Pruning

According to weather forecasts, from February 1st to 6th, Hubei Province will experience the most powerful cold wave of the winter, with low temperatures, rain, snow, and ice. The average temperature across the province is expected to drop by 6°C to 10°C. This severe freezing weather will pose a significant threat to the normal growth of tea plants, particularly young ones. Precautionary measures should be taken to minimize the impact of extreme freezing conditions on tea fields and ensure the production of spring tea next year. Influence of Low-Temperature Freezing Weather on Tea Production Severe freezing weather poses a significant threat to the normal growth of tea plants, especially young ones, potentially leading to reduced yields, decreased quality, and even plant death. Measures to Prevent Frost Damage in Tea Plants 1. Covering for Frost Protection For mature tea plants in high-altitude areas, non-woven fabrics, ground films, or shade nets can be used to directly cover the canopy, with better results achieved by erecting a shelter 10cm to 20cm above the canopy. Covering with rice straw or crop stalks provides even better protection against extreme cold. Covering materials should be removed when temperatures rise. 2. Spraying Anti-Freeze Agents For mature tea…

In order to enhance the management level of tea garden production, ensuring stable and high yields as well as improved quality and efficiency, on August 7th, the Jiangmen Agricultural Technology Extension Service Platform, in conjunction with the Kaiping Agricultural Technology Extension Service Station, invited Senior Agronomist Huang Hualin to conduct a live training session on the theme of “Tea Garden Planning and Planting Management” at Dahasha Valley in Dasha Town, Kaiping City. At the event, Expert Huang Hualin combined theory with practice to provide an accessible explanation of tea garden management and production processing techniques. He emphasized and guided the intercropping model of tea and beans, aiming to improve the nutrient utilization efficiency of tea plants and achieve the goal of reducing fertilizer use while increasing efficiency. Subsequently, Expert Huang Hualin discussed aspects of planting management such as sowing techniques, weeding and fertilization, pruning, and pest control. He also reminded farmers that after the growth and harvesting periods of spring and summer, tea plants lose their stored nutrients and soil nutrients, necessitating strengthened management of tea gardens in autumn and winter to ensure the healthy growth of tea plants and improve the quality and yield of tea leaves. Finally, Expert…

Timely perform summer pruning on tea bushes According to weather forecasts, Hangzhou will see the end of its plum rains around July 9th this year, and summer pruning can be conducted in the first and second decades of July. For those tea bushes that underwent heavy pruning after spring tea harvest and have shown vigorous growth with new shoots exceeding 50 centimeters in height, summer pruning is necessary. The purpose of summer pruning on tea bushes: First, it controls the height of the tea canopy; second, it increases the density and quality of autumn shoots while reducing branching; third, it decreases flowering and fruiting in the autumn. By performing summer pruning, high-quality autumn shoots are cultivated, ensuring a high yield of quality spring tea in the following year. Specific operations for summer pruning: Fertilize before pruning. 1. Trench application of top dressing: Open shallow trenches 10-15 centimeters deep along the rows of tea bushes, apply 30-50 kilograms per mu of high-nitrogen compound fertilizer, and cover with soil afterward. 2. Use a motorized double-person pruner or an electric single-person pruner to trim approximately 20 centimeters above the previous cut (leaving 3-5 leaves on the new branches grown after spring tea harvest).…

Impacted by a moderate-strength El Niño event, and superimposed on the backdrop of global warming, the global average temperature in 2023 may break the record for the warmest year set in 2016. It is expected that temperatures in most regions of China will be close to or higher than the long-term average this winter through to next spring, but with active cold air phases. Precipitation in southern regions is expected to be above normal, increasing the risk of compound meteorological disasters. Given these complex climate changes, timely management of tea gardens during winter can help them safely overwinter and lay a foundation for high-quality tea production and increased income for tea farmers in the coming year. So how should we manage tea gardens in winter? Follow along as we look at the winter and spring tea garden management technical guidelines developed jointly by the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, and the Expert Advisory Group for Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 1. Disaster Prevention 1.1 Preventing Frost Damage Monitor weather forecasts closely. Before a cold wave, implement frost protection measures such as…

Tea plants are leaf crops cultivated for the harvest of young leaves and buds. Spring tea is the season with the highest quality and most significant economic benefits in the annual tea production cycle. Currently, it is a critical period for implementing spring farming activities across the province. Promptly addressing spring tea production and implementing relevant tea garden management measures play a vital role in enhancing tea yield and quality, as well as increasing the economic benefits for tea farmers and tea enterprises. I. Early Application of Bud Stimulating Fertilizer The new shoots of tea plants in spring grow vigorously, at a rapid pace, and consume relatively large amounts of nutrients. The root system has strong absorption capabilities, and it is difficult to meet the growth needs solely relying on the base fertilizer applied in the previous autumn, which can result in a "disconnection" of soil nutrients in the tea garden. Studies have shown that applying bud stimulating fertilizers about 25 days before the emergence of tea buds not only helps increase spring tea yields (comparing tea gardens with and without spring fertilization, there is an overall increase of 10%-20% in the annual yield), but also plays a good role…

Summer and autumn are critical periods for tea garden management. Strengthening summer and autumn tea garden production management is the foundation for ensuring high-quality and high-yield summer and autumn tea and the following spring tea. The Planting Industry Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, together with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, the Expert Advisory Group for Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the National Tea Industry Technology System, have developed the following technical guidance on summer and autumn tea garden production management and disaster prevention and mitigation. Strengthening Tea Garden Production Management (1) Tea Plant Pruning - For year-round harvesting tea gardens, promptly perform the initial light pruning after spring tea harvesting, cutting off the top 5-10 cm of shoots from the canopy. During summer tea harvesting, it is advisable to allow some growth retention and use the leaf-retention method or tip-picking method to maintain an appropriate leaf layer thickness. Harvesting should be appropriately stopped earlier in autumn to avoid affecting the yield and quality of the following year's spring tea. To cultivate a good picking surface, the second light pruning should be completed before mid-July, with the pruning height…

(1) Timely Pruning When pruning tea trees that have suffered from freezing, it is essential to tailor the approach based on local conditions and specific gardens. For tea gardens primarily focused on harvesting high-quality teas, different levels of pruning should be applied according to the severity of freezing damage. If only some tender leaves are affected, no pruning may be necessary; if parts of the branches and leaves lose vitality after freezing, pruning is required to encourage new shoots and develop a strong framework and picking surface. When most tea plants suffer damage to the foliage and branches 3-5 cm above the picking surface, light pruning is recommended; in cases of more severe damage where the main branches are also affected, heavy pruning should be performed; if the damage is extremely severe and the above-ground branches and leaves have lost vitality, coppicing (cutting back severely) is appropriate. Pruning should ideally be carried out in early spring when temperatures have stabilized and there is no risk of a late cold snap. For mechanical harvesting gardens focused on bulk tea production, pruning should follow the principle of "catering to the majority, consistency within the garden." Different depths of pruning should be used…

Recently, in response to the persistent high temperatures and drought conditions across multiple regions of the province, the Provincial Tea Industry Technology System and the Science and Technology Service Team for the "515" Action Plan in the tea industry have been working under high temperatures and visiting grassroots levels to conduct research and guidance. Considering the actual situation of tea production in our province, the following technical measures are proposed to cope with extreme high-temperature weather, for reference by tea-producing areas. I. Emergency Technical Measures for Tea Garden Management 1. Timely and Reasonable Irrigation For tea gardens with irrigation facilities, various methods such as spray irrigation, drip irrigation, and surface irrigation can be employed to water the plants, preferably during the morning or evening. Spray irrigation is particularly effective, as it not only alleviates water shortages caused by drought but also reduces near-surface temperatures in the garden, mitigating the impact of high temperatures. When using surface irrigation, care should be taken to avoid excessive water flow that could result in surface runoff, wasting water resources and causing soil compaction in the tea garden. 2. Scientific and Effective Shading Using shade nets to provide shading for tea gardens can immediately and…

In order to do a good job in the spring tea garden management throughout the city in 2023 and ensure high yields and quality of this year's tea production, the City's Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau has formulated the following technical recommendations for spring tea garden management. 01. Timely Removal of Winter Protective Materials For young tea gardens that have been protected with soil over winter, the soil should be removed promptly to promote normal growth of the tea seedlings. Soil removal is typically done in two stages, with the first stage after the "Spring Equinox," removing half the height of the plants, and the second stage around the "Pure Brightness" period, removing all the covering soil. For tea gardens protected by plastic greenhouses over winter, ventilation should be adjusted according to temperature changes to prevent leaf scorching; the plastic film can be removed when temperatures rise. For tea gardens using windbreaks, inter-row straw mulching, or canopy coverings, these protective materials should be removed around the "Awakening of Insects" period. 02. Tea Garden Fertilization Spring fertilization in tea gardens should use tea plant-specific bio-fertilizers, slow-release fertilizers, and foliar fertilizers. After fertilizing, not only will the tea plants quickly regain vitality,…

This year, due to widespread cold snaps and wintry weather, some tea gardens in the Huangshan District experienced low-temperature frost damage. To ensure that spring tea production is not affected, recently, Professor Li Yecloud of Tea Science from Anhui Agricultural University and experts from the South Anhui Comprehensive Experimental Station visited tea gardens in the Huangshan District to provide on-site guidance for spring tea production. With less than a month until the start of spring tea harvesting, it's a critical period for spring tea management. In the high mountain tea garden in Longyuan Village, Longmen Township, Huangshan District, Professor Li Yecloud of Tea Science from Anhui Agricultural University and his team are discussing the situation of spring tea production with local tea farmers and offering targeted advice. "The pruning was too severe; generally, we suggest leaving a base." After on-site observation, Professor Li found that some tea plants had been over-pruned, and some leaves were showing red-yellow discoloration. Professor Li Yecloud, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University: After checking along the way, I feel that the tea gardens in the Huangshan District, due to relatively high management standards earlier, suffered only minor frost damage. Only…

Tea tree cuttings are the primary means of propagating clonal tea seedlings. First, select a good mother garden of tea tree cultivars. During spring planting (February to March) or autumn planting (September to October), prune red-brown, semi-lignified, healthy, pest and disease-free branches with full axillary buds from the mother garden. Cut the branches into short cuttings 3 to 4 centimeters long, each with one leaf and a full axillary bud. Ensure that the cut is smooth and diagonal. (1) Method for Cutting Insertion Thoroughly moisten the seedbed before cutting insertion. Once the surface soil is no longer sticky, draw lines according to the length of the tea leaves. Generally, the row spacing for the cuttings should be 7 to 8 centimeters, and the plant spacing should be 2 to 3 centimeters, ensuring that the leaves do not overlap. Hold the lower part of the leaf of the cutting with your thumb, index, and middle fingers, then insert the cutting straight or slightly diagonally into the soil. The depth should be such that only the petiole is exposed. While inserting, lightly press the soil around the cutting to ensure it is firmly in contact with the soil, which aids root development.…

Recently, affected by a strong cold air front, temperatures in Guangdong have dropped significantly, with some areas experiencing snow, ice, and freezing conditions, especially in the northern tea regions of Renhua, Lechang, and Lianshan, where "icicles" have appeared. To minimize the impact of low temperatures on tea production, reporters from Nongcun Nanfang Daily and the Southern Tea Channel contacted experts from the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences Tea Research Institute, the National Tea Industry Technology System Qingyuan Comprehensive Test Station, and the Guangdong Tea Industry Technology System to provide advice for tea farmers on how to implement effective frost protection measures for their tea plants, thus strengthening prevention and ensuring the safety of tea production. Impact of Frost Damage on Tea Plants After suffering from frost damage, tea plants may exhibit symptoms such as discolored and dried leaves, dead branches, and trunks. This can also delay the sprouting of spring tea, leading to reduced yield and quality, which affects economic benefits. Symptoms of frost damage in tea plants Care for Frost-Damaged Tea Plants 1. Care for Dormant Tea Plants Affected by Frost: For varieties with good cold resistance, timely drainage is needed to prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can damage…

Recently, there has been a significant temperature drop in the tea-growing areas north of the Yangtze River, south of the Yangtze River, eastern parts of the southwestern region, and southern China. Some regions have experienced temperature drops exceeding 18°C. The province has seen the most extensive freezing weather since winter began, with minimum temperatures dropping below 0°C in all areas except parts of the Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Prolonged low temperatures, freezing conditions, and snowfall will cause varying degrees of damage to factories and seedling greenhouses in some tea-growing areas, adversely affecting young tea seedlings and mature tea plants, delaying harvesting times, and reducing tea production. Urgent action is needed to prevent and mitigate the impact of freezing weather. To cope with the cold snap and minimize freeze damage to tea gardens and facilities, based on technical guidance developed by the Department of Crop Management under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, together with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, the Expert Advisory Group on Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and considering the actual situation in Guizhou, the following preventive…

The tea regions of Guiyang City have been frequently impacted by extreme spring weather in recent years. According to meteorological forecasts, the city is expected to experience another cold wave soon. To cope with the upcoming temperature drops, thunderstorms, and late spring cold snaps, this document, "Preventive and Remedial Measures for Low-Temperature Freeze Damage (Late Spring Cold Snap) in Guiyang and Guian Tea Gardens," has been specially formulated for your reference. I. Preventive Measures (1) Pay Attention to Cold Wave Forecasts Strengthen forecasting and early warning systems for disastrous weather conditions, promptly issue cold wave information, and prepare in advance. After a cold wave forecast is released, tea gardens that are already open should mobilize manpower to harvest as much as possible to minimize losses from frost damage. (2) Cover Tea Gardens for Frost Protection Straw, bamboo leaves, and rice husks can be spread between rows of tea plants to keep them warm, ideally at a thickness of about 10 centimeters, which can generally increase temperatures by 1-2°C. In tea gardens on windward slopes prone to frost damage, cover the canopy with straw, weeds, or shade nets, not too tightly so that the tea plants are still visible. This will…

According to forecasts from our city's meteorological station, from 14:00 on July 10 to 08:00 on July 11, the average precipitation in our city was 52.6 millimeters, with a maximum of 179.2 millimeters. Four towns and streets experienced heavy rainstorms (100–250 millimeters), 24 towns and streets experienced storms (50–100 millimeters), and 13 towns and streets experienced heavy rain (25–50 millimeters). Other towns and streets experienced moderate rain (10–25 millimeters). To effectively mitigate the impact of disastrous weather on tea gardens and tea production and stabilize summer and autumn tea production, the following technical guidance is proposed. I. Strengthen Patrols and Preventive Measures in Tea Gardens The flood season has arrived, and strong winds and heavy rains may occur at any time. We should closely monitor weather forecasts. Before heavy rains, strengthen patrols of tea gardens and reinforce greenhouses and other production facilities. Check and dredge drainage ditches in advance; dig drainage trenches where necessary, especially in low-lying or high groundwater areas, where trenches should be at least one meter deep. Move tea, production materials, and equipment from low-lying areas as a precaution against heavy rains. II. Promptly Drain Flooded Tea Gardens After heavy rains, organize labor to drain water from…

The golden autumn season sees lush tea mountains, as tea gardens enter the autumn harvest period. In the fragrant tea gardens, tea farmers are seizing good weather to pick tea leaves. As autumn gives way to winter, while busy with harvesting, it is also important to focus on winter management of tea gardens to help the tea trees comfortably "survive the winter." Due to the compounded effects of drought and the pandemic, winter management has started earlier this year, with higher technical requirements and more meticulous fertilization management. Local areas should conduct targeted pruning of tea tree canopies, fertilization management, and pest control based on the impact of drought in their respective tea gardens. They should also prepare the necessary materials for winter management. Good tea comes from good cultivation and good management. Winter management of tea gardens is a crucial technical measure for increasing the yield and quality of tea next year, reducing pest and weed damage to tea trees, and enhancing the overall efficiency of tea gardens. To implement scientific tea cultivation, one must understand the growth characteristics of tea trees. The cessation of sprouting in tea trees marks a key timepoint for winter management of tea gardens.…

Affecting a moderate-strength El Niño event and superimposed on the backdrop of global warming, the average global temperature in 2023 may break the record for the warmest year set in 2016. It is expected that most regions in China will have temperatures similar to or higher than the long-term average this winter through next spring, but with active cold air phases. Precipitation in southern regions will be above normal, increasing the risk of compound meteorological disasters. In response to complex climate changes, timely management of tea gardens during winter can help ensure their safe overwintering and lay the groundwork for high-quality and high-yield tea production and increased income for tea farmers in the coming year. So how can we properly manage tea gardens in winter? Follow along as we explore the winter-spring tea garden management guidelines developed by the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center and the Expert Advisory Group on Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 1. Disaster Prevention 1.1 Freeze Prevention Closely monitor weather forecasts and implement protective measures such as mulching between rows and covering the canopy…

Technical Guidance on Winter and Spring Tea Garden Management National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, Expert Advisory Group of Tea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs The spring tea is the most crucial part of the annual tea production. The winter and spring seasons are critical for enhancing tea garden management and improving the quality and efficiency of spring tea. To strengthen the management of tea gardens in winter and spring, the Planting Industry Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has collaborated with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center and the Expert Advisory Group of Tea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to develop the following technical guidance for winter and spring tea garden production management. I. Disaster Prevention 1. Freeze Prevention: Closely monitor weather forecasts. Before cold waves, apply straw mulch between rows and cover the tea canopy with straw mats, plastic films, or shade nets to prevent freezing. After the cold wave, remove the canopy coverings promptly. During a cold wave, irrigation or spray irrigation can be used to mitigate cold and freeze damage. After temperatures return to normal, prune the frost-damaged tea garden. For mild frost damage, perform light pruning to remove…

Tea plants are perennial woody plants: they have a total developmental cycle that spans their entire life, as well as an annual developmental cycle that governs their growth and dormancy throughout the year. The total developmental cycle builds upon the annual cycle, which is constrained by and follows the rules of the overall development.Based on the reproductive characteristics of tea plants and practical applications in production, they can be divided into four biological age periods: seedling stage, juvenile stage, adult stage, and senescent stage. 1Seedling Stage of Tea Plants This typically begins from seed germination or successful cuttings until the tea plant emerges from the ground and reaches its first period of growth cessation, usually lasting for one year. The key management focus during this period is to ensure water supply, maintain humidity, and provide shade. 2Juvenile Stage of Tea Plants This stage runs from the first period of growth cessation (usually winter) until the tea plant is ready for commercial production. It generally lasts 3 to 4 years. The duration of this period is closely related to cultivation management and natural conditions. The juvenile stage is the most malleable period for tea plants. Cultivation practices must focus on shaping…

Green Pest Management Techniques for Tea Trees Main Targets of Control ↑ Tea Blight Disease → Tea Looper Pests: Tea Green Leafhopper, Tea Looper, Tea Caterpillar, Tea Black Worm Moth, Black Scale Psyllid, Tea Red Mite. Diseases: Tea Blight Disease, Tea Anthracnose. Key Control Measures Agricultural Control 1. Timely Harvesting. Harvest young buds and leaves according to the requirements of tea production to reduce the population of pests like the tea green leafhopper, mites, and some bud diseases residing on the canopy surface of the tea tree. 2. Pruning as Needed. Prune tea trees after the spring harvest and in late autumn according to the requirements of tea garden management, reducing pest populations and creating conditions unfavorable for pests. Generally, deep pruning or heavy pruning is done after the spring harvest, and light pruning is performed in late autumn. 3. Garden Tilling. In late autumn, till the tea garden combined with the application of base fertilizer, which is detrimental to the survival of scale insects and weevils overwintering in the soil, thus reducing their occurrence in the following year. 4. Timely Garden Cleanup. Clear and bury leaves and topsoil near the roots of tea plants in late autumn, which can…

During the spring warming period, cold air often invades, causing a significant drop in temperature. This weather, characterized by warmth before and cold after, is known as late spring cold. Late spring cold generally refers to prolonged periods of low temperatures and overcast rainy weather after the Vernal Equinox, specifically when the temperatures in late March or early April are lower than average. Depending on the timing, it can be further divided into "Vernal Equinox Cold" and "Qingming Cold." "Vernal Equinox Cold" occurs when the daily average temperature remains below 10°C for five days or more, with less than three hours of sunshine, from March 15 to March 27. "Qingming Cold" refers to low-temperature and rainy weather from March 28 to April 10. The Harm of Late Spring Cold to Tea Plants: In addition to variety, soil, fertilization, management, and processing skills, the production of high-quality tea also depends on climatic conditions. The relationship between tea production and temperature, sunlight, and rainfall is close. When the daily average temperature remains above 10°C for three consecutive days, tea buds begin to sprout and unfurl; once the temperature stabilizes above 10°C, the growth of buds and leaves accelerates, and new shoots emerge.…

Great tea is grown, but it is also well-managed. As the saying goes: "One-third planting, two-thirds management." After three seasons of growth and harvesting in spring, summer, and autumn, the tea plant has expended a great deal of nutrients, and the soil between rows becomes compacted. As winter approaches, proper garden management becomes particularly important for the quality and yield of next year's tea leaves. For this reason, the Tea Industry Development Working Group, in collaboration with Guizhou Broadcasting Station's Ecology & Rural Channel, has produced a teaching video on tea garden management during autumn and winter for reference and learning by tea companies and farmers. The video received strong support from the Guizhou Tea Research Institute and covers four parts: fertilization principles and recommendations, pruning techniques for tea plants, pest and disease control, and cold prevention measures. 1 Winter Fertilization According to the growth and development patterns of tea plants, as they enter autumn and winter, the above-ground parts will gradually stop growing and enter dormancy. However, the underground parts become increasingly active and enter the peak period of root activity throughout the year. At this time, the plant's root system significantly strengthens its absorption capacity and has a…

Severe Infestation of Tea Looper How to Cope, Find Out Here It is currently late summer and early autumn, with cool weather in the morning and evening. This year has seen more rain than usual, resulting in vigorous growth of tea plants with lush green leaves, providing rich food for tea plant pests. According to investigations into the infestation of tea loopers in Longwu tea gardens, various age groups of larvae coexist, with severe overlapping generations. In some severely affected areas of tea gardens, the older leaves have been completely consumed, affecting the growth of tea plants, which requires close attention from tea garden managers. Due to differences in cultivation and management practices among individual households, the timing of infestations and the degree of damage vary across different tea gardens, making pest control challenging. It is essential to strengthen pest monitoring through field observations and the use of trapping devices, promptly understanding the dynamics of pest outbreaks and implementing appropriate measures: 1. Turn on insect-killing lamps, taking advantage of the fact that adult tea loopers are most active between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Set the operating times of the lamps accordingly, ideally using a light-controlled mode where they automatically…

The integrated approach to green precision prevention and control of major tea pests involves using core technologies such as narrow-band LED insect traps, yellow-red dual-color insect-attracting boards, and efficient sex pheromone lures to maintain target pest populations at a low level through long-term and efficient trapping. This is complemented by biological preventive measures, such as spraying inchworm virus preparations and releasing predatory mites, along with good agricultural practices to control pest populations. Finally, highly efficient, low water-soluble chemical pesticides are used as emergency measures in the event of large-scale pest outbreaks. In recent years, tea plant protection scientists have conducted extensive research on pest control techniques, developing effective green precision prevention and control technologies for tea pests. Below, we will use three of the most important pests in Chinese tea gardens—the gray inchworm, the tea inchworm, and the tea tiny green leafhopper—as examples. Integrated Approach to Green Precision Prevention and Control of Major Tea Pests I. Green Precision Prevention and Control Technology Model for Gray Inchworm and Tea Inchworm Note: “√” indicates the selected control technique at the corresponding time. The same applies below. 1. Core Key Technologies (1) Sex Pheromone Lures. Based on the severity of the previous year,…