Variation in Growth of Young Vegetatively Propagated Tea (Camellia sinensis)

SUMMARY Variation in the growth of young vegetatively-propagated tea in the nursery was studied. Erect shoots grew more vigorously, furnishing cuttings which rooted better and produced stronger plants than those from the weaker, inclined shoots. When erect shoots were artificially inclined they showed reduced terminal bud activity and shoot growth, while inclined shoots artificially erected commenced bud activity and made growth like naturally inclined and erect shoots respectively. Pruning adequately fertilized mature tea bushes at 40 cm above ground level produced vigorous shoots and at 6–8 months furnished more acceptable cuttings that produced better plants, while non-pruned bushes produced less suitable shoots and cuttings. Young unpruned plants produced weak shoots with fewer and poorer cuttings. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.