RESPONSES OF TEA TO ENVIRONMENT IN KENYA. 1. GENOTYPE × ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS FOR TOTAL DRY MATTER PRODUCTION AND YIELD

Abstract

Dry matter production and yield of tea were recorded in a genotype × environment interaction experiment with four tea clones planted at four sites at a range of altitudes in Kericho, Kenya. Large responses to environment in dry matter production and yield were found. After 34 months from planting, the total plant dry matter production ranged from 18 to 22 t ha−1 across the sites. One clone, TN14-3, produced the most dry matter, reaching 29 t ha−1 at the lowest altitude, while clone S15/10 produced the least (15 t ha−1). Analysis of genotype × environment inter actions showed that clone TN14-3 was above average stability in dry matter production across the four sites, but below average in yield. Clone S15/10 showed above average stability for tea yield, but was below average in dry matter production.