Multiplication of Tea Plants by Cut Stems

Cooperating agency for this topic:
Department of Agriculture and Forestry Extension,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam
Fax: 84-4-8236403, 2001-07-01

This technique has many advantages compared with multiplication by seeds. However, it also has some disadvantages. It should, therefore, be introduced only if suited to the local environmental and economic conditions.

Advantages

• More uniform growth.
• Yield higher by 20-30 %.
• Easier harvesting.
• Earlier harvest.

Disadvantages

• A nursery bed is needed for the cuttings.
• Transporting plantlets is an additional cost.
• The planting season is critical and short.

The Technology: Making the Nursery

Suitable Location for Nursery

The nursery should be near a water source. It should have easy access to transportation, and be near the plantation to which the plantlets will be transplanted. The gradient should be less than 5 o.

Making the Nursery Bed

The bed should be 1-1.2 m in width, 8-15 m in length, and 10-15 cm in height. Walking paths 30-35 cm wide are needed between the beds for the management of the nursery.

Pot Preparation

Polyethylene bags (12x18 cm) are used as pots.

Several holes are needed in the bottom of the bag for drainage. First, soil mixed with compost (50%) is put into the bag to fill it one-third full. Then, fine soil (2/3) is added to fill the pot. The pots are placed firmly on the nursery bed.

bag for drainage. First, soil mixed with compost (50%) is put into the bag to fill it one-third full, (Fig. 1). Then, fine soil (2/3) is added to fill the pot. These pots are placed firmly on the nursery bed.

Erecting the Roof

A roof is set up, 1.8-2.0 m above the ground (Fig. 2). Roofing material should be in pieces, the small enough for them to be removed easily to allow watering and exposure to sunlight.

Preparation of Cuttings

Choose branches 6 months old, with a stem 4-6 mm in diameter. Cut each branch into small pieces, each 3-4 cm in length with a single leaf (Fig. 3).

Planting of Cuttings

Irrigate the bag pots up to about 80-85 % before planting the cuttings. One or two cuttings are planted in each pot.

Nursery Management

Irrigation Frequency

1-2 weeks after planting : Twice a day

3-4 weeks after planting : Every2 days

5-8 weeks after planting : Every 3 days

9-12 weeks after planting : Every 5 days

13-16 weeks after planting : Every 6 days

17-25 weeks after planting : Every 10 days

Light Control

1-2 months : Remove the roof only on cloudy days.

3-4 months : Remove the roof for the whole length between 2 rows.

After 5 months : Remove1/3 of the roof.

From 6 month : Remove the whole.

Fertilization (G/M2)

Two months after planting: Urea 5, superphosphate (SP) 5, kaliclorua (KC) 7

Four months after planting: Urea 14, SP 6, KC 10

Six months after planting: Urea 18, SP 8, KC 14

Disease Control (If Needed)

Spray 3 months after planting: Methylparathion, Padan etc, at an application rate of 1L per 1/2 m2.

Field Preparation and Transplanting

Field Preparation

Weeding

Ploughing depth: 40-50 cm

Transplanting zone: 20-25 cm in width, 15-20 cm in depth

Fertilization rate/ha

Basal dressing: Manure 25-30 tons, urea 100 kg, super phosphate 200 kg, KCl 200 kg

Transplanting

Planting density: 1.75 m between rows, 0.5 m between hills, 2 plants/hill

Index of Images

• 

  Figure 1 Filling the Bags

• 

  Figure 2 Roof to Shade Cuttings

• 

  Figure 3 Cutting 3-4 CM Long with Single Leaf

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