Effects of season and substrate on cutting propagation efficiency and nursery growth of selected ancient Shan tea genotypes (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) in Northern Vietnam
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Abstract
The effects of seasonal variations and different types of substrates on the survival rate, rooting ability, and growth of Shan tea plants (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) during the seedling stage using cuttings are investigated. The selected ancient Shan tea trees is developed the new tea varieties, with cuttings taken in two seasons (summer-autumn and winter-spring) and three types of substrates (including yellow-red ferralitic soil, sand, and rice husk ash with different mixing ratios). Evaluation based on indicators such as survival rate, rooting rate, and growth characteristics of roots, stems, and leaves showed that seedlings from different lines exhibited varying growth patterns, with lines LC.TT16 and YB.SB4 showed the best growth performance in both winter-spring and summer-autumn seasons. The substrates are supplemented with sand and rice husk ash which is helped the plants develop better root systems and shoot growth as compared to plain red-yellow ferralitic soil, highlighting the important role of porosity and suitable moisture retention of the substrate. Vegetative propagation of Shan tea through cuttings are improved the quality of seedlings, contributing to the conservation and sustainable development of Shan tea genetic resources.
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