Journal of Tea Science Research. 2015, Vol. 5, No. 7, 1-6
3
sporulation occurred during the dry condition.
Temperature ranged between 10 to 30
o
C with a
relative humidity of above 60%. Monthly rainfall of
100-400 mm and an average sunshine hour of 2-4,
favoured wood rot fungal spores.
Collar canker
disease caused by the fungus
Phomopsis theae
is a
problem in young tea and comprehensive studies were
carried out and effective control measures, both
chemical and biocontrol, were identified.
Alternatives to the conventionally used soil fumigants
for tea root disease control have been recommended to
the industry. Systemic fungicides like hexaconazole
was found effective and incorporation of biocontrol
agents like
Trichoderma
sp. and
Gliocladium virens
in
the planting pits prevented the occurrence of root
disease. In biofertilizer research, several efficient
strains of nitrogen fixing
Azospirillum
and
Phosphobacteria and potassium solubilizing microor-
ganisms have been isolated from tea soils of different
tea districts. Critical research is underway on root
diseases of tea and control measures through
chemical/botanical/biological as integrated schedule
then epidemiological aspects are underway. A user
friendly microbial detection kit was developed which
could be used in tea factories. Importance of a mill
sanitizer, sanitrol in reducing microbial load in tea
factories was proved. Signed memorandum of
understanding with Multiplex and TARI organic tea
special for commercialization of nitrogen fixers,
Phosphobacteria strains and biocontrol agents to
benefits of tea industry.
Tea factory hygiene
Factory hygiene is important for improving the quality
of made tea. The nutrient rich tea juice and the
crushed leaf bits adhering on to the machinery become
a source of microbial contamination. The microbial
load on the machinery gradually increases during the
course of manufacture. Bacterial growth on the
machinery if exceeds certain limits were adversely
affect the quality of made tea (Baby and Sivakumar,
2006). The department has developed a user friendly
kit for the quantitative analysis of microbial load
present in the factory machinery and the kit is
available for sale. Importance of a mill sanitizer,
sanitrol in reducing microbial load in tea factories was
proved.
Bioremediation in tea ecosystem
The therapeutic and nutritional value of tea has been
well recognized and it is considered as a health drink
in today’s context. It is indeed desirable to keep this
drink completely free from agrochemical residues.
Indiscriminate use of these agrochemicals results in
leaching, pollution of ground water and top soil.
Bioremediation is a process where biological
organisms overcome environmental hazards resulting
from accumulation of lethal chemicals or other
hazardous wastes. Bioremediation is becoming
gradually more adaptable due to its ecofriendliness
and is one of the most cost effective methods
compared to physical and chemical remediation
processes. The organisms which are capable of
remediating agrochemicals in the soil provide good
environment to other beneficial microbes meanwhile
eliminating harmful pathogens.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management
(IPDM)
At present, pesticide residues in food cause serious
concern globally. Usage of most of commonly use
pesticide residues are restricted and plant protection
code (PPC) has come that only a few agrochemicals
are allowed to be used in the field for the management
of pests and diseases in tea (
).
Continuous use of synthetic chemicals for the control,
may lead to development of resistance in targeted
organisms. Development of integrated pest and
disease management strategies adapting use of
biologicals, enhancement of efficacy of biological
control agents including entomopathogens, development
of kairomone / pheromone traps and also non
synthetic pesticides were definitely helpful in reducing
the usage of synthetic insecticides for the control of
tea pest in conventional tea fields also. The usage of
microbial biocontrol agents proved to be an effective
and alternative to obviate the deficiencies realized
through the exclusive reliance on chemicals.
Utilization of efficient native strains of all these
antagonistic thus help us to combat tea diseases in an
eco friendly manner. Conventionally, foliar diseases
are controlled by systemic and contact fungicides in
