Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 256-268 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 263 7 Regional Case Studies 7.1 Ecological challenges and yield in Chinese tea-producing regions In China, tea production is significantly influenced by ecological factors, particularly the dynamics of the East Asian Monsoon. Changes in monsoon patterns, such as delayed retreat dates, have been shown to negatively impact tea yields. A 1% increase in the monsoon retreat date can lead to a reduction in tea yield by approximately 0.481% to 0.535%. Additionally, excessive rainfall during the monsoon period is associated with decreased yields, highlighting the need for adaptive management strategies to mitigate these effects (Boehm et al., 2016). Furthermore, the construction of ecological tea gardens in regions like Fuzhou has been explored as a means to balance tea production with environmental protection. These gardens aim to enhance ecosystem services, such as soil retention and climate regulation, while maintaining high tea yields (Figure 3) (Wang et al., 2023). Figure 3 Ecological construction and ecosystem services synergy of tea gardens (Adapted from Wang et al., 2023) The use of organic fertilizers and reduced pesticide applications in Chinese tea plantations, such as those in Zhejiang Province, has shown promise in improving soil health and tea quality. Replacing chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives can mitigate soil acidification and nutrient deficiencies, leading to improved tea yields and quality (Xie et al., 2018). This approach not only supports sustainable agricultural practices but also addresses the environmental challenges posed by traditional farming methods. Overall, the integration of ecological management practices in Chinese tea-producing regions is crucial for sustaining tea yields amidst changing climatic conditions. 7.2 Indian tea plantations: balancing tradition and environmental pressures In India, particularly in the northeastern regions, tea plantations face the challenge of balancing traditional cultivation practices with environmental pressures. Tea yield in these areas is influenced by a combination of plant age, environmental factors such as rainfall and soil organic carbon, and management practices like fertilizer application and pruning. The stagnation of tea yields in recent years has prompted studies to identify key factors affecting productivity. For instance, rainfall has a significant correlation with tea yield, while plant age negatively impacts it (Dutta et al., 2010). Effective management practices, including the use of nitrogen fertilizers, have been shown to positively influence yields, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies in maintaining productivity. Climate variability poses additional challenges to Indian tea plantations. In Assam, for example, rising temperatures and precipitation variability have been identified as critical factors affecting tea yield. Warmer monthly average temperatures above 26.6°C have a negative impact on productivity, while precipitation intensity also adversely affects yields (Duncan et al., 2016). These findings underscore the need for interventions to reduce the sensitivity of tea plantations to climatic changes, ensuring the sustainability of tea production in the face of environmental pressures.
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