Factors Affecting Quality of the Vegetatively Propergated (Vp) Tea (Camellia Sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) Nursery Plants in the Commercial Tea Nurseries: A Case Study in Kegalle and Kaluthara Districts

Abstract

This study attempts to identify factors that contribute to standards of tea nursery plants produced by the commercial nurseries in the Kegalle and Kaluthara districts and to ascertain the effective monitoring mechanism to ensure the standard of vegetetively propagated (VP) tea plants. Randomly selected 60 registered and 34 unregistered nursery owners in the above districts were surveyed using questionnaire and nursery observations. Regional extension staffs attached to the Tea Small Holding Development Authority (TSHDA) in Kegalle and Kalutara, were also interviewed and collected their views and ideas for the development of effective mechanism for monitoring. The survey reveals that the registered nursery owners have a sound social background and knowledge about standard of nursery practices and also majority of them practice the recommended nursery techniques. However, the unregistered nursery owners have traditional knowledge and are unaware or give a least priority to maintain nursery standards. They produce low quality plants at low cost which could also make an impact on overall'standards and quality of the nursery plants of both unregistered and registered nurseries. The success rate of nursery plant is positively influenced by socio economic characteristic of the nursery owner such as experience and knowledge on nursery management (p < 0.05) and height of nursery bag (more than 5") (p < 0.001). Drainage arrangement of the nursery bags, use of paddy husk as a soil substitute are positively related to the growth of nursery plant (p < 0.05). There is a positive relationship between growth parameters (Dry weight of plant) and soil type (clay loam) (p < 0.05). There is an urgent requirement to improve a sound monitoring mechanism with strong legal provisions for regulations of standards of nursery plants.