Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 256-268 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 257 Seasonal temperature variations also affect tea yield. In the Dooars region of India, higher temperatures during summer and monsoon seasons were detrimental to tea yield, whereas warmer winter temperatures were beneficial (Mallik and Ghosh, 2021). This highlights the importance of understanding seasonal temperature patterns to optimize tea production. In Kenya, rising maximum temperatures in March and warming trends in traditionally cooler months like May have been observed, which could alter the growing conditions for tea (Sitienei et al., 2017). 2.2 Rainfall and moisture: impact on growth and yield Rainfall and moisture levels are critical for tea cultivation, as tea is predominantly a rain-fed crop. In Bangladesh, excessive rainfall was found to erode topsoil and wash away nutrients, negatively impacting tea yield (Rahman et al., 2024). Conversely, in Sri Lanka, rainfall was positively correlated with tea yield, indicating that adequate precipitation is essential for optimal growth (Edirisinghe et al., 2024). In Kenya, soil moisture dynamics, influenced by rainfall, were significant in determining tea yield variability, with predictions suggesting that future increases in soil moisture could offset some negative impacts of rising temperatures (Rigden et al., 2020). Precipitation variability, particularly intensity, has been shown to negatively affect tea yield in Assam, India, emphasizing the need for consistent rainfall patterns (Duncan et al., 2016). In the Dooars region, sporadic and excessive rainfall during monsoon months was detrimental to tea yield, highlighting the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns (Mallik and Ghosh, 2021). These findings underscore the importance of managing water resources and developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of rainfall variability on tea production. 2.3 Light intensity and photoperiod: effects on photosynthesis Light intensity and photoperiod are vital for photosynthesis, directly impacting tea yield. While specific studies on light intensity's impact on tea yield are limited, it is known that adequate sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis, which drives growth and productivity. In general, changes in light factors due to climate change can influence the concentrations of secondary metabolites in tea, affecting both yield and quality (Ahmed et al., 2019). The interplay between light intensity and other climatic factors, such as temperature and rainfall, can further complicate the effects on tea yield. For instance, in regions where cloud cover is prevalent, reduced light intensity could limit photosynthesis, thereby affecting growth. Understanding the balance between light availability and other environmental conditions is crucial for optimizing tea production and ensuring high-quality yields. 2.4 Climatic extremes: droughts, frosts, and heatwaves Climatic extremes such as droughts, frosts, and heatwaves pose significant challenges to tea cultivation. In Assam, India, drought intensity was found not to affect tea yield significantly, but precipitation variability did, indicating that while droughts may not always directly impact yield, they can exacerbate other climatic stresses (Duncan et al., 2016). In Bangladesh, prolonged droughts negatively impacted tea production, highlighting the vulnerability of tea crops to water scarcity (Rahman et al., 2024). Heatwaves and frosts can also have detrimental effects on tea yield. In Kenya, rising temperatures are expected to decrease tea yields by up to 10% by 2040-2070, although increased soil moisture could mitigate some losses (Rigden et al., 2020). Frosts, while less frequently discussed, can damage tea plants, particularly in regions where they are not common. Developing adaptive strategies to cope with these extremes, such as improving soil moisture conservation and selecting frost-resistant cultivars, is essential for sustaining tea production in the face of climate change. 3 Soil Characteristics 3.1 Soil types suitable for tea cultivation Tea cultivation thrives in specific soil types that provide the necessary conditions for optimal growth. The ideal soils for tea are typically acidic, with a pH range of 4.0 to 5.5, which supports the unique nutrient requirements of tea plants, particularly their tolerance and even preference for aluminum (Al) in the soil (Ding et al., 2021). In regions like India and China, tea is often grown in soils with varying textures; for instance, Chinese tea soils tend
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