TEA
Factors to use in the selection of sites for lowland tea production have
been developed.
- Currently twenty four (24) highland clonal tea genotypes introduce from Kenya are kept in Germplasm on Mambilla plateau. Six of these have been recommended for commercial cultivation clones 35, 143,318, 236, 68 and 357.
- Fifteen (15) tea clones were evaluated in six lowland areas of Nigeria, Iyanomo (Edo), Akwete (Abia), Ajassor (Cross River), Ikorodu (Lagos), Mayo Selbe (Taraba) and Ibadan plantation in Nigeria. In addition, clone 143 followed by 318 were most adoptable to lowland.
- A new rapid method for determining the field pluck (harvest) quality for tea has been evolved- PLUCK QUALITY VALUE (PQV) SCORE.
- DNA molecular characterization of twenty (20) clones which would assist in parental selection for subsequent hybridisation was successfully concluded.
- High yielding lowland tea varies were acquired from China in 2008 and these are being kept in Germplasm on Mambila Plateau.
- In order to diversify the farmers' income, green tea processing technique have been demonstrated to the farmers and this is already being practiced by the farmers on Mambilla Plateau, besides the popular factory-made black tea.
- Factors to use in the selection of sites for lowland tea production have been developed.
- Appropriate fertilizer application on test have been determined and recommended thus: Sulphate of ammonia in split application NPK 5:1:1 i.e. %0kg N, 30kg P, and 30kg boron 4pp solubor foliar application.
- Green tea has been processed from tea leaves which can serve as healthy drink for all ages. This is attributed to the high polyphenols in the materials.
- Tea seed oil has been extracted from the seed of tea which has been characterised and found to be edible in nature. Work is ongoing to harness its industrial application.
Dr M.O Okeniyi
Assistant Director/ Tea Programme Leader
