Introduction

Tea, the world’s most popular beverage after water, is susceptible to various diseases that can impact its yield and quality. Here’s a breakdown of common tea diseases and management practices:

Fungal Diseases: 

Blister Blight (Exobasidium vexans):

Symptoms include pale green blisters on the underside of leaves that turn brown and burst, releasing spores.

Red Rust (Cephaleuros parasiticus):

Orange-red, powdery crusts appear on stems, leaves, and twigs, stunting growth.

Brown Blight (Colletotrichum camelliae):

Circular brown spots with dark centers form on leaves, leading to defoliation.

Grey Blight (Pestalotiopsis theae):

Small, grey spots with dark margins develop on leaves, causing premature leaf drop.

Management: 

Cultural Practices: Improve air circulation by pruning crowded branches and maintaining proper drainage to reduce humidity. Remove and destroy infected plant debris.

Resistant Varieties: Select tea bushes resistant to specific diseases.

Fungicides: Apply copper-based fungicides like copper oxychloride or biofungicides like Trichoderma viride as a preventive measure

Bacterial Diseases: 

Bacterial Blight (Pseudomonas theae):

Water-soaked spots appear on leaves, turning brown and necrotic.

Management:

Cultural Practices: Similar to fungal diseases, focus on improving air circulation and removing infected plant material.

Copper Sprays: Bordeaux mixture or copper oxychloride can be used for control.

Root Rot Diseases:

Violet Root Rot (Sphaerostilbe repens):

Affects young plants, causing stunted growth, wilting, and root discoloration.

Brown Root Rot (Poria hypobrunnea):

Attacks older plants, leading to wilting, dieback, and root decay.

Management:

Soil Management: Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.

Resistant Varieties: Plant varieties less susceptible to root rot.

Beneficial Microbes: Introduce beneficial bacteria like Pseudomonas fluorescens to suppress root rot pathogens.

Viral Diseases:

Capsicum Chlorosis Virus:

Causes yellowing and distortion of leaves, stunted growth, and poor yield.

Management:

Roguing: Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent further spread.

Vector Control: Manage insect vectors like aphids that transmit the virus.

Planting Disease-free Seeds: Use certified virus-free planting material.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

A holistic approach combining various methods for sustainable disease management is crucial. This includes:

Monitoring: Regularly inspect tea plants for signs of disease.

Preventive Measures: Implement cultural practices and use resistant varieties.

Biological Control: Utilize beneficial microbes and predators of disease-causing organisms.

Chemical Control: Use fungicides or bactericides judiciously and as a last resort, following recommended application rates.

Conclusion

Effective disease management in tea cultivation is crucial for maintaining healthy plantations and ensuring high-quality yields. By implementing integrated pest management strategies, practicing good agricultural hygiene, and using disease-resistant varieties, tea growers can significantly reduce the impact of diseases on their crops. Continuous monitoring and timely interventions are essential to prevent outbreaks and minimize losses. At Khethari Agri Tech Private Limited, we are committed to providing innovative solutions and expert guidance to support tea farmers in their quest for sustainable and profitable production. Together, we can foster a thriving tea industry that meets the growing demands of consumers worldwide.