Influences of harvesting time and plucking position of the second crop on new shoot growth and yield of the first crop of the next year for tea (Camellia sinensis L.)

摘要

The effects of the harvesting method of the second crop on the first crop in the next year were investigated in a tea field where a third crop was not harvested. Early harvesting of the second crop decreased the number of new shoots in the first crop of the next year. Plucking at a higher position for the second crop induced a decrease in the number of new shoots and a delay of new shoot growth in the first crop of the next year. So, early harvesting and plucking at a higher position for the secondcrop caused a decrease in the yield of the first crop in the next year. The combination of early harvesting and plucking at a higher position induced an increase in sucker shoots and flower buds in the autumn season. In tea fields where a third crop isnot harvested, a lower number of new shoots would be one of the main causes of lower yield of the first crop in the next year. Thus, a late harvest and plucking at a lower position for the second crop are recommended to ensure a sufficient number of newshoots in the first crop of the next year.