PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED TEA VARIETIES

Present study evaluated on two tea varieties (Qi-men and Cambod) against five nitrogen fertilizer treatments (T0=0 Kg acre-1 anum-1), (T1=150 Kg acre-1 anum-1), (T2=300 Kg acre-1 anum-1), (T3=450 Kg acre-1 anum-1) and (T4=600 Kg acre-1 anum-1) to select the most optimum nitrogen concentrations to get maximum yield and best quality. The current research was carried out at National Tea and High Value Crop Institute (NTHRI) Shinkiari, Mansehra during 2011-2012. The experiments were carried out in complete randomized block design (RCBD) and various physiological and biochemical traits was recorded. Statistical analysis of data showed significantly higher plant growth , number of branches , number of buds , number of leaves , plucking points , fresh yield , number of disc floaters and rate of photosynthesis in both tea varieties at T3 (450 Kg acre-1 anum-1). Maximum polyphenols and caffeine contents were observed at T3 and T4 respectively in both the tea varieties.  Variations in performance of both tea varieties for all the studied attributes at different nutrient concentrations revealed that tea plant needs suitable and adequate supply of nutrients (particularly N) for its growth, development and buildup of organic tissues from simple inorganic substances. While application of nitrogen fertilizer @ 450 Kg/acr/anum (T3) enhanced plant growth, number of branches, number of buds, number of leaves, plucking points, disc floater (photosynthesis), polyphenols, caffeine contents and declined the rate of respiration and coarse-fibers contents in both the tea varieties.