Yield evaluation of high altitude tea (Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) in lowland ecologies of Nigeria

Abstract

Fifteen clones of tea {Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze} selected from humid, high altitude region of Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria were established in six lowland locations of the country namely: Akwete (Abia State), Ibadan (Oyo State), Ikom (Cross River State), Ikorodu (Lagos State), Iyanomo (Edo State) and Mayo Selbe (Taraba State). The clones were evaluated for their adaptation to lowland locations as well as for their genotypic stabilities using Eberhart and Russel's stability model. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replicates in each of the locations. Data collected between 1999 and 2004 on survival count and yield were analysed. Clones (Genotypes), location and clones x location interaction were shown to be significant (p < 0.05) sources of variation for the two parameters taken. The result showed that the establishment abilities of the tea were poor in Ibadan (15.0 %) and Iyanomo (2.0 %). These were as a result of termite's attack and perhaps high soil pH. Clone 143 had dominant stability for yield and vigour, and was most adaptable to the lowland locations, while Ikom was identified as the most suitable site for commercial lowland tea production in Nigeria.

Keywords: Camellia sinensis, lowland, Nigeria, stability, Tea.

Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science Vol. 10 2005: pp. 87-93