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What to Do About Freeze Damage to Tea Plants? Detailed Remedial Measures

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From February 15 to 18, we investigated the freeze damage to tea plants in Tangshi and Pengshi in Zixing, the Fruit and Tea Research Institute, and the Huatang Tea Plantation in Chenzhou. The survey found that tea gardens with good fertilization and cultivation had a thick layer of green leaves on the tea plants and strong tree vigor, and suffered relatively mild damage; the opposite was true for the rest. The degree of damage also differed among varieties. Among them, the early-growing varieties Fuyun No. 6, Fuding Dahao, and Baihaozao suffered heavier damage, while the mid-to-late-growing Bixiangzao, Zhuyeqi, Maoxie, and population varieties suffered lighter damage. Overall, tea plants at all survey points suffered freeze damage, with the more severely affected

From February 15 to 18, we investigated the freeze damage to tea plants in Tangshi and Pengshi in Zixing, the Fruit and Tea Research Institute, and the Huatang Tea Plantation in Chenzhou. The survey found that tea gardens with good fertilization and cultivation had a thick layer of green leaves on the tea plants and strong tree vigor, and suffered relatively mild damage; the opposite was true for the rest. The degree of damage also differed among varieties. Among them, the early-growing varieties Fuyun No. 6, Fuding Dahao, and Baihaozao suffered heavier damage, while the mid-to-late-growing Bixiangzao, Zhuyeqi, Maoxie, and population varieties suffered lighter damage. Overall, tea plants at all survey points suffered freeze damage, with the more severely affected area accounting for about 50%, from which it can be inferred that this year's famous and high-quality tea output will decrease by 50%-60%, and the tea plantation's economic loss will reach more than 40%. The remedial measures that tea gardens should currently take are:

For tea plants on flat land, carry out light pruning as soon as possible; for tea plants on mountain land, wait until the temperature stabilizes before pruning. The degree of pruning depends on the degree of freeze damage to the tea plants. Try to prune away the freeze-killed leaves and branch tips, but do not prune too much, otherwise it will further delay the start of picking and affect yield.

After pruning, apply a quick-acting topdressing as soon as possible, applying 20-25 kg of urea per mu, and spray a 0.2% concentration urea foliar fertilizer as soon as possible to help the tea plants recover their vitality.

For low-lying land, clear ditches and drain water as soon as possible to facilitate aeration, raise soil temperature, prevent waterlogging, and promote root growth.

For tea leaves after freeze damage, during processing the freeze-damaged buds and leaves should be strictly processed separately from normal buds and leaves to prevent reducing the overall quality of the tea.

For freeze-damaged buds and leaves, because of their low water content and relatively dry and withered condition, it is recommended to fix them with slightly lighter heating, roll them slightly more heavily, and remove the withered tips.

In order to avoid similar disasters in the future, it is recommended that all localities take the following measures in tea garden construction and management: First, select improved varieties with good freeze resistance, such as Zhuyeqi and Bixiangzao, and ensure a matching set of early, mid, and late varieties. Second, strengthen tea garden management, apply more fertilizer, and enhance tree vigor. Third, arrange the time for applying base fertilizer each year as much as possible in October after the garden is closed, to promote tea plant root growth and the accumulation of tea plant nutrients. Fourth, cover the tea garden with more rice straw, which both increases fertility and loosens the soil, retains water, retains fertilizer, and provides cold and freeze resistance.

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