Munnar Nilgiris VandiperiyarAcid phosphatase activity (µg of p-nitro phenol released g-1 soil h-1)

25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM

Control 582 d 582 c 523 c 523 e 823 e 823 d 536 f 536 dCu 371 b (36) 278 a (52) 317 a (39) 149 a (72) 504 c (39) 384 b (53) 281 b (48) 276 b (49)Mn 397 bc (32) 350 b (40) 427 b (18) 259 b (50) 284 a (65) 278 a (66) 397 cd (26) 342 c (36)Fe 365 ab (37) 358 b (38) 445 b (15) 452 c (14) 557 d (32) 534 c (35) 426 de (21) 347 c (35)Zn 384 b (34) 354 b (39) 481 c (8) 342 c (35) 514 cd (38) 489 c (41) 225 a (58) 204 a (62)Mo 434 c (25) 341 b (41) 474 bc (9) 386 c (26) 358 b (57) 352 b (57) 461 e (14) 286 b (47)Al 324 a (44) 286 a (51) 365 a (30) 363 c (31) 296 a (64) 285 a (65) 371 c (31) 368 c (31)

S. E. m ± 22.1 24.4 26.8 28.1 21.9 31.6 20.8 23.1C.D. 46.2 50.8 55.9 58.6 45.6 65.9 43.4 48.1

Figures followed by the same letters in a vertical column are not significantly different at 5 % level. Figures inparentheses indicate percentage inhibition of acid phosphatase activity

Table 7. Effect of trace elements on alkaline phosphatase activity in tea soils

Trace element Anamallais Munnar Nilgiris VandiperiyarAlkaline phosphatase activity (µg of p-nitro phenol released g-1 soil h-1)

25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM

Control 403 e 403 d 523 e 523 f 545 e 545 e 390 d 390 eCu 243 cd (40) 106 a (74) 229 a (56) 221 b (57) 288 b (47) 203 b (63) 221 b (43) 210 c (46)Mn 247 cd (39) 153 abc ( 62) 260 a (50) 169 a (67) 223 a (59) 200 b (63) 288 c (26) 269 d (31)Fe 187 ab (54) 181 bc (55) 281 ab (46) 274 c (47) 269 ab (51) 373 d (32) 175 a (55) 103 a (74)Zn 153 a (62) 147 ab (64) 337 bc (35) 329 d (37) 369 cd (32) 82 a (85) 164 a (58) 155 b (60)Mo 281 d (30) 183 bc (55) 344 c (34) 297 c (43) 318 bc (42) 300 c (45) 274 c (30) 251 d (36)Al 211b c (48) 197 c (51) 424 d (19) 407 e (22) 371 d (32) 122 a (78) 163 a (58) 98 a (75)

S.E. m ± 19.8 22.7 27.0 14.3 24.5 28.6 20.4 15.2C.D. 41.3 47.3 56.3 29.8 51.1 59.7 42.5 31.8

Figures followed by the same letters in a vertical column are not significantly different at 5 % level; Figures inparentheses indicate percentage inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity.

Vandiperiyar and two times higher than that of theAnamallais. Activity was least affected by Zn, Mo, andAl in the Anamallais, by Al in the Nilgiris and by Cu inVandiperiyar. Concentrations of trace elements havepositive influence on inhibiting nature. Among the variouselements added, Cu caused maximum inhibition (79%)when compared to control soils of the Anamallais. Zincinhibited aryl sulfatase activity to the maximum extent inthe soils of Munnar and Vandiperiyar whereas it was dueto Mo and Al in case of the Nilgiris. Activity of ureasewas highest in the Nilgiris followed by Vandiperiyar, whenno trace elements were added (Table 9). Activity observed

at Munnar was nearly half of that observed at the Nilgiris.Study assumes significance because 90% of the annualnitrogenous fertilisers are applied in the form of urea whichneeds urease for its conversion into plant available form.It can be postulated that the urea hydrolysis would bebetter and faster in the Nilgiris followed by Vandiperiyar.Maximum inhibition (81%) was noted due to addition ofCu at 75 µmole concentration in the soils of Vandiperiyar.Zinc was effective inhibitor in the Anamallais and Munnarsoils whereas it was Al and Mo in the Nilgiris andVandiperiyar. At analyzing percentage of inhibition ofurease induced by trace elements, the inhibition was lower

14

in the Nilgiris which could be due to higher organic matterstatus compared to the other soils studied. Tea plantsreceive Zn and Cu through foliar applications which arenow proved to inhibit various enzyme activities in teasoils. Hence care should be taken to avoid their spillagewhile spraying. Since tea soils are richer in iron andaluminium, care should be taken to reduce their availabilityby liming operation.

3.8. Enzyme activities of tea and forest soils (CHE/160(ENZ)/05-AN)

Last year physico-chemical characteristics ofcultivated and forest (degraded) soils have been

reported. The studies were continued to understandthe enzyme activities at different soil depths. Soilprofile was studied at three different places undertea cultivation and at three places inside the forestsituated nearby tea plantation. The resulting trenchwas 2 x 2 with a depth of 2 m. Soils were sampledfrom 0-25, 25-50, 50-75, 75-100, 100-125, 125-150, 150-175 and 175-200 cm depths by scratching the wallsof the trench gently. Air dried samples were analysedfor the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase,urease, aryl sulfatase and protease. Acid and alkalinephosphatase activities determined in the soils offorest and tea at various depths are provided in(Table10). Decrease in acid phosphatase activity at

Table 8. Effect of trace elements on aryl sulphatase activity in tea soils

Trace element Anamallais Munnar Nilgiris VandiperiyarAryl sulphatase activity (g-1 soil 2h-1)

25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM

Control 15 e 15 e 33 c 33 d 10 d 10 c 11 e 11 dCu 3 a (80) 3 a (80) 21 b (36) 15 b (55) 7 bc (30) 7 b (30) 9 d (18) 6 c (45)Mn 8 b (47) 6 b (60) 21 b (36) 20 c (39) 7 bc (30) 6 b (40) 6 c (45) 5 b (55)Fe 10 c (33) 8 c (47) 20 b (39) 11 a (67) 5 ab (50) 4 a (60) 8 d (27) 4 ab (64)Zn 12 d (20) 10 d (33) 14 a (58) 13 ab (61) 6 abc (40) 6 b (40) 3 a (73) 5 ab (55)Mo 12 d (20) 11 d (27) 17a b (48) 11 a (67) 4 a (60) 3 a (70) 5 bc (55) 3 a (73)Al 12 d (20) 10 d (33) 21 b (36) 19 c (42) 8 cd (20) 3 a (70) 4 ab (64) 4 ab (64)

S.E. m ± 0.6 0.8 2.5 1.8 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.6C.D. at P = 0.05:1.2 1.7 5.2 3.7 2.0 1.6 1.5 1.3

Table 9. Effect of trace elements on urease activity in tea soils

Trace element Anamallais Munnar Nilgiris VandiperiyarAryl sulphatase activity (g-1 soil 2h-1)

25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM 25 µM 75 µM

Control 32 d 32 e 27 d 27 d 52 c 52 c 46 e 46 cCu 27 c (16) 26 d (19) 17 b (37) 14 b (48) 42 b (19) 41 b (21) 24 d (48) 18 b (60)Mn 16 a (50) 15 b (53) 17 b (37) 14 b (52) 42 b (19) 39 ab (25) 12 a (74) 9 a (80)Fe 21 b (34) 18 c (44) 16 b (41) 13 ab (52) 45 b (13) 39 ab (25) 19 c (59) 16 b (65)Zn 16 a (51) 13 ab (59) 12 a (56) 11 a (59) 42 b (19) 41 b (21) 15 b (67) 10 a (78)Mo 22 b (31) 14 ab (56) 21 c (22) 19 c (30) 38 a (27) 39a b (25) 14 ab (70) 10 a (78)Al 14 a (56) 12 a (63) 20 c (26) 18 c (33) 38 a (27) 36 a (31) 20 c (57) 16 b (65)

S.E. m ± 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.5 1.6 1.0 1.3C.D. at P= 0.05: 2.0 2.1 2.0 2.3 3.2 3.3 2.0 2.7

15

Figures followed by the same letters in a vertical column are not significantly different at 5 % level; Figures inparentheses indicate percentage inhibition of aryl sulphatase activity

Figures followed by the same letters in a vertical column are not significantly different at 5 % level; Figures inparentheses indicate percentage inhibition of urease activity

Table 10. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activitiesestimated in tea and forest soils

Soil Acid phosphatase Alkaline phosphatasedepth activity* activity*(cm) Tea soil Forest soil Tea soil Forest soil

0-25 592.06 506.66 96.54 180.7025-50 370.69 305.99 89.66 111.1450-75 220.92 134.50 74.05 95.99

75-100 176.44 116.01 89.16 75.08100-125 145.47 88.62 74.06 73.28125-150 178.76 166.82 73.02 71.89150-175 126.05 143.76 79.03 87.14175-200 125.92 140.36 75.47 81.01

S.E. m ± 9.74 12.47 5.47 6.41C.D. (P=0.05): 20.88 26.75 11.74 13.76C.D. (P=0.01): 28.98 37.12 16.29 19.09

* µg of p-nitro phenol released g-1 soil h-1

deeper depth was reflected on the phosphorusavailability of the soils estimated at various samplingdepth (data not provided). At any given depth, acidphosphatase activity was much greater than alkalinephosphatase activity.

Activities of urease, aryl sulfatase and protease aregiven in Table 11. At any particular depth, the activityof urease observed in tea soils was higher than that offorest soils which could be due to lack of substrateavailability. It is suspected that urea application andhuman activities over the tea plantation could havehelped in the penetration of urea as well as urease deeperinto soil profiles. Aryl sulfatase activity observed atfirst 25 cm of tea soils was almost double than that offorest soils. Both forest and tea soils showed adecreasing trend of aryl sulfatase activity with increasein sampling depth which became non-detectable below150 cm.

Protease activity is reported in tea soils for the firsttime and found to be lower than any other enzymes.Highest protease activity recorded in the samplescollected from top layer of forest soils indicated thatthe N mineralisation is much faster than in cultivatedsoils. Absence of protease activity below 50 cm soildepth indicates the absence of N mineralisation at thedeeper layers relatively. It can be concluded that the teaplantation keeps better soil health in terms of enzymeactivities when compared to the nearby forest soils.

Table 11. Urease, aryl sulfatase and protease activitiesobserved in tea and forest soils

Soil Urease Aryl sulfatase Proteasedepth (cm) activity* activity** activity***

TS FS TS FS TS FS

0-25 44.19 24.22 51.71 24.52 0.066 0.12625-50 30.56 15.08 28.24 9.95 0.064 0.04450-75 22.56 11.30 4.94 7.27 ND ND75-100 16.82 9.33 1.69 5.47 ND ND100-125 31.85 8.71 1.58 4.17 ND ND125-150 46.82 7.25 1.89 3.98 ND ND150-175 8.14 6.30 2.52 3.93 ND ND175-200 19.63 3.47 2.04 3.23 ND NDSEm± 2.98 1.86 1.19 0.51 - -CD (P=0.05)6.40 3.99 2.55 1.09 - -CD(P=0.05):8.88 5.54 3.54 1.51 - -

*ammoniacal nitrogen formed g-1 soil 2 h-1; ** µg of p-nitro phenol released g-1 soil h-1; ***µmol tyrosineequivalents released g-1 soil h-1; TS: tea soil ; FS: forestsoil; ND: non-detectable

Study revealed an important finding that the hydrolyticenzymes viz., urease, acid phosphatase, alkalinephosphatase, aryl sulfatase and protease were moreactive at surface soil where the effective feeder roots oftea were abundant.

3.9. Zinc toxicity: Symptoms and consequences (CHE/161 (TOX)/05-AN)

Zinc deficiency is common in tea, as theseplants are grown on highly weathered acidic soils.However, application of zinc sulphate beyondcertain limit would become toxic to tea plants asthe requirement of zinc is limited. Hence attemptswere made to study the distribution of zincthrough tea plants and to fix the critical limits forits deficiency and toxicity. As the first step,distribution and accumulation of soil applied zincwas studied under pot culture experiment. Therewere nine treatments including a control, whereno zinc was applied. In the remaining eighttreatments, zinc acetate was added to soils @ 10,25, 50, 100, 500, 750, 1000 and 2000 ppm of zinc.For this purpose one year old plants of UPASI-9was transplanted in the pots and the trial wascontinued up to 136 days. The experiment wasconducted in duplicate. Toxicity symptomsstarted appearing over the plants on the 8th day

16

after imposing the treatments. Depression ingrowth was noted from 25th day onwards inresponse to 750 and 1000 ppm zinc. Symptomsappeared first on the bottom leaf which graduallyspread to the upper part of the plant. Affectedleaves turned brown, became wilted and due toloss of turgor hung down from petioles. Leaves atthe bottom profile were the first to shed due totoxicity. Plants established on the soil containing2000 ppm Zn died within 15 days while the plantssupplied with 1000 ppm Zn died within 36 daysafter imposing treatments. Plants treated with 750ppm Zn showed sivere toxicity symptoms like leafbrowning and scorching. Browning was noticedalong the midrib starting from about 1.5 to 2.0 cmfrom the petiole towards the leaf tip and expandedthroughout the leaf at later stages. Survived plantswere separated into root, stem and leaf after 136days of experimentation and analysed for Zn, Mnand Mg and the results are given in Table 12.

Higher the concentration of zinc led to quantum itshigher accumulation in the leaves, stem and root. Rateof soil applied Zn had a positive and significantcorrelation with the Zn content of leaf (r = 0.87, P=0.01),stem (r = 0.87, P = 0.01) and root (r = 0.75, P = 0.05).Relationship for applied Zn with Mn of leaf and stemwas linear and positive (r = 0.86, P = 0.01; r = 0.73, P =0.05, respectively) which confirms the synergismbetween Zn and Mn. Based on this study, it has beenconcluded that Zn toxicity can cause chlorosis andbrowning of leaf. Toxic levels of Zn appears to be 660ppm in root and/or 170 ppm in stem and/or 83 ppm in theleaves. It can even become fatal to the plants when theconcentration of Zn is more than double the prescribedlimits.

3.10. Nutrient releasing capacity of tea soils (CHE/162(NR)/05-AN)

Tea growing areas of south India were divided intotwenty four different agroclimatic zones based on theirdifference in elevation, annual precipitation, temperatureand physical properties of the soils. From each zone, 15to 20 soil samples were taken by using a sampling augerand the samples were subjected to K, P, Ca and Mgrelesing capacites.

3.10.1. Potassium releasing capacity

Soil samples were subjected to repeated extractionof various nutrients using suitable extractants. Amountof K released due to repeated extractions decreasedgradually and obtained a constant value at the seventhextraction in the case of all zones of Anamallais, Munnarand Coonoor while in other regions, the constant valueswere obtained at 8th or 9th extraction. A drastic reductionin extractable K was noted at the second extractionuniformly in all zones which confirmed that there was nobinding site for K in the tea soils of south India.

Total extractable- and cumulative- K was calculated andcumulative K was plotted against number of extractionsusing Cobb-Douglas exponential function. The exponentialequations are presented in Table 13 for individual zones inwhich 'a' is the measure of degree of steepness of nutrientrelease from the soil. Lower the 'a' value lower will be therelease of nutrients from the soil and hence the response tofertilizer application will be maximum in these areas. Higher'a' means high releasing capacity and hence least responsive

Table 12. Distribution of Zn in different plant parts as influenced by external addition

Zn (ppm) Mn (ppm) Mg (%)Treatment Soil Root Stem Leaf Soil Root Stem Leaf Soil Root Stem Leaf

Control 2 220 113 30 1.3 158 252 1186 0.005 0.16 0.007 0.33Zn 10 ppm 7 350 113 33 2.4 158 267 1203 0.007 0.17 0.006 0.33Zn 25 ppm 10 660 170 83 3.6 202 333 1310 0.008 0.20 0.005 0.29Zn 50 ppm 18 789 331 160 1.4 124 314 1570 0.002 0.16 0.005 0.27Zn 100 ppm 48 780 405 265 10.8 213 324 1563 0.006 0.15 0.005 0.28Zn 500 ppm 33 1146 400 903 3.6 207 342 1919 0.009 0.13 0.005 0.11Zn 750 ppm 45 1150 964 907 4.2 190 360 1955 0.012 0.13 0.004 0.08Zn 1000 ppm 47 1065 992 951 5.1 154 480 2411 0.013 0.13 0.004 0.08Zn 2000 ppm 52 1236 1037 1396 1.3 107 663 2370 0.018 0.12 0.004 0.05

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to the applied fertilisers. Among the three zones studied inthe Anamallais, based on value of 'a', it can be classifiedthat the soils of intermediate zone are most responsivefollowed by the soils of Western and Eastern facing forapplied K (Table 13). In Gudalur region, almost all soilswere found to be equally responsive to K fertilisers. Soilsof Devon and Jayapura zones of Koppa can be groupedas responsive while the Kalaza zone soils would be theleast responsive. There are five zones in Munnar region,among which the Western end soils fell in least responsivecategory. Soils of all other zones of Munnar are equallyresponsive.

A vast deviation in the response of Nilgiris soilsto potassium application was observed. The 'a' valueranged between 276 and 494. Based on 'a' it isconcluded that the soils of Kotagiri and Kullakambyare very much responsive to K fertiliser applicationwhen compared to Kundah and Coonoor zones. Soilsof Ooty zone are capable of releasing nutrients on itsown for a long period and hence are the leastresponsive. On reviewing the data of soil physicalparameters, it is found that both Ooty and Westernend have maximum organic matter content. Since,there are no binding sites for K in kaolinite soils, the

Table 13. Cobb-Douglas response equations

Zones Potassium Phosphorus Calcium Magnesium

AnamalaisEastern facing Ü=339.28X0.0345(0.644) Ü=138.63X0.0345(0.953) Ü=687.34X0.1130(0.931) Ü=65.470X0.0619(0.915)Intermediate Ü=242.23X0.0350(0.639) Ü=78.740X0.1629(0.945) Ü=503.50X0.1215(0.940) Ü=81.780X0.0460(0.932)Western facing Ü=276.24X0.0407(0.539) Ü=115.82X0.1500(0.957) Ü=548.80X0.1242(0.944) Ü=72.430X0.0779(0.813)

Gudalur Ü=258.42X0.0420(0.578) Ü=66.680X0.1222(0.889) Ü=522.65X0.1158(0.929) Ü=100.37X0.0724(0.825)Devershola Ü=262.30X0.0425(0.567) Ü=72.320X0.1404(0.925) Ü=766.49X0.1169(0.932) Ü=106.05X0.0731(0.825)O Valley Ü=139.97X0.1026(0.584) Ü=139.97X0.1026(0.896) Ü=542.89X0.1246(0.917) Ü=78.350X0.0936(0.875)

KoppaDevon Ü=191.83X0.0314(0.631) Ü=83.160X0.1195(0.893) Ü=425.71X0.1243(0.963) Ü=68.610X0.0532(0.894)Jayapura Ü=171.02X0.0573(0.628) Ü=218.29X0.1145(0.933) Ü=326.34X0.1701(0.933) Ü=52.650X0.0969(0.829)Kalaza Ü=373.79X0.0279(0.539) Ü=79.360X0.1701(0.941) Ü=399.35X0.1325(0.962) Ü=67.130X0.0545(0.908)

MunnarEastern end Ü=357.02X0.0446(0.592) Ü=54.200X0.1811(0.967) Ü=538.86X0.1145(0.962) Ü=77.260X0.0724(0.872)Lower elevation Ü=390.40X0.0324(0.512) Ü=96.050X0.1585(0.971) Ü=715.83X0.1143(0.867) Ü=92.080X0.0559(0.893)Plateau Ü=369.80X0.0331(0.672) Ü=101.16X0.1647(0.962) Ü=526.91X0.1268(0.933) Ü=80.820X0.0635(0.913)Top station Ü=309.29X0.0465(0.514) Ü=53.030X0.1579(0.961) Ü=649.61X0.1091(0.923) Ü=96.740X0.0583(0.820)Western end Ü=495.29X0.0302(0.559) Ü=86.440X0.1602(0.979) Ü=606.42X0.1272(0.899) Ü=87.280X0.0782(0.783)

NilgirisCoonoor Ü=390.48X0.0519(0.474) Ü=59.980X0.1416(0.937) Ü=1196.78X0.0723(0.933) Ü=143.85X0.0487(0.834)Kotagiri Ü=276.34X0.0565(0.563) Ü=80.170X0.1392(0.946) Ü=633.91X0.1276(0.916) Ü=80.850X0.1049(0.893)Kullakamby Ü=297.48X0.0286(0.497) Ü=57.390X0.1408(0.944) Ü=437.02X0.1295(0.930) Ü=49.230X0.0715(0.888)Kundah Ü=378.93X0.0416(0.580) Ü=60.810X0.1275(0.945) Ü=403.87X0.1444(0.929) Ü=42.000X0.0852(0.920)Ooty Ü=494.13X0.0453(0.580) Ü=56.370X0.1387(0.909) Ü=509.13X0.1294(0.922) Ü=82.570X0.0823(0.895)

VadiperiyarElappara Ü=178.24X0.0374(0.665) Ü=92.480X0.1580(0.959) Ü=364.13X0.1402(0.936) Ü=40.370X0.0776(0.921)Peermade Ü=313.67X0.0322(0.523) Ü=104.97X0.1513(0.939) Ü=371.81X0.1386(0.939) Ü=43.180X0.0700(0.892)Vandiperiyar Ü=317.43X0.0355(0.506) Ü=72.690X0.1619(0.931) Ü=403.95X0.1404(0.925) Ü=38.710X0.0840(0.919)

WyanadNorth Ü=190.15X0.0408(0.590) Ü=62.490X0.1544(0.916) Ü=267.12X0.1567(0.950) Ü=40.860X0.0851(0.924)South Ü=184.57X0.0355(0.545) Ü=67.660X0.1560(0.962) Ü=462.42X0.1219(0.933) Ü=39.620X0.0814(0.912)

General formula, Y= axb ; Figures in parenthesis indicate r2 value of the nutrient

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high potassium release capacity could be attributed tothe rich organic matter content. Elappara zone ofVandiperiyar has recorded least value of 'a' and hence itis very much demanding for potassium application.Similar trend was found in North and South Wayanadzones.

3.10.2. Phosphorus releasing capacity

The Cobb-Douglas equations obtained for Preleasing capacity of various tea soils is given inTable 13. The 'a' values are very much lower whencompared to those for K release which indicates thatthe response to phosphorus application willgenerally be higher than that potassium application.This could be because phosphorus availability isstrongly influenced by the acidity of the soils. Since,tea soils are acidic, release of phosphorus from thelabile pool becomes difficult.

Among the various zones in the Anamallais, Easternand Western facing soils were least responsive whencompared to the soils of Intermediate zone. The Ovallyzone of Gudalur was least responsive than the othertwo zones of Gudalur. Among the various zones ofKoppa, Jayapura zone was the least responsive tophosphorus application, when compared to Devon andKalaza zones. Perhaps it is the least responsive zoneamong entire south Indian tea gardens.

In Munnar the 'a' value ranged between 53 and 101,which indicated a wider variation in P release.Phosphorus release was maximum in Plateau zone andminimum in Top station, as evidenced by higher andlower 'a' values, respectively. Except Kotagiri, all otherzones were highly responsive towards phosphorusapplication in the Nilgiris. There was hardly anydifference in the response of Wayanad soils towardsphosphorus application while remarkable difference in'a' was noted in Vandiperiyar region. Peermade regionrecorded higher 'a' value followed by Elappara zone.

3.10.3. Calcium releasing capacity

As the calcium content of tea soils is reflecteddirectly on pH, it will be worthwhile to document itsrelease pattern. Among all the zones of south India,Coonoor zone of the Nilgiris had recorded maximum 'a'value and hence least responsive to external applicationwhile the Devon zone of Koppa was observed to behighly responsive to external application. Based on the

'a' values it can be concluded that Intermediate zone ofthe Anamallais is highly responsive while the Eastern-facing zone is the least responsive in the Anamallais toexternal application of dolomite. The Cobb-Douglasresponse equation worked out in various other zonesalso indicated that the tea soils of entire south is leastresponsive to soil application of calcium, except in afew cases like north Wayanad and Jayapura of Koppa.This could be because the tea soils are strongly acidicand hence the base release would be faster making itleast responsive towards external application.

3.10.4. Magnesium releasing capacity

Looking at the 'a' values, all the soils of south Indiacan be grouped under responsive category formagnesium application, except a few zones likeDevarshola and Gudalur of Gudalur region and Coonoorzone in the Nilgiris. This could be because soilapplication of Mg was not carried out in most of the teagardens as a regular practice, except through one culturaloperation where magnesium is given as dolomite. Hence,the mining of Mg might have been severe for severaldecades. Recently, the reservoir is appearing to beexhausted. This study confirms the need for soilapplication of magnesium sulphate which is required inalmost all the tea gardens in south India.

3.11. Experiment on secondary nutrients (CHE/151(Mg-S)/04-WY)

A field experiment in RBD was initiated inMeppadi during February 2004 to assess the costbenefit ratio of applying secondary nutrients withrespect to quality and productivity of tea. As af i rs t s tep var ious sources of sulphur andmagnesium were compared against their suitabilityin tea fields. Magnesite and magnesium nitratewere used as the sources of magnesium whileelemental sulphur was used as the source ofsulphur. Sulphomag, kieserite and magnesiumsulphate were tested as the sources of magnesiumas well as sulphur. There were eight treatmentsincluding an untreated control (Mg and S were notapplied). Treatments were replicated three timesand were imposed during September 2004. Soil andleaf samples were collected on December 2004 fromthese blocks. Collected soil samples were analysedfor various parameters like pH, EC, OM, availablephosphorus, available potassium, ammoniacaln i t rogen , u rease ac t iv i ty, magnes ium and

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sulphur. Magnesium content recorded was lower thancontrol when S alone was supplied in the form ofelemental sulphur (Table 14). Availability of Mg washigh when magnesium nitrate was broadcasted alongwith NK followed by MgSO4 and kieserite. Availabilityof sulphur was maximum in the treatments thatreceived kieserite in two splits. Availability of K washigher in control where no magnesium was suppliedwhich could be due to the antagonism between Mgand K. Other parameters did not show a regular trend.

Leaf samples (three leaf and a bud and matureleaves) were analysed for potassium, magnesium, andsulphur and the results are presented in Table 15.Magnesium content of the mature leaf wassignificantly influenced by kieserite, magnesiumnitrate and magnesite application while sulphur andpotassium contents were not influenced by any ofthe treatments. The experiment is in progress.

3.12. Experiment on micronutrients (CHE/149 (MN)/04-NL&CT)

To work out the cost benefit of applying micronutrients

in tea, field experiment was initiated at the Nilgiris usingthe estate selection, CR 6017. The experiment is having 13treatments and replicated three times. Treatments wereimposed during October 2004. Mature leaf samples werecollected from the treated blocks on 1, 7 and 14 days afterfoliar application and were analysed for Zn, Fe and Mgcontents. Soil samples collected from the experimentalblocks which received Zn by broadcasting as zincatedurea and ZnSO4 were analysed for Zn, Fe and Mg. Soilapplication of 25 and 35 kg of ZnSO4 resulted in significantincrease in soil available Zn after 30 days of application.No significant change in Fe and Mg contents were noticedin the soil samples against soil application of Zn. Zinccontent was found to be very high on 1, 7 and 14 daysafter foliar application of zinc oxide on the mature leaves.All the other sources were found to be equally efficient tothat of standard practice in terms of concentration of zincin the mature leaf (Table 16). Many times Zn applicationinterfered with Fe uptake as evidenced by its accumulationin the untreated control where the plants treated with noZn. Soil application of Zn did not influence the Zn contentof mature leaves (data not provided). No significant changein Fe and Mg contents were observed in the leaves againstsoil application of Zn as recorded in the samples as well.

Table 14. Influence of secondary nutrients on physico chemical properties of soil

Treatment pH EC O M P K Ammoniacal Urease Mg S(dsm-1) (%) (ppm) (ppm) N (ppm) activity (ppm) (ppm)

Control (No Mg & S) 3.9 0.19 2.6 17.3 317 10.9 55.7 38 11.9Soil application of MgNO3 @

20 kg Mg /ha /yr in two splits 4.5 0.12 2.83 17.3 222 9.43 71.8 117 18.0Soil application of magnesite @

20 kg Mg /ha /yr in two splits 3.9 0.2 2 31.2 370 8.17 52.8 66 18.9Standard practice (200 kg

MgSO4/ha/yr in two splits) 4.1 0.17 2.87 3.7 243 9.07 60.17 76 12.8Standard practice (200 kg

MgSO4/ha/yr in two splits) witha reduction of 50% K2O (4:1.5) 4.1 0.13 3.17 11.4 224 10.5 32.81 46 13.6

Elemental sulphur @50 kg S /ha /yr in two splits 4.0 0.14 3.2 6.7 254 9.85 50.60 33 11.4

Sulphomag (equivalent to 25 kg Sper ha/yr) in two splits 4.0 0.18 2.53 42.6 281 8.3 29.03 51 15.7

Kieserite (equivalent to 20 kgMg /ha /yr) in two splits 3.8 0.29 2.27 5.4 231 10.6 97.73 53 19.6

S.E. m ± 0.13 0.078 1.16 24 75 4.92 52 12.35 9.076C.D. at P = 0.05: 0.28 0.161 2.41 49 156 10.2 108 25.62 18.82C.D. at P = 0.01: 0.38 0.219 3.28 67 212 13.9 146 34.82 25.58

*ammoniacal nitrogen formed g-1 soil 2h-1

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3.13. Efficacy of drip irrigation in mature tea (CHE/163 (DRIP)/05-WY)

Experiment on drip irrigation was initiated at Meppadiduring the year. There were 12 treatments, replicated in threeplots. Treatments were selected in such a way that to generateinformation on amount of water required, frequency ofapplication and yield increase due to irrigation. Fertigationwas done in two ratios of N: K2O (4:3 and 1:1). Treatmentswere imposed during January 2005. One set of soil sampleswas collected after imposing treatments (May 2005)

Table 15. Influence of secondary nutrients on K, Mg, and S contents of mature leaves and crop shoots

Treatment K (%) Mg (%) S (%)3L+B* ML* 3L+B ML 3L+B ML

Control (No Mg & S) 1.66 1.30 0.56 0.15 0.38 0.92Soil application of MgNO3 @ 20 kg Mg/ha/yr in two splits 1.60 1.30 0.60 0.18 0.46 0.86Soil application of magnesite @ 20 kg Mg/ha/yr in two splits 1.63 1.37 0.55 0.17 0.46 0.81Standard practice (200 kg MgSO4/ha/yr in two splits) 1.60 1.38 0.56 0.17 0.44 1.00Standard practice (200 kg MgSO4/ha /yr in two splits) with

a reduction of 50% K2O (4:1.5) 1.72 1.33 0.60 0.16 0.41 1.08Elemental sulphur @ 50 kg S /ha /yr in two splits 1.67 1.27 0.59 0.15 0.48 0.93Sulphomag (equivalent to 25 kg S/ha/yr) in two splits 1.65 1.37 0.52 0.16 0.45 0.86Kieserite (equivalent to 20 kg Mg/ha/yr) in two splits 1.73 1.38 0.53 0.16 0.44 0.92S.E. m ± 0.10 0.12 0.12 0.01 0.04 0.22C.D. at P = 0.05: 0.20 0.26 0.25 0.02 0.08 0.45C.D. at P = 0.01: 0.27 0.35 0.34 0.02 0.11 0.62

*3L+B & ML: three leaves and a bud and mature/maintenance foliage, respectively

immediately after stopping irrigation/fertigation to find outthe physico-chemical properties as influenced by irrigation,fertigation and broadcasting. No significant difference wasobserved in pH and electrical conductivity of soil either dueto fertigation or irrigation (Table 17). Similarly the availabilityof P and ammonical nitrogen did not change significantly.Availability of K was higher where NK was broadcasted whencompared to fertigated blocks. Results indicated that whenapplied through fertigation K may leach below root zones.Nutrient analysis of crop shoots (3L+B) indicated that theconcentration of N was higher in fertigated blocks than in thebroadcasted ones (Table 18). In most of the cases

Table 16. Influence of foliar applied zinc on certain secondary nutrients of mature leaves

Zn (ppm) Fe (ppm) Mg (%)Treatment Number of days after sampling of mature tea leaves

1 7 14 1 7 14 1 7 14

Untreated control 43 40 24 123 113 149 0.12 0.09 0.13Standard practice 48 42 52 105 110 111 0.15 0.18 0.13Standard practice + 50 ppm Mo 51 41 36 113 107 82 0.20 0.18 0.13Standard practice + 100 ppm Mo 60 45 45 101 126 93 0.13 0.19 0.16Chelated Zn @ 1kg/ha/yr - Foliar (4 rounds) 68 29 41 98 108 91 0.13 0.16 0.13Chelated Zn @ 1.5 kg/ha/yr -Foliar (4 rounds) 50 33 41 121 105 89 0.19 0.14 0.13Chelated Zn @ 2 kg/ha/yr -Foliar (4 rounds) 37 42 41 115 103 96 0.15 0.16 0.13ZnSO4 @ 10 kg + 10 kg urea in 4 Split -Foliar 61 50 36 112 141 82 0.11 0.20 0.11Foliar application of 8 kg

zinc oxide as per recommendation 419 357 192 116 106 89 0.14 0.183 0.13S.E. m ± 13 8 9 12 23 22 0.05 0.05 0.03C.D. at P = 0.05: 27 18 20 25 49 47 0.10 0.11 0.06C.D. at P = 0.01: 38 24 28 35 68 64 0.14 0.16 0.08

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concentration of K was higher in tea shoots of blocks underbroadcasting than under fertigation as in the case of soil.Other parameters like P, Ca and Mg did not respond to thetreatments. Analysis of mature leaf indicated that concentration

Table 17. Influence of irrigation, fertigation, and broadcasting on physico-chemical properties of tea soils

Treatment/Method of fertiliser application pH EC OM P K Ammoniacal Nitrate Urease(dsm-1) (%) .. (ppm).. nitrogen (ppm) N (ppm) activity*

2 mm dailyBroadcast as per standard recommendation 4.1 0.08 3.1 5.4 109 2.4 30 2.66Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::4:3 4.1 0.06 3.6 4.4 72 4.1 28 3.99Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::1:1 3.8 0.11 3.0 8.0 122 3.9 73 2.06

2 mm in alternate daysBroadcast as per standard recommendation 4.2 0.08 3.7 9.7 120 3.4 57 5.37Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::4:3 4.7 0.04 3.5 6.8 99 0.9 27 4.44Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::1:1 4.0 0.08 3.9 16.1 112 6.5 37 5.12

6 mm once in a weekBroadcast as per standard recommendation 4.2 0.05 3.6 4.1 104 4.5 31 5.67Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::4:3 4.7 0.04 3.0 24.1 65 3.6 37 0.88Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::1:1 4.7 0.03 4.0 20.3 99 2.5 6 3.20

VariableBroadcast as per standard recommendation 4.9 0.10 4.0 8.0 149 3.8 15 1.76Fertigation 10 splits (NK2O::1:1) 4.9 0.04 3.9 9.5 90 4.2 18 7.10

Control Broadcast (standard practice) 4.3 0.04 3.7 18.7 97 1.6 29 5.02S.E. m ± 0.51 0.03 0.62 2.87 25.42 1.34 8.13 1.39C.D. at P = 0.05: 1.06 0.06 1.28 5.96 52.72 2.79 16.86 2.88C.D. at P = 0.01: 1.45 0.09 1.74 8.10 71.66 3.79 22.92 3.92*ammoniacal nitrogen formed g-1 soil 2h-1

of P, K, Ca and Mg was not significantly influenced byirrigation, broadcasting and fertigation.

S. VenkatesanSr. Soil Chemist &

Head of Division

Table 18. Influence of irrigation, fertigation, and broadcasting on nutrient content of harvested crop shoots

Treatment/Method of fertiliser application N P K Ca Mg S Na(%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (ppm)

2 mm dailyBroadcast as per standard recommendation 4.8 0.30 1.78 0.51 0.17 0.3 113Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::4:3 5.3 0.26 1.80 0.53 0.18 2.4 147Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::1:1 5.1 0.26 1.70 0.45 0.17 5.5 280

2 mm in alternate daysBroadcast as per standard recommendation 4.7 0.26 1.84 0.49 0.17 2.4 300Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::4:3 4.4 0.28 1.69 0.50 0.17 2.8 333Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::1:1 4.6 0.26 1.72 0.47 0.16 6.3 333

6 mm once in a weekBroadcast as per standard recommendation 4.7 0.28 1.75 0.57 0.14 5.1 533Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::4:3 5.1 0.27 1.73 0.50 0.18 2.2 247Fertigation in ten splits, NK2O::1:1 5.2 0.28 1.70 0.41 0.14 0.2 300

VariableBroadcast as per standard recommendation 4.8 0.29 1.76 0.49 0.17 0.2 300Fertigation 10 splits (NK2O::1:1) 4.6 0.28 1.74 0.50 0.17 0.1 147

Control Broadcast (standard practice) 5.2 0.27 1.78 0.48 0.16 2.8 213S.E. m ± 0.40 0.02 0.05 0.07 0.02 2.34 176C.D. at P = 0.05: 0.82 0.04 0.11 0.15 0.05 4.86 366C.D. at P = 0.01: 1.12 0.06 0.15 0.20 0.07 6.60 498

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1. GENERAL1.1. Pest incidence

Moderate to severe incidence of red spider mite wasnoticed in many estates in the Nilgiris, Vandiperiyar andValparai. Incidence of tea mosquito was high in certainestates in Vandiperiyar but infestation by thrips wasrather low in this area. Incidence of pink and purplemites was meager in almost all the tea districts.

1.2. Analysis

Plant parts (13) received from the member estateswere identified and control measures suggestedwherever needed. Thirty four soil samples wereanalysed to determine the incidence of root knotnematodes. Nearly 6% of these samples harbouredmedium populations of root knot nematodes. Seventeenentomopathogen wettable powder formulations wereanalysed for the presence of required spore load (107

spores/ml).

About two hundred black tea samples were analysedfor pesticide residues and a total of 1270 residueestimations were done for ethion (160), dicofol (163),DDT (149), endosulfan (11), quinalphos (165), propargite(164), fenvalerate (144), fenpropathrin (157),hexaconazole (143) fenazaquin (5), chlorpyrifos (6),profenofos (1), lambdacyhalothrin (1), and beta-cyfluthrin (1). Commercial formulations of hexaconazole(47), propargite (2), fenpropathrin (3), propargite (4),fenazaquin (1) and lambdacyhalothrin (1) were analysedfor their active ingredient content. Tea samples (2) wereanalysed for copper and lead content. Commercial gradeorganic manure (7), disposable waste fly ash (1) andsoil samples (2) were analysed for lead, cadmium,chromium, nickel and copper content.

Analysis showed that ethion residues in 75%tea samples were not detectable (ND) category, 20%were below detection limit (BDL) and 5% of sampleswere in the range of 0.01-0.22 ppm, i.e. below the

ENTOMOLOGY

maximum residue limit (MRL) prescribed by theEuropean Union (3 ppm). Quinalphos residues in85% samples in south India were under the notdetectable (ND) category, 13% were below detectionlimit (BDL) and 2% of samples were in the range of0.07 ppm, i.e. below the EU's MRL (0.1 ppm). Noneof the tea samples examined had residues of dicofol,DDT, hexaconazole, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate orpropargite.

2. VISITS

Dr.R. Selvasundaram and his colleagues in thedivision visited Akkamalai, Paralai, Iyerpadi, Kallyar,Karamalai, Kanchamalai, Malakiparai, Murugalli,Nadumalai, Pachaimallai, Pannimade, Puthuthottam,Sheikalmudi, Sholayar, Srikundra, Uralikal, Vellamalai andVelonie in Valparai in connection with experimental andadvisory work.

3. RESEARCH3.1. Bioecology3.1.1. Sex pheromones of tea mosquito (Helopeltistheivora) (ENT/201/99-CT)

Laboratory studies (wind tunnel and electroantennogram) and field studies on the identifiedcompounds involved in the attraction and theircombinations were continued. Combination whichelicited enormous response in the lab and attractedsizable number of insects in the field. Further studieson synthesis, blending and evaluation of suitable trapsare in progress.

3.1.2. Studies on the attractant chemicals fromMontanoa bipinnatifida (ENT/229/2K-AN)

Studies on the seven important identifiedcompounds be longing to monoterpene andsesquiterpene groups were continued. Laboratory(wind tunnel and EAG studies) and field studieswith a particular mixture of these compounds gave

23

satisfactory results. Among the seven identifiedcompounds, a sesquiterpene compound wasextracted and the addition of this compound inthe mixture increased the trapping of SHB in thefield.

3.1.3. Predators of red spider mites (Oligonychuscoffeae) (ENT/295/02-AN)

Laboratory studies on the mass rearing of the larvalinstars and adults of the common predators Oligotapygmaea and Stethorus gilvifrons were continued.

3.1.4. Effect of biofertilizers on pest incidence (ENT/300/02-AN)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 2002 (p.22). Observations showed that thepest incidence was comparatively lesser in the blocksreceiving biofertiliser than in the blocks receivingchemical fertilizers. The experiment is in progress.

3.1.5. Studies on the volatiles of red spider mite infestedleaves (ENT/342/04-AN)

In continuation with the study on volatile profile ofRSM infected leaves, an olfactometer observation wascarried out in the lab to determine the attraction ofpredators, Oligota pygmaea and Stethorus gilvifronsto infested and normal tea plants. Both the predatorsshowed response to the heavily infected plants. This isjustifying the occurrence of these predators in largenumbers only during the peak periods of red spidermite infestation in the field. Preliminary GC-MS studieson the volatile profile of RSM infected leaves showedthe presence of eight compounds belonging toterpenoid and ester groups. Further studies are inprogress.

3.2. Pest control3.2.1. Laboratory evaluation of certain bioproducts/synthetic chemicals against mites (ENT/364/05-AN)

Six formulations viz., Max-Cannon (Neem basedbotanical liquid organic extract), Botomac (Botanicalacaricide), Biowash (Biosoap), Apollo (Clofentazine 50SC), Coded miticide IR 7800 (2.5% EC) and Coded miticideIR 7712 (2.5 % EC), were tested against red spider miteand tea mosquito in the laboratory and the results aregiven in Table 1.

3.2.2. Tea mosquito3.2.2.1. Evaluation of certain new insecticides againsttea mosquito (ENT/355/04-CT)

A field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacyof two new products such as fenpropathrin 15% +pyriproxyfen 5% (Prempt 20% EC) and clothianidin(Dantop 50 WDG) against tea mosquito. Observationsmade for a period of seven weeks revealed that sprayingof Prempt 20% EC @ 500,750 and 1000 ml/ha and Dantop50 WDG @ 60, 80 and 120 g/ha significantly reducedthe number of tea mosquitos. Experimental details areincluded in the report of the Senior Advisory Officer,Vandiperiyar.

3.2.2.2. Evaluation of certain insecticides against teamosquito (ENT/365/05-CT)

A field trial was conducted to evaluate theefficacy of Imidacloprid 200 SL (Confidor 200 SL) @75, 100 & 175 ml/ha and Thiacloprid 240 SC (Calypso240 SC) @ 100 & 124 ml/ha against tea mosquito.Observations made for a period of seven weeksrevealed that spraying of Confidor 200 SL @ 75, 100& 175 ml/ha and Thiacloprid 240 SC (Calypso 240SC) @ 100 & 124 ml/ha significantly reduced thenumber of tea mosquito. Details of the experimentare included in the report of the Senior AdvisoryOfficer, Vandiperiyar.

3.2.3. Thrips (Scirtothrips bispinosus)3.2.3.1. Evaluation of Neem Azal T/S 1% EC and Polo50 WP against thrips (ENT/361/05-CT)

Details of the experiment are given in the report ofthe Senior Advisory Officer, Vandiperiyar. Neem Azal T/S 1% EC was tested at the dosage of 100, 200, 300, 400 &500 ml/ha and Polo 50 WP @ 300, 400 & 500 g/ha.Observations made for a period of seven weeks indicatedthat spraying of Neem Azal T/S 1% EC @ 500 ml/ha andPolo 50 WP @ 400 and 500 g/ha reduced the number ofthrips, significantly.

3.2.3.2. Evaluation of IPM package for the control ofthrips (ENT/348/04-CT)

A large scale field trial was conducted at Vandiperiyarto evaluate the IPM package of practices for the controlof thrips. Details of this experiment are given in the reportof the Senior Advisory Officer, Vandiperiyar.

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Table 1. Laboratory evaluation of certain bio products and synthetic chemicals against tea pests

Name of the chemical Dosage Target pest Percentage mortality after(per cent) 24 h 48 h 72 h 96 h

Max Cannon 0.1 Red spider mite 00.00 40.00 44.00 48.00M/s. Maxgrow biotech Pvt. Ltd. 0.2 Red spider mite 00.00 44.00 50.00 68.00Ludhiana 0.25 Red spider mite 20.00 50.00 64.00 72.00

BotomacM/s. T. Stanes and Company Ltd. 0.2 Red spider mite 24.00 44.00 62.00 68.00Coimbatore 641 018

Biowash 0.25 Red spider mite 24.00 50.00 66.00 40.00M/s. Mittal and Co., Chennai 600 004 0.25 Tea mosquito 30.00 40.00 46.70 46.70

Apollo 50 SC 0.125 Red spider mite 43.24 45.55 49.13 51.62M/s. Indofil Chemical Co., Mumbai 400 030 0.150 Red spider mite 18.04 38.64 56.30 63.78

Coded miticide IR 7800 0.1 Red spider mite 34.00 56.00 74.00 84.00M/s. Isagro (Asia) 0.2 Red spider mite 42.00 72.00 78.00 90.00Agrochemical Pvt. Ltd. 0.3 Red spider mite 98.00 98.00 100.00 100.00Mumbai 400 093 0.4 Red spider mite 98.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Coded miticide IR 7712 0.1 Red spider mite 30.00 44.00 58.00 72.00M/s. Isagro (Asia) 0.2 Red spider mite 38.00 62.00 74.00 88.00Agrochemical Pvt. Ltd. 0.3 Red spider mite 78.00 90.00 94.00 96.00Mumbai 400 093 0.4 Red spider mite 88.00 92.00 96.00 100.00

3.2.4. Mites3.2.4.1. Evaluation of fenpyroximate 5 EC andmilbemectin 1% EC against red spider mites (ENT/363/05-AN)

To evaluate the efficacy of fenpyroximate 5 EC(Pyroxcel) and Milbemectin 1% EC (Milbeknock)against red spider mites, an experiment in RBD wasconducted at Paralai Estate in F. No.: 8 B (LowerDivision). Each plot consisted of 100 bushes. Thetreatments included fenpyroximate 5 EC @ 200, 400& 500 ml/ha; milbemectin 1% EC @ 225, 340 & 450 ml/ha; Electrochemically activated water (Aquasol-N) @1:1 & 1:2 ratio; propargite 57 E @ 500 ml/ha anduntreated control. Spraying was done with handoperated knapsack sprayers using a spray volume of450 l/ha. Two sprays were given at an interval of fourweeks. Mite populations were assessed at weeklyinterval by collecting 25 leaves at random from eachblock and from each leaf; the total number of redspider mites were counted and recorded.

Data collected for eight weeks revealed that sprayingof fenpyroximate 5 EC @ 200, 400 & 500 ml/ha andmilbemectin 1% EC @ 340 & 450 ml/ha significantlyreduced the number of red spider mites (Table 2).

3.2.4.2. Evaluation of azadirachtin 1% EC (10000 ppm)against red spider mites (ENT/357/05-AN)

A field study was conducted in RBD to evaluate theefficacy of azadirachtin 10000 ppm (Neem Azal T/S 1%EC) against red spider mites at Paralai Estate in F. No.: 8B (Lower Division). Each plot consisted of 100 bushes.The treatments included aza 10000 ppm (Neem Azal T/S 1% EC) @ 100, 200, 300, 400 & 500 ml/ha, azadirachtin300 ppm (Neem Azal T/S 1% EC) @ 2000 ml/ha,azadirachtin 10000 ppm with fenpropathrin (Meothrin30EC) @ 200 + 100 ml/ha, fenpropathrin 30 EC @ 200 ml/ha; propargite 57 E @ 500 ml/ha and untreated control.Spraying was done with hand operated knapsacksprayers using a spray volume of 450 l/ha. Three sprayswere given, second spray was given after two weeks

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Table 2. Evaluation of Fenpyroximate 5 EC and Milbemectin 1 % EC against red spider mite of tea

Number of red spider mites/75 leavesDosage Pre- I week II week III week IV week I week II week III week IV week

Treatment ml/ha treat- after after after after after after after afterment I spray I spray I spray I spray II spray II spray II spray II spray

Pyroxcel 5 EC 200 352 15 7 10 30 8 4 7 18(fenpyroximate) (32.32) (07.33)b (05.46)a (06.20)a (09.89)b (05.73)ab (04.41)a (05.46)a (07.85)abPyroxcel 5 EC 400 358 7 4 7 22 2 2 5 8

(32.68)(05.24)ab (04.46)a (05.24)a (08.49)ab (03.83)a (03.73)a (04.88)a (05.45)aPyroxcel 5 EC 500 355 2 1 4 10 2 1 3 4

(32.44) (03.73)a (03.41)a (04.46)a (06.18)a (03.73)a (03.41)a (04.15)a (04.24)aMilbemectin 1% EC 225 357 12 4 7 23 6 5 9 19

(32.67)(06.65)ab (04.41)a (05.18)a (08.77)ab (05.15)a (04.73)a (05.97)a (07.32)abMilbemectin 1% EC 340 348 5 3 7 16 5 4 5 13

(32.28)(04.73)ab (04.15)a (05.24)a (07.45)ab (04.88)a (04.41)a (04.88)a (06.32)aMilbemectin 1% EC 450 353 3 2 2 8 3 2 4 9

(32.24)(04.15)ab (03.73)a (03.73)a (05.70)a (04.15)a (03.73)a (04.46)a (05.65)aSample-A 1:1 346 48 31 38 71 25 20 28 26

(32.10) (12.30)c (09.96)b (10.96)b (14.76)c (08.94)bc (08.06)b (09.47)b (08.30)abSample-A 1:2 350 76 45 61 97 40 45 54 46

(32.26) (15.27)c (11.85)b (13.67)b (17.16)c (11.21)c (11.88)c (13.00)c (12.09)bPropargite 57 E 500 345 5 2 6 13 2 2 4 9

(32.16)(04.73)ab (03.83)a (05.00)a (06.83)ab (03.73)a (03.73)a (04.56)a (05.97)aUntreated control 358 405 342 385 437 396 290 268 257

(32.81) (34.85)d (32.01)c (33.95)c (36.21)d (34.42)d (29.58)d (28.44)d (27.86)c

C.D. at P = 0.05: NS 3.29 3.23 3.81 3.69 3.39 3.06 2.42 4.94

Dates of chemical application: I spray: 09.03.2005; II spray: 12.04.2005; Figures in parentheses are transformed values of x+1;Figures followed by the same alphabets in a vertical column are not significantly different at five per cent level

after the first spray and the third spray was given threeweeks after the second one. Mite populations wereassessed at weekly interval by collecting 25 leaves atrandom from each block and from each leaf; total numberof red spider mites counted and recorded.

Data collected for eight weeks revealed that sprayingof azadirachtin 10000 ppm (Neem Azal T/S 1% EC) @400 & 500 ml/ha had an edge over lower concentrationsand significantly reduced the number of red spider mites(Table 3).

3.2.4.3. Evaluation of paraffinic oil against red spidermites (ENT/358/05-AN)

To evaluate the efficacy of paraffinic oil (Greenfield) against red spider mites, an experiment inRBD was conducted at Paralai Estate in F.No.: 8B(Lower Division). Each plot consisted of 100bushes. The treatments included paraffinic oil(Green field) @ 750, 1000 & 1500 ml/ha; micronised

sulphur 52% (Microsul) @ 1500 (second round ofapplication after 7 days of first spray), 1500 (threerounds of spray including first round with 7 daysinterval), 2250 (second application after 7 days offirst spray) ml/ha, micronised sulphur 52 %(Microsul) with neem formulation 5% (Neemfol)1125 + 112.5, 1500 + 225 ml/ha, propargite 57 E @500 ml/ha and untreated control. Spraying wasdone with hand operated knapsack sprayers usinga spray volume of 450 l/ha. Two sprays were givenat an interval of four weeks for paraffinic oiltreatments, micronised sulphur 52% with neemformulation 5% and for propargite treatment. Restof the treatments were sprayed as described above.Mite populations were assessed as described inENT/363/05-AN.

Data collected for eight weeks revealed that sprayingof paraffinic oil (Greenfield) @ 1000 & 1500 ml/hasignificantly reduced the number of red spider mites(Table 4).

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Table 3. Evaluation of Neemazal T/S 1% EC against red spider mite of tea

Number of red spider mites/75 leavesDosage Pre- I week II week I week II week III week I week II week III week

Treatment ml/ha treat- after after after after after after after afterment I spray I spray II spray II spray II spray III spray III spray III spray

Neemazal T/S1% EC 100 420 295 594 250 320 416 247 238 13(Aza 10,000 ppm) (35.53) (29.79)f (42.28)d (27.49)g (31.03)d (35.35)e (27.29)d (26.75)e (19.84)dNeemazal T/S 1% EC200 431 274 580 232 242 358 204 228 106

(36.04)(28.62)ef (41.81)d (26.35)f (26.99)d (32.76)e (24.85)cd (26.28)e (17.82)cNeemazal T/S 1% EC300 430 252 568 212 130 243 155 215 82

(35.49)(27.48)def (41.34)d (25.35)ef (19.73)c (27.08)d (21.57)c (25.46)de (15.83)Neemazal T/S 1% EC400 422 236 540 195 75 174 65 190 34

(35.33)(26.70)cde (40.33)d (24.34)e (15.08)b (22.94)cd (14.09)b (23.97)de (10.44)bNeemazal T/S 1% EC500 434 215 532 171 50 70 56 172 24

(36.12)(25.49)bcd(40.04)d (22.76)d (12.34)b (14.55)b (13.19)b (22.46)d (08.88)bNeemazal T/S 1% EC +200 + 423 202 345 85 43 169 54 108 26Fenpropathrin 30 EC 100 (35.52)(24.62)bc (32.16)c (16.10)c (11.68)b (22.65)c (13.01)b (17.98)c (09.27)bNeem formulation 2000 428 260 614 210 255 386 222 195 97(Aza 300 ppm) (35.56)(28.05)def (43.02)d (25.14)ef (27.77)d (34.09)e (25.96)d (24.28)de (17.25)cFenpropathrin 30 EC200 427 185 159 35 3 21 5 52 3

(35.73) (23.73)b (21.92)b (10.61)b (04.15)a (08.38)a (04.88)a (12.79)b (04.15)aPropargite 57 E 500 433 55 105 17 2 14 3 20 2

(35.87) (13.15)a (17.89)a (07.71)a (03.73)a (07.10)a (04.15)a (08.20)a (03.73)aUntreated control 435 525 617 592 470 550 375 560 438

(35.80) (39.77)g (43.10)d (42.17)h (37.56)e (40.67)f (33.60)e (41.06)f (36.30)e

C.D. at P = 0.05: NS 2.67 4.00 1.65 4.31 4.21 3.74 3.81 3.83

Dates of chemical application: I spray: 13.01.2005; II spray: 28.01.2005; III spray: 23.02.2005; Figures in parenthesesare transformed values of x+1 .Figures followed by the same alphabets in a vertical column are not significantlydifferent at five per cent level

3.2.4.4. Evaluation of bifenthrin 8 SC against red spidermites (ENT/356/05-AN)

A field study was conducted to evaluate theefficacy of bifenthrin 8 SC (Brigade) against redspider mites. The experiment was conducted in RBDmethod at Vellamalai Estate, Kanchamalai Divisionin F. No.: 1. Each plot consisted of 100 bushes. Thetreatments included bifenthrin 8 SC @ 500, 750, 1000& 1250 ml/ha; Neem formulation 0.03 % @ 2000 ml/ha; Neem formulation 0.03 % with entomopathogen(V. lecanii) @ 500 ml/ha + 750 g/ha; Neemformulation 0.03% with acaricides propargite (500 +250 ml/ha), fenpropathrin (500+ 100 ml/ha) anduntreated control. Spraying was done with handoperated knapsack sprayers using a spray volumeof 450 l/ha. Two sprays were given at an interval offour weeks. Mite populations were assessed at

weekly interval by collecting 25 leaves at randomfrom each block and from each leaf; the red spidermites were counted and members recorded.

Data collected for seven weeks revealed that sprayingof bifenthrin 8 SC (Brigade) @ 1000 & 1250 ml/hasignificantly reduced the number of red spider mites(Table 5).

3.2.4.5. Effect of bifenthrin 8 SC and milbemectin 1%EC on red spider mites (ENT/359/05-NW)

Details of the experiment are given in the report ofthe Advisory Officer, Gudalur. Observations made for aperiod of six weeks indicated that spraying of bifenthrin8 SC (Brigade) @ 1000 & 1250 ml/ha; milbemectin 1%EC (Milbeknock) @ 340 & 450 ml/ha significantlyreduced the number of red spider mites.

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Table 4. Evaluation of paraffinic spray oil against red spider mites of tea

Number of red spider mites/75 leavesDosage Pre- I week II week III week IV week I week II week III week IV week

Treatment ml/ha treat- after after after after after after after afterment I spray I spray I spray I spray II spray II spray II spray II spray

Green Field 750 395 212 152 184 212 45 66 54 65(paraffinic oil) (34.44) (25.33)c (21.44)cde (23.58)g (25.29)d (11.93)bc (14.36)b (13.01)c (14.20)cGreen Field 1000 412 170 138 162 181 13 35 24 15

(34.95) (22.66)bc(20.28)bcde (22.12)fg (23.26)cd (06.73)a (10.60)a (08.84)ab (07.13)aGreen Field 1500 404 142 115 140 161 9 26 17 9

(34.23) (20.76)b (18.51)b (20.55)ef (22.07)cd (05.65)a (09.19)a (07.54)a (05.97)aSulphur 1500 405 202 162 110 145 97 118 105 37formulation 52%* (34.47) (24.67)bc (22.13)e (18.37)de (20.93)c (17.28)d (18.88)c (17.81)de (10.92)bc-do-** 1500 392 191 155 50 48 32 32 53 12

(34.10) (24.09)bc (21.65)de (12.56)b (12.24)a (10.16)b (10.16)a (12.80)c (06.61)a-do-*** 2250 408 155 130 78 90 43 65 38 18

(34.93) (21.72)bc (19.91)bcd (15.46)c (16.53)b (11.66)bc (14.10)b (10.90)bc (07.70)abSulphur 52 % + 1125 + 398 148 140 92 162 68 140 109 45neem formulation 5% 112.5 (34.41) (21.26)bc(20.55)bcde (16.84)cd (22.15)cd (14.54)cd (20.62)c (17.98)e (11.81)cSulphur 52 % 1500 + 410 138 125 65 130 48 80 66 38neem formulation 5% 225 (34.84) (20.54)b (19.43)bc (14.18)bc (19.92)bc (12.30)bc (15.69)b (14.31)cd (10.94)bcPropargite 57 E 500 403 28 15 10 36 3 24 9 3

(34.76) (09.57)a (07.28)a (06.18)a (10.68)a (04.00)a (08.84)a (05.86)a (04.15)aUntreated control 400 458 470 448 210 326 366 308 203

(34.44) (37.01)d (37.53)f (36.75)h (25.15)d (31.33)e (33.25)d (30.52)f (24.64)d

C.D. at P = 0.05: NS 4.34 2.07 2.69 3.60 2.88 3.09 3.53 3.64

*, ** & ***: 2, 3 & 2 applications of sulphur formulation (micronized sulphur) done at 7 day interval. Dates ofchemical application: I spray: 21.01.2005; II spray: 24.02.2005; Figures in parentheses are transformed values of x+1;Figures followed by the same alphabets in a vertical column are not significantly different at five per cent level.

3.2.4.6. Evaluation of certain acaricides against redspider mite (ENT/360/05-HR)

Details of the experiment are given in the Report ofthe Senior Advisory Officer, Munnar. Observationsmade for a period of nine weeks indicated that sprayingof bifenthrin 8 SC (Brigade) @ 1000 & 1250 ml/ha anddiafenthiuron 50 WP (Polo) @ 400 & 500 g/hasignificantly reduced the number of red spider mites.

3.2.4.7. Evaluation of entomopathogen/ bioformu-lations against red spider mites (ENT/345a&b/04-CT)

Two field experiments were conducted to find outthe effect of entomopathogenic fungus, Paecilomycesfumosoroseus, bacterium, Bacillus thurungiensis andcommon bioformulations for the control of RSM atKarimtharuvi Estate, Vandiperiyar. Details of the experimentare given in the Report of the Sr. Advisory Officer,Vandiperiyar. Observations of the RBD trial made for a

period of ten weeks indicated that spraying of Herbalextract (Exodus) @ 500 ml/ha significantly reduced thenumber of red spider mites. In the large scale experiment,observations made for a period of six months indicatedthat an integrated spraying schedule withentomopathogenic fungus, bacterium and bio-formulationsexerted having significant control of red spider mites.

3.2.5. Shot hole borer3.2.5.1. An IPM package against shot hole borer (ENT/353/04-AN)

Details of the large scale field experiment initiated atSrikundra Estate (Nullacathu Division) in F.No.: 47 toevaluate the IPM package of practices for the control ofshot hole borer were give in 2004 Annual Report (p.29).Post treatment assessment will be carried out from end ofApril 2006. Mid-cycle spraying will be done during April,May & December 2006, April & May 2007. Beauveriabassiana WP will be sprayed during May & October. Partly

28

dried Montanoa stems will be placed in the field duringApril to December for trapping shot hole borer.

3.3. Phytotoxicity/ taint test/effect on natural enemies3.3.1. Phytotoxicity of diafenthiuron and bifenthrin totea leaves (ENT/369a/05-AN and ENT/360a/05-AN)

Two field experiments were conducted to find outwhether the application of diafenthiuron (Polo 50 WP) @1000, 1500 & 2000 g/ha (M/s. Syngenta India Ltd, Mumbai)and bifenthrin 8 SC (Brigade) @ 1000 & 2000 ml/ha (M/s.FMC India Private Ltd., Bangalore) caused phytotoxicityto tea leaves. Studies were conducted in UPASIExperimental Farm in RBD design. Results of the studiesshowed that the test materials Polo 50 WP and Brigade 8SC were non-phytotoxic when sprayed on tea leaves.

3.3.2. Taint studies of diafenthiuron to tea leaves (ENT/369b/05-AN)

An experiment was conducted to verify whether theapplication of diafenthiuron (Polo 50 WP) @ 1000 &

2000 ml/ha (M/s. Syngenta India Ltd, Mumbai) impartedany taint to black tea. Studies were conducted in UPASIExperimental Farm. Leaves harvested on the 1st, 3rd,5th, 7th and 14th day after spraying the chemicals wereprocessed separately in mini CTC machine. Sampleswere forwarded to professional tea tasters' fororganoleptic evaluation. The tasters' did not report anytaint on these teas.

3.3.4. Effect of diafenthiuron (Polo 50 WP) on Oligotapygmaea a common predator of red spider mites (ENT/369c/05-AN)

A study was conducted in one of the member estatesin Valparai to assess the influence of diafenthiuron (Polo50 WP) Oligota pygmaea (Staphylinidae: Coleoptera),an important predator for red spider mite. Eachexperimental plot consisted of 100 bushes. Thetreatments included spraying of diafenthiuron 50 WP@ 300, 400 & 500 ml/ha and untreated control. Chemicalwas applied using hand operated knapsack sprayer witha spray volume of 450 l/ha. Before imposing the

Table 5. Evaluation of bifenthrin 8 SC against red spider mites

Number of red spider mites/75 leavesTreatment Dosage Pre- I week II week III week IV week I week II week III week

ml/ha treat- after after after after after after afterment I spray I spray I spray I spray II spray II spray II spray

Brigade 8 SC 500 640 46 120 154 188 38 17 12I(Bifenthrin 8 SC) (35.53) (12.06)c (18.87)cd (21.67)c (23.87)d (11.01)c (07.61)b (06.24)abBrigade 8 SC 750 656 25 96 122 175 20 10 8

(36.04) (09.06)b (16.91)c (19.33)c (23.06)cd (08.20)bc(05.88)ab (05.45)aBrigade 8 SC 1000 653 13 55 75 143 8 4 5

(35.49) (06.83)ab (13.10)b (15.15)a (20.91)bc (05.70)ab(04.24)ab (04.88)aBrigade 8 SC 1250 658 6 22 40 125 5 2 3

(35.33) (04.97)a (08.53)a (11.13)a (19.59)b (04.73)a (03.73)a (04.00)aNeem formulation 0.03% 500 646 194 262 276 325 170 139 113+ entomopathogen +750 (36.12) (24.23)e (28.08)f (28.88)d (31.30)e (22.72)e (20.58)d (18.26)dNeem formulation 0.03% 500 648 78 145 107 180 60 46 35+ Propargite 57 E +250 (35.52) (15.46)d (20.97)e (18.05)b (23.42)cd (13.62)d (11.98)c (10.43)bcNeem formulation 0.03% 500 642 86 132 125 192 72 55 42+ Fenpropathrin 30 EC + 100 (35.56) (16.24)d (19.95)de (19.35)c (24.16)d (14.87)d (13.13)c (11.55)cNeem formulation 0.03% 2000 650 214 295 272 330 205 174 148

(35.73) (25.37)e (29.75)f (28.64)d (31.60)e (24.84)e (22.95)d (21.16)dPropargite 57 E 500 645 12 12 39 52 7 3 2

(35.87) (06.61)ab (06.61)a (11.18)a (12.83)a (05.24)ab(04.15)ab (03.73)aUntreated control 652 453 750 515 712 453 388 358

(35.80) (36.84)f (47.47)g (39.32)e (46.28)f (36.84)f (34.07)e (32.67)eC.D. at P = 0.05: NS 2.83 2.14 4.21 2.64 3.31 3.53 4.23

Dates of chemical application: I spray: 22.01.2005; II spray: 22.02.2005; Figures in parentheses are transformed values of x+1;Figures followed by the same alphabets in a vertical column are not significantly different at five per cent level

29

treatments, assessments were made on the populationdensity of O. pygmaea. Mite infested leaves werecollected from 50 plants selected at random from eachblock and brought to the lab to examine the presence ofthis predator.

Observations made during a period of eight weeksrevealed that the application of bifenthrin 8 SC at theabove mentioned dosages did not adversely affect thepopulation of the predatory staphylinid beetle. However,the incidence of O. pygmaea was marginally higher inuntreated control blocks.

3.4. Pesticide residues3.4.1. Residues of fenpyroximate 5 EC (Pyroxcel) inblack tea (ENT/363A/2004-05-AN)

A dry season field trial was conducted to determinethe residues of a new acaricide, fenpyroximate 5 EC(Pyroxcel) in black tea. Analysis showed that the residuelevels in the black tea samples on 10th day were 0.73and 1.38 ppm when Pyroxcel was applied at 500 and1000 ml/ha respectively (Table 6). Residues offenpyroximate in black tea samples exponentiallydissipated after spraying and followed first order kineticsof dissipation.

3.4.2. Residues of hexaconazole 5 EC (Contaf) in blacktea (ENT/363B/2004-05-AN)

A second season field trial was conducted in dryseason to determine the residues of a fungicide,hexaconazole 5 EC (Contaf) in black tea. Analysisshowed that the residue levels in the black tea sampleson 5th day were 0.09, 0.27 and 0.30 ppm when Contaf 5EC was applied at 200, 400 and 800 ml/ha, respectively.

Table 7. Residues of hexaconazole (Contaf 5EC) in black tea

Sampling Hexaconazole residues (mg/kg)day after Control @200ml @400ml @800 mlspraying

0 ND 0.30 0.51 0.801 ND 0.25 0.33 0.593 ND 0.21 0.32 0.495 ND 0.09 0.27 0.307 ND 0.08 0.22 0.25

10 ND ND ND ND14 ND ND ND ND

ND: not detectableResidues of hexaconazole in black tea samplesexponentially dissipated after spraying and followedfirst order kinetics of dissipation (Table 7).

3.4.3. Residues of fenazaquin 10 EC (Magister) blacktea (ENT/363C/2004-05-AN)

A first season field trial was conducted to determinethe residues of the acaricide, fenazaquin 10 EC (Magister)in black tea. Analysis showed that the residue levels inthe black tea samples on 10th day were 2.07 and 5.61ppm when Magister was applied @ 500 and 1000 ml/ha,respectively. Residues of fenazaquin in black teasamples exponentially dissipated after spraying andfollowed first order kinetics of dissipation (Table 8).

R. SelvasundaramSr. Entomologist

30

Table 6. Residues of fenpyroximate (Pyroxcel 5 EC) inblack tea

Sampling Fenpyroximate residues (mg/kg)day after Control @500ml @1000 mlspraying

0 ND 4.76 7.081 ND 3.81 6.103 ND 3.42 5.135 ND 1.97 3.767 ND 1.78 2.62

10 ND 0.73 1.3814 ND 0.48 0.72

ND: not detectable

Table 8. Residues of fenazaquin (Magister 10EC) inblack tea

Sampling Fenazaquin residues (mg/kg)day after Control @500ml @1000 mlspraying

0 ND 22.40 34.381 ND 17.20 33.113 ND 10.86 20.615 ND 6.27 9.967 ND 4.76 7.62

10 ND 2.07 5.6114 ND 0.69 1.6321 ND ND ND

ND: not detectable

1. GENERAL

A total of 21 tea root specimens were received from theestates for identifying the reasons for their casualty. Inaddition, eight black tea samples, 27 soil samples and twosamples of organic manure were received for microbialenumeration and 28 bioformulations for quality check.

2. VISITS

Dr.R. Premkumar visited Malakiparai, Nadumalai andUralikal in the Anamallais and Attikunna, Barwood,Carolyn, Davershola, Manjushree, MayField,Rockwood, Rousdonmallai, Silver Cloud, Sussex andWoodbriar tea estates in the Nilgiri-Wayanad region inconnection with advisory work.

Dr.U.I.Baby visited Sheikalmudi, Murugalli andWaterfall estates in the Anamallais and Manjolai andManimuthar estates in Tirunelveli district for fieldinspection for the suitability of the fields proposed forrejuvenation pruning. He also visited Murugalli, SriMurugan, Korangumudi and Puthuthottam estates inconnection with advisory work and Mayura, Akkamalai,Karamalai and Anaimudi factories for conductingexperiments related to factory hygiene.

Mr.D. Ajay visited Nadumalai, Sri Murugan,Korangumudi and Puthuthottam estates and Karamalaifactory in connection with experiments.

Mr. Soumik Sarcar visited Mayura, Akkamalai,Karamalai and Anaimudi factories in connection withexperiments.

3. RESEARCH3.1. Blister blight

Blister blight experiments were conducted in seedlingtea blocks in randomized block design. Unless otherwisespecified, fungicide applications were carried out withmotorized air blast sprayers covering two rows of

PLANT PATHOLOGY

bushes on either side of the spraying person with 70-90litres of spray volume, with a discharge rate of 60 litresper hour.

Disease assessments were started after threesuccessive sprayings (3 weeks) and carried out at everyplucking round till the end of the season. During eachplucking round, 50 shoots (3 leaves and a bud) werecollected at random from the harvest and wereindividually examined for blister incidence and thepercentage of disease incidence was computed.

In biological control experiments, in addition to percent disease incidence, disease severity/intensity wascalculated. Disease intensity (DI) was calculated on thebasis of the formula, DI = S (n x v)/N x V x 100, where n= number of shoots at each infection level, v = grade foreach group of shoot, N = total number of shoots assessedand V = highest grade in the scale.

3.1.1.Comparison of scales developed for theassessment of blister blight (PAT/244 (BB)-05-AN)

Conventionally blister blight assessment is doneon harvested shoots by sorting out them as infected oruninfected ones and per cent infection calculated. Forcritical assessment, a scale has been developed with 0-9 ratings and the details are given below:

Grade Criteria

0 Healthy (No lesion)1 One or two immature lesions2 Three to five immature lesions3 More than five immature lesions4 One or two mature lesions without immature lesions5 One or two mature lesions with immature lesions6 Three to five mature lesions with or without immature

lesions7 Stalk infection with or without immature lesions8 Stalk infection with five mature lesions9 More than five mature lesions with or without

immature lesions and stalk infection

31

This system of assessment was found cumbersomeand needed expertise. Hence another simplified scalehad been developed on a 0-4 scale (0 - no infection, 1 -one to two lesions, 2 - three to five lesions, 3 - more thanfive lesions, and 4 - stalk infection). In both cases,disease intensity/severity has been calculated basedon the formula given in section 3.1.

Results indicated that the disease intensitycalculated as per 0-4 and 0-9 scale are comparable (Table1). Since 0-4 scale is user friendly, this can also befollowed for blister assessment.

3.1.1. Evaluation of Propineb (PAT/ 245 (BB) 05-AN)

Propineb (Antracol 70 WP), a protectant fungicidebelonging to di-thiocarbamate group, was evaluatedagainst blister and grey blight diseases. Propineb wastested individually as well as in combination with triazolefungicides. Copper oxychloride (Blitox) in combinationwith hexaconazole (Contaf) was kept as standard.Experiments were conducted in a fourth year field frompruning. There were seven treatments and replicatedthree times; each replicate comprised six rows of ninebushes (54 bushes). The experiment was initiated inJune and continued up to December.

Straight application of Propineb was ineffective incontrolling blister blight at all test doses. Propineb incombination with triazole fungicides like hexaconazole(Contaf) and tebuconazole (Folicur) providedsatisfactory control (Table 2). Propineb (500 g/ha) +Contaf (200 ml/ha) and Propineb (250 g/ha) + Folicur(200 ml/ha) were found to be the ideal treatments incontrolling blister blight.

Assessment of grey blight incidence in theexperimental block indicated that Propineb alone as wellas in combination with triazoles were effective in

Table 1. Comparision of blister assessment withconventional and present scales

Mean Mean disease severity (% )Treatment disease Scale

incidence (%) 0-9 0 -4

Strain A 60.7 19.1 22.8Strain B 73.3 26.6 30.8Consotrium 68.7 23.4 26.6COC + Contaf 38.1 9.7 13.6Control 85.4 34.0 35.4

Table 2. Evaluation of Antracol (Propineb70WP) againstblister blight in tea under plucking

Treatment & Per cent infectionDosage/ha Cumulative data (4)*

Antracol 70WP 500 g 54.5Antracol 70WP 1000 g 61.9Antracol 70WP 1500 g 53.4Antracol 70WP 250 g + Contaf 5E 200 ml 40.1Antracol 70WP 500 g + Contaf 5E 200 ml 30.5Antracol 70WP 500 g + Folicur 150 ml 28.1Antracol 70WP 500 g + Folicur 200 ml 30.3Antracol 70WP 250 g + Folicur 200 ml 25.0**Blitox 50WP 210 g + Contaf 5E 200 ml 25.9Untreated control 74.1C.D. at P = 0.05: 5.0

* No. of assessments made for the period; **Standardtreatment for comparison

controlling the disease. Propineb at the rate of 1500 g/ha provided significant control (69% protection)of thedisease (Table 3). Propineb (500 g) + Folicur (200 ml)and Propineb (250 g) + Contaf (200 ml) also providedexcellent control against grey blight.

3.1.2. Evaluation of RIL-009/C-1 WP against blisterblight (PAT/246 (BB)/05-AN)

Table 3. Effect of Antracol (Propineb70WP) on Greyblight in tea under plucking

Treatment & Per cent infectionDosage/ha Cumulative data

Antracol 70WP 500 g 19.9Antracol 70WP 1000 g 21.0Antracol 70WP 1500 g 18.3Antracol 70WP 250 g + Contaf 5E 200 ml 21.7Antracol 70WP 500 g + Contaf 5E 200 ml 23.7Antracol 70WP 500 g + Folicur 150 ml 27.1Antracol 70WP 500 g + Folicur 200 ml 21.0Antracol 70WP 250 g + Folicur 200 ml 25.1*Blitox 50WP 210 g + Contaf 5E 200 ml 39.2Untreated control 58.6C.D. at P = 0.05: 4.4

* No. of assessments made for the period; **Standardtreatment for comparison

32

A wettable powder formulation coded as RIL-009/C-1 was evaluated for its efficacy in controlling blisterblight disease. Field experiment was conducted in aseedling tea field pruned in April 2004. There wereseven treatments with three replications. Each plothad seven rows of seven bushes. The product wastested at different doses and the comparison wasmade with the standard treatment (COC +hexaconazole as well as COC/hexaconazole).Experiment was initiated with the onset of monsoon(June) and continued till the end of the season(December).

Results indicated that RIL-009/C-1was significantlyinferior to the standard treatment (Table 4). However,at 200 g/ha concentration the control achieved wassatisfactory.

3.1.3. Evaluation of copper hydroxide formulations(PAT/247 (BB) 05-AN)

served as standard. Another copper hydroxideformulation (Kocide 101) was also used for comparison.The experiment was started in June, continued up toDecember.

Results revealed that copper hydroxide 57 DP wassignificantly superior to copper hydroxide 77 WP(Table 5). Straight application of both the formulationswas found ineffective against blister controlmeasurements. But efficacy of both the formulationsat the rate of 200 g/ha in combination withhexaconazole (200 ml) was comparable to that of thestandard treatment. Kocide 101 was however, inferiorto both the formulations and the standard.

Results were comparable to the data obtained fromthe experiments conducted in Munnar and Gudalur,which are presented in the respective regional centrereports of this volume.

Table 4. Evaluation of RIL-009/C-1 50WP againstblister blight in tea under plucking

Treatment & Per cent infectionDosage/ha Cumulative data (6)*

RIL-009/C1 50WP (100 g) 44.4RIL-009/C1 50WP (150 g) 40.1RIL-009/C1 50WP (200 g) 34.0Blitox 50WP (420 g) 34.8Contaf 5E (200 ml) 30.5**Blitox 50WP+ Contaf 5E (210 g + 200 ml) 21.7Untreated control 62.7

* No. of assessments made for the period; **Standardtreatment for comparison

Two formulations of copper hydroxide (wettablepowder containing 77% copper (77% WP) and dry prilIcontaining 57% copper (57 DP) were evaluated in a fieldexperiment to find out their efficacy in controlling blisterblight disease. Experiment was conducted seedling teawhich was in its third year from pruning. There werefourteen treatments, each replicated three times.Experimental plot contained seven rows, each of ninebushes. Fungicides were applied alone and incombination with hexaconazole at seven days interval.During wet weather 0.05% of Indtron AE wasincorporated in all the treatments. Copper oxychloride(Blitox) in combination with hexaconazole (Contaf)

Table 5. Evaluation of copper hydroxide (57DP) andcopper hydroxide (77WP) against blister blight in teaunder plucking

Treatment & Per cent infectionDosage/ha Cumulative data (6)*

Copper hydroxide (57DP) 100 g 47.1Copper hydroxide (57DP) 150 g 45.7Copper hydroxide (57DP) 200 g 39.9Copper hydroxide (57DP) 100 g +

Contaf 5E 200 ml 37.1Copper hydroxide (57DP) 150 g +

Contaf 5E 200 ml 37.4Copper hydroxide (57DP) 200 g +

Contaf 5E 200 ml 26.2Copper hydroxide (77WP) 100 g 50.6Copper hydroxide (77WP) 150 g 47.6Copper hydroxide (77WP) 200 g 45.7Copper hydroxide (77WP) 100 g +

Contaf 5E 200 ml 43.7Copper hydroxide (77WP) 150 g +

Contaf 5E 200 ml 39.1Copper hydroxide (77WP) 200 g +

Contaf 5E 200 ml 30.9**Blitox 50WP+ Contaf 5E (210 g + 200 ml) 24.6Kocide 101 200 g + Contaf 5E 200 ml 33.8Untreated control 62.4C.D. at P = 0.05: 2.7

* No. of assessments made for the period; **Standardtreatment for comparison

33

3.1.4. Evaluation of Exxsol D 130 (Green Field) (PAT/248 (BB) 05-AN)

Field experiment was conducted an seedling tea (3rdyear from pruning) to evaluate the efficacy of Exxsol D130 in controlling blister blight disease as a fungicide oras a spray adjuvant. Exxsol D 130 is an emulsifiedformulation of paraffinic oil. The product has been testedalone as well as in combination with copper oxychlorideand/or Contaf. There were ten treatments with threereplicates. Experimental plot consisted of six rows eachof six bushes. The experiment was conducted from Juneto December.

Straight application of Exxsol D 130 was foundineffective, at all test doses. However, satisfactoryprotection could be achieved when it was sprayed alongwith COC. Addition of this oil improved the performanceof hexaconazole schedule (Table 6). In both cases, theefficacy was comparable to that of the treatments whereIndtron AE was used as the adjuvant. Disease incidencein plots treated with 420 g of COC along with Indtron AEwas comparable with 300 g of COC sprayed along withExxsol D 130. Further, when Exxsol was incorporated with

straight COC (420 g/ha), the spray interval could beextended to 7 days from 5 days. From the results it can beconcluded that Exxsol has no fungicidal properties butcan be used as an adjuvant. It is also clear that Exxsol D130 can improve the efficacy of COC. Hence, Exxsol D130 can play a positive role in organic tea.

3.1.5. Effect of harvesting methods on blister blightincidence (PAT/249 (BB) 05-AN)

Impact of various harvesting methods on blisterblight incidence has been studied in a field experiment.Normal plucking, hard plucking and hard shearing wereadopted with and without fungicide application. Theexperimental block was in the fourth year from pruning.There were six treatments with four replicates. Each plothad 36 bushes, in six rows each with six bushes. Theexperiment was conducted from June to December.

Disease incidence was highest in the plots wherenormal plucking was carried out and left withoutfungicide application. Unsprayed plants where hardplucking or hard shearing was adopted, diseaseincidence and it was comparatively low. On the otherhand, the plots which received fungicide treatment haduniform degree control irrespective of the type ofharvesting method (Table 7). Three rounds of fungicideapplications could be reduced in plots under hardplucking/shearing.

It was further revealed that the crop harvested duringthe period was higher in treated plots compared to thecorresponding control plots. Maximum crop washarvested in hand plucked plots followed by shearharvested and hard plucked plots (Table 7). The numberof plucking rounds were 12 in hand plucked plots, whilethete were only seven rounds of plucking in the othertwo treatments. The experiment is continuing.

3.2. Grey blight3.2.1. Screening of phylloplane bacteria againstPestalotiopsis theae (PAT/250(GB)/05-AN)

Bacterial strains isolated from tea phylloplane werescreened against the grey blight pathogenPestalotiopsis theae to find out their potential insuppressing its growth. Six strains which were foundas efficient antagonists to P. theae were tested for theirefficacy in inhibiting in vitro germination of spores ofthe pathogen as well as in controlling grey blight ingreenhouse grown plants.Culture filtrate of all the

Table 6. Evaluation of Exxsol D130 (Green Field)against blister blight in tea under plucking

Treatment & SprayDosage/ha interval Infection (%)*

(days)

Exxsol D130 (1000 ml) 5 46.4Exxsol D130 (1500 ml) 5 44.3Exxsol D130 (2000 ml) 5 42.6Blitox 50 WP (420 g) +

TAE 0.05% 5 38.7Blitox 50 WP (300 g) +

Exxsol D130 (500 ml) 5 38.9Blitox 50 WP (420 g) +

Exxsol D130 (500 ml) 7 35.2Blitox 50WP (210 g) + Contaf

(200 ml) + Exxsol (500 ml) 5 20.6Blitox 50WP (210 g) + Contaf

(200 ml) + Exxsol (500 ml) 7 23.1**Blitox (210 g ) + Contaf

(200 ml) +T.AE 0.05% 7 24.7Untreated control - 60.8C.D. at P = 0.05: 2.6

* Cumulative data for seven No. of assessments made for theperiod; **Standard treatment for comparison

34

strains were able to inhibit the germination of P. theaeto varying degrees (Table 8). Inhibitory effect washighest with the isolate, WPB 104 followed by APB 78.Green house experiment revealed that APB 78 and WPB104 were good biocontrol agents for controlling thedisease (Table 9).

3.3. Biofertilizers3.3.1. Standardization of application of biofertilizers(PAT/195(BF)/01-AN)

Objective of this experiment was to standardize themethod of application of biofertilizers (placement andbroadcasting). Details of the experiment were given inthe Annual Report for the year 2001 (p. 41). Datapresented in Table 10 indicated that there was nosignificant difference among treatments. However, inall cases placement had an edge over broadcasting.

3.3.2 Experiment on the response of various tea clonesto microbial inoculants (PAT/196(BF)/01-AN)

Table 7. Impact of harvesting methods on blister blight incidence

Treatment Spraying Disease Plucking Yield (made tearounds (No.) incidence (%) rounds (No.) kg/ha)*

Normal plucking with fungicide application 18 26.5 (54.2) 12 1234Normal plucking without fungicide application NIL 57.8 (NA) 12 945Hard plucking with fungicide application 15 24.5 (50.8) 7 1138Hard plucking without fungicide application NIL 49.8 (NA) 7 803Shear harvesting with fungicide application 15 24.0 (52.3) 7 1181Shear harvesting without fungicide application NIL 50.3 (NA) 7 825

* yield recorded for five months; values in parentheses indicate per cent protection

Table 8. Effect of culture filtrte on the sporegermination of Pestolotiopsis after 24 hours

Strain Sporegermination (%)

APB 78 14.6CPB 77 17.3MPB 138 18.1WPB 104 12.2WPB 109 17.8NLB 12 16.5BS 17.0PF 19.8Control (Glucose solution) 26.3

Table 9. Potential of selected bacteria on the control ofPestalotiopsis on nursery plants

Strain Sporegermination (%)

APB 78 17.0CPB 77 40.7MPB 138 41.7WPB 104 18.9WPB 109 40.7NLB 12 30.5BS 45.0PF 45.5Standard (mancozeb) 10.0Untreated control 50.0

Table 10. Standardization of method of application ofbiofertilizers

Treatment Made tea (kg/ha)

N100 + P100 + K100 1922N100 + P50 + K100 + PSB (Placement) 1981N100 + P50 + K100 + PSB (Broadcasting) 1971N60 + P100 + K100 + Azos. (Placement) 2044N60 + P100 + K100 + Azos. (Broadcasting) 1933N60 + P50 + K100 + Azos.+ PSB (Placement) 2100N60 + P50 + K100 + Azos.+ PSB (Broadcasting) 2005C.D. at P = 0.05: 294

Azos. : Azospirillum; PSB: phospho bacteria

35

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for the year 2001 (p. 41). Data obtained duringthe period under report revealed that the yield werecontinued to be higher in biofertilizers treated plotscompared to the conventional treatment and most ofthe clones exhibited the same trend (Table 11). Amongthe clones, UPASI-11, UPASI- 22, UPASI- 7 and UPASI-12 recorded higher yield.

3.4. Microbiology3.4.1 Effect of VAM formulations on the growth of teaseedlings (PAT/251 (MB)05-AN)

Two commercial formulations of VAM (Josh andRhizagold) have been evaluated under green houseconditions to study their influence on the growthof tea seedlings. Two doses of the formulations viz.,Josh 2 and 4 capsules, Rhizagold 5 and 10 g per

Table 11. Response of various clones to biofertilisers

Clone Yield, made tea kg per haConventional Biofertilisers treated

UPASI-1 3100 2757 (-11.1)UPASI-2 3277 3555 (+8.5)UPASI-3 3588 3571 (-0.5)UPASI-7 2414 2874 (+19.1)UPASI-8 4074 4003 (-1.7)UPASI-9 3542 3837 (+8.3)UPASI-11 1957 2691 (+37.5)UPASI-12 3351 3970 (+18.5)UPASI-13 2816 2874 (+2.1)UPASI-14 3401 3355 (-1.4)UPASI-15 3675 3805 (+3.4)UPASI-17 2753 2558 (-7.0)UPASI-22 3037 3653 (+20.3)

Figures in paranthesis denote % increase/decrease inyield over conventional method

sleeve were applied to test their bioefficacy. BSS 1seedlings were transferred from seed beds to pre-treated sleeves. Biometric parameters like numberof leaves, shoot and root length, fresh and dryweight of plants and root infection by VAM fungiwere monitored after four months. Results obtainedso far indicated that there was no significantincrease in any of the biometric parameters in anyof the treatments compared to that of the control.However, there was a significant increase in the percent root colonization by VAM fungi. Higher dosesof the formulation resulted in higher per centcolonization (Table 12).

3.4.2. Effect of plant growth promoting microorganismson the growth of tea seedlings (PAT/252(MB)/05-AN)

Certain plant growth promoting microorganismswere tested for their growth promoting effect on teaseedlings, under greenhouse conditions. Theseorganisms were tested individually and as aconsortium. Observations on the biometric parametersindicated that there was no significant variation onthe shoot length and number of leaves on the plantsbetween treatments. However, a significant variationwas observed between treatments on root length andnumber of lateral roots (Table 13).

3.4.3. Studies on the tea phylloplane microflora (PAT/253 (MB)/05-AN)

Leaf samples collected from seedling tea and twoclonal tea (UPASI-3 and UPASI-9) were subjected torepeated leaf washing. Leaf washings were plated onselective media for the enumeration of bacteria, fungiand actinomycetes.

Population level of microorganisms graduallyreduced in successive washings. Dominant fungal floraidentified were Cladosporium herbarum and

Table 12. Effect of VAM formulations on the growth of tea seedlings in the nursery

Shoot Root Root No.of Fresh. Dry Dry VAMTreatment height length shoot leaves weight weight matter infection

(cm) (cm) ratio (g) (g) (%) (%)

Josh - 2 Capsules 8.9 21.4 2.4 3.9 3.90 1.22 31.3 18.9Josh - 4 Capsules 8.3 14.5 1.7 3.0 4.49 1.30 28.9 36.7Rhizagold - 5 g 8.4 17.2 2.0 3.3 5.02 1.80 35.9 27.3Rhizagold - 10 g 9.1 17.3 1.9 3.5 4.08 1.30 31.9 35.9Control 10.3 17.8 1.7 3.3 4.09 1.24 30.3 9.4

36

Penicillium spp. Further, these two genera were foundto be resident on tea leaves (Plate 1). Bacterial florabelonged to three different strains. Biochemicalidentification of the bacterial strains is in progress.Actinomycetes were not obtained in the study. Microbialpopulation was more in clones compared to seedlingsand among the clones UPASI-3 registered highernumber on UPASI-9.

3.4.4. Effect of washing on the microbial load in factorymachinery (PAT/254 (MB)/05-AN)

Efficacy of washing on the microbial load onmanufacturing machinery had been studied in twocommercial tea factories. Disinfectants were not usedin Factory 1 while in Factory 2, KMnO4 solution (0.5%)was used to disinfect the machines. In the secondfactory, after the normal washing, KMnO4 solution wassprayed on the machine, left for half an hour and thenwashed thoroughly to remove any residue of KMnO4.Samples were collected from rotorvane, CTC rollers andgooghie/ fermenting drum just before and after washing

Table 13. Effect of plant growth promoting microorganisms on the growth of tea seedlings in the nursery

Shoot Root Root No.of No. of Fresh Dry DryTreatment height length shoot lateral leaves weight weight matter

(cm) (cm) ratio roots (g) (g) (%)

Azospirillum 9.9 22.4 2.3 64.0 3.7 2.67 0.62 23.2B.subtilis 9.9 21.5 2.2 60.2 3.6 2.44 0.57 23.4P. fluorescens 9.1 21.4 2.4 55.6 3.4 2.28 0.59 25.9S. marcescens 9.3 22.6 2.4 60.9 3.2 2.24 0.51 22.8T. harzianum 9.2 22.9 2.5 53.8 3.5 2.12 0.49 23.1Consortium 9.7 21.7 2.2 51.5 3.6 2.26 0.58 25.7Control 10.0 20.3 2.0 50.9 3.8 2.15 0.50 23.3

Table 14. Effect of normal washing on microbial loadon tea factory machinery (Factory 1)

Machinery cfu/cm2 (X 104)

Rotorvane (before washing) 6.4Rotorvane (after thorough wash) 2.6CTC roller (before washing) 7.0CTC roller (after thorough wash) 2.2Googhie (before washing) 30.6Googhie (after thorough wash) 4.8

cfu: colony forming unitsTable 15. Microbial load on tea factory machinery atdifferent stages of washing (Factory 2)

Machinery cfu/cm2 (X 104)

CTC roller (before washing) 8.3CTC roller (after thorough wash) 2.8CTC roller (after KMnO4 treatment) 0,7Fermenting drum (before washing) 88.0Fermenting drum (after thorough wash) 4.3Fermenting drum (after KMnO4 treatment) 0.2

by swabbing method. Results are presented in Table 14and 15.

From the results it was evident that the fermenting areawas the most vulnerable place for development ofmicroorganisms. Though normal washing could bring downthe microbial load on the machinery, the reduction was notupto the desired level. On the other hand, KMnO4,broughtdown the microbial population significantly.

3.4.5. Effect of some disinfectants on the microbial buildup on tea factory machinery (PAT/255 (MB)05-AN)

Plate 1. Dominant fungi isolated from tea phylloplane

A. Cladosporium sp. b1- Colonies on PDA; b2-Conidiophore with conidia; B. Penicillium sp. c1-Colonies on PDA; c2-Conidiophore with conidia

BA

37

Effect of certain disinfectants on microbialdevelopment on factory machinery has been studied inthe miniature manufacturing unit. Coded product (S1)was evaluated in comparison with KMnO4. The resultis presented in Table 16.

Table 17. Morphological characteristics of E. vexansspores collected from various agroclimatic zones

Place of collection Spore size (µm)

Highwavys 12.9 x 4.1Venniar 14.5 x 4.8Vandiperiyar 15.0 x 4.4Manjushree 15.2 x 4.8Attikunna 14.7 x 4.5Wayanad 15.1 x 4.2Wayanad 15.0 x 4.5Pullivasal 16.1 x 4.7Western zone 14.8 x 4.0High elevation 14.4 x 4.2Eastern zone 14.3 x 4.2Vellonie 14.7 x 4.4Malakiparai 16.1 x 4.9Highforest 15.3 x 4.7Pannimade 14.8 x 4.3UPASI Farm 14.5 x 4.1UPASI Farm 13.2 x 3.7

4. X Plan project4.1. Morphological characteristics of Exobasidiumvexans spores (PAT/256 (BB)05-AN)

Basidiospores of E. vexans collected from various agroclimatic zones of southern India were subjected to morphologicalcharacterisation. At least hundred spores were measured fromten randomly selected microscopic fields with the help of anoccular micrometer fitted to the eye piece.

Results revealed that wide variation existedbetween the isolates in their size. There was novariation in their colour and shape. Spores werehyaline, elliptical, single celled while immature andbecame two celled on maturity. All were smooth walled,the only exception was BB 8 where the spore wall hadornamentation. Most of the spores (eight) were of 14.5x 4.4 mm size. Two (BB 1 & and BB 17) werecomparatively smaller in size (12.9 x 4.1mm & 13.2 x 3.7mm, respectively) where as, two others (BB 8 & BB 13)were larger in size (16.1 x 4.7 mm & 16.1 x 4.9 mm,respectively). The rest (BB 3, BB 4, BB 6, BB 7 and BB14) were intermediate (15.1 x 4.5 mm) in size (Table 17).The largest one (BB 13) was obtained from Anamallais(Malakiparai), while the smallest one from Highwavys(BB 1). BB 8 obtained from Munnar (Pullivasal) wasalso equally larger in size.

4.2. Effect of cell free culture filtrate on the germinationof basidiospores of Exobasidium vexans (PAT/257(BB)/05-AN)

Studies were conducted on the inhibitory effect of

38

Table 16. Effect of disinfectants on the microbialdevelopment on miniature tea factory machinery

Machinery cfu/cm2 (X 102)

Before washing 17.0After KMnO4 treatment & thorough wash 8.2After rinsing with distilled water 5.4Before washing 15.4After S1treatment & thorough wash 7.8After rinsing with distilled water 3.6Before washing 19.0After thorough wash 16.0After spraying of S1 1.9

cell free culture filtrate of the selected bacterial strainson the germination of Exobasidium vexans spores.Spore germination was observed up to 72 h. Resultsindicated that APB78, CPB77, MPB138, WPB104,WPB109, NLB12 were capable of inhibiting thegermination of Exobasidium vexans spores comparedto other strains (Table 18).

Inhibitory effect of cell free culture filtrate was furthertested with sterilized and non sterilized supernatant.Interestingly, it was found that except for CPB 77,WPB104 and NLB12 the culture filtrate of all other strainslost their inhibitory effect when sterilized. From this it isclear that the inhibitory compounds produced by thesestrains are resistant to heat (Table 19).

4.3. Potential of selected phylloplane bacteria inproducing inhibitory compounds (PAT/258 (BB)/05-AN)

The potential of selected bacterial strains inproducing known inhibitory compounds likeSiderophores and Hydrogen cyanide as well as theGlucanase activity of these strains were tested in vitro.Results indicated that only MPB138 was able to producesiderophores and MPB138 and WPB104 were able toproduce HCN. All the strains under test possessedglucanase activity (Table 20).

Table 18. Inhibitory effect of cell free culture filtrateof selected strains of phylloplane bacteria on sporegermination of E. vexans

Strains pH* Germination (%)after24 h 48 h 72 h

MPB139 8.7 19.1 (13.2) 42.8 (13.5) 61.4 (18.2)APB78 8.7 14.3 (10.9) 19.5 (12.6) 23.2 (12.3)CPB77 8.8 12.3 (10.8) 17.0 (11.9) 20.3 (13.1)CPB126 8.5 22.5 (14.1) 27.4 (15.1) 26.7 (16.0)TRB3 8.8 21.7 (9.3) 24.5 (13.4) 28.8 (21.9)ARB9 8.8 19.2 (10.4) 26.3 (14.2) 29.5 (17.2)MPB94 8.5 21.6 (22.9) 48.3 (24.0) 48.4 (23.8)MPB130 8.9 19.6 (11.5) 20.5 (12.3) 26.4 (14.8)MPB136 8.7 21.8 (21.6) 42.3 (25.7) 44.8 (25.2)MPB138 8.7 9.6 (11.3) 13.5 (17.5) 14.2 (19.5)MPB139 8.7 19.1 (13.2) 42.8 (13.5) 61.4 (18.2)MPB157 8.8 32.7 (16.4) 48.2 (17.0) 47.0 (16.9)WPB5 8.5 13.9 (29.2) 26.2 (31.0) 27.1 (29.2)W102 8.8 14.0 (15.9) 18.0 (18.7) 19.6 (14.8)W104 8.7 6.5 (11.2) 13.3 (12.1) 18.5 (15.6)W109 8.8 7.9 (11.6) 10.4 (13.8) 14.3 (16.1)NLB12 8.8 4.5 (11.3) 9.2 (15.7) 13.1 (18.4)NLB17 8.9 28.1 (17.6) 35.6 (18.5) 39.0 (22.2)NLB20 8.8 20.1 (9.6) 25.3 (11.2) 42.2 (26.2)KPB24 8.1 42.1 (11.5) 43.3 (12.8) 45.5 (17.6)KPB81 8.8 12.5 (9.6) 14.6 (10.3) 18.1 (11.5)BS 8.7 - (0) - (0) - (0)Dist.water 7.5 42.3 (24.2) 48.0 (28.1) 56.2 (32.6)

*pH of 3 day old culture; Initial pH value = 7.0; Valuesin parenthesis indicate germ tube length in microns

Table 19. Impact of sterilization of cell free culture filtrate on the inhibitory effect of spore germination ofExobasidium vexans

Non-sterilzed cuture supernatant Sterilzed culture supernatantIsolate code Per cent germination after Per cent germination after

24 h 48 h 72 h 24 h 48 h 72 h

Dist. water - - - 48.0 (31.9) 77.8 (76.5) 83.3 (79.0)APB 78 18.1 (7.6) 22.0 (8.0) 25.0 (8.9) 38.6 (9.0) 46.9 (9.9) 51.0 (11.7)CPB 77 13.0 (12.0) 18.8 (12.5) 19.6 (13.4) 1.6 (3.0) 1.9 (3.3) 4.9 (7.8)MPB 138 3.9 (5.4) 5.2 (6.9) 6.0 (7.4) 29.7 (4.6) 31.1 (6.0) 37.5 (8.1)WPB 104 4.1 (3.7) 4.2 (4.9) 5.8 (4.9) 7.5 (6.3) 9.2 (8.8) 9.5 (9.4)WPB 109 1.1 (3.7) 2.0 (4.0) 2.4 (4.1) 14.4 (3.5) 17.4 (4.7) 14.9 (8.4)NLB 12 1.8 (4.1) 2.1 (4.8) 2.2 (5.2) 4.7 (4.2) 11.0 (4.9) 14.9 (8.4)BS - - - 33.4 (9.7) 38.9 (10.0) 51.0 (11.1)

* Values in parenthesis indicate germ tube length in microns.

4.4. Fungicide tolerance of selected phylloplane bacteria(PAT/259 (BB)05-AN)

Tolerance of biocontrol agents to commonly usedfungicides is an essential requirement. Fungicides likehexaconazole, propiconazole, mancozeb andcarbendazim were tested at various dosages to knowthe sensitivity of selected strains against thesefungicides. Results indicated that all the selected strainswere tolerant to the recommended doses of fungicides(Table 21).

4.5. Interaction between selected strains of phylloplanebacteria (PAT/260 (BB)/03-AN)

In order to study whether there is any antagonisticinteraction among the selected strains, they werescreened in dual culture in vitro. Results indicated thatMPB138 was antagonistic to all strains except CPB77.Likewise APB78 and CPB77 were inhibitory to manyother strains (Table 22).

4.6. Survivability of selected bacterial strains on teaphylloplane (PAT/261 (BB)/03-AN)

Enumeration of the phylloplane bacteria was carriedout to know the survivability of introduced organismson tea leaf surface. Samples of third leaf were collectedat various intervals after spraying and the beneficialpopulation enumerated following leaf washing. Resultsindicated that survivability of strain WPB104 was muchhigher than that of other strains. (Table 23)

39

Table 20. Production of selected bacterial strains forproducing inhibitory compounds and glucanase activity

Strain no. Siderophores HCN Glucanaseproduction production activity

APB78 - + +CPB77 - - +MPB138 + + +WPB104 - + +WPB109 - - +NLB12 - - +BS - - +

Table 21. Fungicide tolerance of selected bacterial strains

Strain Propiconazole (ppm) Hexaconazole (ppm) Mancozeb (ppm) Carbendazim (ppm)890 1780* 3560 1330 2660* 5320 1500 3000* 6000 250 500* 1000

APB 78 +++ ++ + ++ ++ + ++ + + ++ ++ ++CPB 77 +++ ++ ++ ++ + + + + - ++ ++ ++MPB 138 +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ ++ + +++ ++ +WPB 104 +++ ++ + +++ ++ + ++ + - ++ ++ ++WPB 109 ++ + + +++ ++ + + + - ++ ++ ++NLB 12 +++ ++ + ++ ++ ++ ++ + - ++ ++ ++BS ++ ++ ++ ++ + - + + - ++ ++ ++

*Recommended dosageTable 22. Antagonism among selected strains ofphylloplane bacteria

A78 C77 M138 W104 W109 NLB12 BS

APB78 - - + + + +CPB77 + + - - + -MPB138 + - + + + +WPB104 + - + - - -WPB109 + + + - - -NLB12 + + + - - -BS + - + - - - -

4.7. Biocontrol potential of selected bacterial strains(PAT/ 243 (BB)/04-AN)

Selected bacterial strains were tested for theirbiocontrol potential under greenhouse and fieldconditions. In addition to the formulations ofindividual cultures, a consortium of three cultures(WPB 104, WPB 109 and NLB 12) was alsoevaluated. Under green house, BSS-1 seedlingswere used as the experimental material while fieldexperiments were conducted in a seedling blockas well as in a clonal block (UPASI-9). In both thecases the p lo t s had 20 bushes . Disease

Table 23. Survivability of selected bacterial strains on tea phylloplane

Strains 0 day 2nd Day 4th Day 6th Day

APB 783.8 x 106 4.1 x 105 2.8 x 105 1.7 x 105

CPB77 3.2 x 106 6.0 x 105 3.8 x 105 2.3 x 105

MPB138 1.5 x 106 4.3 x 105 3.0 x 105 2.8 x 105

WPB104 4.0 x 106 1.0 x 105 15.5 x 105 6.3 x 105

WPB109 1.0 x 106 1.0 x 105 1.5 x 105 1.4 x 105

NLB12 3.2 x 106 1.2 x 105 4.5 x 105 3.2 x 105

BS 1.9 x 106 8.5 x 105 4.1 x 105 2.5 x 105

Consortium 2.9 x 106 6.4 x 105 3.5 x 105 2.3 x 105

Control 0.8 x 106 1.0 x 105 0.9 x 105 1.0 x 105

assessment was made on individual leaves ingreen house experiment and on harvested shootsin field experiments. In both the cases diseaseintensity was calculated based on the formulagiven earlier in this section.

Under green house conditions MPB 138, WPB104, WPB 109, NLB 12 and consortium providedsatisfactory control (Table 24). Field evaluationof the selected strains showed that WPB 104 isthe most potential strain followed by WPB 109.

40

Consortium also provided significant control ofthe disease (Table 25). Trend remained the sameboth in seedlings and clonal tea populations.

Table 24. Efficacy of biocontrol agents in the nurseryexperiment BSS-1 seedlings

Treatment Mean disease Mean diseaseincidence (%) severity (%)

APB 78 3.03 0.52CPB 77 2.71 0.51MPB 138 3.56 0.45WPB 104 3.17 0.17WPB 109 4.48 0.65NLB 12 3.42 0.38BS 7.24 0.98Consortium 2.54 0.27COC + Contaf 0.0 0.02COC alone 0.63 0.08Control 10.64 1.11

Table 25. Biocontrol potential of selected bacteria incontrolling blister blight disease under field conditions

Treatment Disease severity (%)Seedling UPASI-9

APB 78 37.95 (15.99)* 20.92 (27.62)CPB 77 35.72 (20.23) 24.33 (22.32)MPB 138 36.55 (18.69) 20.41 (31.70)WPB 104 30.29 (38.66) 16.10 (45.29)WPB 109 36.34 (19.81) 20.15 (33.80)NLB 12 36.56 (18.70) 23.16 (21.72)BS 36.53 (18.78) 22.87 (21.47)Consortium 34.01 (24.56) 19.65 (34.99)COC + Contaf 17.99 (71.96) 9.72 (67.81)Control 43.45 (-) 33.11 (-)

* Values in parenthesis indicate per cent protection

R. PremkumarSr. Plant Pathologist &

U.I. BabyPlant Pathologist

41

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

1. VISITSSenior Plant Physiologist and his colleagues visited

tea gardens of M/s. Parry Agro Industries Limited inthe Anamallais in connection with field experiments.

2. RESEARCH2.1. Plant growth regulators : Evaluation of Chitosan(Unnati) for crop productivity (PHY/148(PGR)/05-AN)

A statistically designed field experiment was carriedout to evaluate Unnati (Chitosan : poly-D-glucosamine),a plant growth enhancer supplied by M/s. GUFICBiosciences Limited, Mumbai for its bioefficacy on cropproduction. For this purpose, "Assam" cultivar, UPASI-3 was selected. Each experimental plot consisted of 20bushes and replicated four times. Treatments includedUnnati 150 and 300 ml/ha (foliar application), soildrenching of Unnati at 150 ml/ha, soil and foliarapplication of Unnati at 150 ml/ha whereas stanardsincluded are Biozyme 200 ml/ha, Phytonol 80 ml/habesides untreated control. Spraying was done with handoperated knapsack sprayers using a spray volume of200 l/ha. During the study period four sprays were givencoinciding with the crop periods (April, May, Septemberand October). Yield and yield attributes were monitoredperiodically while physiological and biochemicalparameters were measured 10 days after PGR application.

Significant yield improvement was evident inresponse to foliar application of Unnati in comparisonto the untreated control (Table 1). There was a marginalreduction in the banji content in the harvest whencompared to other treatments. Foliar applicationenhanced the physiological attributes (Table 2) of teabushes which has been reflected on yield and yieldattributes. Biochemical analysis revealed that anincrease in the contents of polyphenols, catechins andamino acids. Quality parameters had also improved inresponse to the foliar application of Unnati. Organolepticevaluation by professional tasters' confirmed the same(Table 3). Laboratory experiments revealed that Unnatiwas compatibile with the commonly used agro

chemicals. However, it is recommended that Unnati isnot combined with any other agro chemicals to retainits bioefficacy. There was no additional benefit by soildrenching with Unnati.

2.2. Basic studies2.2.1. Irradiation of made tea by gamma rays (PHY/147(BS)/04-AN)

Details of the experiment were presented in theAnnual Report for 2004 (p.42). Experiment on gammairradiation of CTC and orthodox black teas at the dosageof 7.0 & 10.0 kGy and stored for a period of twelvemonths revealed that the quality parameters of theirradiated samples remained stable. Untreated sampleswhen stored for one year resulted in 25 to 40% reductionin quality constituents. There was no colony formingunits (CFU) in the irradiated teas while in the untreatedCTC samples it was 5 x 103/g CFU and in orthodox tea,it was 4 x 102/g. No significant reduction in qualityconstituents such as theaflavins, thearubigins,highpolymerised substances, total liquor colour,caffeine, colour and briskness indicies were noticed inirradiated samples up to one year (Table 4). Volatileflavour constituents also showed stability up to oneyear.

Table 1. Effect of foliar and soil applications of Unnation crop productivity

Treatment Made tea yield kg/ha

T1 Untreated control 2709T2 Biozyme 200 ml/ha 2948T3 Phytonol 80 ml/ha 2940T4 Unnati (150 ml/ha) Foliar (F) 2951T5 Unnati (300 ml/ha) Foliar (F) 2965T6 Unnati (150 ml/ha soil drenching (S) 2700T7 Unnati 150 ml/ha) (F) + (S) 2903

C.D. at P = 0.05: 202C.V. (%) 7.2

42

Table 2. Effect of Unnati on certain physiological and biochemical constituents of green leaves

Parameters T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7

Physiological parametersPhotosynthesis (µmole CO2/m

2/s) 6.85 8.63 8.43 8.48 8.75 8.55 8.34Stomatal conductance (cm/s) 0.81 0.87 0.86 0.87 0.86 0.88 0.86Diffusion resistance (s/cm) 1.24 1.15 1.16 1.15 1.16 1.14 1.16Water use effeciency 1.79 1.93 1.94 1.83 1.91 1.83 1.84Partitioning of assimilates (% C-14 translocated) 15.7 19.2 20.4 19.5 20.1 17.6 19.8Chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) 0.732 0.802 0.785 0.808 0.789 0.798 0.789

Biochemical attributesPolyphenols (%) 24.93 26.85 26.67 26.43 27.53 25.25 26.38Catechins (%) 15.68 16.76 16.16 16.42 16.85 15.77 16.35Aminoacids %) 2.89 2.87 2.66 2.77 2.83 2.67 2.88Total chlorophyll (%) 2.89 3.05 3.64 3.51 3.61 3.52 3.50

For treatment details refer Table No.1.

Table 3. Effect of Unnati on certain quality constituents of made tea

Parameters T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7

Theaflavins (%) 0.91 0.96 0.94 0.92 0.98 0.91 0.93Thearubigins (%) 9.23 9.88 9.73 9.41 10.39 9.24 9.44High polymerised substances (%) 7.58 7.86 7.68 7.59 8.06 7.61 7.63Total liquor colour 3.16 3.54 3.44 3.22 3.69 3.21 3.27Water extract (%) 32.67 36.24 35.21 33.54 38.17 33.25 33.74Tasters’ score

Infusion 5.75 3.25 3.00 5.50 4.75 5.00 5.50Colour 7.50 5.25 3.25 5.00 4.25 3.50 5.00Strength 6.75 5.00 3.25 5.50 4.75 4.25 4.50Briskness 6.00 5.50 3.75 5.25 4.25 4.50 4.25Total score* 26.00 19.00 13.25 21.25 18.00 17.25 19.25

For treatment details refer Table No.1. *Lower the value higher the preference.

2.2.2. Drought related parameters of TRF-1 (PHY/146a (BS)/05-AN)

In connection with drought related parameters, newlyreleased TRF-1 was tested for its characteristic featuresand compared with parental types. Tea leaves of TRF-1were subjected to drought related enzymes likepolyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and proline. It wasnoticed that TRF-1 recorded higher values for drought

related enzymes when compared to other known clones(Table 5).

2.2.3. Root carbohydrates in relation to rejuvenationpruning (PHY/135 (BS)/01-AN)

Details of the experiment were presented in theAnnual Report for 2001 (p.48). Productivity index andyield potential of the rejuvenated tea bushes will be

43

photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were highlycorrelated with time taken for discolouration. Tea plantsgrown under shade took more time for discolourationof paper disc. The experiment has been concluded.

2.3. Tissue culture and biotechnology2.3.1 Field performance of tissue culture plants (PHY/120 (TC)/97-AN)

Perfomance of micropropagated tea plants underfield conditions are presented in the report of the Sr.Adviviory Officer of Vandiperiyar. Micropropagatedplants exhibited identical trend in yield, yield potential,physiological and biochemical attributes whencompared to vegetatively propagated nursery plants.The experiment will be concluded after formativepruning of these plants.

2.3.2. Biological hardening (PHY/149 (TC)/05)

Biological hardening of the in vitro derivedplantlets was attempted with three microorganism viz.,phosphobacteria, Azospirillum and Trichoderma spp.All the microbes showed a beneficial role in theacclimatisation of tissue culture plants. Among themicrobes tested, Trichoderma effected a significantimprovement in terms of growth and development ofroots when applied individually and in combinationwith phosphobacteria. The experiment is in progress.

2.3.3. Protocol for plant regenreation (PHY/122a (TC)/97-AN)

Efforts were made to develop a protocol forplant regeneration from leaf explants (UPASI-4 ,UPASI-7 and TES-34) for genetic transformationin tea. For this purpose, leaf explants of blisterbl ight suscept ible c lones were cul tured onMurashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified withdifferent plant growth regulators (NAA, IAA, 2,4-D and BAP). As the explants used were from fieldgrown p lan t s , t he re was h igh r a t e o fcontamination (bacteria and fungi) in culture.However, contamination free cultures could beobtained from some of the treatments and callushas been induced in the same. Among thedifferent growth regulators, callus had formedonly with IAA + 2,4-D, IAA + NAA and NAA +BAP combinations and higher rate of callusingwas noticed on IAA + 2,4-D combination. Calluswas subcu l tu red on the same med ium

Table 4. Effect of gamma irradiation on qualityparameters of made tea

Quality parametersPeriod TF TR HPS TLC WE

CTC0 day* 0.98 10.39 8.06 3.69 40.12Control 12 month* 0.76 6.78 4.51 2.89 36.917 kGy treated* 0.88 8.57 7.03 3.3 38.4510 kGy treated* 0.91 9.02 7.03 3.3 38.36Orthodox0 day* 0.67 8.3 6.07 3.14 40.15Control 12 month* 0.42 6.34 3.98 2.18 38.017 kGy treated* 0.66 7.92 5.87 2.53 38.7410 kGy treated* 0.6 7.59 6.02 2.53 39.01

TF: theaflavins; TR: thearubigins; HPS: high polymerisedsubstances; TLC: total liquor colour;; WE: water extract; *0day: samples analysed immediately after manufacture; control12 months : untreated control; treated: 12 months aftertreatment with gamma irradiation

Table 5. Drought related parameters of TRF-1 andparental types

Clone PPO* PO* Proline**

TRF-1 0.121 0.248 0.928UPASI-10 0.158 0.279 0.880TRI-2025 0.052 0.131 0.852UPASI-1 0.245 0.274 0.779UPASI-3 0.142 0.166 0.741UPASI-17 0.115 0.189 0.693

PPO: polyphenol oxidase; PO: peroxidase; *: change inabsorbance/min/g fr. wt.; **µ mole/g fr. wt.

presented at the end of pruning cycle. The experimentis being continued.

2.2.4. Cobalt chloride test for drought effect (PHY/143 (BS)/03-AN)

Details of the experiment were presented in theAnnual Report for 2003 (p.62). Increase in soil moisturedeficit increased the time taken for discolouration ofcobalt chloride paper disc. Clones and age of the bushafter pruning showed variations in the time taken fordiscolouration. Study confirmed the earlier resultsobtained from the Anamalais and the Regional centre,Koppa. Physiological parameters such as

44

Table 7. Biochemical parameters of somaclonal plantswith particular reference to catechin fractions

Relative distribution of catechins & caffeine (%)Plant EGC +Cat EC EGCG ECG Caf.

SE1 0.47 0.80 1.54 10.24 0.58 2.30SE2 0.40 0.68 1.30 13.28 0.49 2.37SE3 0.41 0.70 1.07 12.69 0.51 3.37SE4 0.52 1.52 2.26 12.56 0.44 4.76SE5 0.22 0.81 1.56 12.29 0.61 3.19SE6 0.43 0.98 1.40 11.89 0.69 2.90SE7 0.38 0.78 1.07 11.11 0.65 2.34SE8 0.59 1.17 1.43 12.18 0.97 4.98SE9 0.42 0.56 1.23 10.28 0.57 3.37SE10 0.38 0.80 1.42 11.97 0.73 4.79SE11 0.77 0.85 1.35 10.32 0.46 2.79SE12 0.49 0.64 1.36 9.64 0.30 2.45SE13 1.33 1.31 1.38 12.69 0.65 3.52SE14 1.30 0.80 1.52 11.96 0.54 3.76SE15 0.72 0.93 1.41 9.56 0.37 2.85

S.E. 0.18 0.15 0.43 0.77 0.18 0.65C.D. 0.36 0.31 0.89 1.57 0.36 1.33

EGC: epi gallo catechin; +Cat: simple catechin; EC:epicatechin; EGCG: epi gallo catechin gallate; ECG:epicatechin gallate; Caf.: caffeine

Table 6. Physiological parameters of somaclonal plants

Somaclone Pn Gs r WUE MSI RI

SE 1 7.20 0.33 3.03 1.12 59.8 38.2SE 2 7.01 0.31 3.23 1.18 68.6 31.3SE 3 7.08 0.32 3.17 1.38 68.7 30.3SE 4 6.71 0.29 3.50 1.20 58.9 40.1SE 5 6.54 0.28 3.54 1.16 61.9 37.6SE 6 5.70 0.24 4.17 1.35 71.1 27.9SE 7 6.37 0.28 3.57 1.40 69.7 29.1SE 8 6.03 0.26 3.86 1.39 72.3 27.7SE 9 6.71 0.29 3.45 1.37 65.7 33.4SE 10 6.92 0.31 3.26 1.34 72.3 26.5SE 11 8.59 0.40 2.50 1.14 55.5 43.8SE 12 8.52 0.39 2.57 1.13 62.3 37.4SE 13 7.26 0.34 2.98 1.21 64.3 35.2SE 14 7.57 0.35 2.83 1.16 62.1 37.9SE 15 7.82 0.37 2.70 1.20 57.9 39.8

S.E. 0.68 0.01 0.04 0.10 1.64 1.66C.D. P=0.05: 1.39 0.03 0.08 0.20 3.35 3.40

Pn: photosyntetic rate (µmole CO2 sassimilated/m2/s); Gs:stomatal conductance (cm/s); r: diffusion resistance (s/cm);WUE: water use efficiency, a ratio between Pn andevaporation rate; MSI: membrane stability index (%); RI:relative injury (%).

leaf constituents and quality profile of made teaexhibited wide variation. Centre point radar graphanalysis of quality constituents also grouped theseplants into three clusters (Fig. 1). Variants SE-2 andSE-13 segregated distinctly representing their black teacharacters. When considering both quality andproductivity indices, SE-3 and SE-7 fell under moderatecategory and these two variants may be subjected tofurther quality tests for commercial exploitation.

Fig. 1. Characterization of somaclonal variants basedon (a) productive and (b) quality indices

composition for further growth and development.Shoot induction from the callus and genetictransformation studies are in progress.

2.3.4. Metabolite profiling of somaclonal plants (PHY/122b (TC)/05-AN)

Field grown somaclonal variants were subjected tophysiological and biochemical characterization foridentifying high productivity and high qualityaccessions. Physiological parameters such asphotosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs),diffusion resistance (r), water use efficiency (WUE),membrane stability index (MSI) and relative injury (RI)were monitored (Table 6) while certain biochemicalconstituents like polyphenols catechins, amino acids,total chlorophylls and proline were also documentedfor characterization. Wide variation in the catechinfraction content was noticed among the variants (Table7). Class interval analysis based on physiologicalparameters grouped these plants into three clusters.Three variants grouped under good categoryrepresenting higher values of productive index. Green

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2.3.5. Synthetic seeds (PHY/113 (TC)/97-AN)

During the period under report, it has beenestablished that the synthetic seeds cultured in liquidMS medium germinated rapidly than that of agarmedium. It has been noted that the number of syntheticseed germinated after a prolonged period of storagewas very less. The experiment has been concluded.

2.3.6. Isolation of protoplasts (PHY/114a (TC)/97-AN)

Experiment on green fluorescence protein (GFP) wasobserved only in viable protoplasts. Expression of greenflurosence protein gene in protoplasts was detected asearly as 48 h after treatment, but it was increased withlonger incubation periods. Green fluorescence wasclearly visible under UV light in about six per cent ofinfected protoplasts while un-infected ones did notshow any response. Growth of the transformedprotoplasts reached only up to microcalli stage. Furthergrowth was affected due to certain internal/externalfactors.

2.4. Physiological characteristics of clonal teas as keyfor identification of useful traits (PHY/130 (TB)/99-AN) : Field experiment

Experimental details were presented in AnnualReports for 2000 (p.62-63) and 2003 (p.53). Observationson the field performance of selected mother bushes arebeing continued.

2.5. Using functional genomics in plants: Nichepathway engineering in tea (PHY/132 (NMITLI)/01-AN)2.5.1. Biochemical characterization of germplasm(PHY/132a (NMITLI)/01-AN)

About 50 accessions from germplasm including theUPASI released clones and certain estate selectionswere subjected to biochemical characterisation withparticular reference to quantification of polyphenoloxidase (PPO), peroxidase (PO), polyphenols, catechinsand reducing sugars. Wide variation in the biochemicalconstituients was noticed among the cultivars (Table8). The experiment was concluded.

Apart from the above said UPASI clones andselected accessions germplasm characterization interms of catechin fractions was also conducted

during the period under report. For this purpose100 tea accessions selected from the UPASIExperimental Farm were subjected to catechinfraction analysis. Results revealed that higheramount of total catechins were present in theaccessions B-40 and B-65 (20.09 and 20.33%respectively) while B-97 had only 7.98% catechins.Similar trend was noticed in epigallo catechin gallate(EGCG) content in B-65 and B-40 (14.41 and 15.03%respectively).

2.5.2. Factors inluencing extraction of polyphenols(PHY/132b (NMITLI)/01-AN)

A study was conducted to extract higheramount of phenolic compounds from the freshtea l eaves . Var ious f ac to r s invo lved inpurification were studied in detail (Table 9).Methanol, as solvent extracted a good amount ofpolyphenols and refluxing for one hour yieldedhigher amount of polyphenols . Though thequantum of polyphenols extracted using ethylacetate was low when compared to methanol,purity of the extract was comparatively higher.P rocedure deve loped fo r ex t rac t ion o fpo lypheno l s was s t andard i sed and theexperiment was concluded.

2.5.3. Identification of individual catechin moleculesby spectrophotometer (PHY/132c (NMITLI)/01-AN)

A protocol was standardised to quantify theindividual catechin fractions using spectrophotometerand the results were confirmed by HPLC. Individualstandards procured from M/s. Sigma Aldrich ChemicalsPvt. Ltd., Bangalore were used for this purpose.Spectrum scanning was done for individual standardsand for quantifying the catechin components in thesample. Fine tuning of the protocol is in progress.

2.5.4. Electrofocussing for identification of individualcatechin molecules (PHY/132d (NMITLI)/01-AN)

Efforts were made to isolate individual catechincompounds from green tea leaves using the techniqueof electrophoresis. Extracted polyphenols wereseperated on 0.7% agarose gel and visualized at 360nm using transilluminator. Individual molecules wereseparated on the basis of their molecular weight andtheir own individual retention factors. Fragmented

46

Clone PPO PO PP CAT Red.sug

UP-1 0.245 0.274 28.04 17.81 4.68UP-2 0.104 0.275 26.34 16.47 4.86UP-3 0.142 0.166 29.43 19.14 5.06UP-4 0.112 0.275 28.13 17.20 3.88UP-5 0.108 0.302 24.40 12.18 4.89UP-6 0.167 0.187 24.48 12.89 3.74UP-7 0.126 0.290 24.11 14.65 4.43UP-8 0.173 0.227 25.76 15.14 4.58UP-9 0.094 0.333 26.70 16.61 3.72UP-10 0.158 0.279 25.26 15.01 3.66UP-11 0.076 0.272 27.73 17.57 4.56UP-12 0.124 0.427 27.58 17.60 3.59UP-13 0.117 0.473 26.60 17.90 3.45UP-14 0.245 0.259 26.96 15.71 4.28UP-15 0.281 0.288 26.10 16.82 4.41UP-16 0.115 0.243 31.01 21.88 3.26UP-17 0.115 0.189 29.50 23.80 5.24UP-18 0.133 0.131 26.51 16.45 4.96UP-19 0.085 0.200 25.52 15.30 4.49UP-20 0.094 0.202 23.20 13.48 3.89UP-21 0.133 0.142 22.95 12.73 5.19UP-22 0.131 0.135 24.51 14.48 4.25UP-24 0.115 0.131 26.48 15.20 3.86UP-25 0.148 0.270 19.86 12.63 4.82UP-26 0.122 0.175 24.03 16.15 4.37

Clone PPO PO PP CAT Red.sug

UP-27 0.086 0.115 25.51 15.01 3.97BSB-1 0.099 0.148 22.80 16.30 4.53TRF-1 0.121 0.248 23.23 14.10 5.45BSS-1 0.151 0.171 22.89 12.11 4.24BSS-2 0.049 0.166 22.24 12.46 4.68BSS-3 0.106 0.182 22.49 12.17 3.94SMP-1 0.148 0.162 27.99 19.88 4.79SA-6 0.074 0.167 24.47 14.80 6.01TES-34 0.063 0.148 26.31 17.48 4.91ATK-1 0.072 0.158 27.95 15.55 4.13AK-1 0.112 0.203 30.21 24.16 4.51C-17 0.142 0.290 27.48 17.42 4.24CR-6017 0.058 2.293 26.84 15.64 5.39CH-1 0.095 0.248 26.15 17.39 3.67TRI-2024 0.074 0.234 25.93 14.16 4.66TRI-2025 0.052 0.131 23.45 12.36 2.20TRI-2026 0.059 0.103 24.33 16.96 3.76TRI-2043 0.074 0.076 21.99 11.79 5.50TTL-1 0.153 0.200 24.88 16.35 4.08TTL-2 0.104 0.115 23.17 17.84 3.93TTL-5 0.070 0.205 27.94 20.41 5.06W-1 0.437 0.580 11.78 6.39 6.26W-2 0.297 0.468 13.80 9.38 9.61K-18 0.081 0.155 24.61 14.59 4.36B/1/101 0.059 0.133 25.20 14.51 4.56

Table 8. Biochemical characterisation of UPASI clones and certain estate selections

PPO: polyphenol oxidase; PO: peroxidase; PP: polyphenol; CAT: catechins; Red.sug: reducing sugars

Table 9. Extraction of polyphenols from tea leaves usingdifferent solvents

Relative distribution (%)Solvent CAT. PP EGC (+)cat EC EGCG ECG

Methanol 94.8 91.8 95.0 92.5 90.6 94.3 96.0Ethanol 95.2 92.7 96.7 94.2 92.5 94.3 96.9Ethylacetate 95.8 93.1 94.3 94.0 91.2 95.6 96.7C. D. 0.55 0.90 2.8 2.5 2.2 0.56 0.89C.V. (%) 0.26 0.50 1.3 3.8 1.1 0.26 0.41

CAT: catechins; PP: polyphenols; EGC: epigallo cat-echin; (+) cat: simple catechins; EC: epicatechin; EGCG:epigallocatechin gallate; ECG; epicatechin gallate

individuals were gel eluted with methanol andconfirmed as various fractions of catechins by HPLC.The work describes a suitable protocol for isolationof catechin molecules based on their electrophoreticproperty in tea. The work has been concluded.

2.5.5. Free radical scavenging activity (PHY/132e(NMITLI)/01-AN)

Free radical scavenging activity was assayed in allthe UPASI released tea clones with particular referenceto individual fractions of catechin (Di-(EC, ECG) andtri-hydroxylated (EGC, EGCG)) by using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl) and hydroxyl radicals.Higher activity was noticed in EGCG followed by CG,

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Table 10. Free radical scavenging activity of individualcatechin molecules

Catechin fractions DPPH Hydroxile

GC 51.32 18.50CG 84.78 46.90GCG 83.74 32.50(+) C 89.11 10.10EC 90.14 15.10EGC 66.52 28.60EGCG 74.75 59.70ECG 88.05 44.20

2.5.6. Roles of differnt substrates and enzymes oncatechin biosynthesis (PHY/132f (NMITLI)/01-AN)

Roles of differnt substrates and enzymes likeshikimate NADP oxidoreductase and PAL were studied.Among the substrates shikimic acid has high influenceon catechin biosynthesis. Results confirmed that theenzymes have a direct correlation with substrate level.The experiment has been concluded.

2.6. Molecular biology (PHY/138 (MB)/01-AN)2.6.1. Phylogeny of grey blight pathogen (PHY/138a(MB)/01-AN)

Twenty two isolates of Pestalotiopsis spp. (suppliedby Plant Pathology Division) were subjected tophylogenetic study using random amplified polymorphicDNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR)markers. Genomic DNA isolated from five days old cultureswere amplified using 10 each of RAPD and ISSR primers.Both the techniques generated very high polymorphicbands. In RAPD the lowest similarity was 9.2% betweenAP-1 isolate collected from the Anamallais and NP-5 fromthe Nilgiri and highest similarity was 95.9% between AP-8 and AP-9 which were collected from the Anamallais.ISSR study revealed the lowest similarity (17.9%) betweenWP-1 isolate collected from Wyanad and En-1 isolate fromVandiperiyar and highest similarity (92.6%) between AP-8

EGC, ECG and (+) C. Lower activity was expressed ingallated catechin molecule, GC. It was noted that freeradical activity of the epimers of catechin was foundto be lower when compared to individual fractions(Table 10). As strong correlation existed amongindividual fractions and free radical scavenging activity,which can be utilized as a marker to screen theantioxidant potential in available germplasm. Theexperiment is in progress.

Fig. 2. Dendrogram constructed using UPGMA analysisdemonstrating the relationship among 22 samples ofPestalotiopsis isolates based on RAPD data

and AP-9 isolates which were collected from theAnamallais. Grouping of these isolates was carried out byUPGMA method and the study indicated a high degree ofgenetic polymorphism among the isolates (Figs. 2 & 3).The study has been concluded.

Fig. 3. Dendrogram constructed using UPGMAanalysis demonstrating the relationship among 22samples of Pestalotiopsis isolates based on ISSR data

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2.6.2. Genetic transformation in tea (PHY/149 (MB)/05-AN)

A protocol has been standardized usingAgrobacterium tumefaciens containing the strain GV2260. We are yet to receive the constructs from IHBT,Palampur for further transformation studies regardingcatechin biosynthesis in tea.

2.6.3. Agrobacterium rhizogens mediated hairy rootcultures in tea (PHY/149a (MB)/05-AN)

Agrobacterium rhizogens (strains MTCC 532 and2364) mediated leaf cultures were established onhormone free MS medium and with different PGRcombinations (IAA 5 ppm, 2,4-D 3 ppm, IAA 5 ppm +2,4-D 3 ppm, NAA 3 ppm, IBA 3 ppm, NAA 3 ppm +IAA 5 ppm and IBA 3 ppm + NAA 3 ppm). Effect ofacetosyringone and different combination of carbonsources (maltose, dextrose, sucrose, fructose, sucrose+ maltose, sucrose + dextrose, maltose + dextrose andsucrose + dextrose + maltose) were also studied forproduction of hairy roots (Tables 11 & 12).

Confirmation of transformation by PCR analysis usingrolC primer is in progress.

2.7. Characterisation and improvement of tea throughbiotechnological tools (PHY/140 (DBT) /02-AN)2.7.1. Tissue culture (PHY/140a (DBT) /02-AN)

Nodal cuttings of TRF-1, UPASI-20 and NLT/17/10were selected for micropropagation during the period.Regular subcultures are being done and maintained.At present cultures are in multiplication and elongationstage. In order to reduce the time and cost involved inthe micropropagation of tea, the protocol has beenrefined. Work is in progrress.

2.7.2. Organogenesis of cultured root explants (PHY/140b (DBT) /02-AN)

Direct plant regeneration from cultured root explantswas found to be a time consuming process. It has beennoted that the plants produced were identical to motherplant in morphological characteristics. The experimenthas been concluded.

2.7.3. Germplasm characterization (PHY/140c (DBT)/02-AN)

During Phase-I of DBT Tea Networking Project,morphological characterisation of 100 undescribed teagermplasm accessions have been carried out.Physiological and biochemical parameters were alsodocumented in accordance with NBPGR format and thedata revealed wide variation in terms of morphological,physiological and biochemical traits such as Pn, Gs, r,Fv/Fm, MSI, RI, proline, polyphenols, catechins and theirfractions. During Phase I of the project, 150 accessionswere characterized.

2.7.4. Molecular characterization of tea germplasm(PHY/140d (DBT) /02-AN)

Under Phase II of the DBT project, 99 accessionsavailable in the Anamallais were selected for molecularcharacterization (Table 13) DNA was extracted from theseselected accessions following the common protocolprovided by TERI, New Delhi. First 50 DNA samples werehanded over to TERI, New Delhi for the construction ofpreamplified libraries. Second set of 50 DNA samplesextracted from the selected accessions were handed overto IHBT, Palampur and the preamplified libraries of 488samples were collected from TERI, New Delhi.

Table 11.Efficacy of acetosyringone concentration ontransformation efficiency

Acetosyringeone Callus Transformation(µmol/L) induction frequency (%)

Control 02 10100 06 30200 08 40300 14 70400 09 45500 08 40

Table 12. Carbon sources and their concentration onhairy root induction (%)

Carbon source Concentration (%)1.0 3.0 5.0

Maltose 05.1 32.1 11.8Dextrose 06.3 12.5 05.8Sucrose 02.3 11.0 08.0Fructose 01.4 04.8 02.0

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2.8. Biotechnological and biocontrol studies on teablister blight pathogen (PHY/142 (X Plan)/03-AN)2.8.1. Marker development study (PHY/142a (X Plan)/03-AN)

In the present study RAPD technique has beenused to identify molecular markers associated withblister blight resistance/tolerance or susceptibility. Atotal of 80 Operon primers were used to identifymarkers in five resistant/tolerant (SA-6, SAMP-1,UPASI 10, UPASI 15 and UPASI 3) and threesusceptible tea clones (TES 34, UPASI-7 and UPASI-4). RAPD profile has been generated using these 80primers. Ten primers had produced twelve uniquebands from which blister blight resistant/tolerant andsusceptible clones could be identified. (Fig. 4). Markerbands generated by these eight primers seem to beassociated with blister blight resistance/ tolerance orsusceptible phenotype. The study is in progress.

2.8.2. Phylogeny of Exobasidium vexans (PHY/142b(X Plan)/03-AN)

To understand the genetic variability at molecularlevel among E. vexans of different tea growing regionsof south India, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA(RAPD) analysis was done. Spores of E. vexanscollected from 17 different tea estates located at sixdifferent regions of south India (Table 14) weresubjected to DNA isolation. Among the differentmethods of DNA extraction attempted, alkaline lysisand commercial kit methods yielded more DNA thanCTAB method. However, quality of DNA obtainedthrough these three methods was comparable. Alkalinelysis method was simple, efficient and cost effectiveand therefore, used for the present study. Amplificationpattern obtained from primer OPA-01 is presented inFig. 5.

A total of 578 DNA amplified bands were generatedby all the primers. Number of DNA amplified bandsgenerated by a primer in a sample ranged from 3 (OPA-02) to 17 (OPA-01). Interestingly all amplified bandswere found polymorphic in nature. A wide range(0.113 to 0.605) of Jaccard’s similarity coefficientvalues were noticed among the different samples.

UPGMA based dendrogram generated from this datais presented in Fig. 6. It separated all the samples intothree clusters (CL-1, CL-2, CL-3 with less than 0.3similarity). CL-1 comprised ten samples where highest

Sl. No. Accession

1 IPD/10/122 IPD/10/12A3 IPD/10/24 IPD/10/225 IPD/10/226 IPD/10/67 IPD/10/78 IPD/10/89 IPD/30/1210 IPD/30/211 IPD/30/2612 IPD/30/3013 IPD/30/914 MGL/1915 MGL/216 MGL/2117 MGL/2218 MGL/2919 MGL/3120 MGL/3221 MGL/3322 MGL/3423 MGL/3724 MGL/425 MGL/526 MGL/727 MGL/828 MGL/929 MGL/9A30 NL31 NM/232 P/11/3433 S/234 M/3/2335 5A/1736 M/1337 I/A/638 2/B39 S/1/640 5/A/441 10/B42 S/743 M/2644 14/B45 NM/846 5/A/1147 15/B48 S/1649 M/1250 B/12

Sl. No. Accession

51 5/B52 S/1553 13/B54 M/2555 AKL/256 19/B57 18/A58 1/B59 S/1460 5/A/861 S/2062 5/A/1663 TTL/564 G/C/10/1265 M/1866 TTL/267 1/30/193068 M/8/A69 1/30/200770 M/3571 B/972 20/B73 5/A/574 W/3575 P/11/3176 M/3/777 P/11/2778 MGL/3079 I/30/980 I/30/481 P/11/1782 AKL83 G/C/10/3084 MGL/1685 P/11/2686 11/5/A/887 5/A/688 P/11/8A89 C190 MGL/1091 I/30/2792 P/11/2293 WLD/14/A/1294 P/11/3095 P/11/896 P/11/1097 M/1098 P/11/30A99 5/A/14

Table 13. List of germplasm slections used formolecular characterisation

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Fig. 4. RAPD markers developed to identify blister blight resistant/tolerant and susceptible tea clones

M: 1 kb ladder, Lane 1: SA-6, 2: UPASI-10, 3: UPASI-15, 4: SMP-1, 5: UPASI-7,6: UPASI-4, 7: UPASI-3 and 8: TES-34.Arrow indicates marker band

Table 14. List of blister blight spore samples studiedand places of their collection

Sl. No. Sample Code Place of collection

1 BB1 HighWavys2 BB2 HighWavys3 BB3 Vandiperiyar4 BB4 Gudalur5 BB5 Gudalur6 BB6 Wayanad7 BB7 Wayanad8 BB8 Munnar9 BB9 Munnar10 BB10 Munnar11 BB11 Munnar12 BB12 Anamallais13 BB13 Anamallais14 BB14 Anamallais15 BB15 Anamallais16 BB16 Anamallais17 BB17 Anamallais

Fig. 5. RAPD profile of 17 blister blight spore samplesgenerated by primer OPA-01

M: 1kb Marker (Fermantas) and from 1 to 17 ( BB1,BB2, BB3, BB4, BB5, BB6, BB7, BB8, BB9, BB10, BB11,BB12, BB13, BB14, BB15, BB16, BB17)

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Two samples BB-4 and BB-5 (Gudalur) also showedsimilarity between them. Another two samples BB-6and BB-7 (Wayanad) also showed similarity betweenthem and grouped in the same cluster (CL-1). Amongthe four samples from Munnar, BB-8, BB-10 and BB-11were grouped in the same cluster (CL-1), while BB-9grouped in cluster CL-3. Out of six samples from theAnamallais, four (BB-12, BB-13, BB-14, BB-15) weregrouped in one cluster (CL-1) indicating similarityamong them, while the remaining two (BB-16 and BB-17) were placed in CL-3. In this study a high degree ofgenetic diversity was noticed among samples of blisterblight fungus collected from different tea growingregions of south India.

2.8.3. Biochemical basis of susceptibility/resistanceof tea clones: pathogenesis related proteins (PHY/142c(X Plan)/03-AN)

The biochemical basis of disease susceptibility/resistance of tea clones was studied using pathogenesisrelated proteins. In this study leaf proteins were extractedfrom three clones susceptible to blister blight disease (TES34, UPASI-7 and UPASI-4) and five clones resistant/ tolerantto the disease (SA-6, SAMP-1, UPASI 10, UPASI 15 andUPASI 3) and subjected to SDS-PAGE. Protein separationin gel had been standardized with all the eight clones (Fig.7). Elicitor induced protein profiling is in progress.

A.K.A. MandalSr. Scientist and

R. Raj KumarSr. Plant Physiologist

similarity (0.5) was observed between BB –14 and BB-15,both of which were collected from the Anamallais. Out ofsix samples collected from the Anamallais, four weregrouped in this cluster indicating genetic similarity amongthem.Among other samples, BB-6 and BB-7 of Wayanadand BB-8, BB-10 and BB-11 of Munnar were alsoincluded in this CL-1. Remaining one sample was therepresentative from Highwavys. CL-2 comprised samplesfrom three different regions, one each from Highwavys(BB-2) and Vandiperiyar (BB-3) and two from Gudalur(BB-4 and BB-5). Highest degree of similarity (>0.60)was seen between BB-2 (Highwavys) and BB-3(Vandiperiyar). CL-3 comprised three samples, two (BB-16 and BB-17) from the Anamallais and one (BB-9) fromMunnar.

Although this dendrogram indicated a fairly highdegree of polymorphism among the samples collectedfrom different regions, more similarities were noticedamong the samples collected from the same region.

When the samples were compared region wise,two samples from Highwavys (BB-1 and BB-2)appeared distantly related and grouped in twodifferent clusters (CL-1 and CL-2). Sample, BB-1(Highwavys) showed close similarity to sample, BB-7 (Wayanad). Sample BB-2 (Highwavys) showed avery close similarity (0.6) to BB-3 (Vandiperiyar). Itis interesting to note that Highwavys and Wayanadregions are geographically wide apart, whileHighwavys and Vandiperiyar are close to each other.

Fig . 6. Dendrogram generated using UPGMA analysisdemonstrating the relationship among 17 samples ofblister blight fungus based on RAPD data

Fig. 7. Electrophoretic separation of leaf proteins fromdifferent tea clones

M: Protein marker, Lane 1: SMP-1, 2: SA-6, 3: UPASI-10, 4:UPASI-15, 5: TES-34, 6: UPASI-3, 7: UPASI-4 and 8: UPASI-7

52

TEA TECHNOLOGY

1. GENERAL

The Tea Technology Division underwentsurveillance audit of ISO 17025 and was successful inretaining the accreditation for chemical testing of tea. Atotal of one hundred and eighty seven tea samples wereanalysed for PFA Act requirements, various biochemical,quality and flavour constituents. The miniaturemanufacturing unit was frequently utilized tomanufacture experimental tea samples from teatechnology and other divisions. One moisture meterfrom member estate was calibrated.

Under X five year plan, work on two projects viz.,"Establishment of a chain of tea quality controllaboratories in the regional centres of UPASI TRF andstrengthening of existing analytical facilities at TRI"and "Optimisation of processing parameters formaximizing the quality of south Indian black teas"hadbeen continued. The second project is beingconducted from the Regional Centre, Coonoor.

2. VISITS

Mr.R.S. Senthilkumar visited Tea Research Instituteof Sri Lanka, its substation and a few factories duringJune. He visited Coonoor in connection with first levelof screening of the TGLIA - 2005 and to participate/facilitate the final level screening of the tea tastingsession. Mr. R. S. Senthilkumar visited UPASI TRF,Regional Centre, Vandiperiyar for lab inspection toestablish tea quality control laboratory. He visitedWaterfall Estate (East) factory to observe theperformance of the newly installed vacuum machine.Mr. R. S. Senthilkumar along with Mr.S. Murugesan andMr. N. Radhakrishnan visited Mayura, Thaymudi, Ryan,Monica, Sholayar and Waterfall (West) factories tocollect tea samples in connection with TGLIA-2005.

Mr. N. Radhakrishnan visited HML, Cochin Uralikal,Pannimed, Malikkiparai, Karamalai and Akkamalaiestates tea factories for CTC survey work. He also

visited Karamalai tea factory for ISO ring test samplecollection.

3. Research3.1. Chemistry of tea clones3.1.1. Studies on the clonal variation in flavour profile(TEC/149/04-AN)

The study initiated in 2004 was continued to assessvariations in the flavour profile of black teasmanufactured from different clones. Samples collectedfrom the TRI Experimental Farm from the bushes of sameage from pruning were mini manufactured in the CTCunit following standard procedures and the resultantteas were assessed for their volatile flavour constituents.The flavour index ranged from as low as 1.24 to 2.53(Table 1). The quality clone UPASI-3 registered thehighest flavour index of 2.53 among the clones tested.Study is being continued for other estate selections/new and promising tea accessions. UPASI clones, viz.,2, 3, 4 & 6 were having a flavour index of more than 2and were categorized as flavoury clones while the

Table 1. Flavour index (FI) of south Indian tea clones

Range FI Clones

High (> 2.00) 2.53 UPASI-32.47 UPASI-62.35 UPASI-42.17 UPASI-2

Medium 1.91 UPASI-7(1.50-2.00) 1.82 UPASI-24

1.73 UPASI-221.68 UPASI-141.61 UPASI-11.53 UPASI-5, 9, 10, 16,17, 18 & 21

Low (< 1.50) 1.42 UPASI-201.34 UPASI-12 & 131.24 UPASI-15 & 25

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clones such as 12, 13, 15, 20 & 25 flavour index below1.5 and were categorized as low flavoury clones.

3.2. Studies on the shelf life of vacuum packed teas(TEC/155/05-AN)

Decline in theaflavins (TF) contents lesser in thevacuum packed teas compared to the control. The valueof TF due to maturation had been higher in vacuumpacked teas (Table 2). A consistent level of thearubigin(TR) and highly polymerized substances (HPS) had beennoticed throughout the study in the vacuum packedtea samples (Table 2). A marginal increase had beennoted in both these parameters after storage for aboutfour weeks. The value for total liquour colour has also asimilar trend as that of TF.

ensure adequate extraction. The resulting brew weretaken for the analysis of liquor constituents such asTF, TR, HPS, TLC, caffeine and total soluble solids (TSS).Results revealed that the liquor constituents linearlyincreased from one to five minutes of steeping (Table3). Ideal time of steeping was observed to be five minutesafter which a drop in the TF, HPS and caffeine was noted.There was a mild increase in the constituents such asTR, TLC and TSS but was not statistically significant.The trial was concluded.

3.4 Evaluation of flavour profile of Nilgiris tea (TEC/137/03-NL)

The study initiated in 2003 was continued withorthodox black tea samples of BOP grade procured at

Table 2. Shelf life of vacuum packed teas in terms of quality constituents

Sampling TF (%) TR (%) HPS (%) TLC WE (%) Caff. (%) Moisture (%)AF Vac AF Vac AF Vac AF Vac AF Vac AF Vac AF Vac

Day ofmanufacture 0.87 0.85 8.84 8.73 11.43 11.01 4.07 4.43 38.10 38.98 1.77 1.89 5.19 5.19After 2 weeks 0.78 0.84 9.02 9.24 11.17 10.86 3.83 4.33 37.72 37.91 2.03 2.12 4.68 5.52After 4 weeks 0.69 0.78 8.55 8.86 10.02 10.17 3.75 4.12 36.25 36.54 1.90 1.88 4.36 5.37After 6 weeks 0.76 0.91 9.55 9.95 10.27 10.58 3.73 4.01 37.06 37.61 1.44 1.58 4.82 5.57

TF: theaflavins; TR: thearubigins; HPS: high polymerized substances; TLC: total liquor colour; WE: water extract;Caff: caffeine; AF: aluminium foil; Vac: vacuum packaging

No change in water extract and caffeine content wereobserved due to vacuum packing. After an initial increasefor two weeks the values of both water extract andcaffeine decreased (Table 2). Water extract (WE) waspositively correlated with cuppage and caffeinecontributes towards briskness and stimulating effect ofthe tea liquor. On an overall basis, vacuum packagingresulted in higher TF and total liquor colour (TLC) whichare desirable. No significant decline was noticed in otherquality parameters. Moisture content of vacuum packedteas had only a mild increase after storage for eightweeks.

3.3. Effect of steeping time on quality parameters of tea(TEC/156/05-AN)

A study was conducted to determine the influenceof steeping time of tea bags on the quality constituentsof tea. Treatments were imposed with steeping for oneto six minutes at one minute intervals and the bags weretaken out and immersed for every thirty seconds to

monthly interval from each of the three regions viz.,Kunda (Estate 1), Kotagiri (Estate 2) and Kullakamby(Estate 3) and analysed for their complete flavour profile.Highest flavour index was noticed in the month ofDecember followed by January and November in all threeregions (Fig. 1). A second peak in flavour index wasnoticed in August and September wherein all the threeregions recorded second highest levels in the flavourindex. Cool and dry weather prevailing during the Nov.to Jan. could have been the major contributing factorfor this improvement.

3.5. Influence of time of plucking on biochemicalconstituents affecting quality (TEC/157/05-AN)

A study was carried out to assess the impact of timeof plucking on the biochemical constituents determiningthe quality of black tea. Samplings were taken fromUPASI-9 at 9.30 a.m. (morning), 2.30 p.m. (afternoon)and 4.30 p.m. (evening) and immediately after samplingthe material, they were processed for the analysis of

54

Table 3. Effect of steeping time on quality parametersof tea

Time TF TR HPS TLC Caff TSS(min) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)

1 0.39 4.12 6.53 2.31 0.69 27.312 0.45 6.24 7.15 2.79 0.83 30.813 0.48 6.75 7.88 2.99 0.90 33.054 0.52 6.54 7.92 2.94 0.88 33.285 0.54 7.08 8.25 3.18 0.94 35.126 0.53 7.13 8.19 3.20 0.91 35.61

S.E. 0.02 0.19 0.11 0.08 0.01 0.91C.D. (5%) 0.04 0.43 0.25 0.18 0.03 2.02C.D. (1%) 0.06 0.61 0.36 0.26 0.04 2.87

found to be the good in improving the qualityconstituents in terms of TF, TR and water extract (Table5). Studies are being continued with upgraded productsas a continual process.

3.6.2. Effect of addition of "Teaup" on the quality ofCTC black tea (TEC/150/05-AN)

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect ofaddition of a commercial formulation of an enzyme,"Teaup" on the quality of black tea. Trial was carriedout an CTC type of manufacturing with about 75% fineleaf adopting the standard manufacturing practice.Treatments were imposed by dissolving the requiredquantity of enzymes in distilled water and sprayed onto the "cut dhool" (immediately after the last CTC cut)before fermentation, using a mini sprayer. Enzymetreatments were carried out with two replications andthe resultant made teas were analysed in duplicate. Datafrom four replicates of each treatment and untreatedcontrol were statistically analysed and presented(Tables 6 and 7). Among the treatments given, thoseinvolving addition of "Teaup" at 0.1and 0.15% increasedthe TF and TLC significantly than the control in bothPF as well as PD grades. Increased TF levels contributetowards an increase in briskness and brightness of the

Table 5. Effect of addition of enzyme on quality of CTCblack tea

Treatment TF TR HPS TLC WE(%) (%) (%) (%)

Control 1.10 9.58 11.32 4.32 39.08Liq. Pectinase 1.20 10.06 11.76 4.58 39.82Ex 005 1.17 9.97 11.46 4.72 39.28Ex 006 1.16 10.97 11.22 4.43 40.32S. E. m ± 0.01 0.07 0.03 0.01 0.04C.D. at P = 0.05: 0.01 0.17 0.08 0.02 0.09C.D. at P = 0.01: 0.02 0.26 0.11 0.03 0.14

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

May-04

June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan-05

Feb Mar

Months

Flav

our I

ndex

Estate 1Estate 2Estate 3

Fig. 1. Flavour index of Nilgiris orthodox teas duringthe year

total polyphenols and catechins. Results revealed thatmaximum polyphenols in the samples collected in the9.30 a.m. (morning) and progressive decline wasobserved in the afternoon and evening samplings (Table4). Present observation could be due to the maximumsecondary metabolism in the night hours as a result ofwhich there could have been an accumulation of thesecondary metabolites such as the polyphenols andcatechins.

3.6. Use of enzymes for quality improvement (TEC/129& 130/02-AN)3.6.1. Effect of addition of enzyme on the quality of CTCblack tea

Effect of a new formulation of pectinase (two powderand a liquid samples) on the quality of CTC black teahas been studied. Liquid formulation of pectinase was

Table 4. Influence of time of plucking on biochemicalconstituents of green leaves

Time Polyphenols (%) Catechins (%)

9.30 a.m. 28.16 18.222.30 p.m. 27.81 16.824.30 p.m. 25.62 15.07S.E. m ± 0.10 0.03C.D. at P = 0.05: 0.28 0.09C.D. at P = 0.01: 0.47 0.15

55

proportion of cut leaf in the harvest. Crop shootsconsisting of three leaves and a bud of the clone UPASI-9 were harvested from the UPASI Experimental Farm.Simultaneously, a part of harvesting was carried outusing hand shears and the cut leaves arising out ofshearing were segregated from the intact shoots. Cutleaf was mixed in the proportions, 10, 30 and 50% byweight to the hand plucked three leaf and a bud samplesand these were processed into black tea adoptingstandard manufacturing practice in the miniature unit.A portion of the hand plucked crop shoots was kept asthe control and the harvest as such from shearing wasalso taken for comparison.

The resulting black teas were graded and pekoefannings (PF) was taken for biochemical analyses of allthe quality constituents and crude fibre content. Aprogressive drop in the major quality constituents suchas the TF, TR, TLC, caffeine and WE was noted as thepercentage of cut leaves increased from 10 to 50 as(Table 8). Decline in quality constituents in all the abovecases were statistically significant. A significant increasewas noted in the crude fibre content as the proportionof cut leaves increased from 10 to 50%. Study revealedthat an overall decline in all the quality constituents ofblack tea due to increasing proportions of cut leaves inthe harvest.

3.8. Reducing power of green and black teas (TEC/145/04-AN)

The antioxidant activity was monitored (as DPPHradical scavenging activity) in orthodox, CTC black andgreen teas. Antioxidant activity was found to be highestin CTC and green tea followed by orthodox black tea(Table 9). As a comparison a commercial antioxidant,ascorbic acid was also included in the study and thegreen tea was found to have a higher antioxidant activitythan the ascorbic acid. Methodology developed will beused for the assessment of antioxidant activity of variousteas.

3.9. Studies on the extractability of liquor constituentsat different temperatures (TEC/152/05-AN)

In order to study the variations in liquor constituentsas affected by the temperature of brewing, an experimentwas conducted with orthodox and CTC tea. Brew wasprepared at 80, 90 and 100oC and the liquor was analysedfor their quality constituents. Another sample was keptover a boiling water bath as it is carried out in the routine

Table 6. Effect of addition of "Teaup" on the quality ofCTC black tea (Grade: PF)

Treat- TF TR HPS TLC WE CFCment (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)

Control 0.88 9.23 10.21 4.25 41.31 15.36T1 0.97 10.02 10.54 5.17 41.36 14.59T2 0.96 9.66 10.38 5.17 41.53 14.29T3 0.87 10.28 10.87 5.47 41.11 14.28S.E.m ± 0.02 0.14 0.10 0.10 0.23 0.16C.D. (5%) 0.04 0.34 0.25 0.25 0.55 0.40C.D. (1%) 0.07 0.52 0.38 0.38 0.84 0.60

Table 7. Effect of addition of "Teaup" on the quality ofCTC black tea (Grade: PD)

Treat- TF TR HPS TLC WE CFCment (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)

Control 0.88 9.27 11.34 4.78 41.42 14.64T1 0.94 9.42 11.16 5.46 42.15 14.48T2 0.96 9.72 11.66 5.65 42.07 14.26T3 0.90 9.64 10.45 5.84 41.74 14.04S.E.m ± 0.02 0.26 0.12 0.17 0.26 0.12C.D. (5%) 0.05 0.64 0.30 0.42 0.62 0.29C.D. (1%) 0.07 0.97 0.46 0.64 0.95 0.44

T1: "Teaup" at 0.10, T2: 0.15 and T3: 0.20% level on madetea basis

liquor. In the PD grade samples a significant improvementin the water extract was noticed at 0.1and 0.15%treatments over the control. A significant increase inTLC had been observed at all three levels of enzymeaddition. Increased TLC and water extract lead toincreased colour and cuppage. A significant reductionin the crude fibre content had been observed due to theaddition of "Teaup" at 0.15% as well as 0.2%. Decreasein crude fibre content is a desirable index for the qualityof tea. Significant improvement in TR was noted in thePF grade at 0.1 and 0.2 % concentrations. Thearubiginscontribute more towards the colour and body of theliquor. Addition of "Teaup" at 0.1 and 0.5% was foundsuitable for improving CTC black tea quality in terms ofbriskness, brightness and cuppage.

3.7. Effect of cut leaf on the quality parameters of CTCblack tea (TEC/151/05-AN)

The present study had been undertaken to quantifythe degree of quality deterioration due to the increasing

56

practice in the lab where the temperature of extractionexceeded 100oC. In both, CTC as well as orthodox teasamples, treatments involving the boiling water bathgave the maximum quality in terms of TF, TR, HPS andTLC (Table 10). Experiment will be in repeated in differentseasons.

3.10. Comparison of floor, drum and drum cum floorfermentation (TEC/139/03-AN)

An experiment initiated in 2003 had been continuedwith the treatments as described in the Annual Report

Table 8. Effect of cut leaves on the quality parameters of CTC black tea

Treatment TF (%) TR (%) HPS (%) TLC CI BI WE (%) CFC (%) Caff. (%)

2 kg (3L + B) - Control 1.27 9.91 12.77 4.17 5.62 25.28 41.57 10.48 3.772 kg (3L + B) + 200 g cut leaves (10 %) 1.11 8.82 12.33 3.95 5.25 25.83 40.53 11.75 3.192 kg (3L + B) + 600 g cut leaves (30 %) 1.01 8.28 12.28 3.72 4.90 24.92 39.71 11.74 3.032 kg (3L + B) + 1 kg cut leaves (50 %) 0.81 8.31 11.65 3.61 4.07 26.12 39.61 11.66 2.302 kg cut leaves 0.60 6.81 11.26 2.90 3.32 21.42 36.24 13.69 2.202 kg sheared leaves 0.90 8.55 11.04 3.72 4.60 24.57 40.66 12.00 2.77S.E. m ± 0.03 0.20 0.17 0.03 0.21 0.83 0.09 0.06 0.11C.D. at P = 0.05: 0.07 0.45 0.38 0.07 0.46 1.85 0.20 0.13 0.25C.D. at P = 0.01: 0.10 0.65 0.54 0.09 0.66 2.64 0.29 0.19 0.36

for 2004 (p.56). Crop shoots (three leaves and a bud) ofthe clone, UPASI-9 were withered and CTC processedas per standard procedure. "Cutdhool" was divided intothree parts; one is fermenting drum with a dhooltemperatures of 25oC, another part was fermented onthe floor at 23.5oC and the third part of dhool was spreadat a thickness of 3.5 cm and humidity maintained between92 and 95%. Resultant teas were graded and pekoefannings grade was taken for the analysis of liquorconstituents. Maximum quality in terms of TF and TLCwas observed in the treatment involving drum cum floorfermentation (Table 11). Maximum TR and HPS couldbe seen in the treatment involving drum fermentationand floor fermentation resulted in the maximum waterextract. The trial is being continued.

3.11. Influence of different grades on bulk density(TEC/153/05-AN)

Bulk density is a key factor responsible for cuppageand cost of packing. An experiment was conducted torecord the bulk density of various commercial grades oforthodox and CTC teas. Compacted bulk densityprocedure was followed which it ranged from 365 to 598

Table 10. Studies on the extractability of liquorconstituents at different temperature

Temp. (oC) TF (%) TR (%) HPS (%) TLC

Orthodox80 0.21 5.51 3.63 1.2590 0.33 5.76 4.21 1.50100 0.31 5.95 3.96 1.56

BWB (> 100) 0.35 6.69 5.35 1.77CTC 80 0.43 8.60 7.96 2.64

90 0.63 8.85 8.44 2.35100 0.53 9.65 8.95 3.16

BWB (> 100) 0.63 9.52 8.31 3.41

BWB: boiling water bath

Table 9. Antioxidant activity of different types of tea

Sample Antioxidant activity (as DPPH %)

Green tea 61.84Orthodox black tea 47.72CTC black tea 45.85Ascorbic acid 49.75

Table 11.Comparison of floor, drum and drum cum floorfermentation

Method of TF TR HPS TLC WEfermentation (%) (%) (%) (%)

Floor 0.58 9.48 12.25 4.06 37.67Drum 0.68 11.48 13.08 4.26 35.78Drum cumfloor 0.71 10.88 10.80 4.33 37.21S.E.m ± 0.01 0.03 0.03 0.01 0.07C.D. 5% 0.02 0.08 0.10 0.02 0.21C.D. 1% 0.03 0.13 0.16 0.04 0.34

57

Table 12. Bulk density of different grades of CTC andorthodox black teas

Grade Bulk density (g/L)

CTCBOP 365BOPL 338BOPF 346BP 431BPSM 467SBP 496PF 329PD 447RD 522SRD 534GD 505FD 581SFD 598

OrthodoxOP 236FP 256FOP 256TGFOP 253TGBOP 304BOP 315FBOP 289BOPF 346BOPFGS 351BOPD 454

Table 13. Effect of polyphenol addition on qualityparameters of made tea

Polyphenol TF TR HPS TLC WE Caff.(%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)

Control 14.50 1.18 9.69 8.06 3.47 37.65 2.822% 14.61 1.17 9.90 8.60 4.01 38.17 3.044% 15.29 1.35 10.54 8.46 4.31 39.60 3.39S.E.m ± 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.05 0.02C.D. (5%) 0.08 0.12 0.11 0.10 0.07 0.14 0.07C.D. (1%) 0.13 0.20 0.18 0.17 0.11 0.24 0.11

(g/L) for CTC teas and from 236 to 454 for orthodoxblack teas (Table 12). As the particle size decreased, thebulk density increased, as expected.

3.12. Effect of polyphenol addition on quality parametersof black tea (TEC/154/05-AN)

With a view of producing polyphenol enriched blacktea, native polyphenols were added to tea were analysedfor their quality constituents. Addition of 4%polyphenols led to a significant increase in the levels ofpolyphenols, TF, TR, HPS, TLC, water extract andcaffeine (Table 13).

Observations revealed a reduction in the flavour indexwhich is in line with the earlier reports with respect toother quality constituents (Table 14). This couldprobably be due to the inadequate chemical wither inresponse to increased trough loading.

3.15. Tea quality competition

As a part of the preliminary screening, tea samplescollected from different regions for TGLIA 2005 wereanalysed for their liquor parameters such as the TF,TR, HPS, TLC and PFA parameters such as the totalash, water soluble ash, alkalinity of water soluble ash,acid insoluble ash, water extract and crude fibrecontents.

Mean data on the liquor parameters of variousgrades from different agro-climatic regions arepresented in Table 15.

3.16. Participation in proficiency testing

The laboratory participated in proficiency testingfor tea "Testing of Tea - TC 37" conducted by UPASITRF, Coonoor. About seventeen laboratoriesparticipated in the testing and the values except acidinsoluble ash reported by the lab were within theacceptable limits. Necessary corrective action had beenundertaken and communicated to the NABL.

3.13. Experiment on trough loading during withering(TEC/138/03-AN)

Experiment initiated in 2003 had been continued. Twotreatments with trough loading of 3 kg/sq.ft and 5 kg/sq.ft were imposed and the resultant made tea sampleswere analysed for their volatile flavour profile.

Table 14. Effect of trough loading on flavour index

Treatment VFC I VFC II Flavour Index

3 kg/sq.ft. 114.54 140.46 1.235 kg/sq.ft. 125.00 94.57 0.76

58

Table 15.Quality parameters (mean values) of the tea samples received for quality competition (TGLIA 2005)

Grade/quality Anamallais Wayanad Travancore Nilgiris High Range Minor districts* Bought leaf factoriesparameters

Theaflavins (%)CTC : Leaf 0.92 0.64 0.69 0.83 0.63 0.78 0.72

Fannings 1.02 0.75 0.84 0.96 0.87 0.79 0.81Dust 0.87 0.69 0.69 1.11 0.85 0.90 0.93

Orthodox : Leaf 0.46 0.40 0.33 0.39 0.44 0.44 -Broken - 0.53 0.41 0.75 0.49 0.57 -Fannings - 0.52 - 0.78 0.68 0.75 -Dust - 0.52 - 0.82 0.71 - -

Thearubigins (%)CTC : Leaf 9.33 8.13 9.43 10.01 9.96 8.15 8.74

Fannings 10.81 9.38 10.02 10.06 10.56 9.18 9.58Dust 10.27 8.74 9.52 10.96 10.81 10.10 10.91

Orthodox : Leaf 7.22 7.53 7.06 6.04 6.17 7.90 -Broken - 8.16 7.33 8.03 8.15 8.16 -Fannings - 8.53 - 9.83 10.25 12.32 -Dust - 8.75 - 10.43 11.00 - -

Highly polymerised substances (%)CTC : Leaf 8.89 9.05 7.95 8.83 8.67 7.29 9.57

Fannings 10.30 10.09 8.01 9.33 10.06 8.39 9.33Dust 10.21 9.52 9.18 10.11 11.01 9.16 10.09

Orthodox : Leaf 6.05 6.24 5.00 3.92 4.76 7.25 -Broken - 7.53 6.39 5.79 6.49 8.95 -Fannings - 7.65 - 7.04 8.64 10.31 -Dust - 8.58 - 7.64 9.67 - -

Total liquor colourCTC : Leaf 3.82 3.26 3.42 3.62 3.35 3.25 3.56

Fannings 4.07 3.95 3.60 3.90 3.70 3.81 3.74Dust 4.18 3.78 3.42 4.40 4.06 4.10 3.94

Orthodox : Leaf 2.20 2.28 1.70 1.57 1.77 2.51 -Broken - 3.04 2.20 2.40 2.25 3.99 -Fannings - 3.19 - 2.77 3.11 3.68 -Dust - 2.98 - 2.93 3.41 - -

* Karnataka, Nelliampathy, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari

3.17. Interlaboratory ring test

The Tea Board funded programme on the Nationallevel interlaboratory ring test on phenolics, catechinsand caffeine in black tea is in progress. The ISO ringtest on the standardization of methodologies for the

estimation of catechin fractions using HPLC is also beingcontinued.

R. S. SenthilkumarSr. Tea Technologist

59

1. ADVISORY AND ANALYTICAL1.1. Visits

During the year 398 visits were made by the Asst.Director (Extn.), Senior Advisory Officer and othertechnical personnel to the member estates in connectionwith advisory and experimental work.

1.2. Weather and crop

Dry weather prevailed during the month of Januaryand February and with localised rains in early March.Total rainfall recorded was far less than the decennialaverage in all the agro-climatic zones. Night temperaturefell sharply during the second week of January andfrost damage occurred during that period. Relativehumidity dropped significantly during the second andthird weeks of February and accentuated the droughteffect.

Widespread rains occurred in the district during themonth of April. Drought effect was effectively brokenin April and crop production moved up in the district.Localized rains were received during May in all thezones. The south west monsoon set in during thesecond week of June. It was less active with intermittentsunny days while the second half of June was mostlybright.

The northeast monsoon arrived on the thirdweek of October, was vigorous during Novemberand continued up to the fourth week of December.There was a drop in temperature and early frostdamage occurred during the third week of Novemberand third and fourth weeks of December in all theagroclimatic zones. About 585 ha in the estate sectorwas affected by frost. Total rainfall recorded for thecalendar year was 36% lower than that of the sameperiod last year.

Crop production was lower than the normal levelin the first and fourth quarters and more than the

REGIONAL CENTRE - COONOOR

normal in the second and third quarters. The Districtproduction for the calendar year was 14.35 m.kg ascompared to 14.37m.kg in 2004 which was less by0.14%.

Productivity was above 4000 kg/ha in one estate,between 3500 and 4000 kg/ha in three, between 3000and 3500 kg/ha in three, between 2500 and 3000 kg/ha insix estates, between 2000 to 2500 kg/ha in eight estatesand less than 2000 kg/ha in ten estates.

1.3. Pests and diseases

Infestation by pink and purple mites was generallylow in the district. However, severe incidence of redspider mites was noticed in all the agroclimatic zones.Severe incidence of flushworm, aphids and thrips wasreported from several estates during October toDecember. Blister blight infection was severe duringNovember and crop loss occurred in some estates. Greyblight damage was reported from several estates duringNovember and December.

1.4. Analytical

This year, 3652 soil samples were analysed involving20508 estimations. A total of 332 leaf samples were alsoanalysed involving 1313 estimations. A total of 587 soilamendments, fertilizers and agrochemicals wereanalysed involving 2730 estimations. Apart from soiland agrochemicals, 807 tea samples were analysed forPFA specifications and other quality parameters inconnection with advisory and research work involving3854 estimations.

1.5. Accreditation

The surveillance audit for the laboratory wasconducted by the National Accreditation Board forTesting and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)assessment team on 21st and 22nd of July andcontinuation of Accreditation was recommended

60

1.6. Proficiency testing

The Regional Centre laboratory was chosen byNABL as the nodal laboratory for conductingproficiency testing for chemical testing of fertilisers -TC 32 (ZnSO4 & AS) and PFA parameters in tea - TC 39.Fourteen and seventeen laboratories respectively,participated in the programme.

1.7. Meteorological observatory

Regional Center's meteorological observatory, whichis networked with IMD was graded as Very good for theyear, 2003 which has been received by us during 2005.

2. FIELD EXPERIMENTS2.1. Botany2.1.1. Clonal selection: Tuttapullam Estate (BOT/142(CS)/96-NL)

The experimental area was pruned during April 2005.Yield recorded during the last four years (cumulativeyield) of experimentation revealed that the selectionsT/6/25 and T/6/195 performed satisfactorily (Table 1).However TRF-I performed better in comparison to allthe other clones throughout the period. The experimentwas terminated.

2.1.2. Experiment on addition of maintenance foliageusing step shears (BOT/203 (AG)/99-NL)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for the year 1999 (p.59). During the second yearof the experimental period, higher crop was harvestedin the treatment where the integrated schedule ofharvesting was imposed (Table 2). Crop reduction inthe continually sheared block with 4 and 5 cm stepshears as compared to integrated schedule was 7.1 and7.8%, respectively. However, the results are notstatistically significant at five per cent probability.However, plucking average was 61.6 and 62.1 kg in thecontinually sheared blocks with 4 and 5 cm step shears,respectively. In the integrated schedule, the pluckingaverage was 45.7 kg.

Table 1. Yield data of Tuttapullam Selections, TRF-1,standards and graft combinations

Cultivar Yield*

UPASI-9 4192BSB-1 6907TRF-1 12613T/6/25 5163T/6/74 3477T/6/195 4710T/6/197 2831T/6/202 2365CR-6017/UPASI 9 3697TRI-2024/TRI 2025 3960TRI-2026/TRI 2025 4115UPASI-9/UPASI 2 4277UPASI-9/ATK 1 6131UPASI-8/ATK -1 7573

*made tea kg/ha; calculated for 13,000 bushes/ha at anout turn of 22.5%

Table 2. Experiment on addition of maintenance foliageusing step shears

Treatment Yield Pluckingkg/ha average

Integrated scheduleof harvesting 5764 45.7

Continuous shear harvestingwith addition of leaf using4 cm step shears between 5352January and March (-7.1) 61.6

Continuous shear harvestingwith addition of leaf using5 cm step shears between 5316January and March (-7.8) 62.1

2.1.3. Experiment on types of shoots harvested onproductivity (BOT/209(AG)/2k-NL)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for the year 2000 (p.76). During the second yearof experimentation, the highest yield was recorded inthe treatment where shoots with three leaves and a budwere harvested as per leaf expansion time (LET). It wasclosely followed by the treatment where harvesting thecrop shoots with two leaves and a bud and three leavesand a bud at extended intervals (Table 3). The experimentis being continued.

2.1.4. Experiment on shear tipping (BOT/228(AG)/03-NL)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 2003 (p. 72). During the year under report, the

61

highest yield was recorded in the treatment wheremanual tipping and continuous hand plucking was done(Table 4).

2.2. Chemistry2.2.1. Effect of reducing nitrogen in high yielding teain Nilgiris (CHE/117(N)/94-NL)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 1994 (p.229). The experiment is in the secondyear of the third pruning cycle. All the treatments weresignificantly superior to the control. However yield ofthe plot receiving 350 kg N/ha/annum was significantlysuperior to all the other treatments (Table 5).

2.2.2. Evaluation of different farming system in tea(CHE/156/03-NL)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 2002 (p.65). The experimental plot was prunedduring May 2005. The experiment clearly indicated thatthe total yield obtained in organic and bio-dynamicsystems of farming was significantly lower than theconventional system of farming (Table 6). The experimentis being continued.

2.2.3. Efficacy of drip irrigation in mature clonal tea -Havukal Estate (CHE/116A (DRI)/97-NL)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 1997 (p.101). During the year, the rainfall wasfairly well distributed and evaporation was less in

Table 3. Experiment on types of shoots harvested on productivity - data on yield and plucking average

Treatment Yield Plucking(kg/ha) average

Harvesting 2 leaves and a bud at 7 days interval during high cropping periodand 10 days interval during low cropping period* 5129 37.5

Harvesting 2 leaves and a bud with integrated schedule* 5194 39.4Harvesting 3 leaves and a bud with integrated schedule** 5356 43.6Harvesting crop shoots with 2 leaves and a bud and 3 leaves and a bud

at extended interval*** 5706 36.5Harvesting 2 leaves and a bud as per leaf expansion time* 5113 37.4Harvesting 3 leaves and a bud as per leaf expansion time** 5905 42.0C.D. P = 0.05: NS

*, ** and ***: calculated at an outturn of 22.5, 23.5 and 23.0 per cent, respectively; NS: statistically not significantat five per cent level

Table 4. Experiment on shear tipping

Treatment Yield* Pluckingkg/ha average

Tipping by shears and 4635continual shear harvesting (-7.7) 63.8

Tipping by shear and 4703hand plucking (-6.3) 39.4

Manual tipping followed by 4869continual shear harvesting (3.0) 63.9

Manual tipping and 5019continuous hand plucking 41.1

* Yield (kg made tea/ha) difference among the treatmentsare statistically not significant

Table 5. Effect of reducing N levels in high yielding tea

Yield kg made tea per hakg N/ha Cumulative Calandarper annum yield year

350 5199 c 4669 c300 4738 b 4272 b200 4595 b 4127 b100 4427 b 3990 b350* 4712 b 4194 bControl 3910 a 3508 aC.D. = P = 0. 05: 394 398

*manuring during III & IV years; Figures followed by the sameletter in a vertical column are not statistically significant at 5% level

62

Kotagiri area. Drip was operated only for 120 days duringthe first half of the year and only for 30 days during thesecond season. There was no significant differencebetween the broadcasted and fertigated plots duringthe first half of the year. Due to very wet conditions,fertigated plots yielded lesser than control during thesecond half. Results are not statistically significant forthe year (Table 7).

2.2.4. Efficacy of drip irrigation in mature seedlingtea: Sutton Estate (CHE/116B/99-NL)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 1999 (p.60). The experiment is in the second year

of the second cycle. All the treatments were significantlysuperior to the control. However, the yield of plotreceiving 10 mm in alternate days was significantlysuperior to all other treatments. Yield data are presentedin the Table 8 and the experiment is being continued.

2.2.5. Critical evaluation of different sources of zinc(CHE/149 (MN)/04-NL & CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 2004 (p.62). In this experiment, standard practiceon zinc application was compared with foliar applicationof chelated zinc, zinc oxide and soil application of zincsulphate and zincated urea. Yield data are presented inthe Table 9 and the experiment is being continued.

2.2.6. Experiment on sprinkler irrigation (CHE/164(SPRI)/05-NL)

To evaluate the efficacy of sprinkler irrigation inmature seedling tea fields an experiment in randomizedblock design (RBD) was initiated in Field No..3 ofHighfield Estate. There were five treatments eachreplicated in four plots and each plot consisted of 120bushes. The treatments included (T1) variable at sevendays interval, (T2) 5 cm /ha @ 20 days interval, (T3) 6.25cm /ha @ 20 days interval, (T4) variable at 20 daysinterval and (T5) control. Pretreatment yield wasrecorded from January to August and the treatment wereimposed during August 2005. Crop harvested at eachplucking round is being recorded. Before imposing thetreatments soil samples were taken and analysed forpH, E.C, OM and NH4

+-N, NO2- -N, P, K, Ca, Mg, urease

activity and physical parameters. Leaf samples were also

Table 6. Yield data on evaluation of different farmingsystems in tea

Treatment Cumulative yield*

Bio-dynamic 6329 a (-23.2)Organic 6037 a (-26.8)Conventional 8243 b --C.D. P = 0.05: 668

* cumulative yield : for the period from November 2002 toApril 2005; figures followed by the same letter in a vertical columnare not statistically significant at 5% level and the figurespresented within the parenthesis are per cent decline overconventional treatment

Table 7. Efficacy of drip irrigation on yield of matureclonal tea - Havukal Estate

Rate of irrigation & Yield, made tea kg/haFertiliser application January - December

2mm daily Broadcast -10 splits 8942 Fertigation-10 splits 81922mm once in 3 days Broadcast-10 splits 8688 Fertigation-10 splits 79942mm once in 3 days Broadcast-5 splits 8733 Fertigation-weekly twice 79396mm once in 3 days Broadcast-10 splits 8849 Fertigation-10 splits 7720Control - Broadcast 7477C.D. P = 0.05: NS

Table 8. Efficacy of drip irrigation in mature seedlingtea - Sutton Estate

Rate of irrigation Yield (kg made tea/ha)

2 mm daily 5380 bc2 mm on alternative days 5000 ab4 mm on alternative days 5271 bc6 mm on alternative days 5360 bc8 mm on alternative days 5498 bc10 mm on alternative days 5663 cControl (No irrigation) 4652 aC.D. P = 0.05: 507

Figures followed by the same letter in a vertical columnare not statistically significant at 5% level

63

analysed for Zn, Fe, Mn and Mg contents. The7experiment is being continued.

2.2.7. Experiment on drip irrigation (CHE/165 (DRIP)/05-NL)

To study the efficacy of drip irrigation in matureseedling fields an experiment was laid out in Field No.3of Highfield Estate. The trial is of randomized blockdesign (RBD) with 13 treatments each replicated in threeplots and each plot consisted of 100 bushes. Thetreatments include (T1) 2 mm daily - broadcast as perstandard recommendation, (T2) 2 mm daily - fertigationin ten splits (N:K2O :: 4:3), (T3) 2 mm daily - fertigation inten splits (N:K2O :: 1:I), (T4) 2 mm in alternate days -broadcast as per standard recommendation, (T5) 2 mmin alternate days - fertigation in ten splits (N:K2O :: 4:3),(T6) 2 mm in alternate days - fertigation in ten splits(N:K2O :: 1:I), (T7) 6 mm once in a week - broadcast asper standard recommendation, (T8) 6 mm once in a week- fertigation in ten splits (N:K2O :: 4:3), (T9) 6 mm once ina week - fertigation in ten splits (N:K2O :: 1:I), (T10)variable-broadcast as per standard recommendation,(T11) variable round with 10 splits of fertigation ( N:K2O

Table 9. Critical evaluation of different sources of zinc

Treatment Yield (kg made tea/ha)

Control 2274Standard practice

Absolute 2269Plus 50 ppm Mo 2334Plus 100 ppm Mo 2190

Foliar appliaction (4 rounds)Chelated Zn @ 1.0 kg/ha/yr 2139Chelated Zn @ 1.5 kg/ha/yr 2020Chelated Zn @ 2.0 kg/ha/yr 1864

Soil application75% annual N as zincated urea 194450% annual N as zincated urea 196825 kg ZnSO4 (no foliar Zn) 225135 kg ZnSO4 (no foliar Zn) 2203

Foliar application (in 4 splits)10 kg ZnSO4 + 10 kg urea 24468 kg Zinc oxide* 2417

C.D P = 0.05: NS

*as per recommendation

:: 1:1 ), (T12) control ( no irrigation) - broadcast as perstandard recommendation and (T13) 2 mm in alternatedays - fertigation twice in a week N:K ratio as perstandard recommendation.

Pretreatment yield was recorded from January toAugust and the treatments were imposed duringSeptember. Crop harvested at each plucking round isbeing recorded. During the year under report, drip wasoperated only for 80 days due to continuous wet spell.Soil and leaf samples were analysed for pH, E.C, OMand NH4

+-N, NO2- -N, P, K, Ca, Mg, urease activity,

physical parameters, Zn, Fe, Mn and Mg nutrientcontent before and after imposing the treatments. Theexperiment is being continued.

2.3. Plant Pathology2.3.1. Experiment on biofertilisers (PAT/198(Bio)/02-NL)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for the year 2002 (p.66). The experimental areawas pruned during May 2005. Crop data for the lastpruning cycle indicated that the plots under standardtreatment gave higher yield. However, there is nosignificant difference among the biofertiliser treatmentplots (Table 10). The experiment is being continued.

Table 10. Effect of biofertilzers on clonal tea

Treatment Yield (kg made tea/ha)

N100 + P100 + K100 8148N80 + P50 + K100 6584N80 + P50 + K100 +Azos +

Phos (Regional strain) 6699N80 + P50 + K100 + Azos +

Phos (Common strain) 7791N60 + P50 + K100 7369N60 + P50 + K100 +Azos +

Phos (Regional strain) 6690N60 + P50 + K100 + Azos +

Phos (Common strain) 7115C.D. P = 0.05: NS

B. RadhakrishnanSr. Advisory Officer

64

1. ADVISORY AND ANALYTICAL1.1. General

Under the Xth Plan Project on “Establishment of achain of tea quality laboratories in the regional centresof UPASI TRF and strengthening of existing analyticalfacilities at TRI” quality paramerters on made tea arebeing analysed in the laboratory.

1.2. Visits

A total of 241 visits were made to member estates andsmall grower holdings by technical personnel of this centrein connection with advisory and experimental work.

1.3. Advisory circular

Monthly advisory circulars, covering all crophusbandry practices of tea, production andproductivity details were sent to memeber estatesevery month.

1.4. Weather and crop

District received wide spread rainfall during theperiod under report. The first quarter recorded 6.1 cmrain, second quarter 48.5 cm, third quarter 192.5 cmand fourth quarter 30.56 cm. Total rainfall (274.05 cm)in 2005 was higher than that of last year (209.6 cm) aswell as the decennial average (209.75 cm). Usefulsummer showers were received during April whichcontinued till end May. South west monsoon set intime on 6th June 2005 and was active till the last weekof August. In the month of September, district receivedfairly good north east monsoon and rain ceased on 6th

November followed by occational rains during Decem-ber.

Crop production in the district was 10.7 m.kg during2005 which is 9% increase higher when compared to thatof previous year (9.7 m.kg). Summer showers in Aprilproved beneficial when many estates harvested good crop.Most of the gardens had unmanageable rush crop in May.Crop pattern during June was quite good but continuousheavy rains due to cyclonic effect and high rainfall duringJuly and August depressed the crop. After effect of thiscontinued into September too resulting high incidence ofblister and grey blight. Crop production did not increasein the last quarter due to erratic weather pattern, especiallywind, mist and low temperature.

1.5. Pests and diseases

Since the monsoon was very effective between Julyand October, incidence of blister blight was very highthroughout the district till end November. Higherincidence of grey blight/die back was also found due tocontinual shear harvesting during monsoon. Incidenceof red spider mite was negligible and was reportedduring end December from certain pockets of tea fields.Root diseases and minor pests like leaf roller, flush worm,leaf miner, pink and purple mites were reported from afew member gardens.

1.6. Analytical

A total of 471 soil samples received from memberestates and small growers were analysed for pH, EC,and eelworm population. Sixteen made tea samples wereanalysed for quality parameters since September.

REGIONAL CENTRE - GUDALUR

65

2. FIELD EXPERIEMNTS2.1. BOTANY2.1.1. Cultivar proving block: Silvercloud Estate(BOT/170/CS/98-NW)

Yield recording continued during second cycle anddue to unforeseen conditions the experimental blockswere not plucked between May and August. However,Selection, BSB-1 and composite plants continued toregister higher crop than the standards (Table 1).

2.1.2. Cultivar Proving block: Silvercloud Estate (BOT/229/CS/04-NW)

Crop recording from the promising, newly relseasedclone, TRF-1 is being continued and the data on casulatyand yield are presented in Table 2.

2.1.3. Experiment on shear tipping: Sussex Estate(BOT/218(MEC)03-NW)

Third year yield data of this experiment arepresented in Table.3. Number of plucking rounds usingshears and hand were also projected. There was asignificant variation in terms of yield among thetreatements.

2.2 ENTOMOLOGY2.2.1. Pesticide residues in tea

Trials for estimation of residues of Fenpyroximate5EC and Bifenthrin were undertaken during theperiod under report. Made tea samples and green

Table 1. Cultivar proving block: Silvercloud Estate

Cultivar Yield* Casualty(Jan - Dec) (%)

SelectionUPASI-28 (BSB-1) 1782 19

GraftsUPASI-3/UPASI-9 1215 52UPASI-8/ATK-1 1189 72

Bi-clonal seed stock (BSS-2)Seeds of UPASI-2 1743 31Seeds of TRI-2025 1345 40

StandardsUPASI-9 1240 37ATK-1 860 72

*made tea yield (kg) calculated for 13,000 bushes per hectareat an out turn of 22.5%

Table 3. Shear tipping in pruned field - Sussex Estate

Treatment Made tea kg/ha* No. of plucking Bush height(Jan-Dec) rounds (cm)

Shear tipping & continual shear harvesting 6480 24 87Shear tipping & continuous hand plucking 6523 36 93Mannual tipping & continual shear harvesting 6602 24 89Mannual tipping & continuous hand plucking 6695 36 92Shear tipping by providing extra one tier above

normal tipping level & continual shear harvesting 6581 24 93Shear tipping by providing extra one tier above

normal tipping level & continuous hand plucking 6448 36 98

* mean yield of 4 replicates and calculated for 13,000/ha at an out turn of 22.5%

Table 2 . Cultivar proving block: Silvercloud Estate

Cultivar Casualty Yield, made tea kg/ha*(per cent) (Jan - Dec)

TRF-1 44 1061TRI-2026 11 1129Selection-B 72 556

*calculated for 13,000 bushes per hectare at an outturn of 22.5%

66

Table 4. Evaluation of copper hydroxide 57DP & 77 WP against blister blight in tea under plucking: Caroyln Estate

Treatment Spray Cumulative(Dosage/ha) interval infection (%)*

Copper hydroxide (57 DP) 100 g + T.AE 0.05% 7 47.7Copper hydroxide (57 DP) 150 g + T.AE 0.05% 7 41.6Copper hydroxide (57 DP) 200 g + T.AE 0.05% 7 38.6Copper hydroxide (57 DP) 100 g + Contaf 5E (200 ml) + T.AE (0.05%) 7 41.1Copper hydroxide (57 DP) 150 g + Contaf 5E (200 ml) + T.AE (0.05%) 7 39.9Copper hydroxide (57 DP) 200 g + Contaf 5E (200 ml) + T.AE (0.05%) 7 36.5Copper hydroxide (77 WP) 100 g + T.AE 0.05% 7 49.9Copper hydroxide (77 WP) 150 g + T.AE 0.05% 7 41.5Copper hydroxide (77 WP) 200 g + T.AE 0.05% 7 45.7Copper hydroxide (77 WP) 100 g + Contaf 5E (200 ml) + T.AE (0.05%) 7 38.5Copper hydroxide (77 WP) 150 g + Contaf 5E (200 ml) + T.AE (0.05%) 7 37.5Copper hydroxide (77 WP) 200 g + Contaf 5E (200 ml) + T.AE (0.05%) 7 33.3Blitox 50 WP (210 g) + Contaf 5E (200 ml) + T.AE (0.05%)** 7 32.3Kocide101 (200 g) + Contaf 5E (200 ml) +T.AE (0.05%) 7 40.5Untreated control (-) 73.3C.D. P = 0.05: 2.60

* No. of assessments made for the period (10); **standard treatment for comparison

leaves were sent to Residue Laboratory at TRI,Valparai for quantification of residues.

2.3. PLANT PATHOLOGY2.3.1. Evaluation of copper hydroxide 57 DP and 77WP against blister blight of tea (PAT/05/BB/NW)

An experiment in randomised block design waslaid out in field No.13 of Richmond Division, CarolynEstate to evaluate the efficacy of copper hydroxide57 DP and 77 WP against blister blight. Resultsrevealed that copper hydroxide 57 DP and 77 WPwere effective against blister blight in combinationwith triazole formulation. Data are presented in Table4.

2.3.2. Evaluation of bioformulations on blister blight(PAT/05/BB/NW)

An observational trial on efficacy of bioformulationsin controlling blister blight was carried out in field No.13

Table 5. Experiment on the biological control of blisterblight: Carolyn Estate

Cumulative average (%)Treatment Disease severity

Formulation A (50 g) 39.28Formulation B (50 g) 38.76Standard (COC + Contaf) 26.68Control 46.69

of Richmond Division, Carolyn estate. Resultsindicated that the bioformulations provided 15-18%control as against 44% in standard treatment(COC+Triazole). Data are presented in Table 5.

2.3.3. Experiment on biofertilizers: Silvercloud Estate(PAT/199/(BF)/01-NW)

The experiment completed one pruning cycle duringMay and the experimental plots were pruned in the

67

Table 6. Effect of biofertilizers on clonal tea

Cumulative Yield**Treatment yield (1st (Oct -

cycle) Dec'05)

1. N100+P100+ K100 15584 14272. N80 +P50 +K100 14897 13233. N80+P50+K100+Azospirillum +

phosphobacteria (RS)** 16487 14474. N80+P50+K100 + Azospirillum +

phosphobacteria (CS)** 15252 13805. N60+P50+K100 15145 13356. N60+P50+K100+ Azospirillum +

phosphobacteria (RS) 14692 12277. N60+P50+K100 + Azospirillum +

phosphobacteria (CS) 15463 1467

*calculated for 8970 bushes per hectare at an out turnof 22.5% and mean of three replicates. ** RS: regionalstrain; CS: common strain

month of June. On recovery after pruning, recordingof yield for the second cycle is being continued.Cumulative yield for first cycle and data recordedduring the current cycle (first year) are given inTable 6.

Spurgeon CoxSr. Advisory Officer

68

1. ADVISORY AND ANALYTICAL1.1. Visits

Advisory Officer and his colleagues made 245 visitsto the member estates in connection with advisory andexperimental work.

1.2. Weather and crop

The district went through moderate drought in 2005,comprising 60 rainless days. Regular summer showerswere received from the first week of April. South westand north east monsoon were heavier in 2005 than inthe previous year. Total rainfall recorded at the regionalcentre was 3439.46 mm from 123 rainy days. Relativehumidity came down during February, March andDecember and dropped below 40%. Maximumtemperature touched 35°C in March.

Crop production was significantly higher in the firstfive months due to the useful rains during March andApril and the bright sunshine during May. Labouragitation during the month of June had a negativeimpact on crop production. Crop production during thesecond half of the year was low due to the heavy rainfalland the low sunshine hours. Severe attack of red spidermites during August to November was anotherimportant reason for the low crop production. Total teaproduction for the year was 8.70 m.kg with an averageproductivity of 2113 kg/ha. Total crop production forthe year was marginally higher than that of the last yearbut the productivity came down significantly.

1.3. Pests and diseases

Widespread attack of red spider mites was noticedduring August to November. Build up of mites wascontrolled by the end of November and residualpopulation of red spider mites was observed in someof the estates throughout the year. Blister blightdisease was low in 2005 compared to the previous year.Incidence of grey blight disease was severe in most of

REGIONAL CENTRE - MEPPADI

the estates, especially in the areas under continuousshear harvesting.

1.4. Advisory circulars

Monthly advisory circulars covering data on weather,crop and important agricultural operations to be carriedout were sent to the member estates regularly. Comparativetea production statement of Wayanad district was alsobeing circulated along with the advisory circulars.

1.5. Analytical

A total of 473 soil samples were tested for pH andEC and 222 soil samples were tested for OM during thisyear. Ten plant specimens were examined for rootdisease and reports were sent to the respective memberestates.

2. FIELD EXPERIMENTS2.1. Botany2.1.1. Clonal screening block: Sentinel Rock Estate(BOT/02/ (AG) 99-WY)

Yield data collected during the third agriculturalyear revealed that the selection, BSA-13 continuedto out yield all the standard clones (Table 1).

Table 1. Yield data from clonal screening block:Sentinel Rock Estate - Puthumala Division

*Yield made tea kg/haClone 2nd agricultural year Calendar year

(Sep ‘04 - Aug 05) (2005)

BSA - 13 7920.0 7635.0BSB - 1 7280.0 6760.0UPASI - 2 5129.0 4911.0UPASI - 8 4852.0 4800.0TRI - 2025 7020.0 6681.0ATK - 1 5613.0 5147.0UPASI - 9 5875.0 5405.0

*calculated for 13,000 bushes at an outturn of 22.5%

69

Performance of BSB-1 was comparable to that of ATK-1 and TRI-2025.

2.2. Chemistry2.2.1. Experiment on drip irrigation: Chulika Estate(CHE/159(DRI)/04-WY)

Details of the experiment were presented in theAnnual Report 2004 (p.71). Yield data collected duringthe period under report is furnished in Table 2.

Table 2. Yield data on the experiment of drip irrigation:Chulika Estate

Tr. NK Method of Irrigation Yield*No. ratio application schedule (kg/ha)

1 4:3 Broadcasting 2 mm daily 43882 4:3 Fertigation 2 mm daily 43193 1:1 Fertigation 2 mm daily 48134 4:3 Broadcasting 2 mm alternate days 44515 4:3 Fertigation 2 mm alternate days 41046 1:1 Fertigation 2 mm alternate days 40267 4:3 Broadcasting 6 mm once in a week 44638 4:3 Fertigation 6 mm once in a week 42839 1:1 Fertigation 6 mm once in a week 425610 4:3 Broadcasting Variable 471411 4:3 Broadcasting Control 353812 1:1 Fertigation Variable 4382

*calculated for 6700 bushes at an outturn of 22.5%

Table 5. Yield data on the experiment of sprinklerirrigation: Chulika Estate

Tr. Irrigation Irrigation PretreatNo. level (cm/ha) interval yield*

1 Variable 7 days 49252 5.0 cm/ha 20 days 45133 6.25 cm/ha 20 days 48904 Variable 20 days 47215 Control - 4109

*calculated for 6700 bushes at an outturn of 22.5%

Table 4. Details of treatment and pretreatment yield of the experiment on secondary nutrient

Yield made tea kg/haTreatment Oct. - Jan. -

Dec.'04 Dec. '05

Control (No soil application of Mg and S) 1123 4289Soil application of magnesium nitrate @20 kg Mg/ha/yr in two splits 1046 4003Soil application of Magnesite @20 kg Mg/ha/yr in two splits 917 4186Standard practice (200 kg magnesium sulphate/ha/yr in two splits) 1226 4948Standard practice (200 kg magnesium sulphate/ha/yr in two splits) with the reduction

of 50% K2O (4:1.5) when applied along with Mg 955 4085Elemental sulphur @ 50 kg S/ha/yr in two splits 1206 4012Sulpomag (equivalent to 25 kg S/ha/yr in two splits 1110 4242Kieserite (20 kg equivalent to Mg/ha/yr in two splits 1148 4468

*calculated for 6700 bushes at an outturn of 22.5%

2.2.2. Experiment on sprinkler irrigation: ChulikaEstate (CHE/160(SPR)/04-WY)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 2004 (p.71). Yield data collected during the yearare furnished in Table 3.

2.2.3. Experiment on secondary nutrients: Ripon Estate(CHE/151(Mg:S)/04-WY)

Details of the experiment and the field are reportedin the Annual Report 2004 (p.71). Yield recorded duringthe period under study is presented in Table 4. Theexperiment is being continued.

70

2.2.4. Experiment on phosphorus application in tea:Talamala Estate (CHE/147(CITP)/04-WY)

Details of the experiment were provided in theAnnual Report 2004 (p.71). Yield data collected duringthe year are furnished in Table 5. Tr. No., 15 kg P2O5/ha/split along with NK application by broadcasting was

Table 5. Yield data of the experiment on method of phosphorus application: Talamala Estate

Tr. No. Treatment Yield*

1. 120 kg P2O5/ha/cycle by placement 52112. 15 kg P2O5/ha/split along with NK application by broadcasting 63183. 10 kg P2O5/ha/yr along with NK application by broadcasting + 10 kg PSB/ha/yr 57614. 15 kg P2O5/ha/split along with NK application by broadcasting + 100 g citric acid (2 splits/yr) 55335. 10 kg P2O5/ha/split along with NK application by broadcasting + 200 g citric acid (2 splits/yr) 62796. 10 kg P2O5/ha/split along with NK application by broadcasting + 300 g citric acid (2 splits/yr) 61677. 40 kg P2O5/ha by placement along with 20 kg PSB in alternate years 59328. 60 kg P2O5/ha by placement + 200 g citric acid (2 splits/yr & alternate years in pruning cycle) 54649. 40 kg P2O5/ha by placement + 500 g citric acid (2 splits/yr & alternate years in pruning cycle) 609510. 40 kg P2O5/ha by placement + 700 g citric acid (2 splits/yr & alternate years in pruning cycle) 5484

*calculated for 13000 bushes at an outturn of 22.5%

found to be effective in terms of made tea yield followedby the treatment, 10 kg P2O5/ha/split along with NKapplication by broadcasting + 200 g citric acid (2 splits/yr).

K. AjayakumarAdvisory Officer

71

REGIONAL CENTRE - MUNNAR

1. ADVISORY AND ANALYTICAL1.1. Visits

Technical personnel undertook 198 visits inconnection with advisory and experimental work.

1.2. Weather and crop

The minimum temperature fluctuated between 2ºCand 5ºC from January 11 to 15 and February 12 to 21. Infact the lowest temperature of 1ºC was recorded onFebruary 15. Relative humidity also ranged between 28and 45% on days when low temperature was recorded.During January and February frost affected about 690ha of tea. About 295 ha of tea were again hit by frostduring the last week of December.

Regular summer showers commenced from April.South west monsoon arrived in the district on June 6and was very active from the second fortnight of Junetill first week of August. Stormy weather accompaniedby gales and very heavy rainfall was the weather patternin July. Rainfall of 458 mm was recorded on July 26 whichwas the highest ever recorded on a single day between1935 and 2005 resulting in floods and major land slips.July recorded a total precipitation of 2227 mm, thehighest for the month in the last 44 years. North eastmonsoon was reasonably active from October till earlyDecember. Rainfall was below the decennial averageduring the second quarter of the year, August andOctober and above the decennial average during theother months of the year. Total rainfall recorded for theyear under report was 4851 mm comprising 161 wet days,the corresponding figures for 2004 being 3810 mm and144 wet days.

When compared to the previous year, tea productionin the district recorded an increase of 17 and 37% duringthe first and second quarters, respectively, mainly dueto the useful rains received during January/March andthe well distributed summer showers in April and May.

Heavy rainfall during June and July affected teaproduction in the third quarter which declined the cropby 22% while unfavourable growing conditions duringthe period September to November depressedproduction by 10% during the last quarter of the year.Tea production in the district for the calendar year was25.80 m.kg (+4.4%) with a productivity level of 2295 kgmade tea/ha as compared to 24.71 m.kg and 2213 kgmade tea/ha for 2004.

1.3. Pests and diseases

Mild red spider and purple mite infestation wasobserved from January to April. Population of red spidermite increased during November and December in someestates. Isolated incidence of thrips was observed duringJanuary and August. An estate reported nettle grubattack during June. Blister blight infection was noticedfrom mid May itself and continued up to December end.Blister blight control measures, in general, have beensatisfactory. Pestalotia sp. continued to persist in thecontinuously sheared fields.

1.4. Analytical

Identification of insect pests and root diseasespecimens was done and reports were sent to theconcerned estates. Numerous root samples wereassessed for their starch content and the results reportedto senders.

1.5. Advisory circulars

Monthly advisory notes containing information onweather parameters and cultural operations to be undertakenwere circulated among the member estates. Comparativestatement on production and productivity of estates wasalso circulated every month. Weekly data on blister blightinfection level, monitored from estates in the variousagroclimatic zones were intimated to the Field Department,KDHP Co. Pvt. Ltd. and the concerned estates.

72

1.6. Survey of plant protection equipments

Survey of plant protection equipments wasundertaken in estates of KDHP Co. Pvt. Ltd. and TataTea Ltd. between June 9 and July 4.

2. FIELD EXPERIMENTS2.1. Botany2.1.1. Experiment on infilling, interplanting and interrow planting: Guderale Estate, Silent Valley Division(BOT/141(AG)/97-HR)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 1997 (p.90). During the year under report, allthe treatments had recorded yield increase ranging from5.73 to 2.00% over the control (Table 1). The experimentis in progress.

2.1.2. Clonal proving block: Madupatty R&D Farm(BOT/164(CS)/97-HR)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 1997 (p.90). Data recorded for the calendaryear are furnished in Table 2. The clone, UPASI-9continued to out yield BSB-1. The experiment is beingcontinued.

2.2. Chemistry2.2.1. General

Under the NTRF Project "Mineralization, urea

hydrolysis and nutrient releasing capacity of tea soils,"soil samples were collected from the various agroclimaticregions in High Range during November and forwardedto the Chemistry Division.

2.2.2. Experiment on evaluation of different farmingsystems in tea: Madupatty Estate, Chokanad Division(CHE/138(Farm)/02-HR)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for the year 2002 (p.81). Treatments were imposedas per schedule. Results revealed that conventionalfarming was superior to biodynamic and organic farmingin terms of yield (Table 3). Other parameters are beingstudied. The trial is in progress.

2.2.3. Multilocational trial on validation of targeted yieldequation: Nullatanni Estate (CHE/133(TYE)/02-HR)

Details of the experiment have been providedin the Annual Report for the year 2002 (p.82). Greenleaf yield recorded during the year 2005 ispresented in Table 4. This long-term experimentis in progress.

Table 1. Experiment on infilling, inter planting andinter-row planting

GL kg/treatment*Treatment Jan. - Jly ‘02 -

Dec.’05 Dec.’05

Infilling 1992.9 4393.9(+2.00) (+0.94)

Infilling and Inter planting 1994.0 4370.1(+2.05) (+0.40)

Infilling and Inter row planting 2066.0 4473.5(+5.73) (+2.80)

Control 1954.0 4352.8Plucking rounds 16 60

*green leaf yield; Figures in parentheses indicate percent +/- over control

Table 2. Clonal proving plot: Madupatty R & D Farm (IICycle)

Yield made tea kg/ha*Clone Jan. - Apr ‘02

Dec.‘04 Dec ‘04

BSB-1 3283.4 10658.0UPASI-9 3424.5 10875.4

*calculated for 10,000 plants/ha at an out turn of 22.5%

73

Table 3. Evaluation of different farming system in teaat High Range

Green leaf kg/treatmentTreatment Jan. - Apr ‘02

Dec.‘05 Dec ‘05

Conventional 1115.3 3611.6Biodynamic 1087.5 3524.0

(-2.5) (-2.4)Organic 920.0 2994.5

(-17.5) (-17.1)Plucking rounds 15 64

Figures in parentheses indicate per cent +/-over control

2.2.4. Experiment on phosphorus nutrition: NymakadEstate, Kanniamallay Division (CHE/147(CATP)/05-HR)

The experiment was initiated in a first year clonaltea field during September to a) workout thecomparative efficacy of method of application ofphosphorus (broadcast vs placement), b) explore thepossibility of reducing phosphorus by incorporatingcitric acid and c) workout the influence of citric acidon phosphorus availability. There were ninetreatments each replicated in three plots. Plots hada population of 100 bushes. Treatments includedwere 120 kg P2O5/ha/cycle by placement (60 + 60 inalternate years), 15 kg P2O5/ha/split along with NKby broadcasting (2 splits/year), 15 kg P2O5/ha/splitalong with NK by broadcasting + 300 g citric acid (2splits/year), 15 kg P2O5/ha/split along with NK bybroadcasting + 500 g citric acid (2 splits/year), 15 kgP2O5/ha/split along with NK by broadcasting + 750g citric acid (2 splits/year), 60 kg P2O5/ha/alternateyears by placement + 300 g citric acid (2 splits/cycle),60 kg P2O5/ha/alternate years by placement + 500 gcitric acid (2 splits/cycle), 60 kg P2O5/ha/alternateyears by placement + 750 g citric acid (2 splits/cycle)and application of citric acid alone by broadcasting@ 1kg/ha/yr (No P2O5 application). Pre-treatmentsoil sampling was done prior to imposing treatments.Treatments were imposed during September. Posttreatment soil sampling after sixty days was doneduring November. This trial is in progress.

2.3. Entomology2.3.1. Evaluation of certain new acaricides against redspider mite of tea: Madupatty Estate, Chokanad Division(ENT/360/05-HR)

The experiment was initiated during Februaryto evaluate the efficacy of certain new acaricidesaga ins t red sp ider mi tes . There were t entreatments with three replications. The treatmentswere Brigade 8SC (bifenthrin) @ 500, 750, 1000,1250 ml/ha, Polo 50WP(diafenthiuron) @ 300, 400,500 g/ha, fenpropathrin @ 200 ml/ha, propargite57E @ 500 ml /ha and un t rea ted con t ro l .Treatments were imposed and mite sampling doneas per standard procedure. Two sprays were doneat weekly interval. Spray fluid was 450 l/ha with aknapsak sprayer. Most of the treatments wereeffective in reducing red spider mite population.The spraying of Brigade 8 SC (bifenthrin) @ 1000and 1250 ml/ha has significantly reduced the numberof red spider mite in comparison to untreated control.Performance of Polo 50 WP @ 300 g/ha was notsat isfactory (Table 5) . The experiment wasconcluded during mid May.

2.4. Plant Pathology2.4.1. Assessment of blister blight infection in differentagroclimatic zones of High Range (PAT/135/(BB)/97-HR)

The overall blister blight infection rate, in general,was high during the current year. Observations madeat weekly intervals from June to December arefurnished in Table 6. Data indicated that infectionlevels were high in Western end (29 to 91%), Easternend (24 to 93%) and Low elevation (20 to 87%) estateswhen compared to Top station (22 to 80%) and Plateauestates (11 to 66%).

2.4.2. Evaluation of biofertilizers in seedling tea: MadupattyEstate, Grahamsland Division (PAT/2K(BF)/02-HR)

Details of the experiment are given in the AnnualReport for the year 2002 (p.83). The experimentalblock was pruned during August '05. Data recordedfrom January to August as also the cumulativefigures from April '02 to August '05 are furnished inTable 7. Treatments were reimposed once againduring October 2005 and the experiment is beingcontinued into the second cycle.

Table 4. Validation of targeted yield equation

Green leaf kg/treatmentTreatment Jan. - Jan ‘03

Dec.‘05 Dec ‘05

FN=Z-500 805.0 (+9.67) 2152.0 (+8.20)FN=Z-250 841.2 (+14.6) 2368.7 (+19.10)FN=Z 850.6 (+15.88) 2216.1 (+11.42)FN=Z+250 790.1 (+7.64) 2087.0 (+4.93)FN=Z+500 731.0 (-0.40) 1928.4 (-3.00)Standard treatment 734.0 1988.8Plucking rounds 12 37

Figures in parentheses indicates % +/- over standardtreatment as per recommendation

74

Table 5. Evaluation of certain new acricides against red spider mite of tea: Madupatty Estate

Number of mites / 75 leavesTreatment & Pre- I week I week II week III week IV week V week VI week VII week VIII weekdosage Treat- after after after after after after after after after

ment I spray II spray II spray II spray II spray II spray II spray II spray II spray

Bifenthrin 8 SC 369 111 23 3 12 30 64 85 248 257(Brigade) 500 ml (19.21) (17.87)b-d (7.94)b-e (4.00)a (6.62)a-c (8.86)bc (13.45)bc (15.87)a-d (26.67)bc (27.76)cd750 ml 344 22 3 3 6 19 29 76 136 172

(18.55) (8.55)ab (4.00)ab (4.00)a (4.97)ab (7.23)a-c (8.87)ab (14.05)a-c (19.67)ab (22.40)ab1000 ml 367 19 2 1 1 6 0 10 23 68

(19.16) (7.88)a (3.73)ab (3.41)a (3.41)ab (4.65)ab (3.00)a (5.83)a (8.24)a (13.55)ab1250 ml 378 16 0 0 1 0 0 14 24 31

(19.44) (7.34)a (3.00)a (3.00)a (3.41)ab (3.00)a (3.00)a (7.07)a (8.33)a (9.81)aPolo 50 WP 416 308 47 39 67 44 118 197 409 439300 g (20.4) (29.07)d (12.15)e (11.22)b (14.35)c (11.47)c (18.12)d (23.59)cd (34.42)bc (35.86)d400 g 386 116 37 35 41 18 92 175 357 383

(19.65) (17.89)b-d (10.81)de (10.65)b (11.43)bc (7.93)a-c (16.72)cd (19.48)b-d (30.95)bc (34.01)cd500 g 391 189 14 25 28 19 94 140 357 321

(19.77) (23.54)cd (7.01)a-d (8.12)ab (8.75)bc (8.01)a-c (16.97)cd (20.36)b-d (31.40)bc (29.77)cdFenpropathrin 30EC 414 103 7 6 0 24 45 51 160 280200 ml (20.35) (17.50)b-d (5.24)ab (4.65)a (3.00)a (8.68)bc (10.53)bc (12.58)ab (21.38)a-c (26.7)b-dPropargite 57E 376 102 43 64 58 101 119 262 477 476500 ml (19.39) (17.59)b-d (10.20)c-e (12.29)b (11.96)bc (16.92)cd (18.92)d (26.38)d (37.62)cd (37.29)dUntreated control 376 1098 965 969 806 729 1013 718 1296 1039

(19.39) (57.44)e (53.87)f (53.94)c (49.25)d (46.85)e (55.17)e (46.35)e (61.81)e (55.55)eC.D. at P=0.05: NS 9.45 4.88 5.98 5.39 5.60 6.55 10.58 13.91 13.24

Dates of chemical application; 1 spray-4.2.05; 11 spray-11.2.05; Figures in parentheses are transformed values of X+1. Figuresfollowed by the same alphabet on vertical columns are not significant at five per cent level

Per cent infection in estates ofMonth Western Eastern Top Low Plateau& Week End End Station Elevation

June 1 29.0 27.0 22.0 20.0 11.011 34.0 28.0 31.0 42.0 35.0

111 41.0 33.0 25.0 32.0 23.01V 62.0 40.0 43.0 56.0 33.0

July 1 91.0 93.0 63.0 82.0 21.011 82.0 82.0 74.0 84.0 64.0

111 89.0 90.0 77.0 77.0 66.01V 85.0 - - 83.0 -

Aug 1 90.0 44.0 37.0 87.0 35.011 68.0 68.0 56.0 64.0 27.0

111 70.0 80.0 80.0 62.0 64.01V 38.0 48.0 51.0 45.0 35.0

Sep 1 42.0 27.0 29.0 38.0 17.011 45.0 40.0 52.0 38.0 36.0

Table 6. Assessment of blister blight infection in different agroclimatic zones of High Range

Per cent infection in estates ofMonth Western Eastern Top Low Plateau& Week End End station Elevation

Sep111 78.0 75.0 61.0 60.0 46.01V 87.0 78.0 61.0 34.0 46.0

Oct 1 66.0 71.0 50.0 21.0 28.011 50.0 66.0 66.0 24.0 46.0

111 70.0 42.0 29.0 61.0 27.01V 73.0 81.0 68.0 41.0 34.0

Nov 1 76.0 80.0 43.0 39.0 34.011 85.0 72.0 47.0 58.0 35.0

111 81.0 70.0 60.0 64.0 34.01V 83.0 48.0 44.0 54.0 53.0

Dec 1 70.0 37.0 41.0 58.0 52.011 57.0 38.0 36.0 43.0 44.0

111 54.0 24.0 27.0 36.0 36.01V 45.0 26.0 36.0 22.0 46.0

- assessment could not be done due to flood/road block

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2.4.4. Biocontrol of blister blight disease: NullatanniEstate (PAT243-(BB)/05-HR)

A non-replicated trial was initiated during July toevaluate the performance of some bioformulations forthe control of blister blight disease. There were fourtreatments, each plot consisting of 100 bushes. Sprayfluid employed was 150 l/ha using Inter-16 sprayercovering one row on either side. Treatments wereBioformulation A, Bioformulation B, copper-oxychloride+ hexaconazole combination and untreated control.Details on dosage rates and disease incidence arefurnished in Table 8. Copper oxychloride + hexaconazolecombination was sprayed at 7 day intervals whilebioformulations were applied at 5 day intervals.Performance of bioformulations A and B was found to

Table 7. Effect of biofertilizer on crop productivity

Made tea kg/ha*Treatment Jan. - Apr.' 02

Aug. '05 Aug. '05

N100+ P100+ K100 1499.9 10002.1N80 +P50 +K100 1303.0 9304.2N80+ P50+ K100+ Azospirillum + 1360.0 9220.1

phosphobacter (RS)**N80+ P50+ K100 + Azospirillum + 1335.0 9305.3

phosphobacter (CS)**N60+ P50+ K100 1371.9 9467.1N60+ P50+ K100+ Azospirillum + 1357.6 9757.3

phosphobacter (RS)N60 + P50+ K100 + Azospirillum + 1472.9 10866.6

phosphobacter (CS)

*calculated for 6800 bushes/ha at an out turn of 22.5%;** RS: regional strain; CS: common strain

2.4.3. Evaluation of copper hydroxide 57DP and 77WPagainst blister blight: Nullatanni Estate, KallarDivision (PAT/247(BB)/05-HR)

A field trial was conducted in a second year seedlingtea field to evaluate the efficacy of copper hydroxide 57DP and 77 WP against blister blight disease. Theexperiment was conducted in randomized block designand replicated three times. Each plot had a plantpopulation of 80 bushes. Fungicides were applied atweekly interval with an air blast sprayer using nozzleNo.II. Disease assessment was initiated three weeksafter the first fungicide application and yield recordingdone at each plucking round. Since the disease incidencewas less through out the session, conclusions couldnot be drawn.

Table 8. Experiment on the biocontrol of blister blight:Nullatanni estate

Treatment Severity %*

Bioformulation A 50 g + 2 ml glycerol/l 17.69Bioformulation B 50 g + 2 ml glycerol/l 19.53COC + Contaf+ Indtron AE(3.0 ml + 2.8 g + 0.5 ml) 4.99Untreated control 25.90

*mean of 25 assesments

be well below that of the conventional copperoxychloride + Contaf recommendation. The experimentwas concluded in December.

R.SasidharSr. Advisory Officer

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1. ADVISORY AND ANALYTICAL1.1. Visits

The technical personnel from the Regional Centremade a total of 330 visits to member estates in connectionwith advisory and experimental work during the periodunder report. The Director, UPASI TRF visited the districtduring May. Senior Scientists and Senior ResearchFellows from Tea Research Institute also visited thedistrict in connection with advisory and experimentalwork.

1.2. Weather and crop

Regular receipt of summer showers was the distinctfeature of the period under report. Drought was brokenin February itself with useful summer showers. The dryspell was comparatively lower in 2005, lasting only for72 days. Normally, the district experiences rainlessperiod of around 130-150 days every year. Considerabledrop in the minimum temperature (10 to 12oC) wasrecorded during mid January. Maximum temperature roseto 35oC in March. Relative humidity dropped to 25% inthe afternoons in January.

The district started receiving regular summershowers from end March onwards. South westmonsoon hit the district during the first week ofJune and was active with cyclonic depressions.Monsoonish weather prevailed upto Decemberdue to cyclonic weather. North east monsoon wascomparatively inactive. Total rainfall recordedfor the year was 2260.3 mm consisting of 138 wetdays as against 1921 mm and 127 wet days of2004.

Early receipt of summer showers helped to get highercrop production in March and April. Production washigher by 58% during the first quarter (Jan-Mar)compared to the same period of the year 2004.Premonsoon rush crop was much higher than the post

REGIONAL CENTRE - VANDIPERIYAR

monsoon rush. The district recorded significantly highproduction during the first two quarters. Crop productionwas poor in July and August due to the monsoon andlabour strike in June. Similarly, production was poor inOctober and November mainly due to extended southwest monsoon.

Total tea production for the calendar year was 10.58m.kg as against 8.64 m.kg recorded during 2004.Productivity was also increased to 1766 kg/ha from 1544kg/ha recorded in 2004. One tea estate crossed 3000 kg/ha while eight estates crossed 2000 kg/ha. Thirteenestates yielded lower than 2000 kg/ha.

1.3. Pests and diseases

Rapid flare up of red spider mite was noticedthroughout the district during the first quarter leadingto defoliation in certain estates. Population of redspider mite came down during the second and thirdquarters. Resurgence of mites was observed in thelast quarter, especially in December. In general,residual population of red spider mites continued tobe seen throughout the year, although variations hadbeen observed in different seasons. Incidence oferiophyid mites was less compared to red spidermites.

Moderate to severe incidence of thrips was noticedin the Peermade and Elappara zones during the first halfof the year. Complex attack of red spider mite and thripsresulted in crop loss in some estates of Elappara zone.Incidence of thrips was comparatively lower during thesecond half of the year.

Severe incidence of tea mosquito bug was noticedthrough out the district in November and December.Considerable crop loss was reported due to Helopeltisattack in two estates in Vandiperiyar and Elappara zones.Incidence of tea mosquito attack was more severe in2005 compared to the last five year period.

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Mild to moderate blister blight infection wasobserved during the monsoon months. Blister blightincidence prolonged upto November/December due tothe extended monsoon. Grey blight infection wasnoticed in the continuously shear harvested fields andalso in fields which were infested by tea mosquito bugand blister blight.

1.4. Service to small tea growers

Technical advice on tea cultivation was rendered tothe small growers who visited the Regional Centre.

1.5. Advisory circular

Monthly advisory circulars containing informationon weather parameters, tea production and culturaloperations to be undertaken were sent to all the memberestates. Statement on crop production and productivityof estates was also circulated every month.

1.6. Quality control laboratory

Mr.J.K.Thomas, Vice President, UPASI inauguratedQuality control laboratory at the UPASI Regional Centre,Vandiperiyar, on Friday the 4th November 2005.Dr.N.Muraleedharan, Director, UPASI TRF presidedover the function. Mr. J.K.Thomas urged the plantersfrom CTPA to make use of the facilities available at theRegional Centre to ensure quality of made tea. Hethanked UPASI for upgrading the quality controllaboratory with facilities for testing lime sulphur andcomplete analysis of soil.

Mr.M.Younus, General Manager, HarrisonsMalayalam, Mr. Sunil Sivaraman, Senior Manager,Carady Goody Estate and Mr. T. Jayachandran, ChairmanCTPA also spoke on the occasion. Senior executivesfrom tea estates of Central Travancore participated inthe inaugural function. Mr. Siby Mathew, AdvisoryOfficer proposed a vote of thanks. Mr. J.K. Thomasalso released a CD containing the Annual Reports ofUPASI Tea Research Foundation from 1996 to 2004.

Details of samples analysed during the year underreport is given hereunder; soil samples: pH, E.C, O.Mnematode count: 642; Tea samples: PFA, crude fibre,water extract etc: 37 and Lime sulphur: 56.

2. FIELD EXPERIMENTS2.1. Botany2.1.1. General

A total of 500 TRF-1 and 1000 KM-2 cuttings weresupplied to member estates for propagation during theyear 2005. Jatropha seeds received from UPASI TRI weresupplied to Arnakal Estate for germination. A total of260 Vetiver clumps (8000 saplings) were supplied to M/s.Harrisons Malayalam Ltd., Munnar for multiplication.

2.1.2. Clonal screening block: Alampally Estate (BOT/163(CS)/97-CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 1997 (p.83). Yield data recorded during theyear are given in Table 1. Among the selections, BSB-1performed better than the other selections. Among thestandards, graft combination UPASI-8/UPASI-9performed better.

2.1.3. Shredding of tea prunings and its influence onyield and soil properties: Alampally Estate (BOT/147(AG)/97-CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 1997 (p.83). Yield data from the secondcycle (May 2001- April 2005) are furnished in Table 2.Highest yield was recorded in treatments where theprunings were chopped and buried when compared tothe plots from where the prunings were removed or

Table 1. Clonal screening block : Alampally Estate

Cultivar Yield (kg made tea/ha*)(January-December 2005)

SelectionsBSB-1 6454BSA-13 5284BSA-15 4510BSA-28 5077BSA-31 3325

StandardsUPASI-8 / UPASI-9 4005UPASI-9 2679TRI-2025 3521UPASI-3 2644

*calculated for 13200 bushes at an out-turn of 22.5%

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chopped and spreaded. The experiment wasterminated.

2.2. Chemistry2.2.1. General

Under the Xth Plan Project "Mineralization, ureahydrolysis and nutrient releasing capacity of tea soils"soil samples were collected from Alampally, Pasuparai,Arnakal, Glenmary and Carady Goody Estates duringSeptember 2005 and forwarded to the ChemistryDivision.

2.2.2. Experiment on validation of targeted yieldequation: Arnakal Estate (CHE/135(TYE)/02-CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 2002 (p.90). The experiment is in the first yearof second cycle and the yield recorded for the first cycle(August 2002 - July 2005) is presented in Table 3. The

experimental plot was pruned during April 2005. Theexperiment is being continued.

2.2.3. Experiment on sprinkler irrigation: ArnakalEstate (CHE/157(SPR)/04-CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 2002. The revised protocol is given below.

1. variable round at 7 days intervals, 2. 5.0 cm/ha at 20days interval, 3. 6.25 cm/ha at 20 days interval, 4. variableround at 20 days interval and 5. control (no irrigation).Due to some unforeseen technical problems, theexperiment could not be commenced in 2005 as perschedule. Installation of the equipments has beencompleted in December. Treatments will be imposedduring January 2006 onwards.

2.2.4. Experiment on drip irrigation: Arnakal Estate(CHE/158 (DRI)/04-CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 2002. Revised protocol of the experiment is givenhereunder : T1.2 mm daily - Broadcast as per standardrecommendation, T2. 2 mm daily - Fertigation ofN:K2O::4:3 in ten splits, T3.2 mm daily - Fertigation ofN:K2O::1:1in ten splits, T4. 2 mm in alternate days -Broadcast as per standard recommendation, T5. 2 mmin alternate days Fertigation of N:K2O::4:3 in ten splits,T6. 2 mm in alternate days - Fertigation (N:K2O::1:1) inten splits, T7. 6 mm once in a week - Broadcast as perstandard recommendation, T8. 6 mm once in a week -Fertigation (N:K2O::4:3 ) in ten splits, T9. 6 mm once in aweek - Fertigation (N:K2O::1:1) in ten splits, T10.Variable* - Broadcast as per standard recommendation,T11. Variable* - Fertigation (N:K2O::4:3) in ten splits,T12. Variable* - Fertigation (N:K2O::1:1) in ten splits,T13. Control (No irrigation) - Broadcast as per standard

Table 2. Experiment on shredding of tea prunings: Alampally Estate

Yield made tea kg/ha* (second cycle)Treatment May '01 May '02 May '03 May '04 Mean

Apr. '02 Apr. '03 Apr. '04 Apr. '05

Removal of pruning 735 2637 1949 2135 1864Manual chopping & spreading 734 2811 2046 2182 1943Mechanical chopping & spreading 744 2807 2096 2182 1957Manual chopping & Burial 766 2945 2211 2261 2046Mechanical chopping & Burial 753 2942 2127 2276 2024C.D. at p = 0.05: 121 395 307 269 81

*calculated based on bush population at 5895 per ha at an out turn of 22.5%

Table 3. Evaluation of targeted yield equation: ArnakalEstate

Yield made tea kg/ha*Treatment Aug.'02 Aug.'03 Aug.'04 Mean

Jly '03 Jly.' 04 Apr.'05

FN = Z - 500 3729 3473 1921 3041FN = Z - 250 3619 3356 1875 2950FN = Z 3499 3176 1925 2866FN = Z + 250 3693 3329 2029 3017FN = Z + 500 3652 3317 1855 2942Standardrecommendation 3511 3333 1862 2902C.D. at P = 0.05%: 393 372 286 121

*calculated based on bush population 10246 per ha at anout turn of 22.5%

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recommendation and T14. Absolute control (noirrigation & no fertilizer application).

As in the case of previous experiment (CHE/157)this trial also could not be commenced in 2005. However,installation of drip irrigation equipments has beencompleted in December and treatments were imposed.Soil samples were collected and forwarded to theChemistry Division for complete analysis prior to thecommencement of irrigation. The experiment is inprogress.

2.2.5. Experiment on phosphorus: Pasuparai Estate(CHE/147(CITP)/04-NL&CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 2002. Soil samples were collected at 45, 60,75, 90 and 120 days after the phosphorus applicationand the same were forwarded to the Chemistry Divisionfor analysis. The experiment is in progress.

2.2.6. Experiment on critical evaluation of differentsources of zinc in tea: Carady Goody Estate (CHE/149(MN)/04-NL&CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for 2002. Mature leaves (3rd leaf) were collectedat 1st, 7th and 14th day after the application of differentsources of zinc and sent regularly to TRI. Leaf samples(after 30, 45 and 60 days after application) and soilsamples (after 30 days after application) from the soilapplied plots were also collected and sent for analysis.Yield recorded from this experimental plots for the periodJanuary to December is furnished in Table 4. Theexperiment is in progress.

2.3. Entomology2.3.1. General

A survey on naturally occurring entomopathogenswas conducted in a few estates, between 21st and 23rdDecember 2005.

2.3.2. Basic studies(i) Evaluation of new formulations for the control of teathrips

Bioefficacy of certain new molecules was evaluatedagainst tea thrips under laboratory conditions. Trialconsisted of nine different treatments. Experiment was

replicated three times and the efficacy of the differentformulations was determined at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hoursafter imposing treatment. The treatments were T1.Melbemectin 1% (Melbeknock) 200ml/ha, T2. bifenthrin8 SC (Brigade) 300ml/ha, T3. diafenthiuron 50 WP (PoloWP) 300g/ha, T4. clothianidin 50 WDG (Dantop) 60 g/ha, T5. endo 50 WDG 300 g/ha, T6. fenpropathrin +pyriproxyfen (Prempt 20EC) 500 ml/ha, T7. paraffinic oil(Agro spray oil) 1000 ml/ha, T8. Paecilomyces(Mycomite) 1500 g/ha and T9. Untreated control.

Data collected are furnished in Table 5. Among varioustreatments, T3 showed significant knockdown effect withalmost 90% mortality after 24 h followed by T5 (80%), T4(67%) and T6 (63%). However, the bioefficacy of othertreatments were comparatively lower (T2-40% and T1 & T737% mortality, respectively). Paecilomyces being anentomopathogenic fungus did not show any knockdowneffect.

(ii) Evaluation of paraffinic oil for the control of tea thrips

Bioefficacy of paraffinic oil was evaluated against teathrips, under laboratory conditions. The experiment wasreplicated three times and the efficacy of the formulation wasdetermined and compared with quinalphos at 24, 48, 72 and96 hours after imposing treatment. Data collected arepresented in Table 6. Fifty six percent mortality was observedwith paraffinic oil after 24 hours compared to 96 % mortality

Table 4. Critical evaluation of different sources of zinc

Treatment Yield (kg made tea/ha)

Control 6291Zn SO4 6438Zn SO4+ 50 ppm Mo (Foliar) 6666Zn SO4+ 100 ppm Mo (Foliar) 6275Chelated Zn @ 1.0 kg/ha/yr (Foliar) 6409Chelated Zn @ 1.5 kg/ha/yr 6676Chelated Zn @ 2.0 kg/ha/yr 6853Soil application

75% annual N as zincated urea 613950% annual N as zincated urea 618425 kg ZnSO4 (no foliar Zn) 691635 kg ZnSO4 (no foliar Zn) 6840

Foliar application (in 4 splits)10 kg ZnSO4 + 10 kg urea 70038 kg Zinc oxide* 6793

*as per recommendation

80

with quinalphos. A maximum mortality of 67% was noticedafter exposure for 96 hours .

(iii) Ovicidal action of fenpropathrin and propargite onred spider mite

Ovicidal action of fenpropathrin and propargitewas evaluated under laboratory conditions. Tealeaves containing known number red spider mite eggswere exposed to the above chemicals at therecommended concentration. Number of eggshatched after treatment was noted. Unhatched eggswere counted and the percentage of ovicidal activitywas calculated (Table 7). Fenpropathrin showed 45%

ovicidal action of mortality while propargite offeredabout 61%.

(iv). Evaluation of paraffinic oil for the control of teamosquito

Effect of paraffinic oil was evaluated against teamosquito under laboratory and field conditions.Paraffinic oil treated leaves were provided to the teamosquito. A positive control was also kept usingquinalphos sprayed shoots for comparison. Datacollected are presented in Table 8. Around 60% mortalitywas noticed after 24 hours of exposure. Maximummortality of 70% was achieved after 48 hours. However,the control achieved in the field trial was not significant.Detailed field evaluation is necessary to confirm theresults.

(v). Evaluation of ovicidal action of paraffinic oil againsteggs of tea mosquito

Ovicidal action of paraffinic oil was evaluated underlaboratory conditions. Tea shoots with eggs of tea

Table 5. Bioefficacy of different new molecules against tea thrips

Treatment Hours after mortality rate24 48 72 96

Melbemectin 1% @ 200ml/ha 37 50 73 80Bifenthrin 8 SC @ 300ml/ha 40 47 53 70Diafenthiuron 50 WP @300g/ha 90 93 93 100Clothianidin 50 WDG @ 60g/ha 67 77 90 100Endo 50 WDG @300g/ha 80 90 90 100Prempt 20EC* @ 500ml/ha 63 70 80 97Paraffinic oil @ 1000ml/ha 37 47 60 77Paecilomyces @1500g/ha 3 17 20 33Untreated control 3 10 10 13

*Prempt 20EC (fenpropathrin 15% + pyriproxyfen 5%)

Table 6. Evaluation of efficacy of paraffinic oil againsttea thrips

Treatment Hours after mean mortality rate (%)24 48 72 96

Paraffinic oil 36.7 46.7 60.0 76.7Quinalphos 73.3 83.3 96.7 100.0Control 0.7 5.0 10.0 10.0

Table 7. Ovicidal action of Fenpropathrin and Propargiteagainst red spider mite

Hatchability OvicidalTreatment treated eggs action

(per cent) (per cent)

Fenpropathrin @ 200 ml/ha 55 45Propargite @ 500 ml/ha 39 61

Table 8. Evaluation of efficacy of paraffinic oil againsteggs of tea mosquito

Treatment Mean mortality (%) after hr24 48 72 96

Paraffinic oil* 56.7 63.3 63.3 66.6Quinalphos** 96.7 96.7 100.0 100.0Control 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

*Paraffinic oil @ 1000 ml/ha; ** Quinalphos @ 750 ml/ha

81

mosquito were exposed to spray of paraffinic oil.Number eggs hatched after treatment was noted bycounting the number of nymphs emerged from eachtreatment. Unhatched eggs were also counted and thepercentage of ovicidal activity was calculated. Data arepresented in Table 9. Approximately 60% of eggs werekilled by the action of paraffinic oil.

(vi). Evaluation of Paecilomyces against tea mosquito

Paecilomyces fumosoroseus @1500g/ha wasevaluated against tea mosquito both in laboratory andfield conditions. Being a fungal pathogen, noknockdown effect was noticed both in laboratory andfield (Table 10). Population came down in the field after2-3 sprays. Under lab conditions, there was nosignificant adult mortality after 2 days while on nymphs,the mortality was 30-40% after 4 days.

vii. Natural enemies(a) Oligota pygmaea

Attempts were made to rear this predator underlaboratory conditions on alternate host. A laboratory

culture of meal moth (Corcyra cephalonica) wasmaintained to rear the predatory insects. Feedingpreference of this predator was evaluated by providingthe eggs of Corcyra as well as its natural prey (eggs ofred spider mites). In order to find out whether it couldbe multiplied on this alternate host, adults and larvae ofOligota were provided with the eggs of Corcyra underlaboratory conditions. Predators did not feed on theeggs of Corcyra.

(b). Stethorus gilvifrons

Mealy bugs collected from the fields were inoculatedon pumpkin for the purpose of mass rearing of Stethorus,another predator of red spider mite. A semi syntheticdiet developed for the mass multiplication of Coccinellidsand Chrysopids was also tried. Further studies are inprogress.

(c). Reduviids (Euagorus plagiatus): (ENT/341b/04-CT)

Laboratory studies were carried out to find out thepredatory potential and efficiency in suppressing teamosquito population. The early nymphal stages (I & IIinstars) of the reduviid preferred to feed on the nymphalstages of tea mosquito compared to the later stages (III& IV instars). However, adult predators showed apreference towards adult tea mosquitoes (Table 11).Predatory efficiency of different developmental stageshad also been studied. A mass culture of this reduviidwas maintained in the laboratory.

2.3.3. Evaluation of bioformulations against red spidermite: Karimtharuvi Estate (ENT/335a/04-CT)

An experiment was started in November 2004 toevaluate the efficacy of bioformulations against redspider mites. The control achieved with herbal extract(Exodus) was on par with that of Propargite, although

Table 9. Evaluation of ovicidal action of paraffinic oilagainst eggs of tea mosquito

Treatment Total No of No. of Ovicidaleggs hatched unhatched action (%)

Paraffinic oil* 20 8 10 59Paraffinic oil** 20 8 13 63

*, ** Paraffinic oil @ 1000 & 1500 ml/ha, respectively

Table 10. Bioefficacy of Paecilomyces against teamosquito bug

Treatment Hours after mortality rate (%)24 48 72 96

AdultsPaecilomyces* 0.0 0.0 10.0 10.0Quinalphos** 83.3 96.7 100.0 100.0Control 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

NymphsPaecilomyces* 3.3 3.3 33.0 41.5Quinalphos** 93.3 100.0 100.0 100.0Control 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

*Paecilomyces @ 1500 g/ha; ** Quinalphos @ 750 ml/ha

Table 11. Predatory efficiency of Reduviid (Euagorusplagiatus)– (7 days period)

Life stages of No. of TMB consumedReduviid IV instar V instar Adults

nymphs nymphs

II instar 18.2 ± 0.4 22.6 ± 0.5 -III instar 37.1 ± 5.0 40.6 ± 5.8 -IV instar 81.2 ± 8.6 87.0 ± 6.4 63.8 ± 4.6Adult male 134.4 ± 10.6 148.8 ± 8. 2 228 ± 12.0Adult female 162.0 ± 6.0 162.3 ± 11.8 252.4 ± 9.5

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persistence of this herbal extrsct was low. The efficacyof Paraffinic oil and Neem Azal T/S 1% was notcomparable to that of Propargite and Exodus. Trial wasconcluded in May 2005.

2.3.4. Evaluation of new chemicals for the control oftea mosquito: Arnakal Estate (ENT/355/04-CT)

Another experiment was started during December2004 to evaluate the efficacy of certain new formulationsagainst tea mosquito. There were ten treatments withthree replications. Treatments were, T1. Prempt 20EC(fenpropathrin + pyriproxyfen 250 ml/ha), T2. Prempt20EC 500 ml/ha, T3. Prempt 20EC 750 ml/ha, T4. Prempt20EC 1000 ml/ha, T5. Dantop 50 WDG - (Clothianidin)40 g/ha, T6. Dantop 50 WDG 60 g/ha, T7. Dantop50WDG 80 g/ha, T8. Dantop50 WDG 120 g/ha, T9.

Quinalphos 25 EC 750 ml/ha and T10. untreated control.

Trial was concluded in February 2005 and the datacollected were statistically analysed and presented in Table12. Results indicated that Prempt @500 and 750 ml/ha andDantop @ 60 and 80 g/ha offered good control of the pest.However, on a comparative basis Prempt was superior toQuinalphos and lower concentrations of Dantop.

2.3.5. IPM of thrips/tea mosquito: Pattumalay andMoongalaar Estates (ENT/348/04-CT)

Vetiver sl ips planted in Moongalaar andPattumalay Estates could not establish satisfactorily.Hence, these trials were terminated during thecurrent year and a new trial was initiated in ArnakalEstate.

Table 12. Evaluation of new formulations (Prempt & Dantop) against tea mosquito: Arnakal Estate

Number of infested shoots/300 shootsTreatment Dosage Pre I week I week II week III week IV week V week

ml/g/ha treatment after after after after after after I spray II spray II spray II spray II spray II spray

Prempt 20 EC 250 77 57 16 8 0 2 4(fenpropathrin 15% (15.44) (13.34) (7.38) (5.70)bc (3.0)a (3.73)ab (4.46)abcd+ pyriproxyfen 5% EC)Prempt 20 EC 500 63 46 15 4 0 2 3

(13.89) (12.09) (6.88) (4.46)ab (3.0)a (3.73)ab (4.0)abcPrempt 20 EC 750 81 45 13 4 0 0 2

(15.70) (11.91) (6.58) (4.46)ab (3.0)a (3.0)a (3.73)abPrempt 20 EC 1000 75 41 16 0 0 0 0

(15.22) (11.41) (7.34) (3.0)a (3.0)a (3.0)a (3.0)aDantop 50 WDG 40 84 58 15 14 22 13 11(Clothianidin 50 WDG) (16.03) (13.46) (7.33) (7.14)cd (8.66)d (6.90)c (6.47)deDantop 50 WDG 60 71 52 15 13 16 13 10

(14.87) (12.83) (7.30) (6.92)c (7.54)cd (6.83)c (6.18)cdeDantop 50 WDG 80 83 42 15 11 14 10 10

(15.93) (11.61) (7.28) (6.47)c (7.14)c (6.20)c (6.20)cdeDantop 50 WDG 120 72 30 14 10 4 7 9

(14.73) (9.65) (7.10) (6.24)c (4.46)b (5.46)bc (5.97)bcdQuinalphos 25% EC 750 72 52 15 9 12 15 12

(14.91) (12.70) (7.18) (5.65)bc (6.46)c (7.18)c (6.24)cdeUntreated control - 69 72 29 23 33 31 17

(14.55) (14.99) (9.78) (8.83)d (10.39)e (10.07)d (7.69)eC.D. at P = 0.05: NS NS NS 1.77 1.39 1.88 2.28

Dates of chemical application : I spray : 14.12.2004; II spray : 22.12.2004; Figures in parentheses are transformedvalues of x+1; Figures followed by the same alphabet in a vertical column are not significantly different at five percent level

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2.3.6. IPM of thrips/tea mosquito: Arnakal Estate/UPASI Farm (ENT/348a/05-CT)

Vetiver slips were planted along the borders andvacancies in one field of Deepdene Division of ArnakalEstate as well as in the Regional Centre Farm during theperiod under report. Vetiver plants established very wellin both places. Screening of Helopeltis population wasdone during the peak season, viz. from August toDecember. Preliminary observations indicated thatVetiver did not offer any reduction in the populationdynamics of tea mosquito bug. The experiment is beingcontinued.

2.3.7. Evaluation of new chemicals for the control oftea thrips: Chidambaram Estate (ENT/361/05-CT)

An experiment was conducted during March 2005to evaluate the efficacy of some new formulationsagainst tea thrips. There were ten treatments with threereplications. Treatments are T1. NeemAzal T/S 1% 100ml/ha, T2. NeemAzal 200 ml/ha, T3. NeemAzal 300 ml/

ha, T4. NeemAzal 400 ml/ha, T5. NeemAzal 500 ml/ha,T6. Polo 50WP (Diafenthiuron) 300 g/ha, T7. Polo 400g/ha, T8. Polo 500 g/ha, T9. Quinalphos 25 EC 750 ml/haand T10. untreated control.

Trial was concluded in April 2005. Application ofPolo 50 WP at 400 and 500 g/ha offered significantreduction of thrips (Table 13). Spraying of Neem Azal T/S 1% at lower concentrations did not result anyreduction in thrips population. However at 400 & 500ml/ha Neem Azal offered a marginal control. Quinalphoswas found to be more effective than lowerconcentrations of Polo.

2.3.8. Evaluation of new chemicals for the control oftea mosquito: Arnakal Estate (ENT/365/05-CT)

This experiment was conducted in August 2005 toevaluate the efficacy of some new formulations againsttea mosquito. There were ten treatments with threereplications. Treatments include T1. Confidor 200 SL(Imidacloprid) 75 ml/ha, T2. Confidor 100 ml/ha, T3.

Table 13. Evaluation of diafenthiuron (Polo 50 WP) and Neem azal T/S 1% against thrips infesting tea

Number of thrips/75 shootsTreatment Dosage Pre- I week I week II week III week IV week

ml/g treat- after after after after afterper ha ment I spray II spray II spray II spray II spray

Neem Azal T/S 1% 100 372 266 211 143 149 265(51.51) (37.33) (42.52)bc (22.88)cd (19.70)c (24.87)bc

Neem Azal 200 370 259 177 141 144 235(33.16) (27.25)abc (23.21)bc (20.70)b (20.77)a (26.61)ab

Neem Azal 300 369 184 153 138 130 197(33.28) (23.22)ab (21.24)abc (20.56)b (19.78)a (23.86)ab

Neem Azal 400 372 173 147 128 114 189(32.99) (22.94)ab (21.03)abc (19.71)ab (18.73)a (23.66)ab

Neem Azal 500 360 159 138 124 107 167(32.36) (21.82)ab (20.43)abc (19.42)ab (18.04)a (22.24)ab

Polo 50 WP 300 365 185 105 119 138 180(diafenthiuron) (33.22) (23.74)ab (17.94)ab (18.69)ab (20.40)a (23.11)abPolo 50 WP 400 361 154 102 113 121 164

(32.93) (21.38)ab (17.74)ab (18.50)ab (18.89)a (22.35)abPolo 50 WP 500 367 133 92 92 105 153

(32.62) (20.06)a (16.85)a (16.81)a (17.78)a (21.35)aQuinalphos 25 EC 750 364 203 184 138 101 149

(32.69) (24.79)ab (23.68)c (20.36)ab (17.63)a (21.21)aUntreated control - 366 412 612 430 297 665

(32.88) (34.88)c (42.88)d (36.04)c (29.85)b (44.72)cC.D. at P = 0.05: NS 7.79 5.49 3.57 4.21 6.18

Dates of chemical application: I spray - 15.03.2005, II spray - 23.03.2005; Figures in parentheses are transformed values of x+1Figures followed by the same alphabets in a vertical column are not significantly different at five per cent level.

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Confidor 125 ml/ha, T4. Calypso 240 SC (Thiacloprid)100 ml/ha, T5. Calypso 125 ml/ha, T6. Lambdacyhalothrin5 EC 250 ml/ha, T7. Bifenthrin 8 SC 500 ml/ha, T8.Quinalphos 25 EC 750 ml/ha, T9. Profenofos 50 EC 500ml/ha and T10.untreated control.

Result indicated that Confidor 100 and 125 ml/haand Calypso @ 125 ml/ha offered good control of thepest (Table 14). However, on a comparative basis bothQuinalphos and Lambdacyhaothrin were found to bemore effective than lower concentrations of Confidorand Calypso. Trial was concluded in November 2005.

2.3.9. Studies on the efficiency of certain mixtures ofsex pheromone compounds for attraction of H. theivora(ENT/DIV/1/05-CT)

The experiment was conducted in the Farm ofRegional Centre, Arnakal and Alampally Estates.

Table 14. Evaluation of new formulations (Confidor & Calypso) against tea mosquito bug: Arnakal Estate

Number of infested shoots/300 shootsTreatment Dosage Pre- I week I week II week I week II week I week II week

ml/g/ha treat- after after after after after after afterment I spray II spray II spray III spray III spray IV spray IV spray

Imidacloprid 75 40 6 4 28 12 36 19 24(Confidor) 200SL (10.43) (5.20)bc (4.46)ab (9.24)bc (6.61)ab (10.80)a (8.10)ab (8.96)aConfidor 200SL 100 36 4 3 20 10 29 22 26

(10.58) (4.46)abc (4.15)ab (7.84)ab (5.88)ab (9.77)a (8.55)ab (9.16)aConfidor 200SL 125 38 2 2 12 8 27 21 27

(10.96) (3.73)ab (3.73)ab (6.61)ab (5.47)ab (9.48)a (8.47)ab (9.46)aThiacloprid 240 SC 100 36 4 2 8 6 36 26 26(Calypso) (10.80) (4.46)abc (3.73)ab (5.70)a (4.97)ab (10.76)a (9.31)b (9.04)aThiacloprid 240 SC 125 38 0 0 6 4 32 24 16

(10.72) (3.00)a (3.00)a (4.97)a (4.24)ab (10.19)a (8.96)b (7.54)aLambdacyhalothrin 250 `37 0 2 8 6 29 23 115EC (10.79) (3.00)a (3.73)ab (5.47)a (4.65)ab (8.69)a (8.81)b (6.38)aBifenthrin 8 SC 500 36 10 7 16 16 33 28 17

(10.42) (6.20)c (5.46)b (7.53)ab (7.28)b (10.18)a (9.63)b (7.61)aQuinalphos 25 EC 750 38 6 2 10 8 23 14 15

(10.90) (4.97)bc (3.73)ab (5.88)ab (5.70)ab (8.70)a (7.12)a (6.93)aProfenofos 50 EC 500 36 8 2 6 2 24 20 25

(10.80) (5.70)c (3.73)ab (5.20)a (3.73)a (8.84)a (8.23)ab (8.94)aUntreated control - 34 20 36 48 60 41 51 57

(10.37) (8.20)d (10.80)c (12.35)c (13.74)c (15.96)b (12.54)c (13.38)bC.D. at P = 0.05: NS 1.76 1.88 3.4 3.41 3.82 1.63 3.1

Dates of chemical application : I spray - 31.08.05; II spray-07.09.05; III spray need based-21.10.05 T1,T2; IV spray-5.11.05; Figures in parentheses are transformed values of x+1 .Figures followed by the same alphabets in a verticalcolumn are not significantly different at five per cent level.

Observations were made for a period of three weeks.Initially, six different blends were used and the level ofattraction was more in one of the blends (T4- 3:5 ratio).Movements of adults were observed near the traps.Infestation was more pronounced and confined tonearby bushes where the traps were kept. This has beentaken as an indication of the attraction of the pheromonecompound Table 15 (A, B and C).

Unlike other pheromone traps developed forlepidopteran pests, these bugs could not be trappedon the sticky material on the surface of the trap. Metaltrays of size (22 X 16 cm) filled with water were usedfor trapping the adults. Percentage of adults trappedwas only 10-15. With further modification in the trap,it could be developed as one of the components ofthe IPM for the control of tea mosquito. Theexperiment will be continued during the next seasonas well.

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Table 15A. Experiment on sex pheromones of tea mosquito

Activityof audlt males in the nearby bushesDay Time Trap numbers

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

I Week 07.30 a.m. - - - - - - - - -08.30 a.m. ++ + ++ ++ ++ ++ - ++ ++10.00 a.m. +++ ++ +++ +++* + + _ +++ +++*04.30 p.m. +++ +++ +++ +++ + + ++ ++ +++06.30 p.m. ++ ++ ++ +++ ++ + +++ ++ ++

II Week 07.30 a.m. - - - - - - - - -08.30 a.m. ++ ++ +++ +++ + + ++ ++ +++10.00 a.m. ++ ++ +++ +++ ++ ++ - ++ +++*04.30 p.m. +++ +++ +++* + +++* + ++ ++ ++06.30 p.m. ++ ++ +++ +++ ++ + + + +++

III Week 07.30 a.m. - - - - - - - - -08.30 a.m. ++ + ++ ++ ++ ++ - ++ ++*10.00 a.m. ++ ++ +++* +++ + + ++ ++ +++04.30 p.m. +++ +++ +++ +++* + ++ ++ ++ +++*06.30 p.m. +++ ++ ++ +++ ++ +++ ++ ++ ++

Movement of adult males of tea mosquito is indicated as +; * indicates adult males trapped

Table 15b. Experiment on sex pheromone of tea mosquito: Alampally Estate

Activityof audlt males in the nearby bushesDay Time Trap numbers

1 2 3 4 5 6

I Week 10.00 a.m. +++ +++ +++ ++ - +++04.30 p.m. ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ ++

II Week 10.00 a.m. ++ +++ +++ +++ - ++04.30 p.m. +++ ++ +++* +++* ++ ++

III Week 10.00 a.m. ++ +++ +++ +++* ++ ++04.30 p.m. +++ +++ +++* +++ ++ ++

Movement of adults of tea mosquito is indicated as +; * indicates adult males trappedTable 15c. Experiment on sex pheromone of tea mosquito: Arnakal Estate

Activityof adult males in the nearby bushesDay Time Trap number

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

I day 10.00 a.m. ++ + +++ +++ ++ ++ - ++ +++04.30 p.m. +++ +++ +++ +++ + + ++ ++ +++

II day 10.00 a.m. ++ ++ +++ +++ ++ ++ - ++ +++04.30 p.m. +++ +++ +++* +++* + + ++ ++ ++

III day 10.00 a.m. ++ ++ +++ +++ + + ++ ++ +++04.30 p.m. +++ +++ +++ +++ + ++ ++ ++ +++

Movement of adults of tea mosquito is indicated as +; * indicates adult males trapped

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Table 16. Experiment on red root disease management:Moongalaar Estate

*Yield, kg made tea/haTreatment (Jan.-Dec. ’05)

1. Gliocladium virens (in furrow)A. Gliocladium (+ in planting pits) 1595B. Straight planting 2033

2. Trichoderma harziannum (in furrow)A. Trichoderma (+ in planting pits) 1595B. Straight planting 1095

3. Contaf (soil injection)A. Glicocladium in planting pits 1689B. Straight planting (control) 1814C. Trichoderma (in planting pits) 1752

4. Calixin (soil injection)A. Glicocladium in planting pits 1376B. Straight planting (control) 1189C. Trichoderma (in planting pits) 1189

5. Soil-aid (soil injection)A. Glicocladium in planting pits 1314B. Straight planting (control) 1189C. Trichoderma (in planting pits) 1064

* yield corrected to 25 bushes

Table 17. Effect of biofertilizer on crop production:Alampally Estate

Treatments Yield*

N100+P100+ K100 2963N80 +P50 +K100 3056N80+P50+K100+Azospirillum +

phosphobacter (both regional strains) 3031N80+P50+K100 + Azospirillum +

phosphobacter (common strains) 2939N60+P50+K100 2918N60+P50+K100+ Azospirillum +

phosphobacter (both regional strains) 2962N60+P50+K100+ Azospirillum +

phosphobacter (common strains) 2995

*calculated for 5895 bushes per hectare at an out turnof 22.5%

2.4 .Plant Pathology2.4.1. Experiment on red root disease management:Moongalaar Estate (PAT/143(RD)/99-CT)

Details of the experiment were given in theAnnual Report 1999 (p.81). Soil samples collectedfrom the experimental plots were sent to thePathology Division for enumeration of microbialpopulation. Yield recorded from this plot for theperiod under report is furnished in Table 16. Freshrecurrence of root disease was not detected in theexperimental plot . The experiment is beingcontinued.

2.4.2. Effect of biofertilizers on crop production:Alampally Estate (PAT/201(BF)/01-CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport 2001 (p.101). Yield recorded during the the periodunder report is presented in Table 17. The experiment isbeing continued.

2.4.3. Evaluation of biocontrol agents against blisterblight

Two bioformulations (A & B) were evaluated forthe management of blister blight at the RegionalCentre Farm, Vandiperiyar. Efficacy of bioformulationswas compared with that of the standardrecommendation and untreated control. Datacollected from the experimental plots are presentedin Table 18. The experiment was concluded.

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Table 18. Evaluation of biocontrol agents againstblister blight disease

DiseaseTreatment & dosage/l severity (%)

Bioformulation-A50 g + 2 ml Glycerol 31.3Bioformulation-B 50 g + 2 ml Glycerol 33.7Standard 2.8 ml + 3.0 g + 0.5 ml(Hexaconazole + COC + Triton-AE) 07.4Control (untreated) 36.8

2.5. Plant Physiology2.5.1. Field performance of tissue culture plants:Alampally Estate (PHY/120B (TC)/98-CT)

Details of the experiment were given in the AnnualReport for the year 1998 (p.58). Experiment is in thirdagricultural year of second cycle. Yield recorded

Table 19. Field performance of tissue culture plants:Alampally Estate

Yield, made tea kg/haCultivar January - December '05

TC plants 2233TRF-1* 3962Selection-B 2307UPASI:BSS-1 3216

*TRF plants were left out plucking for harvesting the cuttings;yield, calculated for 13200 bushes at an out-turn of 22.5%

Siby MathewSr. Advisory Officer

during the year is presented in Table 19. Trial is beingcontinued.

3. REGIONAL CENTRE - FARM

Around 2000 Robusta coffee seedlings and500 pepper v ines were p lan ted dur ing theperiod. Seedlings of Teak and Mahogany wereplanted in the vacant areas. Complete area ofthe farm is under regular agricultural operation.

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1. ADVISORY AND ANALYTICAL1.1. Visit

During the year 90 visits were made to the memberestates in connection with advisory and experimentalwork.

1.2. Farm

More vines of pepper plants were planted in theFarm and shade was regulated in the arecanut plantedblock. Tapping of rubber trees in the Farm is in progress.

1.3. Weather and crop

Total rainfall received during the year was morecompared to the previous year. First summer showerswere recorded during second week of April 2005 andthereafter rainfall was recorded during most of the weeks.Active rainfall started from first week of July. Most ofthe estates received useful rainfall during first week ofNovember as well. Low morning temperatures wererecorded during the month of December. Total rainfallduring the year was 2432.6 mm whereas in 2004, it was2089.1 mm.

During the year, total made tea produced in the statewas 5.09 m.kg whereas during the year 2004 it was 5.18m.kg. The highest and lowest yield during the year was3354 and 2372 kg/ha, respectively. Out of 11 estatesfour estates harvested above 3000 kg/ha Four estatesabove 2500 kg and remaining three estates harvestedjust below 2500 kg/ha. Average productivity of theestates in Karnataka was 2769 kg/ha.

1.4. Pests and disease

Red spider mite attack was noticed only in oneestate in the tea district. Blister blight disease incidencewas high from August to mid October, thereafter the

REGIONAL CENTRE - KOPPA

infection came down. Incidence of dry weather pestswas confined to certain isolated pockets.

1.5. Advisory circulars

Monthly crop statement and advisory notes werecirculated to all the estates and they were cautionedperiodically regarding transporting of planting materialsfrom neighboring states in order to prevent the attackof red spider mites which is not noticed in the teagardens of Karnataka.

1.6. Analytical

During the year only 10 soil samples were tested forpH and EC. However, based on soil analysis report andtea analysis report from UPASI TRF, Regional Centre,Coonoor suitable suggestions were given to all themember estates to rectify the nutrient deficiency in theirfields pruned during the year. Reports on made teaanalysis were helpful to rectify the defects inmanufacturing.

1.7 Area scientific conference

Area scientific conference was conducted atGlenlorna Estate on 22nd October. The Director and hissenior colleagues participated in the programme andvisited a few estates in the region.

2. FIELD EXPERIMENTS2.1. Botany2.1.1. BSS-1 Progenies block: Kelagur Estate (BOT/128 (BP)/93-KN)

The experimental block was pruned during July-2002. Consolidated data from July 2004 to June 2005(third agricultural year after formative pruning) showedthat when UPASI-3 was grafted using UPASI-2 as rootstock, it yielded higher than all other standards (Table

89

1). The accession, KM-2 recorded the highest yield inthe clonal screening block.

Yield recording during the fourth year after formativepruning is in progress and cuttings of KM-2 weresupplied to Regional Centers in Gudalur, Meppadi,Vadiperiyar and Munnar to assess the performance ofKM-2. The experimental block will be pruned duringnext July/August 2006.

2.1.2. Experiment on infilling and interplanting:Alageswar Estate (BOT/169(AG)/96-KN)

Yield recorded during the second year of secondcycle after cut across pruning is given in Table 2.

Cumulative data for the second cycle showed higheryield in the blocks where infilling was not carried out.Compared to other treatments, during the secondagricultural year, higher yield was noticed in blockswhere infilling and inter planting was done. Theexperiment is in progress.

2.2. Plant Pathology2.2.1. Experiment on biofertilizer: Koppa Estate (PAT/203(BF)/01-KN)

Yield data recorded during the third year afterimposing treatments are given in Table 3. The meanyield data showed that in treatment where regional strainsof biofertiliser were applied along with N80 + P50 + K100,

Table 1. Evaluation of BSS-1 progenies: Kelagur Estate

Yield kgmade tea per hectareFirst Second cycle

Cultivar cycle 1st 2nd 3rd Cumula-yield year year year tive

UP-9 6381 446 2406 2205 5057UP-3/UP-2 6967 454 3194 2472 6120TRI-2025 5660 660 2111 1785 4556UP-2 3700 443 1917 1937 4297ATK-1 4264 357 2003 1684 4044UP-20 5074 629 2395 1855 4879UP-27 3073 477 2010 1389 3876UP-10 5900 1005 2406 2042 5453UP-26 2418 520 2166 2135 4821CR-6017 2876 559 1995 1766 4320BSS-3 4208 443 2352 2014 4809KM-1 2611 446 2208 1634 4288KM-2 7282 442 3881 3392 7715KM-3 2332 338 1653 1560 3551KM-4 2482 439 1595 1758 3792KM-5 3434 408 2158 1665 4231KM-6 3967 295 1999 1910 4204KM-7 5233 454 2732 1968 5154KM-8 3112 446 1615 2267 4328KM-9 5333 384 2127 1661 4172KM-10 4131 497 2053 2072 4622KM-11 3938 586 1789 1638 4013KM-12 4146 547 2701 1708 4956KM-13 4819 454 1913 2298 4665

calculated for 13,500 bushes at an outturn of 23%, Noof plants/block: 80

Table 2. Experiment on infilling and interplanting:Alageshwar Estate

No. of Infills 2nd cycle yieldTreatment mature 2003 2004

bushes -04 -05

Infilling 356 119 215 335Infilling and interplanting 302 346 154 418Infilling, inter and

inter-row planting 353 428 126 351As such with vacancy 339 - 293 376

*green leaf yield kg/100 bushes; +first year of secondpruning cycle

Table 3. Effect of biofertilizer on clonal tea: Koppa Estate

Treatments Yield*

N100+P100+ K100 6405N80 +P50 +K100 6379N80+P50+K100+Azospirillum +

phosphobacter (Regional strains) 6461N80+P50+K100 + Azospirillum +

phosphobacter (Common strains) 6302N60+P50+K100 6300N60+P50+K100+ Azospirillum +

phosphobacter (Regional strains) 6335N60+P50+K100 + Azospirillum +

phosphobacter (Common strains) 6433

*made tea kg/ha (June '04- May '05); calculated basedon 23% outturn and 13,000 plants/ha

90

the yield recorded was comparable to the standard. Soilsamples were forwarded to Pathology Division for downstream processing. Experimental block was pruned inJune 2005 and the experiment will be continued duringsecond cycle as well.

2.3. Chemistry2.3.1. Field experiment on drip irrigation (mature tea):Q.Hitlow Estate (CHE/161(DRI)04-WY)

Consolidated data for last agricultural year(December '04 to November '05) are presented in Table4. Drip irrigation at the rate of 2 mm daily andsupplemented by fertigation during January to June andagain from September to November (N:K :: 210: 210 kg/ha) at monthly interval in 10 splits recorded highestyield followed by drip irrigation at the rate of 2 mm onalternate days and fertgation at NK :: 1:1 ratio werecarried out.

2.3.2. Field experiment on sprinkler irrigation (maturetea): Q.Hitlow Estate (CHE/163(DRI)04-KN)

The experimental block was pruned duringAugust and data collected during the fourth year ofthe last cycle was presented in Table 5. Protocol forthe next cycle will be modified after the fieldrecovered from pruning viz., T1. Variable round at 7days interval, T2. 5.0 cm/ha at 20 days interval, T3.6.25 cm/ha 20 days interval, T4. variable (accordingto evapotranspirat ion) and T5. control (noirrigation).

2.3.3. Field experiment on drip irrigation (young tea):Devon Estate (CHE/163(DRI) 04-KN)

Since casualty percentage was very high in allthe experimental blocks, it was decide to providedrippers for all the plants individually. Installation ofdrippers to individual plant was completed duringlast week of October 2005. The experiment is inprogress.

2.3.4. Field experiment on metod of phosphorusapplication in mature clonal tea: Merthikhan Estate(CHE/147(CITP)04-WY)

Yield data collected during the first agricultural yearare presented in Table 6. Data showed that treatmentNo.10 recorded the same yield as per the standardrecommendation.

Table 4. Yield data on field experiment on dripirrigation: Q. Hitlow Estate

Treatment Yield*

2 mm daily (broad cast) 23922 mm daily4: 3 (Fertigation 10 splits) 21942 mm daily1: 1(Fertigation 10 splits) 25782 mm alternate days (broad cast) 22932 mm alternate days 4:3 (Fertigation 10splits) 20082 mm alternate days 1:1 (Fertigation 10 splits) 25696 mm once in a week (Broad cast) 22786 mm once week 4:3 (Fertigation 10 splits) 24156 mm once week 1:1(Fertigation 10 splits) 1919Variable (Broad cast) 2276Control (no irrigation)-broadcast 1967*calculated based on 23%outturn and 10,800 bushes/haTable 5. Yield data on sprinkler irigation

Treatment Made tea kg/ha*Dec. '04 - Jly. '05

3.75 cm /ha at 20days interval 19595.0 cm /ha at 20days interval 17166.25 cm /ha at 20days interval 1911Variable (according to evapotranspiration) 1616Control 1402*calculated based on 10800 bushes/ha and 23% outternTable 6. Yield data on field experiment on method ofphosphorus application in mature clonal tea:Merthikhan Estate

Treatment Yield, kg/ha(,June '04 - May '05)

60 kg P2O5 /ha/cycle by placement. 276615 kg P2O5/ha/yr along with

NK application by broadcasting 208610 kg P2O5 along with NK application

by broadcasting.+10 kg PSB/ha/yr 236015 kg P2O5alongwith NK application

by broadcasting + 100 g citric acid 255010 kg P2O5 along with NK application by

broadcasting + 200 g citric acid 234310 kg P2O5/ha /yr along with NK application

by broadcasting + 300g citric acid. 230240 kg P2O5 by placement along with

20 kg PSB/ha/cycle 270960 kg P2O5/ha/cycle by placement +

200 g citric acid. 258440 kg P2O5/ha/cycle by placement +

500g citric acid. 230940 kg P2O5/ha/cycle by placement +

700g citric acid. 2766Application of citric acid alone bybroadcasting @1kg/ha/yr. 2806*calculated based on 10800 bushes/ha and at an 23%outtern

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2.4. EntomologyPesticide residue2.4.1 Survey on pesticide residue in made tea:Karnataka

Survey was initiated from October 2005 onwardsand for this purpose 100 g of drier mouth tea wascollected from all factories in Karnataka every week andat the end of every month, four packets of 100 g each,

from each factory was forwarded to UPASI TRI, Valparaito analyze them for pesticide residues. Data will bepublished in the next annual report.

K.G.Udaya BhanuSr. Advisory Officer

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to the Tea Board, Government of India for the grant-in-aid and also for funding differentprojects.

We are thankful to the plantation companies, estate managers and their staff for the help, assistance andcourtesy extended during our visits to the estates in connection with experiments and advisory work. We also thankM/s. Carritt Moran & Company Private Limited, Kochi & Coonoor, M/s. Forbes, Ewart & Figgis (Pvt.) Limited, Kochiand M/s. J. Thomas & Company Private Limited, Kochi for evaluating the experimental tea samples. Thanks are alsodue to NABL, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi for granting accreditation to chemical laboratoriesat UPASI TRI, Valparai and Regional Centre, Coonoor.

Scientific and technical assistance received from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Sugarcane BreedingInstitute, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Bharathiar University, T. Stanes (R&D) Laboratory,Coimbatore, Bharathidasan University, Trichirapalli, Calicut University, Calicut, Asthagiri Herbal Research Foundation,Chennai, Hindustan Lever Research Centre, Bangalore, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore,Biocontrol Research Institute, Bangalore, IIBAT, Paddappai and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, CAS inBotany, University of Madras,Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, RRII, Kotayam and Biotech,R&D Laboratories, Yercaud is gratefully acknowledged. We have also received help from SGS India (Pvt.) Limited,Chennai, Rallis Research Centre, Bangalore, Biocon, Bangalore, Reliable Analytical Laboratory, Thane, Parry AgroIndustries R & D Laboratory, Murugalli Bazar Post, Coimbatore District, NBPGR, New Delhi, BRIT, Mumbai, BoseInstitute, Kolkata, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, CIMAP, Lucknow,Tocklai Experimental Station, Assam, Delhi University and TERI, New Delhi.

We are thankful to the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government ofIndia, National Tea Research Foundation, Kolkata, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi andCouncil of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi and Sulphate of Potash Information Board, Germany forfunding different projects.

The valuable guidance and suggestions offered by the Trustees of UPASI TRF are gratefully acknowledged.

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1. APPOINTMENTS

Mr. M. Karthik as SRF in X Plan project "Studies onpesticide residues"on January 3

Mr. T.B. Sasikumar as SRF in X Plan project"Optimisation of processing parameters to maximise thequality of south Indian black tea" on January 5

Mr. S. Murugesan as Assiatant Tea Technologist onMay 2

Mr. S. Jayaganesh as SRF, X Plan project "Studies ondifferent irrigation systems and critical evaluation ofsecondary and micronutrient status in tea soils of southIndia" on June 1

Mr. S. Manikandan as SRF, NTRF project "Studies onmineralazation" on June 22

Mr. A. Muthuraman, SRF, X Plan project "Studies ondifferent irrigation systems and critical evaluation ofsecondary and micronutrient status in tea soils of southIndia" on June 27

Ms. S. Smitha as SRF, X Plan project "Studies onpesticide residues" on August 8

Mr. C. Ravikumar as SRF, X Plan project"Biotechnological and biocontrol studies on tea blisterblight pathogen" on August 16

Mr. A. Sivakumar as SRF, X Plan project"Biotechnological and biocontrol studies on tea blisterblight pathogen" on August 28

Mr. N. Sathish Kumar as Technical Assistant,Entomology Division on September 9

APPENDIX - 1

PERSONALIA

Mr. Sachin P James as Assistant Entomologist onSeptember 12

Mr. K. Perumalsamy as SRF, X Plan project "Montanoabipinnatifida" on September 12

Mr. M. Karthikeyan as SRF, X Plan project"Networking" on September 14

Mr. K. Kumaresan as SRF, X Plan project "Studies onpesticide residues" on September 14

Mr. M. Kannan as SRF, X Plan project "Networking" onOctober 3

Mr. P. Ilayaraja as SRF, X Plan project "Networking" onOctober 3

Mr. V. Balasubramanian as SRF, NTRF project "Microbialcontrol of tea pests-Phase II" on October 14

Mr. J. A. Shinejith Raj, SRF, X Plan project "Optimisationof processing parameters to maximise the quality ofsouth Indian black tea" on October 17

Ms. C. Karthika as SRF, rejoined NTRF project "Studieson pesticide residues" on October 19

Mr.R.Ravikumar, SRF, X Plan project “Establishment ofa chain of tea quality laboratories in the regional centresof UPASI TRF and strengthening of existing analyticalfacilities at TRF” from November 17

Mr. K. Sembian as SRF, X Plan project "Networking" onDecember 14

Mr. R. Pratheep as JRF, DSIR project "Redesigning ofexisting website" on December 14

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2. RESIGNATIONS

Mr. J. B. Hudson, Asst. Director, UPASI TRF voluntarilyretired from service on May 11

Mr.P. Sureshkumar, SRF, "Networking of TRI withRegional Centres" on May 14

Mr. L. Mohammed Sadique Ali, SRF, X Plan project"Networking of TRI with Regional Centres" on May 27

Mr.C. Ramesh Kumar, SRF, X Plan project "Establishmentof a chain of tea quality laboratories in the regionalcentres of UPASI TRF and strengthening of existinganalytical facilities at TRF” on May 30

Mr.V. Selvakumar, SRF, X Plan project "Studies ondifferent irrigation systems and critical evaluation ofsecondary and micronutrient status in tea soils of southIndia" on May 31

Mr.P.R. Rahul, SRF, X Plan project "Biotechnologicaland biocontrol studies on tea blister blight pathogen"on June 7

Mr.V. Sudhakar, SRF, NTRF project "Studies onminerilization" on June 11

Mr. M. Karthik, SRF, X Plan project "Studies on pesticideresidues" on August 6

Ms. C. Karthika as SRF, NTRF project "Studies onpesticide residues"on August 13

Mr.A. Balamurugan, SRF, X Plan project"Biotechnological and biocontrol studies on tea blisterblight pathogen" on August 20

Ms.S. Muthulakshmi, X Plan project "Networking" onSeptember 3

Mr.R. Somasundaram, SRF, X Plan project " Optimisationof processing parameters to maximise the quality ofsouth Indian black tea" on September 15

Mr.F. Jafer Sadiq, SRF "Networking of TRI with RegionalCentres" on September 30

Mr. Sachin P James SRF, NTRF project "Montanoabipinnatifida"on October 10

Mr.S. Kalidas, SRF, NTRF project "Studies on pesticideresidues" on October 15

Mr.H. Suresh Babu, Sr. Engineer on October 15

Mr.R. Sasikumar, SRF, CSIR project "Using functionalgenomics in tea" on October 29

Mr. R. Sridhar, SRF, X Plan project "Studies on differentirrigation systems" on December 2

Mr. M. Renjith, Clerk on December 19

3. TRANSFERS

Dr. K. Ajayakumar, Assistant Botanist has taken overcharge as Asst. Advisory Officer, Regional CentreMeppadi on May 12.

Dr. B. Radhakrishnan, Senior Advisory Officer has beentransferred to Regional Centre, Coonoor from RegionalCentre, Munnar on May 16.

Mr. R.Sasidhar, Senior Advisory Officer, transferred fromRegional Centre, Vandiperiyar to Regional Centre,Munnar on May 16.

Mr. R. Durgasankar, SRF, X Plan project“Establishment of a chain of tea quality laboratoriesin the regional centres of UPASI TRF andstrengthening of existing analytical facilities at TRF”Vandiperiyar on June 1

Mr. G. Kottur-SRF, X Plan project “Establishmentof a chain of tea quality laboratories in thereg iona l cen t r e s o f UPASI TRF andstrengthening of existing analytical facilities atTRF” from UPASI TRI to Regional Centre,Gudaluron June 1

Mr.S. Paul Ebenezer, Driver transferred from KVK toTRF on June 18

Ms.S.Muthulakshmi, SRF, X Plan project "Networkingof TRI with Regional Centres" Regional Centre, Munnartransferred to UPASI TRI, Valparai on June 24.

Mr.F. Jafer Sadiq, SRF, X Plan project "Networking ofTRI with Regional Centres" transferred fromVandiperiyar on July 11

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Mr. G. Kottur, SRF, X th Plan project “Establishment of achain of tea quality laboratories in the regional centresof UPASI TRF and strengthening of existing analyticalfacilities at TRF” from Regional Centre, Gudalur to TRI,Valparai on November 19

4. VISITORS

Dr. George Ebert and Dr. Andreas Gransee, Agronomists,

Agricultural Advisory Department, Germany, Mr. D.M.

Jain, Managing Director, Jayshree Tea & Industries Ltd,

Kolkata, Mr. T.N. Venkatesh, Sub-Collector, Pollachi, Mr.

V. Ravikumar, Executive Director, AVT Pvt. Ltd., Chennai,

Dr. Pushpakumari, AGM, R&D, AVT Pvt. Ltd., Kochi

Dr.A.V.K. Iyengar, Director, Plantation Management

Academy, Coonoor, Mr. Muhammad Hussain, Project

Director, Tea Research and Development Project,

Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Ilyaskaan, Tea Incharge,

Pakistan, Mr.Md. Mainuddin, Dy. Secretary, Bangladesh

Tea Board, Bangladesh, Mr.Siraj Uddin Ahmed, Dy.

General Manager, National Tea Company Ltd,

Bangladesh, Mr. Mohammed Ayub Khan, Manager,

National Tea Company Ltd, Bangladesh, Mr. Mohammed

Mohsin, Manager, Patrakhola Tea Estate, National Tea

Company Ltd, Bangladesh, Dr.A.M.T. Amarakoon, Senior

Research Officer, Bio-chemistry Division, Tea Research

Institute of Srilanka, Mrs.Hiromi Nishanthi, Extension

Officer, Advisory Services, Tea Research Institute of Sri

Lanka, M/s. H.P.T. Hullangamuwa, S.G. Obeysekara, R.

Dhanaraj, Wilmansa Soyasa, V.Manivannua, G.M.M.

Gankanda, A. Edirimuni, H.M. Tikiribanda and M.J.B.

Fernando, Officials of Tea Plantations and Care

International, Srilanka, Professor S.K.Gupta, Member,

Research Advisory Committee, NTRF, Tea Board, Kolkata,

Dr.Taye Behale, Director, Soil Research Centre, Ethiopia,

Mr.Asgehil Dibabe, Ethiopean Agricultural Research

Organisation, Ethiopia, Mr.Yesuf Assen, EARO, Ethiopia,

R.S. Shukla, Dy.Chairman, Tea Board, India, R.Vasisht,

Managing Director, TANTEA, Coonoor,

Dr.S.Narasimhan, AHRF, Chennai, Mr. Nandkishore,

NPPTI, Hyderabad, Dr.Kumar Ghorpade, UAS, Dharwar,

Mr.Karunagaran, Coimbatore, Mr. James Norwood, USA,

Dr. Hamit Vanli, Dubai, UAE, Mr. Mohsin M Saify,

Pakistan, Mr. Bryan Baptist, Sri Lanka, Mr. Devan Shah,

USA, Mr. N. Miura, Japan, Mr. Ronald Bruggeman,

Netherlands, Mr. Mike Jones, U.K., and Ms. Sunalini N.

Menon, Bangalore, Dr.Jim and Dr.Neil, Professors of

University of Sydney, Australia.

5. SUPERANNUATION

Sri. V. Ameer, Driver, Regional Centre, Coonoorsuperannuated from the service on June 19

Sri.R. Kandiah, Driver, TRI, Valparai superannuated fromthe service on October 10

6. PROMOTIONS

Mr.Jibu Thomas as Assistant Botanist from October 1

Dr.R. Raj Kumar as Senior Plant Physiologist fromNovember 1

Mr. R.S. Senthil Kumar as Senior Tea Technologist fromNovember 1

Dr. Spurgeon Cox as Senior Advisory Officer fromNovember 1

Mr. Siby Mathew as Senior Advisory Officer fromNovember 1

Mr. D. Ajay as Asst. Plant Pathologist from November 1

Mrs. V.B. Vasantha as Selection Grade from November 1

Mr.R. Krishnamoorthy as Selection Grade fromNovember 1

Mr.C. Ravi as upper divison clerk from November 1.

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APPENDIX - 2

PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/SYMPOSIUM/WORKSHOPS

Achuthan, R

Group Interaction-XI organized by CTPA at CaradyGoody estate on January 25.

The Area Scientific meeting - Central Travancore heldon 15th March at Peermade Club.

Ajay, D.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Training program on plant proteins at CAS, MadrasUniversity, Chennai on August 8-12

Ajayakumar, K.

Research Extension Meeting (REM) held at TRI, Valparaifrom March 29 to 30.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

"The Golden Leaf India awards, Southern TeaCompetition"meeting on 5th August 2005 at Coimbatore.

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor between19th and 20th of September.

Interactive session with delegates from Sri Lanka, inHML Group Office and visits thereafter on 13thOctober .

Area Scientific Conference (ASC) of Karnataka Planter'sAssociation on October 22 at Pollibetta.

Workshop on "The Role of Trade Unions in the presentIndustrial Scenario" organized by Kerala IndustrialLabour and Employment on November 7.

Attended the meeting organised by WayanadAgri-Horticultural Society on November 28 atKalpetta.

Babu, A.

Attended the 'National Seminar on insect growthregulators and natural products in insect pestmanagement' held at St.Joseph's College, Devagiri,Kozhikode on January 11.

Group Interaction-XI organized by CTPA at CaradyGoody estate on January 25.

Area Scientific meeting - Central Travancore held on16th March at Peermade Club.

REM held at TRI Valparai, on 29th and 30th March

Visited Project Directorate of Biological Control,Bangalore between 19th and 20th of May

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor between19th and 20th of September

VI Discussion Meeting on "Emerging TechnologiesResistance Dynamics in Insects and Crop Plants"organized by Prof. T.N.Ananthakrishnan at Chennaifrom 2nd to 4th December

Babu, S.

TRF Trustees meeting held at Valparai on March 26

REM at TRI,Valparai on March 29 & 30.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Sugarcane Breeding Instititue (SBI), Coimbatore fordiscussion on registration of germplasm on October 5.

Visited Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research,Kalpakkam, Chennai on January 4, February 10, June 15and October 27 for mutation breeding

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

98

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor between19th and 20th of September

Meeting on "Establishment of information - sharingmechanism on the implementation and monitoring ofthe global plan of action (GPA) for the conservation ofagriculture (PGRFA)" held at NBPGR Regional Station,Vellanikkara, Thrissur on November 16 and17

Baby, U. I.

Visited Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatoreon January 24

Visited Manjolai and Manimuthar estates in connection withfield inspection for rejuvenation pruning on March 18

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Underwent training on the enumeration andidentification of Salmonella, E.coli, Staphylococcus etc.in food stuffs at the labs of Indo Cargo Surveyors,Cochin from May 30 to June 10.

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeat TRI on July 1

Balasubramanian, K.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Five days training programme regarding "Operation andapplication of Ion Chromatograph" at Mumbai fromJuly 18-22

Visited TRF, Regional Centre, Coonoor for internalquality audit between 8 and 9 December

Deepu Vijayan

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April 11-12

Visited Tata Energy Resource Institute (TERI), New Delhibetween September 12 and 17

Visited Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology(IHBT), Palampur between November 22 and 30 inconnection with tea networking project

Hemalatha, K. V.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Five days training programme regarding "Operation andapplication of Ion Chromatograph" at Mumbai fromJuly 18-22

Hudson J.B.

Management Review Meeting of the Laboratory atCoonoor on Feb. 17.

Area Scientific Meeting of Vandiperiyar on March 15.

Research Extension Meeting held at UPASI-TRF,Valparai from March 29 to 30.

Jibu Thomas

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Training programme on electrophoresis at M/s BiotechLimited, Yercaud from August 10-11

Mandal, A. K. A.

Tea Research Liaison Committee (TRLC) meeting at TeaBoard, Kolkata on March 5

Attended monitoring committee meeting of CSIR- NMITLIproject held at CSIR Science Centre, New Delhi on March 17

TRF Trustees meeting held at Valparai on March 26

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April 11-12

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

Visited Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation,Chennai between July 7 and 9

Training programme on electrophoresis at M/s BiotechLimited, Yercaud from August 10-11

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 and 20.

99

DBT Advisory Committee meeting held at New Delhion September 23

Training programme on Application of molecularmarkers at RRII, Kottayam between November 28 andDecember 14

Training programme on Genotyping at IARI, New Delhibetween December 21 and 24

Manikandan, K. N.

TRLC meeting at Tea Board, Kolkata on March 5

TRF Trustees meeting held at Valparai on March 26

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 and 20.

Muraleedharan, N.

Visited Asthagiri Herbal Research Foundation (AHRF),Chennai on January 27

Visited Hamburg, Germany between 23- 24th Februaryas member of the Indian delegation to participate in theInternational Tea Conference on "The Challenge toFood safety" organised by the German Tea Association.

Executive Committee meetings held at Coonoor onJanuary 20-21 and March 12

TRLC meeting at Tea Board, Kolkata on March 5

ASC of CTPA held at Peermade on March 16

TRF Trustees meeting at Valparai on March 26

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30.

Review meeting of funded projects at TRI on April11-12

RAC held at Tea Board, Kolkata on April 30

Tea Committee meeting held at Bangalore on April 9and at Cochin on May 23

Training programme on Statistical analysis on 13 &14June at Coonoor

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeat TRI on July 1

UPASI Executive Committee meeting held at Coonooron July 7 and 8.

Research Advisory Council (RAC) meetings of NationalTea Research Foundation (NTRF) held at Kolkata onAugust 4 and December 15

Project Advisory Committee meeting held on September12 at Coimbatore

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 and 20

ASC held at Coonoor on October 6

ASC of Karnataka planters association convened atCoorg on October 22

Meeting of the Inter Govermental Group for fixationof MRL by the tea producing countries organized byTea Board, Kolkata between September 28 andOctober 1

Tea Committee meeting held at Bangalore on November 8.

Visited China and participated in the International TeaScience Conference on "Innovation in tea science andsustainable development in tea industry" at Hangzhoubetween 11th and 15th November

Attended the conference on "Strategies for quality"held at Tocklai Tea Experimental Station, Jorhat between28th and 30th November

TRF Trustees meeting held at Coonoor on December 11and 12

Murugesan, S.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on July 1

Five days training programme regarding "Operation andapplication of Ion Chromatograph" at Mumbai from July 15-25

100

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

Navaneetha Krishna Ganapathy, M.

Seminar on Integrated automation of tea processing heldat Coonoor on January 11.

Management Review Meeting of the Laboratory atCoonoor on Febuary 17.

Training programme on "Basic and applied agriculturalstatistics" at UPASI TRF, Regional Centre, Coonoor fromJune 13 to 14.

Training programme on PesticideResidue Analysis atCFTRI, Mysore from July 25 to 29

Management Review Meeting of the laboratory atCoonoor on August 4.

112th UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 - 20.

Area Scientific Meeting of NPA held at Coonoor onOctober 6

Training on the operations of Atomic AbsorptionSpectrphotometer and estimation of agrochemicals atTRI on November 25-26

Palani, N.

TRF Trustees meeting held at Valparai on March 26

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April 11-12

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor betweenSeptember 19 and 20

Paul Devanesan

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at UPASI TRF, TRI on July 1

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor between19th and 20th of September

Prasad, S.N.

Seminar on Integrated automation of tea processing heldat Coonoor on January 11.

Management Review Meeting of the Laboratory atCoonoor on Febuary 17.

Training programme on "Basic and applied agriculturalstatistics" at UPASI-TRF, Regional Centre, Coonoorfrom June 13 to 14.

Management Review Meeting of Laboratory held atCoonoor on August 4.

112th UPASI Annual conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 - 20

ASC meeting of NPA held at Coonoor on October 6

114th Annual General Meeting of NPA held at UPASI,Coonoor on October 15.

First-Aid Training organised by M/s. John Ambulanceheld at UPASI-TRF, RC, Coonoor on October 19.

Training and discussion on Atomic AbsorptionSpectrphotometer and analysis of other agro-chemicalsat UPASI TRI, Valparai on November 25- 26.

Premkumar, R.

Attended Joint Executive Committee Meeting of ISPCheld at CPCRI, Kasaragod on January 11

Attended a meeting organized by M/s. Smart BusinessSolutions, Bangalore on January 18.

Tea Research Liaison Committee (TRLC) meeting at TeaBoard, Kolkata on March 5

ASC of CTPA held at Peermade on March 16

TRF Trustees meeting held at Valparai on March 26

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

101

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 and 20.

Participated in the "British Crop Protection Council(BCPC) International Congress at Glasgow, Scotland,UK between 31st October and 2nd November.

Radhakrishnan, B.

REM held at TRI, Valparai from March 29 to 30.

Training programme on "Basic and applied agriculturalstatistics" at UPASI-TRF, Regional Centre, Coonoorfrom June 13 to 14.

Tea Board Meeting at Tea Board on July 27.

8th Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting held atUPASI-KVK on July 27.

Management Review Meeting of the laboratory atCoonoor on August 4.

Tea Quality Competition meeting held at Coimbatore onAugust 5

Training programme on "Laboratory quality system andinternal audit" at CETE, Bangalore from August 29 toSeptember 1.

112th UPASI Annual conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 - 20

Area Scientific Meeting of NPA held at Coonoor onOctober 6

114th Annual General Meeting of NPA held at UPASI,Coonoor on October 15.

First-Aid Training organised by M/s. John Ambulanceheld at UPASI-TRF, RC, Coonoor on October 19.

Radhakrishnan, N.

Visited the Advanced Training Institute, Chennai fortraining on repair and maintenance of power supplies,UPS, inverter, servo stabilizers from September 5 to 16.

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor between19th and 20th of September

Raj Kumar, R.Joint Executive Committee Meeting of ISPC held atCPCRI, Kasaragod on January 11

TRF Trustees meeting held at Valparai on March 26

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April 11-12

Attended the Co-ordinators meeting of DBT sponsoredproject held at CSIR Science Centre, New Delhi on June 9.

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

National workshop on CDM and the Indian rubber sectorheld at RRII, Kottayam on August 12

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor between19th and 20th of September

DBT Advisory Committee meeting held at New Delhion September 23

DBT Co-ordinators meeting held at CSIR Science Centre,New Delhi on December 9

Ramamoorthy, G.

Tea Research Liaison Committee (TRLC) meeting at TeaBoard, Kolkata on March 5

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 and 20.

ASC of Karnataka planters association convened atCoorg on October 22

Ranjit Kumar, Q.

Training programme on "Basic and applied agriculturalstatistics" at UPASI TRF, Regional Centre, Coonoor fromJune 13 to 14.

Training programme on 'Pesticide residue analysis' atCFTRI, Mysore from July 25 - 29

102

Area Scientific Meeting of NPA at Coonoor on July 30

112th UPASI Annual conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 - 20

Area Scientific Meeting of NPA held at Coonoor onOctober 6

First-Aid Training organised by M/s. John Ambulanceheld at UPASI-TRF, RC, Coonoor on October 19.

Training and discussion on AAS analysis at UPASI-TRI, Valparai on Nov 25- 26.

Sanjay, R.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Sarvottam D. Joshi

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Visited Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation,Chennai between July 7 and 9

Training program on cDNA library construction at AnnaUniversity, Chennai between September 12 and 25

Training programme on Genotyping at IARI, New Delhibetween December 21 and 24

Sasidhar, R.

Group Discussion of CTPA at Carady Goody estate onJanuary 25.

ASC of CTPA held at Peermade on March 16

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 and 30

Training programme on statistics at UPASI, Coonooron June 13 and 14

Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakele and itsstations at Kandy and Ratnapura between June 18 and 27

Meeting convened by the Director, UPASI TRI atCoimbatore regarding Southern Tea Competition-2005on August 5.

AGM of KDPA at the High Range Club on September 3

UPASI Annual Conference at Coonoor on September19 and 20

Seenivasan, S.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI onApril 11-12

Selvasundaram, R.

Visited Asthagiri Herbal Research Foundation (AHRF),Chennai on January 27

Participated in the one day seminar on "Insect GrowthRegulators and Natural Products in Insects PestManagement" held at St. Joseph's College, Devagiri,Kozhikode on January 11

Participated in the National Seminar on "Pesticideresidues and their risk assessment" at National Instituteof Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad on January 20-21

Tea Research Liaison Committee (TRLC) meeting at TeaBoard, Kolkata on March 5

TRF Trustees meeting held at Valparai on March 26

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30

ASC of CTPA held at Peermade on March 16

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April 11-12

Research Advisory Commitee meeting (RAC) held atTea Board, Kolkata on April 30

Visited Austria and participated in the InternationalConference on "Area - Wide Control of Insect Pests:Integrating the sterile insect and related nuclear and othertechniques" organized by the United Nations' InternationalAtomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Food and AgriculturalOrganizations (FAO) at Vienna from 7th to 13th May

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

Meeting on Technology Information FacilitationProgramme held at Department of Science and IndustrialResearch, New Delhi on July 5

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Training programme on Chemoreception andbehavioural responses in insect: Electroantennographyand olfactometry organized by the Project Directorateof Biological Control, Bangalore from August 8 to 12

Project Advisory Committee meeting held on September12 at Coimbatore

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 and 20

ASC held at Coonoor on October 6

ASC of Karnataka Planters Association convened atCoorg on October 22

VI Discussion meeting in Entomology organized by Prof.T. N. Ananthakrishnan at Chennai on December 2

Saravanan, M

Attended monitoring committee meeting of CSIR-NMITLI project held at CSIR Science Centre, New Delhion March 17

Senthil Kumar, R.S.

Attended a one day workshop on integrated automationof tea processing at Coonoor on January 11 jointlyorganised by UPASI TRF, C-DAC, CEERI and TRA

Visited IHBT, Palampur between February 4 and 14 toparticipate in the workshop on product diversificationof tea

Tea Research Liaison Committee (TRLC) meeting at TeaBoard, Kolkata on March 5

TRF Trustees meeting held at Valparai on March 26

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30.

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI onApril 11-12

Visited the Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka atTalawakalle and its stations at Kandy and Ratnapurafrom 19 to 26 June.

BIS meeting held at New Delhi on 27th July anddeliberated the consolidated report of the inter laboratoryring test data on polyphenols and catechin fractions

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 and 20.

Visited C-DAC Kolkata to participate in the sit downsession on the proposal on integrated automation ofthe tea factory at UPASI, Coonoor., on November 4

One day seminar on value addition to tea organisedby the Association of Food Scientists andTechnologists of India and the Tea Board Kolkata onNovember 5

Senthurpandian, V. K.

Attended and presented a paper at the national seminaron "New frontiers of soil science research towardssustainable agriculture" held at Annamalai University,Chidambaram between 10 and 12th March

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

Visited Agricultural Engineering College and ResearchInstitute for a short time training on nutrient releasingcapacity of tea soils from 10th to 11th May.

Siby Mathew

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30

Attended the training course on 'Statistical analysis'held at Coonoor on 13th & 14th June.

AGM of Vandiperiyar Club on June 26

UPASI Annual Conference on September 19 & 20

Spurgeon Cox

Workshop on “Integrated Automation of teaprocessing” on January 11, at Coonoor

AGM of NWPA on 5th February at Mangorange Club,Gudalur

Annual review meeting of QUP project at Tea Boardoffice on March 24 at Coonoor

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30

Training programme on Statistical analysis on 13 &14June at Coonoor

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Tea quality competition meeting on 5th August atCoimbatore

South India Golden tea leaf awards on 19th September andUPASI Annual Conference at Coonoor on September 20

Subair, M.A.

85th AGM of NWPA on 5th at Mangorange Club, Gudalur.

Somasundaram, R.

Training on tea analysis of green leaf parameters at TeaTechnology division of UPASI-TRI, Valparai from June 6 to 11.

Suresh Babu, H.

Participated in a one day workshop on "Energy efficiencyin tea industry and introduction of solar energy"conducted by Technology Informatics Design Endeavor,Bangalore on April 4

Visited 9 tea factories in Vandiperiyar from 4th to 9thMarch and four factories of Gudalur and Meppadi on17th to 21st May

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

Sudhahar, S.

Visited Agricultural Engineering College and ResearchInstitute for a short time training on nutrient releasingcapacity of tea soils from 10th to 11th May

Udaya Bhanu, K. G.

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30.

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor between 19thand 20th of September

Venkatesan, S.

Tea Research Liaison Committee (TRLC) meeting at TeaBoard, Kolkata and presented X plan progress report in TeaBoard meeting held at Kolkata between 2nd and 7th March.

Attended the national seminar on "New frontiers of soil scienceresearch towards sustainable agriculture" held at AnnamalaiUniversity, Chidambaram between 10 and 12th March

TRF Trustees meeting held at Valparai on March 26

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI on April11-12

ASC of CTPA on March 15-17

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30

Visited Koppa between 19th and 21st April in connectionwith irrigation experiments.

Research Advisory Commitee meeting (RAC) held at TeaBoard, Kolkata on April 30

Visited the Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka atTalawakalle and its stations at Kandy and Ratnapurafrom 19 and 26th June.

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

Attended a one day seminar on "Ion Chromatography- applications and operations" at Chennai on August23

Visited Thailand and attended a training programme atBangkok on "Application and operation of IonChromatography" between 29th August and 2ndSeptember.

Attended UPASI conference at Coonoor between 19thand 20th September.

Visited isotope laboratory of TNAU, Coimbatore on 6thOctober.

Visited Kelagur, Balanoor, Goomankhan, Devon, QuardHitlow and Glenlorna estates in Chikmagalore Districtand held discussion with planters, between 15th and21st October.

ASC of KPA at Koppa on October 22

Participated in the International Conference on "Innovationin tea science and sustainable development in tea industry"at Hangzhou, China between 11th and 15th November

Attended the conference on "Strategies for quality" heldat Tocklai Experimental Station, Jorhat between 28th and30th November

105

Presented the project proposal "Application of GIS toacidity and fertility management of tea soils of southIndia" on 13th December at Department of Scienceand Technology, New Delhi

Venkateswaran, G.

Seminar on Integrated automation of tea processing heldat Coonoor on January 11.

Management Review Meeting of the Laboratory atCoonoor on February 17.

Laboratory Quality Management and Internal Audit atCETE, Bangalore from May 16 to 19.

Training programme on "Basic and applied agriculturalstatistics" at UPASI-TRF, Regional Centre, Coonoorfrom June 13 to 14.

Management Review Meeting of the laboratory atCoonoor on Aug 4.

Tea Quality Competition meeting held at Coimbatore onAugust 5

Tea Quality Competition Tea tasting sessionCoimbatore and Cochin on August 28 - 29.

UPASI Annual conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 - 20

ASC Meeting of NPA held at Coonoor on October 6

Annual General Meeting of NPA held at UPASI, Coonooron October 15

Discussion on New "ISO 17025" at TRI, Valparai onNovember 25-26

Victor J Ilango, R.

Tea Research Liaison Committee (TRLC) meeting at TeaBoard, Kolkata on March 5

ASC of CTPA held at Peermade on March 16

TRF Trus tees meet ing held a t Valpara i onMarch 26

REM at TRI, Valparai on March 29 & 30

Review meeting of funded projects held at TRI onApril 11-12

Management review meeting of the NABL programmeheld at TRI on July 1

UPASI Annual Conference held at Coonoor onSeptember 19 and 20.

ASC of Karnataka planters association convened atCoorg on October 22

Attended the conference on "Strategies for quality"held at Tocklai Tea Experimental Station, Jorhat between28th and 30th November

106

APPENDIX - 3

LECTURES AND TRAINING COURSES ORGANISEDBY UPASI TEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Tea Research Institute

Training programme on cultivation aspects wasorganised for the executives of south Indian teaplantations at Taj Retreat, Coonoor on April 4-9.

One day training programme on recent aspects of teacultivation was organised for the foreign delegates whocame through Plantation Management Academy,Coonoor on April 8

Conducted two, one day workshops on pacha taint atUPASI TRF, RC, Gudalur and Meppadi to disseminatethe research findings of the NTRF project on pachataint in CTC teas.

Sr. Entomologist, TRI visited estates in Vandiperiyarand Peermade area, an organic tea garden at Coonoorand small grower fields in Kotagiri and Kundha andconducted discussion meetings on the biology andcontrol of red spider mite.

Sr. Botanist visited a few estates in Vandiperiyar andGudalur area to give training on mechanical harvesting.

Many traning programmes were organised for thestudents from colleges/employees of companies onbiotechnology, microbiology, tea chemistry andmanufacture.

Regional Centre, Coonoor

Senior Advisory Officer served as faculty member inthe training programme on Quality tea harvesting forthe executives and staff of Siruvani estate during June.

Senior Advisory Officer served as faculty member inthe training programme on mite control and preparationof lime sulphur for the KVK- Quality UpgradationProject Officials during June.

Senior Advisory Officer served as a faculty member intraining programme organised by PlantationManagement Academy Centre during September.

Senior Advisory Officer gave two lectures on pest,disease and weed management during the trainingprogramme on "Recent Developments in TeaCultivation" for extension functionaries of Departmentof Horticulture, Ooty held at UPASI-KVK on November9 - 10

Regional Centre, Gudalur

Training class on Determining pruning height based onthe yield and health of the bush by way of cankerassessment for the Executives and staff of M/s.ParryAgro Industries Ltd on January 19

A group discussion on Assessment of canker andvacancy in tea to decide on the rejuvenation pruning/replanting for the Executives and staff of M/s.Parry AgroIndustries Ltd on January 24

A training class on “Propagation of tea by VP cuttingand biclonal seedlings” for the Field Officers ofMayfield estate, M/s.Harrisons Malayalam Ltd onJanuary 8

Field oriented class on Importance of mother leaf andmaintenance foliage has been exphasized for the fieldstaff and workers of M/s.Parry Agro Industries Ltd.,onFebruary 18

Village awareness programme on tea husbandry practicesand quality improvement under QUP project at PRFColony, Kiyunni, Punchakolly, Cherambadi, Kootoor,Erumad during March.

Travelling symposium of SHG’s on crop husbandrypractices under QUP project on March 23

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A seminar on Pacha taint was jointly organized by NationalTea Research Foundation for the members, Bought leaffactories and Co-operatives sector on May 12.

A training/lecture on grey blight disease controlconducted by R.Premkumar TRI for the executives andstaff of M/s.Parry Agro Industries Ltd. on July 12

A training/lecture given inconnection with grey blightproblems in Nilgiri-Wayanad estates by R.PremkumarTRF Valparai between July 13 and 16.

Training programme on red spider mite, blister blight,grey blight, nursery management and manuring for theField staff of M/s.Harrisons Malayalam Ltd. on October13.

Refresher course on “Tea husbandry practices” wasgiven to Executives, Field Officers, Asst,Field Officersof Tea Estates India Ltd. on December 15 and 22.

Special training programme for Nestle India Ltd., on“Integrated pest management in tea and Nutrientsrequirements of tea” under QUP project at Chuliyode,Kayyunni, Ayyankolli, Kollappally on September 01, 06,08 & 13, respectively

A meeting was organised on September 5 by boughtleaf tea green leaf suppliers at S.S Lodge under QUPproject. The Executive Director, Tea Board delivered atalk on quality of raw material to be supplied to teafactories.

Special campaign for improvement of quality of rawmaterials and necessity of shear harvesting during highcropping season at Chembala on September 12

Crash programme on village awareness for improvingquality of raw materials under QUP project was held atDevala, Salisbury Indco, Bitherkad Indco, ChoondiManuvayal and Kollappally between September 13 andSeptember 28

Crash programme on Quality improvement in smallgrower sector under QUP project held at Pandalur onOctober 13. The Executive Director of Tea Boardparticipated and delivered the talk of qualityimprovement of small grower sector of Nilgiri District.

Regional Centre, Meppadi

The Advisory Officer organized workshop on ' Pachataint' in tea, jointly with UPASI TRF and National TeaResearch Foundation in Meppadi club on May 13

Conducted field demonstrations on mother leaf pluckingfor the executives and field staff of Ripon andKurchermala estate.

Detailed demonstration on irrigation in tea for the benefitof staff of Kurchermala estate.

Training class on quality upgradation and cost reductionin tea for the benefit of small tea growers in Thalurvillage. A total of 85 tea growers participated in thetraining course.

Conducted a training course on Red Spider Mites controlfor the benefit of executives, staff and supervisors ofWentworth estate on 22nd February. A total of 40 peopleparticipated in the training course.

Demonstration on mother leaf addition in Cottanadestate on February 4

Demonstration on mother leaf plucking for the benefitof pluckers in Mangalam carp estate on March 5.

The Advisory officer demonstrated the method of soilsampling in Kuppamudi estate on March 21.

Conducted a training course on Red Spider Mite controlfor the benefit of executives and field staff of Chulikaestate.

A training class on plucking for the workforce in Jessieestate on June 23.

A training class on fungicide application in tea fields toall the executives and field staff of Arrapetta, SentinelRock, Achoor and Chundale estate of HML on August18.

A training class on blister blight control for the benefitof executives and staff of Cherakara, Jessie, Tatamalaand Talapoya estate at Staff Club of Parrisons Estate &Industries Ltd. Mananthavady on August 27.

108

A training class on harvesting in Tatamala estate on 6thof September

A training class on weed control, for the benefit ofexecutives and staff of HML, in Arrapetta staff club onOctober 8.

A training programme on harvesting of tea, for theexecutives and staff of Parrisons Estates and IndustriesLtd on October 18.

A training programme on control of red spider mite, forthe executives and staff of HML, in Arrapetta staff clubon October 29.

Conducted a training programme on pruning of tea, forthe small growers in Thalapuzha area of Mananthavadyon October 31.

Conducted a training class on the method of soilsampling for the benefit of field staff and workers ofMangalam Carp estate.

A demonstration on tipping for the benefit of executivesof Kambamala estate.

The Advisory Officer conducted a training class on thecontrol of red spider mite for the benefit of field staffand executives of Parrisons Estates and Industries Ltdon December 15

Regional Centre, Munnar

The Sr. Advisory Officer conducted a trainingprogramme on mite control for the executives and fieldstaff of Lockhart estate on January 24.

Similar programme organized for executives and fieldstaff of Surianalle and Panniar estates on February 3.

Entire gamut of tea cultivation explained to M.Sc.students of Plantation Science, Botany Department,Calicut University on March 22.

Discussion on the usage and economics of the latestblister blight recommendation with the executives ofHML estates on May 27 and 30.

Discussion on shade regulation and removal, with theexecutives of Periakanal estate on June 30.

Training programme on blister blight and grey blightfor the executives and field staff of HML estates, HighRange Group on August 2.

Discussion on uprooting and replanting withthe management of Kolukumalai estate , onOctober 26

Training on red spider mite control for the executivesand field staff of HML estates, High Range Group onNovember 26.

Discussion on dry weather crop management with theexecutives of Pullivasal estate on December 29.

Periodic discussions on various cultivation practiceswith the Field Department, KDHP Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Regional Centre, Vandiperiyar

Group Interaction-XI organized by CTPA at CaradyGoody estate on January 25. Red spider mite controland rush crop management were discussed. Twentytwo executives participated.

Assistance rendered to the executives, field staff andsupervisors of Karimtharuvi estate on tea nurserytechniques on January 31.

Training programme on the bio-ecology and control ofred spider mite was conducted for the field staff andexecutives of Wallardie and Moongalaar estates onFebruary 11.

Twenty two PG Students and two teaching staff of theDept. of Plant Pathology, Annamalai University, visitedthe Regional Centre on April 12. Tea Cultivation aspectswere briefed to them.

A training class on management of red spider mite andthrips control was organized for the benefit ofexecutives, field staff, supervisors and workers ofPasuparai estate on June 8. A total of 30 people attendedthe programme.

A training class on fertilizer application in tea wasorganized for the executive and field staff of HML -Group estates on June 18. A total of 24 persons attendedthe training course.

109

In-house seminar on biochemical constituents in teaand their changes during processing was organizedduring August .

Method of assessment and management of Shot HoleBorer to the executives and field staff of PasuparaiEstate on August 26.

A training programme on Blister blight and Red spidermite management on September 28-29. A total of 25persons attended the programme.

A training programme on tea cultivation, pest anddisease management was conducted at the RegionalCentre for the executives and supervisors of Moongalaarand Haileyburia estates on October 21.

A training/demonstration class on tea cultivation and pestand disease management was conducted at the RegionalCentre for the benefit of faculty and students of VocationalHigher Secondary School, Kumily on November 12.

A training/demonstration class on assessment andmanagement of shot hole borer and other major tea pests

was conducted for the benefit of executives and fieldstaff of Moongalaar and Wallardie estates on December8.

A training/demonstration class on tea pest managementwas conducted at the Regional Centre for the benefit ofexecutives and staff of Carady Goody estate onDecember 10.

The Senior Advisory officer delivered a talk on teaproduction technology and tea nursery management atState Vegetable Farm, Vandiperiyar on 29th December.Selected 25 farmers from different Panchayats ofPeermade taluk participated in the training class. Thefarmers visited regional centre to learn more about agrometeorology station.

Regional Centre, Koppa

Sr.Advisory officer, Koppa organised a refresher courseon irrigation for the field staff of Koppa estate on March22. He participated in the field visit and discussionmeeting of Chairman, Director (Tea Development) andAsst. Director, Tea Board on June 17-18.

110

APPENDIX - 4

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

4(a). Tea Research Institute, Valparai, Coimbatore District., Tamil Nadu

Month Temperature (°C) Relative Humidity (%) Rain Rainy Mean sun Sunny daysMean Mean 8.30 a.m 2.30 p.m fall days shine period (No.)Min. Max (mm) (No.) (h/day)

January 11.5 27.0 86 67 57.8 3 8.21 31February 10.5 28.2 82 55 3.6 1 8.49 28March 14.4 28.4 86 61 78.0 7 7.20 31April 17.0 26.8 91 78 302.4 17 6.08 26May 17.3 26.8 88 80 161.2 9 5.47 30June 18.4 23.7 95 88 634.0 26 1.38 14July 18.2 22.0 96 92 1531.9 30 0.36 8August 17.8 23.0 93 85 667.8 21 3.47 24September 17.5 23.3 92 85 752.0 21 3.38 16October 17.5 25.0 88 84 175.3 17 3.44 24November 15.7 24.4 90 82 230.0 12 3.12 23December 14.8 25.5 84 63 42.4 3 6.10 27

Total 4636.4 167

4 (b). Regional Centre, Coonoor, Nilgiris District., Tamil Nadu

January 10.8 21.6 74 69 24.2 2 8.4 31February 11.6 22.4 59 55 25.7 3 8.8 27March 13.3 23.7 72 69 107.0 3 8.2 31April 15.0 23.1 79 75 233.6 13 6.4 27May 16.1 24.8 71 79 45.2 5 7.1 31June 15.3 23.2 75 79 92.2 9 4.3 25July 15.1 22.2 83 83 137.5 15 3.7 27August 14.6 22.4 78 79 56.7 6 5 27September 14.3 21.9 79 84 117.6 10 4.2 24October 14.4 21.5 85 88 228.7 15 3.4 22November 12.8 19.6 82 89 558.4 15 3.7 16December 11.2 19.8 78 84 103.9 8 5.6 24

Total 1730.7 104

4 (c). Regional Centre, Gudalur, Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu

January 11.0 27.7 89 67 58.0 3 NA NAFebruary 11.3 29.6 86 59 Nil Nil NA NAMarch 13.7 27.0 88 45 1.1 1 NA NAApril 16.0 28.6 92 68 100.8 13 NA NAMay 16.9 28.8 90 72 70.8 10 NA NAJune 16.5 24.9 91 86 279.2 18 NA NAJuly 16.2 22.4 99 94 930.6 31 NA NAAugust 15.5 24.1 98 85 679.2 24 2.68 NASeptember 15.9 24.3 95 84 315.2 18 5.08 NAOctober 16.0 25.0 93 84 244.2 21 2.08 NANovember 13.7 25.0 91 78 61.4 7 3.30 NADecember 11.2 26.4 85 57 Nil Nil 5.50 NA

Total 2740.5 146

NA- data not available111

4 (d). Regional Centre, Meppadi, Wyanad District, Kerala

Month Temperature (°C) Relative Humidity (%) Rain Rainy Mean sun Sunny daysMean Mean 8.30 a.m 2.30 p.m fall days shine period (No.)Min. Max (mm) (No.) (h/day)

January 16.1 30.2 95 65 37.3 3 6.42 30February 16.8 32.4 84 56 Nil Nil 8.67 28March 18.7 32.7 88 56 8.8 2 NA NAApril 20.4 30.4 93 76 144.3 9 5.22 26May 20.8 31.1 91 82 81.7 4 6.05 30June 20.4 26.4 95 88 698.8 20 2.02 16July 20.0 24.6 98 91 1192.6 28 1.19 13August 19.7 25.9 94 84 463.9 20 2.63 22September 19.8 26.1 95 88 372.9 17 3.07 20October 19.4 27.5 97 86 300.2 14 3.10 22November 18.4 27.9 93 78 129.9 5 2.96 17December 16.5 28.3 92 62 9.0 1 5.93 26

Total 3439.5 123

4 (e). Regional Centre, Munnar, Idukki District, Kerala

January 8.2 24.2 95 64 56.9 6 6.70 31February 7.0 25.6 91 58 24.0 1 7.70 28March 10.6 25.3 91 67 46.7 4 6.50 31April 13.6 25.7 90 78 143.3 11 4.25 29May 14.9 25.0 93 83 138.2 10 4.61 25June 16.7 20.5 98 93 676.6 25 1.89 14July 16.4 18.7 99 97 2227.1 30 0.86 NilAugust 15.6 20.4 94 91 621.8 22 4.05 25September 15.0 21.3 96 90 548.1 20 3.18 17October 14.6 22.7 95 86 178.2 16 3.13 25November 13.7 22.6 95 85 151.4 11 3.05 21December 10.0 22.8 91 76 45.7 5 6.00 27

Total 4851.0 161

4 (f). Regional Centre, Vandiperiyar, Idukki District, Kerala

January 14.5 27.7 88 61 105.4 3 6.47 31February 15.4 29.0 84 61 Nil Nil 7.47 28March 17.2 30.2 89 61 53.5 2 7.13 31April 19.6 28.4 90 73 177.7 14 4.53 25May 19.9 29.9 90 72 82.7 7 5.16 23June 19.7 25.9 92 83 291.1 22 1.16 16July 18.2 25.4 92 84 650.4 21 1.01 10August 18.0 25.8 89 77 154.6 12 3.28 23September 18.1 25.0 93 78 318.4 18 2.39 16October 18.1 27.0 90 72 145.8 18 3.67 27November 19.7 25.7 90 75 189.6 14 2.35 18December 16.1 25.5 95 70 91.4 7 4.49 26

Total 2260.6 138

4 (g). Regional Centre, Koppa, Karnataka

January 15.0 31.0 89 55 Nil Nil NA NAFebruary 15.9 33.9 90 57 Nil Nil NA NAMarch 18.2 35.4 89 49 Nil Nil NA NAApril 21.4 34.3 86 47 72.8 9 NA NAMay 21.8 33.7 86 53 62.6 4 NA NAJune 21.6 27.8 90 71 341.4 18 NA NAJuly 20.9 24.2 93 86 935.4 30 NA NAAugust 20.7 25.4 93 82 635.9 27 NA NASeptember 20.9 26.6 92 80 251.2 17 NA NAOctober 20.6 28.3 92 71 124.7 10 NA NANovember 18.0 29.7 88 66 8.6 2 NA NADecember 15.6 29.0 91 48 Nil Nil NA NA

Total 2307.9 117

112

APPENDIX - 5

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

Ajay, D., Tensingh Baliah, N., Baby, U.I. and Premkumar, R. 2005. Impact of soil organic matter content on theestablishment of bioinoculants. Newsletter of UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(1): 4.

Ajayakumar, K., Raj Kumar, R., and Vinod Haridas. 2005. Influence of the subtending leaf on the growth of axillarybud and formation of banji bud in tea. Indian Journal of Plant Physiology 10 (3): 267 -272.

Babu, A., Selvasundaram, R. and Siby Mathew. 2005. Evaluation of new pesticides for the control of tea thrips.Newsletter of UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(2): 4.

Babu, A., Selvasundaram, R., Muraleedharan, N. and Siby Mathew. 2005. A new predator of tea mosquito. Newsletterof UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(2): 5.

Babu, S. 2005. Tea descriptors: Series-2. Planters’ Chronicle 101(1):12-15.

Babu, S. 2005. Tea descriptors: Series-3. Planters’ Chronicle 101(4):27-30.

Baby, U.I and Muraleedharan, N. 2005. Tea diseases, ecology and control. In: Encyclopedia of pest management.David Pimental (Ed.). Marcel Decker Inc, New York (ref. taylorandfrancis.com).

Deepu Vijayan, Mariya John, K.M., Balasaravanan, T., Pius, P.K. and Raj Kumar, R. 2005. Influence of dehydrationmethods for cryopreservation of somatic embryos of tea. Journal of Plantation Crops 33(3): 156-159.

Hudson, J.B. 2005. Soil health management in tea fields. Planters’ Chronicle 101 (5): 18-24.

Hudson, J.B. and Ranjitkumar, Q. 2005. Addition of maintenance foliage by shearing. Newsletter of UPASI TeaResearch Foundation 15(1): 2.

Hudson, J.B. and Ranjitkumar, Q. 2005. Impact of shear harvesting during the pruned year. Newsletter of UPASI TeaResearch Foundation 15(1): 2.

Jibu Thomas, Deepu Vijayan, Sarvottam D. Joshi, Joseph Lopez, S and Raj Kumar, R. 2005. Genetic integrity ofsomaclonal variants in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O Kuntze) as revealed by inter simple sequence repeats.(Available online - doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2005.11.005).

Jibu Thomas, Gunasundari, R. and Raj Kumar, R. 2005. Biology of tea pollen. Newsletter of UPASI Tea ResearchFoundation 15(1): 1.

Jibu Thomas, Raj Kumar, R. and Muraleedharan, N. 2005. Absorption efficiency of tea plants in relation to soil appliedphosphorus by placement and broadcast methods. Journal of Plantation Crops 33(3): 171-174.

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Jibu Thomas, Saravanan, M., Raj Kumar, R., and Pius, P.K 2005. Influences of age after pruning on the levels offlavanoids and other bioconstituents in tea (Camellia sinensis). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture85:931-934.

Jibu Thomas, Senthilkumar, R.S., Raj Kumar, R. and Mandal, A.K.A. 2005. Effect of gamma irradiation on keepingquality of black teas. Newsletter of UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(2):3.

Manikandan, K.N, Muraleedharan, N and Selvasundaram, R. 2005. Degradation of quinalphos during processing ofblack CTC tea. Journal of Plantation Crops 33(2): 146-148.

Marimuthu, S. and Muraleedharan, N. 2005. Tea quality: present status of research in India. Planters’ Chronicle101(2): 35-53.

Muraleedharan, N. 2005. Tea insects, ecology and control. In: Encyclopedia of Pest management. David Pimental(Ed.). Marcel Decker Inc, New York. (ref. taylorandfrancis.com).

Muraleedharan, N. 2005. Strategies for reducing pesticide residues in tea. Planters’ Chronicle 101(2): 30-34.

Muraleedharan, N. 2005. Sustainable cultivation of tea. Planters’ Chronicle 101(5): 5-17.

Muraleedharan, N., Sudarmani, D.N.P. and Selvasundaram, R. 2005. Bioecology and management of the red spidermite infesting tea in south India. p. 756-766. In: Proceedings of international symposium on innovation in teascience and sustainable development in tea industry. Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of AgriculturalSciences, Hangzhou, China.

Palani, N. 2005. Testing facility at UPASI Tea Research Foundation. Planters’ Chronicle 101(6): 8-9.

Ponmurugan , P. and Baby, U.I.2005. A comparison of isolates of Phomopsis theae. Jounal of Microbial World 7:176-181.

Ponmurugan, P. and Baby, U.I. 2005.Management of Phomopsis canker of tea with fungicides and biocontrol agents.Journal of Plant Sciences 5(1): 175-178.

Premkumar, R. and Baby, U.I. 2005. Blister blight control - A review of current recommendations. Planters’ Chronicle101(5): 26 - 36.

Premkumar, R. and Baby, U.I. 2005. Recommendations on the control of grey blight/die back disease. Planters’Chronicle 101(5): 36.

Premkumar, R. and Baby, U.I. 2005. Recommendations on the control of root and stem disease of tea. Planters’Chronicle 101(11): 10-13.

Premkumar, R. and Baby, U.I. 2005. Recommendations on the usage of combination of triazole and morpholinefungicides. Planters’ Chronicle 101(5): 37-38.

Premkumar, R., Baby, U.I and Balamurugan, A. 2005. Potential of phylloplane bacteria in the biological control of greyblight disease of tea (Camellia sinensis). p. 109-114. In: Proceedings of an International Congress, Glasgow,Scotland,UK.

Radhakrishnan, B. 2005. Indigenous preparations useful for pest and disease management. Planters’ Chronicle101(4): 4-16.

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Radhakrishnan, B. and Baby, U.I. 2005. Economic threshold level for blister blight of tea. Planters’ Chronicle101(6): 4-6.

Radhakrishnan, B., 2005. Indigenous preparations useful for pest and disease management. Planter’s Chronicle.101(4):4-16.

Raj Kumar, R. and Jibu Thomas. 2005. Dry matter partitioning in relation to physiological attributes in tea. Journal ofPlantation Crops 33(3): 165-170.

Raj Kumar, R., Jibu Thomas and Mandal, A.K.A. 2005. Physiological and biochemical characterisation of somaclonalvariants in tea. Newsletter of UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(2): 2.

Sanjay, R. and Baby, U.I. 2005. Grey blight disease in tea. Planters’ Chronicle 101(11): 4-9.

Saravanan M., Mariya John K.M., Raj Kumar R., Pius P.K. and Sasikumar, R. 2005. Genetic diversity of UPASI teaclones (Camellia sinensis (L.) O, Kuntze) on the basis of total catechins and their fractions. Phytochemistry 66:561-565.

Saravanan, M., Jibu Thomas and Raj Kumar, R. 2005. Influence of altitude on catechin biosynthesis in tea leaves.Newsletter of UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(1): 5.

Sarvottam D. Joshi, Balamurugan, A., Jibu Thomas and Rahul, P.R. 2005. Extraction of genomic DNA from the blisterblight fungus. Newsletter of UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(1): 3.

Selvasundaram, R. and Muraleedharan, N. 2005. Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Mycomite WP) for the control of redspider mite infesting tea. Newsletter of UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(1): 3.

Selvasundaram, R., Sasidhar, R., Sanjay, R. and Muraleedharan, N. 2004. Seasonal abundance of thrips and crop lossin tea. Journal of Plantation Crops 32(3):49-52.

Senthilkumar, R.S., Murugesan, S., Kottur, G. and Sujitha, S.D.A. 2005. Effect of cut leaf on the quality parameters ofCTC black tea. Newsletter of UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(2): 4-5.

Venkatesan,S.,2005.Impact of genotype and micronutrient applications on nitrate reductase activity of tealeaves.Journal of science Food Agriculture 85: 513-516.

Venkatesan, S and Ebert, G. 2005. Influence of SOP and MOP on productivity and quality of tea. p.107-117. InProceedings of international symposium on innovation in tea science and sustainable development in teaindustry. Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China.

Venkatesan, S. 2005. Effect of electromagnetically treated water on rooting and growth of nursery tea plants. Newsletterof UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(1): 4-5.

Venkatesan, S. and Senthurpandian, V.K. 2005. Influence of heavy metals on enzyme activity in tea soils. Newsletterof UPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(2): 2-3.

Venkatesan, S., Hemalatha, K.V. and Jayaganesh, S. 2005. Zinc toxicity, symptoms and consequences. Newsletter ofUPASI Tea Research Foundation 15(2):1-2.

Venkatesan,.S. 2005. Impact of doses and sources of potassium on biochemical and green leaf parameters of tea.Food Chemistry 90: 535-539.

Venkatesan, S. 2005. Specification for zinc sulphate for foliar applications on tea. Planters’ Chronicle 101(1):11.

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APPENDIX - 6

IN-HOUSE SEMINARS

Date Speaker Topic

February 10 K.V. Hemalatha Cigarette smoking is injurious to (others) healthFebruary 11 S. Joseph Lopez Genetic transformation studies on tea for production of stress tolerant plantsMarch 21 D.G.. Hegde Good agricultural practices in teaAugust 17 K.N. Manikandan Studies on the residues of certain pesticides used on teaSeptember 6 D.N.P. Sudarmani Studies on the red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner) infesting

tea in southern IndiaNovember 21 R. Sanjay Studies on Pestaloptiopsis spp. affecting tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)

O. Kuntze) in southern IndiaPapers presented at annual tea colloquim

October 15 N. Radhakrishnan Influence of the quality of raw material on electrical powerconsumption and quality of black tea

R. Sanjay Grey blight disease in tea and its managementSachin P. James Use of kairomone for shot hole borer managementV.K. Senthurpandian Influence of trace elements on enzyme activities in

tea soils of south IndiaK.M. Mariya John In vitro secondary metabolite production in tea

through hairy root culturesS.D.A. Sujitha Studies on “Cream” of teaT.B. Sasikumar Scope for energy conservation through motor maintenanceS. Manikandan Plant sap - a new technique to evaluate soil fertilityJibu Thomas Morphological, physiological and biochemical descriptors

of somaclonal variants of tea (Camellia spp.)S. Jayaganesh Influence of organic acid on phosphorus availability of laterite soilsS. Seenivasan Studies on the presence of heavy metals in teaK.V. Hemalatha Nutritive value of tea brew as influenced by the method of preparation

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APPENDIX - 7

LIST OF EXPERIMENTS

No. Code No. Brief title of the experiment Remarks

BOTANY

1. BOT/118(AG)/89-NL Field trial on infilling Concluded2. BOT/120/(CS)/91-NL Clonal proving Concluded3. BOT/128(BP)/93-KN Evaluation of BSS-1 progenies In progress4. BOT/129(CS)/93-CT Screening of biclonal progenies Concluded5. BOT/141(AG)/95-HR Experiment on infilling In progress6.BOT/142(CS)/96-NL Clonal selection In progress7. BOT/147(AG)/97-CT Burial of prunings on yield Concluded8. BOT/148(AG)/97-AN Experiment on burial of prunings Concluded9. BOT/149(AG)/99-NW Experiment on infilling and interrow planting Concluded10. BOT/163(CS)/97-CT Clonal proving In progress11. BOT/164(CS)97-HR Clonal proving In progress12. BOT/169/(AG)/98-KN Experiment on infilling In progress13. BOT/170(CS)/98-NW Clonal proving In progress14. BOT/175(CS)/98-NL Field performance of BSS-1 Concluded15. BOT/186(AG)/99-NL Shear harvesting experiment Concluded16. BOT/194(IXplan)/99-AN Germplasm collection In progress17. BOT/197(CS)/99-KN Clonal screening Concluded18. BOT/198(AG)/99-NL Grafting trial Concluded19. BOT/199(CS)/99-NW Grafting trial In progress20. BOT/200(CS)/97-WY Clonal screening Concluded21. BOT/203(AG)/99-WY Experiment on addition of maintenance foliage Concluded22. BOT/209(AG)2k-NL Experiment on harvesting In progress23. BOT/214(AG)/01-AN Effect of different methods of harvesting Concluded24. BOT(IX Plan)/02-AN Studies on graft compatibility of clones Concluded25. BOT(IX Plan)/02-AN Inter specific graft compatibility studies Concluded26. BOT/219(N)/03-AN Rejuvenating the old nursery plants In progress27. BOT/220(N)/02-AN Evaluation of crop shoots as scion In progress28. BOT/221(AG)/04-AN Response of cultivars to shear harvesting Concluded29. BOT/222(AG)/03-AN Evaluation of MON78860 for weed control Concluded30. BOT/223(AG)/03-AN Evaluation of XL-20 AG for weed control Concluded31. BOT/224(AG)/03-AN Evaluation of gly+2,4-D for weed control Concluded32. BOT/225(AG)/03-AN Evaluation of a new wetting agent Herbidown Concluded33. BOT/226(AG)/03-AN Effect of skiffing on productivity of tea In progress34. BOT/227(AG)/04-AN Evaluation of new tree species In progress35. PB/2CS/99-AN&NL Clonal selection In progress36. PB/4/HB/03-AN Heterosis breeding In progress37. PB/5/COS/03-AN Selection of clones in the composite population In progress

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CHEMISTRY

1. CHE/142(Zn)/03-AN Experiment on tolerance level of iron in zinc sulphate In progress2. CHE/141(Zn)/04-AN Experiment on Chelated zinc (Liberal zinc) In progress3. CHE/149(MN)/04-NL&CT Comparative efficacy of different sources of Zn for foliar application In progress4. CHE/150(MN)/04-NL&CT Comparative efficacy of different sources of Zn for soil application In progress5. CHE/151(Mg-S)/04-WY Experiment on secondary nutrients In progress6. CHE/107E/94-CT Rationalisation of nitrogen and potassium manuring In progress7. CHE/116A(DRI) 97-NL Efficacy of drip irrigation in mature tea In progress8. CHE/116B(DRI) 99-NL Efficacy of drip irrigation in mature seedling tea In progress9. CHE/116C(DRI) 99-NL Efficacy of drip irrigation in young tea In progress10. CHE/117(N) 94-NL Effect of reducing nitrogen on high yielding tea in the Nilgiris In progress11. CHE/122A(SPR)/99-NL Efficacy of sprinkler irrigation in mature seedling tea In progress12. CHE/128(SOP)/01-AN Comparative efficacy of soil application of MOP and SOP

at 45 cm pruning height In progress13. CHE/129(SOP)/01-AN Comparative efficacy of soil application of MOP and SOP

at 55 cm pruning height In progress14. CHE/135(TYE)/02-CT Validation of targetted yield equation in multilocations In progress15. CHE/133(TYE)/02-HR Validation of targetted yield equation in multilocations In progress16. CHE/156/(BIO)/05-AN Experiment on Nirmal biopower and bioforce In progress17. CHE/157/(IRR)/05-AN The effect of electro-magnetically treated water (vi-aqua)

on growth of tea In progress18. CHE/158/(LIME)05-AN Experiment on lime dose determination using buffering

capacity of tea soils In progress19. CHE/159/05-AN Influence of trace elements on activities of soil hydrolytic enzymes Concluded20. CHE/160/(ENZ)/05-AN Enzyme activities of tea and forest soils Concluded21. CHE/161/(TOX)/05-AN Zinc toxicity symptoms and consequences Concluded22. CHE/162/(NR)/05-AN Nutrient releasing capacity of tea soils In progress23. CHE /163/(DRIP)/05-WY Efficacy of drip irrigation in mature tea In progress24. CHE/140/03-AN Integrated nutrient management Concluded25. CHE/147/CITP)04-AN Influence of citric acid on phosphorus availability In progress26. CHE/134(NK)/02-AN Foliar application of NK as the effective substitute for soil application In progress27. CHE/164(SPRI)/05-NL Experiment on sprinkler irrigation In progress28. CHE/165(DRIP)/05-NL Experiment on drip irrigation In progress

ENTOMOLOGY

1. ENT/201/99-CT Sex pheromones of tea mosquito In progress2. ENT/229/2K-AN Studies on the attractant chemicals from Montanoa bipinnatifida In progress3. ENT/295/02-AN Predators of red spider mite In progress4. ENT/300/02-AN Effect of biofertilizers on pest incidence In progress5. ENT/342/04-AN Studies on the volatiles of red spider mite infested leaves In progress6. ENT/364/05-AN Laboratory evaluation of certain bioproducts

Synthetic chemicals against mites Concluded7. ENT/355/04-CT Evaluation of certain new insecticides against tea mosquito Concluded8. ENT/365/05-CT Evaluation of certain insecticides against tea mosquito Concluded9. ENT/361/05-CT Evaluation of Neem Azal T/S 1% EC and Polo 50 WP against thrips Concluded10. ENT/348/04-CT Evaluation of IPM package for the control of thrips In progress11. ENT/363/05-AN Evaluation of Fenpyroximate 5 EC and

Milbemectin 1 % EC against red spider mite Concluded12. ENT/357/05-AN Evaluation of azadirachtin 1 % EC (10000 ppm) against red spider mite Concluded

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13. ENT/358/05-AN Evaluation of paraffinic spray oil against red spider mite Concluded14. ENT/356/05-AN Evaluation of bifenthrin 8 SC against red spider mite Concluded15. ENT/359/05-NW Evaluation of bifenthrin 8 SC and milbemectin 1% EC on red spider mite Concluded16. ENT/360/05-HR Evaluation of certain acaricides against red spider mite Concluded17. ENT/345a&b/04-CT Evaluation of entomopathogenic/ bioformulations against red spider mites Concluded18. ENT/353/04-AN Studies on the IPM package for the management of shot hole borer In progress19. ENT/369a/05-AN Phytotoxicity of Brigade 8 SC to tea leaves Concluded20. ENT/360a/05-AN Phytotoxicity of Polo 50 WP to tea leaves Concluded21. ENT/369b/05-AN Taint studies of diafenthiuron to tea leaves Concluded22. ENT/369c/05-AN Effect of diafenthiuron(Polo 50 WP) on Oligota pygmaea

a common predator of red spider mites Concluded23. ENT/363A/2004-05-AN Residues of fenpyroximate 5 EC (Pyroxcel) in black tea Concluded24. ENT/363B/2004-05-AN Residues of hexaconazole 5 EC (Contaf) in black tea Concluded25. ENT/363C/2004-05-AN Residues of fenazaquin 10 EC (Magister) in black tea Concluded

PLANT PATHOLOGY

1. PAT/244 (BB)-05-AN Comparison of scales developed for the assessment of blister blight Concluded2. PAT/ 245 (BB) 05-AN Evaluation of Propineb In progress3. PAT/246 (BB) 05-AN Evaluation of RIL-009/C-1 WP against blister blight Concluded4. PAT/247 (BB) 05-AN Evaluation of copper hydroxide formulations In progress5. PAT/248 (BB) 05-AN Evaluation of Exxsol D 130 (Green Field) In progress6 . PAT/249 (BB) 05-AN Effect of harvesting methods on blister blight incidence In progress7. PAT/250 (GB) 05 - AN Screening of phylloplane bacteria against Pestalotiopsis theae Concluded8. PAT/195(BF)01-AN Standardization of application of biofertilizers Concluded9. PAT/251 (MB)05-AN Effect of VAM formulations on the growth of tea seedlings In progress10. PAT/ 252(MB) 05-AN Effect of plant growth promoting microorganisms

on the growth of tea seedlings In Progress11. PAT/253(MB)05-AN Studies on the tea phylloplane microflora Concluded12. PAT/ 254 (MB)05-AN Effect of washing on the microbial load in factory machinery In progress13. PAT/255 (MB)05-AN Effect of some disinfectants on the microbial build up on

tea factory machinery In progress14. PAT/256 (BB)05-AN Morphological characteristics of Exobasidium vexans spores Concluded15. PAT/ 257(BB)05-AN Effect of cell free culture filtrate on the germination of

basidiospores of Exobasidium vexans Concluded16. PAT/258 (BB)05-AN Potential of selected phylloplane bacteria in

producing inhibitory compounds Concluded17. PAT/259 (BB)05-AN Fungicide tolerance of selected phylloplane bacteria Concluded18. PAT/260 (BB)03-AN Interaction between selected strains of phylloplane bacteria Concluded19. PAT/261 (BB)03-AN Survivability of selected bacterial strains on tea phylloplane In Progress20. PAT/ 243 (BB) 04-AN Biocontrol potential of selected bacterial strains In Progress

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

1. PHY/148(PGR)/05-AN Plant growth regulators : Evaluation of Chitosan (Unnati)for crop productivity Concluded

2. PHY/147(BS)/04-AN Irradiation of made tea by gamma rays Concluded3. PHY/146a (BS)/05-AN Drought related parameters of TRF-1 Concluded4. PHY/135 (BS)/01-AN Root carbohydrates in relation to rejuvenation pruning In progress5. PHY/143 (BS)/03-AN Cobalt chloride test for drought effect Concluded6. PHY/120 (TC)/97-CT Field performance of tissue culture plants In progress

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7. PHY/149 (TC)/05 Biological hardening of TC plants In progress8. PHY/122a (TC)/97-AN Plant regenreation protocol through tissue culture In progress9. PHY/122b (TC)/05-AN Metabolite profiling of somaclonal plants In progress10.PHY/113 (TC)/97-AN Synthetic seeds Concluded11. PHY/114a (TC)/97-AN Isolation of protoplasts Concluded12.PHY/130 (TB)/99-AN Physiological characteristics of clonal teas as a key for

identification of useful traits: Field experiment In progress13. PHY/132 (NMITLI)/01-AN Using functional genomics in plants:

Niche pathway engineering in tea Concluded14. PHY/132a (NMITLI)/01-AN Biochemical characterization of germplasm Concluded15. PHY/132b (NMITLI)/01-AN Factors inluencing extraction of polyphenols In progress16. PHY/132c (NMITLI)/01-AN Identification of individual catechin molecules by spectrophotometer In progress17. PHY/132d (NMITLI)/01-AN Electrofocussing of identification of individual catechin molecules In progress18. PHY/132e (NMITLI)/01-AN Free radical scavenging activity of individual catechin fractions In progress19. PHY/132f (NMITLI)/01-AN Role of differnt substrates and enzymes on catechin biosynthesis Concluded20. PHY/138 (MB)/01-AN Molecular biology In progress21.PHY/138a (MB)/01-AN Phylogeny of grey blight pathogen Concluded22. PHY/149 (MB)/05-AN Genetic transformation in tea In progress23. PHY/149a (MB)/05-AN Agrobacterium rhizogens mediated hairy roots cultures in tea In progress24. PHY/140 (DBT) /02-AN Characterisation and improvement of tea

through biotechnological tools (Phase II) In progress25. PHY/140a (DBT) /02-AN Tissue culture of tea In progress26. PHY/140b (DBT) /02-AN Organogenesis of cultured root explants Concluded27. PHY/140c (DBT) /02-AN Germplasm characterization In progress28. PHY/140d (DBT) /02-AN Molecular characterization of tea germplasm In progress29. PHY/142 (X Plan)/03-AN Biotechnological and biocontrol studies

on tea blister blight pathogen : X Plan project In progress30. PHY/142a (X Plan)/03-AN Marker development study In progress31. PHY/142b (X Plan)/03-AN Phylogeny of Exobasidium vexans (blister blight pathogen) Concluded32. PHY/142c (X Plan)/03-AN Biochemical basis of susceptibility/resistance of

pathogenesis related proteins In progress

TEA TECHNOLOGY

1. TEC/115/97-AN Chemistry of tea clones In progress2. TEC/123/98-AN Product diversification In progress3. TEC/135/03-AN Studies on the impact of different packing materials and

reconditioning on the shelf life of tea Concluded4. TEC/137/03-NL Evaluation of flavour profile of Nilgiris tea Concluded5. TEC/132/02-AN Influence of altitude on quality In progress6. TEC/129&130/02-AN Use of enzymes for quality improvement In progress7. TEC/144/03-AN Effect of addition of Teazyme on the quality of CTC black tea Concluded8. TEC/138/03-AN Experiment on trough loading during withering In progress9. TEC/139/03-AN Comparison of drum, floor and drum cum-floor fermentation In progress10. TEC/127/01-NW Studies on the quality parameters of banji components Concluded11. TEC/131/02-AN Flavoured tea In progress12. TEC/145/04-AN Reducing power of green and black teas In progress13. TEC/146/04-AN Theaflavin fractions and DGETF of clonal

black teas as affected by altitude Concluded14. TEC/147/04-AN Influence of altitude on catechin fractions of clonal tea leaves Concluded15. TEC/148/04-AN Influence of water quality on liquor parameters of black tea Concluded

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16. TEC/149/04-AN Studies on clonal variation in flavour profile In progress17. TEC/155/05-AN Studies on the shelf life of vacuum packed teas In progress18. TEC/156/05-AN Effect of steeping time on quality parameters of tea Concluded19. TEC/157/05-AN Influence of time of plucking on biochemical

constituents affecting quality In progress20. TEC/150/05-AN Effect of addition of "Teaup" on the quality of CTC black tea Concluded21. TEC/151/05-AN Effect of cut leaf on the quality parameters of CTC black tea In progress22. TEC/152/05-AN Studies on the extractability of liquor constituents

at different temperatures In progress23. TEC/153/05-AN Influence of grade variation on the bulk density In progress24. TEC/154/05-AN Effect of polyphenol addition on quality parameters of black tea In progress25. TEC/141/03-AN Establishment of a chain of tea quality control laboratories at the

regional centres of UPASI TRF and strengthening of existinganalytical facilities at TRI (X plan) In progress

26. TEC/142/03-AN Optimisation of processing parameters to maximizequality of south Indian black teas (X Plan) In progress

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APPENDIX - 8

PROJECTS FUNDED BY OUTSIDE AGENCIES

Sl. No. Project title Funding agency Date of start Status

1. Using functional genomics in tea, mentha CSIRaswagandha plants for gene expression modulation New Delhi Apr. 2001 In progress

2 . Studies on entomopathogens affecting the major pestsof tea in south India (Microbial control of tea pests) NTRF Apr. 2001 In progress

3. Characterisation and improvement of tea DBTthrough biotechnological tools New Delhi Apr. 2002 In progress

4. Studies on mineralization of nitrogen, ureahydrolysis and nutrients releasing capacity NTRF Mar. 2003 In progressof tea soils of south India

5. Studies on the volatile profile of cut stems ofMontanoa bipinnatifida an attractant for NTRF Mar. 2003 In progresstrapping shot hole borer infesting tea

6. Biotechnological and biocontrol Tea Boardstudies on tea blister blight pathogen X Five Year Plan Mar. 2003 In progress

7. Establishment of chain of tea quality controllaboratories in the Regional Centres of UPASI Tea BoardTRF and strengthening of existing X Five Year Plan Mar. 2003 In progressanalytical facilities at TRI

8. Networking of Regional Centres of UPASI TRI Tea Boardand tea gardens for better communication X Five Year Plan Mar. 2003 In progress

9. Optimisation of processing parameters to maximise Tea Boardthe quality of south Indian black tea X Five Year Plan Mar. 2003 In progress

10. Studies on the residues of insecticides, fungicides, Tea Boardweedicides and heavy metals in south Indian tea X Five Year Plan Mar. 2003 In progress

11. Studies on different irrigation systems and criticalevaluation of secondary and micronutrient status Tea Boardin tea soils of south India X Five Year Plan Mar. 2003 In progress

12. Studies on pesticide residues in tea - Phase II NTRF Apr. 2004 In progress

13. Updating existing website on tea information andstrengthening of electronic network system DSIR Mar. 2005 In progress

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