Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 256-268 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 256 Comprehensive Review Open Access Ecological Factors Influencing Tea Yield: A Comprehensive Review Yufen Wang, Chunyu Li, Xiaocheng Wang Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: xiaocheng.wang@cuixi.org Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0025 Received: 20 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 23 Oct., 2024 Published: 31 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang Y.F., Li C.Y., and Wang X.C., 2024, Ecological factors influencing tea yield: a comprehensive review, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 14(5): 256-268 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0025) Abstract Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most economically and culturally significant crops worldwide. Tea yield is influenced by various ecological factors, including climate, soil characteristics, biotic factors, and agronomic practices. This review systematically examines the key ecological factors affecting tea yield and explores the potential impacts of climate change on tea production. Findings indicate that temperature, precipitation, light intensity, and extreme weather events (e.g., droughts and frosts) significantly affect tea yield and quality. Soil acidity, organic matter content, and microbial communities determine the health and productivity of tea plantations. Furthermore, pest management, crop competition, and agronomic practices, such as pruning, shade management, and fertilization, interact with environmental factors to shape sustainable tea production. To address challenges posed by climate change and resource limitations, this study highlights adaptive strategies and future research directions, including precision agriculture, ecological tea gardens, and the breeding of stress-tolerant tea varieties. These insights provide a scientific foundation for optimizing tea cultivation and ensuring resilience against future environmental challenges. Keywords Tea yield; Climate change; Ecological tea gardens; Precision agriculture; Agronomic practices; Climate adaptability 1 Introduction Tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, is a globally significant crop, both economically and culturally. As the second most consumed beverage worldwide, tea production plays a crucial role in the economies of over 50 countries, particularly in Asia and Africa (Hajiboland, 2017; Ahmed et al., 2018). The increasing global demand for tea, driven by its health-promoting properties, underscores its importance as a staple agricultural product (Hajiboland, 2017). Despite its significance, maximizing tea yield presents several challenges. Environmental factors such as climate change, soil conditions, and water availability significantly impact tea production. Climate change, in particular, poses a threat by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, which can adversely affect both the yield and quality of tea (Dutta et al., 2010; Duncan et al., 2016; Jayasinghe and Kumar, 2021). Additionally, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, while aimed at increasing yield, can lead to environmental degradation and health risks, prompting a shift towards more sustainable practices (Hajiboland, 2017; Xie et al., 2018). This study investigates the ecological factors influencing tea yield, focusing on the interaction between environmental conditions and agricultural practices. It seeks to identify key challenges and propose strategies to optimize tea production in the context of ecological and climate change, aiming to support future research and guide sustainable management practices in tea cultivation. 2 Climatic Factors 2.1 Temperature: optimal ranges and seasonal variability Temperature plays a crucial role in determining tea yield, with optimal ranges varying across different regions. In Assam, India, it was found that tea yield decreases when monthly average temperatures exceed 26.6°C, indicating that warmer temperatures can negatively impact tea production (Duncan et al., 2016). Similarly, in South India, temperature variability was identified as a significant factor affecting tea yield uncertainty, more so than rainfall variability (Raj et al., 2019). In Sri Lanka, maximum temperatures showed a positive relationship with tea yield, while minimum temperatures had a negative long-term impact, suggesting that both extremes of temperature can influence tea production differently (Edirisinghe et al., 2024).
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