Tea Industry Research Articles

Effects of foliar selenium application on Se accumulation, elements uptake, nutrition quality, sensory quality and antioxidant response in summer-autumn tea

Summer-autumn tea is characterized by high polyphenol content and low amino acid content, resulting in bitter and astringent teast. However, these qualities often lead to low economic benefits, ultimately resulting in a wastage of tea resources. The study focused on evaluating the effects of foliar spraying of glucosamine selenium (GLN-Se) on summer-autumn tea. This foliar fertilizer was applied to tea leaves to assess its impact on plant development, nutritional quality, elemental uptake, organoleptic quality, and antioxidant responses. The results revealed that GlcN-Se enhanced photosynthesis and yield by improving the antioxidant system. Additionally, the concentration of GlcN-Se positively correlated with the total and organic selenium contents in tea. The foliar application of GlcN-Se reduced toxic heavy metal content and increased the levels of macronutrients and micronutrients, which facilitated adaptation to environmental changes and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, GlcN-Se significantly improved both non-volatile and volatile components of tea leaves, resulting in a sweet aftertaste and nectar aroma in the tea soup. To conclude, the accurate and rational application of exogenous GlcN-Se can effectively enhance the selenium content and biochemical status of tea. This improvement leads to enhanced nutritional quality and sensory characteristics, making it highly significant for the tea industry.

Conversion of Potato Fields into Small Tea Plantations at Bhotepatty, Mainaguri: Consequences of This Shifting Agriculture Through Survey and Soil Analysis

Summary Over the past years, the tea industry in India has started to suffer from various drawbacks, i.e. issues regarding low productivity and rising input costs (namely the uneconomic age profile of tea bushes across the tea estates of North Bengal), leading to a decline in the industry and dramatic expansion of small tea growers. Accordingly, the vast expansion of small tea plantations in North Bengal prompted this study to examine the purpose and outcome of such an expansion concept. In the present study, Bhotepatty, Maynaguri (the Jalpaiguri district), was considered due to an immense conversion of agricultural land into numerous small tea plantations in the region. The study focuses on the agricultural shift from potato fields to small tea gardens. Initially, a cumulative approach encompassing the preliminary survey work and analysis of soil physicochemical characteristics was adopted to assess the adequacy of this agricultural shift. The survey conducted revealed the lack of proper land preparation, land rehabilitation before planting, sound soil nutrient management, and soil testing programs after shifting (responsible for the depletion of major nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus in the tea soil, which can be resolved with proper and timely manuring practices). Sulphur and the organic matter, organic carbon and available nitrogen of the top soil were detected in huge amounts compared to the optimum values suggested by the Tea Board of India.

Classification of oolong tea varieties based on computer vision and convolutional neural networks.

In the contemporary food industry, accurate and rapid differentiation of oolong tea varieties holds paramount importance for traceability and quality control. However, achieving this remains a formidable challenge. This study addresses this lacuna by employing machine learning algorithms - namely support vector machines (SVMs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) - alongside computer vision techniques for the automated classification of oolong tea leaves based on visual attributes. An array of 13 distinct characteristics, encompassing color and texture, were identified from five unique oolong tea varieties. To fortify the robustness of the predictive models, data augmentation and image cropping methods were employed. A comparative analysis of SVM- and CNN-based models revealed that the ResNet50 model achieved a high Top-1 accuracy rate exceeding 93%. This robust performance substantiates the efficacy of the implemented methodology for rapid and precise oolong tea classification. The study elucidates that the integration of computer vision with machine learning algorithms constitutes a promising, non-invasive approach for the quick and accurate categorization of oolong tea varieties. The findings have significant ramifications for process monitoring, quality assurance, authenticity validation and adulteration detection within the tea industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Women Empowerment in the Tea Industries of Rwanda A Case of Rwanda Mountain Tea, Rutsiro Tea Estate

Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Women Empowerment in the Tea Industries of Rwanda A Case of Rwanda Mountain Tea, Rutsiro Tea Estate

Vermi-converted Tea Industry Coal Ash efficiently substitutes chemical fertilization for growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) in an alluvial soil: A field-based study on soil quality, nutrient translocation, and metal-risk remediation

Although coal ashes (CA) can be converted into an eco-friendly product through vermicomposting, the utility of vermiconverted CA in agriculture still needs to be explored. Therefore, the feasibility of vermicomposted tea industry coal ash (VCA) as an alternative nutrient source for cabbage (Brassica oleracea, var. Capitata) production was evaluated through an on-field experiment in alluvial soil. Two types of vermicomposts were prepared using Eisenia fetida (VCAE) and Lampito mauritii (VCAL) and were applied in different combinations with chemical fertilizers. The results revealed a significant increase in nutrient availability (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in the soil treated with VCA, alongside a concurrent build-up of soil organic carbon stocks, activation of microbial growth, and enhanced soil enzyme activity. Additionally, VCA application substantially reduced toxic metals in the soil, thereby improving soil health and promoting the uptake of essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc) in cabbage. VCA application reduced the bioaccumulation of potentially toxic metals (chromium, lead, and cadmium) from coal ash, ensuring safer food production. Notably, a 25 % substitution of chemical fertilizers with VCA and farmyard manure (FYM) led to a two-fold increase in the growth and productivity of cabbage. The economic assessment also indicated that large-scale and sustainable recycling of toxic tea industry coal ash in agriculture is feasible. Hence, by integrating VCA-based nutrient management into agricultural practices, developing nations can take significant strides toward achieving circular economy objectives while addressing environmental challenges associated with CA disposal.

Uncovering the complex regulatory network of spring bud sprouting in tea plants: insights from metabolic, hormonal, and oxidative stress pathways.

The sprouting process of tea buds is an essential determinant of tea quality and taste, thus profoundly impacting the tea industry. Buds spring sprouting is also a crucial biological process adapting to external environment for tea plants and regulated by complex transcriptional and metabolic networks. This study aimed to investigate the molecular basis of bud sprouting in tea plants firstly based on the comparisons of metabolic and transcriptional profiles of buds at different developmental stages. Results notably highlighted several essential processes involved in bud sprouting regulation, including the interaction of plant hormones, glucose metabolism, and reactive oxygen species scavenging. Particularly prior to bud sprouting, the accumulation of soluble sugar reserves and moderate oxidative stress may have served as crucial components facilitating the transition from dormancy to active growth in buds. Following the onset of sprouting, zeatin served as the central component in a multifaceted regulatory mechanism of plant hormones that activates a range of growth-related factors, ultimately leading to the promotion of bud growth. This process was accompanied by significant carbohydrate consumption. Moreover, related key genes and metabolites were further verified during the entire overwintering bud development or sprouting processes. A schematic diagram involving the regulatory mechanism of bud sprouting was ultimately proposed, which provides fundamental insights into the complex interactions involved in tea buds.

Design and testing of a machine-vision-based air-blow sorting platform for famous tea fresh leaves production

Famous tea is a pillar of China’s tea industry and must be processed using fresh leaves of consistent tenderness and size. However, equipment with high accuracy and efficiency are unavailable for sorting fresh tea leaves (FTLs). Therefore, in this study, we designed a machine-vision platform for sorting FTLs. This platform subjects FTLs to a horizontal tossing motion and change trajectory by blowing air, thereby achieving the sorting of different types of FTLs. The overall sorting scheme consists of classification scheme, control scheme, and process scheme. We found that different types of FTLs have different flight trajectories when subjected to horizontal tossing. And have different optimal classification features and sorting parameters. When sorting high-grade FTLs (low-grade FTLs), the classification feature used is area and mean saturation (equivalent diameter, major-axis length and G variance), the designed platform achieved a recognition rate, purity, selection rate, and integrity rate of 100% (98.5%), 94.32% (87.47%), 91.67% (90.67%), and 100% (100%), respectively. Under optimal parameters, the production efficiency of the platform reached 25 kg/h. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the designed platform can meet the small-scale production requirements for famous tea.

An Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Decision-Making Framework for Exploring Critical Issues for the Sustenance of the Tea Industry

The purpose of the present study is to propose an interval-valued type 2 fuzzy set (IT2FS)-based analytic hierarchy process (AHP) framework to unfold the critical challenging factors influencing the sustenance and growth of the Indian tea industry. The current work follows an expert opinion-based group decision-making approach. The challenging factors have been identified through a literature review and finalized after a pilot study based on the opinions of professionals, consumers, and experts. Finally, the critical challenging factors and sub-factors have been figured out through analysis of the responses of the experts. To offset the subjective bias, an IT2FS-based granular analysis has been carried out. The findings reveal that market diversification and productivity are the central issues. Additionally, it is important to give attention to improving the quality of the products, increasing the use of modern technology and organic farming, and developing a variety of products. The result shows a considerable level of consistency in the group decision-making (CR < 0.1) for all pairwise comparisons. The present work shall be of use to formulate appropriate strategies and policy decisions. It shows a robust application of IT2FS-AHP for complex decision-making in real life.

Analysis of Tea Agroforestry System: The Case of Kyenjojo District in Uganda

Uganda is one of the countries in east Africa where agroforestry farming system has spread in twelve agro-ecological zones. Agroforestry practices are critical in all agro-based sectors like tea industry because of benefits like provision of fuel wood for curing tea. The purpose of this study was to understand the current agroforestry practices adopted by smallholder tea estate farmers and investigate options for scaling up the technology to alleviate the fuelwood scarcity faced by tea industries. The study involved a survey that was conducted in Kyenjojo district located in Western Uganda in June 2020. A total of 65 small holder tea farmers (respondents) were interviewed during the study. A purposive sampling method was used and data analyzed with SPSS to generate descriptive statistics that included frequencies, percentages, tables, graphs and charts. Results showed that shade was the most benefit of agroforestry trees by a proportion of 33% towards tea growing and followed by climate modification at 24%. Protection of the environment was also revealed as one of the leading benefits of tea agroforestry with a proportion of 34%, as well as trees acting as a source of poles at 23%. Eucalyptus at 34% was the most dominant agroforestry tree used at tea farm level as a woodlot, followed by Grevillea robusta at 28%. The most dominant adoption method of tea agroforestry practices at tea farm level was through farmers learning from fellow farmers at 34%, followed by adoption by trainings at 23%. Planting of agroforestry trees was the only remedy stated by farmers as an effort done to retain trees on farm. As a recommendation towards increased uptake of agroforestry at farm level, farmers identified certification and other factory-based incentives such as Rain Forest Alliance being the most important. Based on the identified benefits of tea-agroforestry systems, efforts should be made by Public, Private and Development partners to make all tea farmers aware of the existing and appropriate agroforestry practices while developing appropriate incentive models for increased adoption of tea agroforestry system in Uganda.

Ultrasound-assisted and subcritical water extraction techniques for maximal recovery of phenolic compounds from raw ginger herbal dust toward in vitro biological activity investigation

This study examined the impact of two green extraction techniques in order to maximize the usage and recovery of phenolic compounds from the by-product of the filter tea industry, the so-called ginger herbal dust. The main phenolic compounds extraction was performed by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with the sonication amplitude ranging from 20% to 100%, and the subcritical water extraction (SWE), with the temperature ranging from 120 °C to 220 °C. All obtained extracts were characterized in terms of extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and 6-ginerol, 6-shogaol, and 8-ginerol contents using RP-HPLC-DAD. Based on the results, we selected the extract obtained from raw ginger herbal dust using a sonication amplitude of 100% for further biological investigation of the cytotoxic effect on short- and long-term cell viability on liver and pancreatic cancer cells. This extract contained high TPC concentration, and 6-gingerol (44.57 mg/gDE), 8-gingerol (8.62 mg/gDE), and 6-shogaol (6.92 mg/gDE).

Investigating knowledge, practices, perceptions, attitudes and barriers associated with implementation of Food Safety Management Systems in Zimbabwe’s tea industry

Many companies in the food supply chain are beginning to adopt Food Safety Management System (FSMS), however, the Zimbabwean tea industry has not taken a similar initiative. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, practices, attitudes, perceptions, and barriers associated with FSMS implementation in Zimbabwe’s tea industry. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents from the 8 tea factories belonging to the 3 major tea companies in Zimbabwe. A stratified sampling technique was used where respondents were categorised into managers, supervisors and general employees. Findings indicated that there is little government input into FSMS issues as evidenced by the lack of legislation and guidelines as well as inconsistent inspections. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between FSMS knowledge and years of work experience or the company worked for. Employee knowledge of FSMS was unsatisfactory, especially amongst the general workers who had about 50% knowledge. Supervisors and managers had 63% and 97% knowledge levels respectively. The tea industry FSMS average knowledge score of 64% was also not satisfactory. There was a very weak negative correlation between practices and food safety knowledge, r (155) = −.077, p = .337. There was also a negative, relationship between food safety practices and attitude towards FSMS implementation, r (155) = −0.511, p < 0.001. Lack of technical knowledge and skill of employees, employee resistance to change, insufficient knowledge of FSMS, lack of financial resources, lack of management commitment and inadequate infrastructure and facilities were among the top barriers to FSMS implementation cited by respondents. The study concluded that lack of knowledge is the main barrier to FSMS implementation in Zimbabwe’s tea industry as this has a bearing on practices and attitudes as well as being the key driver towards persuading management to act.

Research on Countermeasures for Mechanization of Agricultural Advantageous and Characteristic Industries in Wencheng Mountainous Area

Based on the data of agricultural machinery equipment statistics over the years, this paper analyzes the current situation of agricultural mechanization in agricultural advantageous and characteristic industries such as high-altitude rice, tea, vegetables, and fruits in Wencheng County, Zhejiang Province. In 2022, the comprehensive mechanization level of rice cultivation and harvest in Wencheng County was 70.2%, while the average level in Wenzhou City was 87.4%. Rui'an City mainly composed of plains reached as high as 94.8% and Leqing City mainly composed of plains reached as high as 84.1% . In 2022, the mechanization level of tillage link of rice in the Wencheng mountainous area reaches 99.6%,which is little difference from the plain area.However, there is a significant difference between the plain and mountainous areas in the sowing and transplanting links. In 2022, the rice transplanting rate in Wencheng County was only 14.8%, significantly lower than the average level of 62.38% in Wenzhou, and far lower than Rui'an (77.3%) and Leqing (73.6%). In 2022, the machine harvest level of rice in Wencheng County was 86.4%, lower than that of Rui'an City (95.4%) and Yueqing City (98.8%).At present, the comprehensive mechanization level of the rice and tea industries in Wencheng is high, but the mechanization level of the vegetable and fruit industries is very low with the sowing and transplanting, field management, and harvesting processes being mainly manual operations. The article analyzes the geographical, policy, industrial, equipment, and technological bottlenecks of agricultural mechanization in Wencheng County, and proposes corresponding countermeasures to break the bottlenecks.

Triple-effect new generation drying technique

This paper introduces the triple-effect new generation drying technique that is defined as simultaneously swirling flow-fluidized bed-infrared drying process. It aims to perform the conceptual design of this innovative drying technology, and to experimentally investigate the drying behavior of green tea leaves by applying such a technique, and to develop the drying curve equations of the products in terms of the mathematical modeling, and to perform the quality analysis of the dried products. For these purposes, drying experiments were conducted for 100 W, 250 W, 500 W, 750 W and 1000 W infrared powers, and the parameters such as dimensionless moisture ratio, moisture content, mass shrinkage ratio, drying rate were calculated. Using the thin layer drying curve equations, mathematical modeling was performed by the assumption of thin layer since tea leaves perform swirling flow by forming thin layers in the annular form during drying. 13 evaluation criteria were considered for selection of the best model describing the thin layer drying curve of the product. Quality analysis was performed, considering the quality parameters such as water extract, total ash, total polyphenols, caffeine and raw cellulose of the dried green tea samples. As a result, it is determined that the best suitable infrared power is 500 W and the best thin layer drying model is Aghbashlo et al. model for the process, and the highest value of water extract is obtained to be 44.04% at 500 W in the process. Thus, it is expected that this study will contribute to the researchers, investors and policy makers for improvement and development of tea drying technologies in tea industry.

19세기 영국의 중국차 인식과 차 시장의 변화

This study aims to examine the perception of Chinese tea in Britain in and around the 19th century and its effect on the tea market. The findings are summarized as follows: First, in the 19th century, an error of judgment by the Chinese tea producers and immoral British tea merchants brought about the import of adulterated tea into Britain. In the wake of the abolition of the monopoly of the British East India Company, there was a widespread negative view of Chinese tea and China itself due to the lack of quarantine facilities and the outbreak of the Opium War. Second, to eradicate the import of adulterated tea, the British government introduced a new custom quarantine system, along with amendments. Scientific research and publications, and the advertising of tea by merchants, helped to improve consumer awareness regarding food safety and establish good tea standards. Third, after the discovery of tea trees in Assam in India, the tea industry in India and Sri Lanka grew and saw better productivity due to the invention of the tea rolling machine and tea drier. Advertisements promoting pureness gained the widespread trust of consumers, and the tea industry in both these countries surpassed China in the 1880s and led the global tea trade.

The Consumption, Production, Trade and Challenges of the Tea Industry in the Philippines

Tea is a popular drink highly valued for its health benefits. Interestingly, within the Filipino household, it is often regarded as an herbal remedy instead of a lifestyle drink to be consumed at leisure. However, in recent years, tea consumption has undergone a transformation swiftly evolving from a remedy to a lifestyle choice. This rising trend sets a strong foundation for the industry's future growth in the Philippines. In 2020, the Philippines ranked 69th globally with tea imports aggregating $17 million. In the same year, tea ranked 516th among the country’s most imported products. The Philippines struggles to produce tea on a large scale due to factors such as climate, inadequate infrastructure, and soil acidity. However, the government is undeterred in its efforts to nurture and cultivate the tea industry and aims to support the industry's development trajectory and tackle the funding challenges that accompany research and development endeavors, particularly in the oolong tea market. The increasing demand, especially among the younger population, along with the efforts of the government and private sector to enhance production and develop the industry, have contributed to its potential. This will enable the Philippines to carve out a niche in the global tea market.

코로나19 엔데믹 시대 차에 대한 소비자의 인식과 평가

This thesis analyzed consumers' perceptions and evaluations of tea in the COVID-19 endemic era using social big data from Sometrend. The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for the development of the tea industry. For this purpose, we selected eight teas (green tea, black tea, puer tea, kombucha, barley tea, pea tea, citron tea, and ginger tea) with more than 30,000 social media posts from consumers from July 13, 2022 to July 12, 2023 from social big data. Next, we collected and analyzed 30 relevant words of consumer perception of each tea and 30 emotional words of consumer evaluation of each tea through social big data. The main results are as follows. First, the associative words consumers mentioned with each tea in their social media posts were categorized into well-being, situation, and food. Second, the sentiment words consumers used to rate each tea in their social media posts were categorized into positive, neutral, and negative. In conclusion, for consumers during the COVID-19 endemic era, tea has been emphasized for its functionality to promote physical health, its healing properties for psychological stability, and its palatability for good taste.

Non-chemical Tea Pest Management Practices Adopted by Small Tea Growers of Dibrugarh &amp; Tinsukia District of Assam, India

The main objective of the present study was to meticulously document the non-chemical approaches to tea pest management employed by small tea growers in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. In response to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the research team resorted to telephonic interviews, utilizing a well-structured questionnaire to gather information from these tea growers. Through this method, the study successfully captured and documented the specific practices, materials, techniques, and methods utilized by these growers in their ongoing battle against tea pests. The study brought to light a diverse array of non-chemical methods that have been embraced by tea growers in this region. These practices, deeply rooted in traditional knowledge, demonstrated their remarkable effectiveness in pest management. What makes these findings particularly significant is the potential they hold for future scientific investigations. These traditional techniques, when subjected to rigorous validation and refinement, could find broader application in large-scale tea pest management initiatives, offering a more sustainable and eco-friendlier alternative to conventional chemical methods. A noteworthy aspect of these non-chemical practices is the sourcing of ingredients. These materials were found to be locally available and abundant, derived from both plant and animal origins. This accessibility not only ensures the practicality of these methods but also highlights their compatibility with the local ecosystem. Importantly, these traditional practices were identified as crucial tools in combating infestations by various pests, including the red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae), tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis theivora), and looper caterpillar (Buzura suppresseria). In conclusion, this study focused on the valuable task of gathering insights into the non-chemical pest management methods practiced by small tea growers in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. Despite the adversities posed by the pandemic, the telephonic interviews proved to be a robust means of collecting invaluable information about these practices. The study not only underscored the efficacy of these traditional methods but also emphasized their potential for further scientific exploration and subsequent integration into broader tea pest management strategies. This presents a promising and environmentally friendly path forward for the tea industry in this region and beyond.

Coffee and Tea Industry in India: Current Trends and Future Prospects

India has acquired an exalted status on the global tea map. The country is the second largest tea producer in the world. Interestingly, india is also the world's largest consumer of black tea with the domestic market consuming 911 million kg of tea during 2013-14.the export earnings from plantation crops like coffee and tea played a significant role in financing indian development. Production of tea reached 1,233.14 million kg in 2017-18 from 878.65 million kg in 2008-09 with a compound growth rate of 2.86 % during 2017-2018. India tea export recorded a compound growth rate of 1.22 % during 2017-2018, where import recorded a compound growth rate of 0.78 % during 2017-2018.

Technological Innovation and Financial Performance of Small-Scale Tea Industry in Kenya

Technological Innovation and Financial Performance of Small-Scale Tea Industry in Kenya

Research on the Improvement of Digital Literacy for Moderately Scaled Tea Farmers under the Background of Digital Intelligence Empowerment

In the context of digital intelligence empowerment, the digital literacy level of tea farmers has a significant impact on the intelligent development and transformation of the tea industry. This study extends the original model of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) by introducing the personal innovativeness theory and the self-efficacy theory and constructs a new model to explore the influencing factors of moderately scaled tea farmers’ digital literacy improvement behavior. There are a total of 22 research hypotheses. Using structural equation modeling and collecting questionnaire data for analysis, the following research results were obtained. (1) The performance expectancy, social influence, effort expectancy, personal innovativeness, and self-efficacy all significantly positively affected the willingness of tea farmers to improve their digital literacy, according to the path coefficient in descending order: social influence (0.226) &gt; self-efficacy (0.224) &gt; effort expectancy (0.178) &gt; performance expectancy (0.157) &gt; personal innovativeness (0.155). (2) Facilitating conditions and the willingness to improve digital literacy had a significant positive impact on tea farmers’ digital literacy improvement behavior, according to the size of the path coefficient: the willingness to improve (0.271) &gt; facilitating conditions (0.106). (3) The willingness of tea farmers to improve their digital literacy played a complete mediating role between personal innovativeness and self-efficacy on their digital literacy improvement behavior, and was partially mediated between the performance expectancy, social influence, and effort expectancy on their digital literacy improvement behavior. According to the proportion of indirect effects, the order was effort expectancy (27%), performance expectancy (47%), and social influence (49%). (4) The gender and age of tea farmers had a significant positive moderating effect on the impact of performance expectancy on the willingness to improve digital literacy. Age and experience had a significant positive moderating effect on the impact of effort expectancy on the willingness to improve digital literacy. The age of tea farmers had a significant positive moderating effect on the improvement of digital literacy behavior through the facilitating conditions. This study extended the applicability of the UTAUT theoretical model and proposed six strategies to improve the digital literacy of tea farmers, which helps policymakers and industry leaders provide practical guidance for tea farmers to improve their digital literacy and provide reference for research related to farmers’ digital literacy.