Cultivation Technology for Drought Stress Mitigation in Tea Plants: A Review

Abstract

Tea is one of the beverage crops that has a high-value economy and opportunities to increase its production. The yield and quality of the tea plants are strongly affected by environmental conditions. Global warming is followed by climate change, resulting in changes in rainfall patterns and an increase in air temperature. Changes in rainfall patterns affect drought, namely the occurrence of 3 consecutive dry months. The air temperature has increased over the last 100 years. The air temperature on the earth’s surface has increased by an average of 0.74°C. Shifting climatic conditions as a result of climate change can cause the growth and yield of tea plants to be disrupted. Tea plants can suffer from temporary wilting, chronic wilting, leaves falling off, drying shoots and young branches, and the death of twigs, main branches, and stems as a result of prolonged dryness. Drought caused damage to tea plants, resulting in a 53% decrease in yield. To overcome this, cultivation technology can be used in the following ways: (1) planting tolerant clones; (2) fertilization; (3) mulching and planting shade trees; (3) pruning; and (4) rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems.