THE Tea Research Institute OF Ceylon Annual Report for the Year 1962 Part II Published by T H E T E A R E S E A R C H I N S T I T U T E O F C E Y L O N S T C O O M B S , T A L A W A K E L E , C E Y L O N 1963 The Tea Research Institute of Ceylon Staff as at 31st December 1962 Director . . . Agricultural Chemistry Agricultural Chemist Research Officer Senior Technical Assistant Assistants Biochemistry Biochemist Research Officer Assistants Technolo, Technologist Research Officer Assistants Plant Physiology Plant Physiologist Research Officer Senior Technical Assistant Assistants Vegetative Propagation Officer Research Officer Assistants Plant Pathology Plant Pathologist Research Officers Assistants Entomology Entomologist . . . Entomologist, Special Research Research Officers Assistants Plant Breeding Post-graduate Scholar Hematology Nematologist . . . Research Officer Assistants Agronomy Chief Agronomist Research Officer Assistant Statistics Statistician Assistant Low-Country Service Scientific Adviser Assistants •Working overseas D . L . Gunn , C . B . E . , D.Sc. (Wales) , Ph.D. (Birm) J. A . H . Tolhurst, B.Sc. (Reading) Vacant V . Mendis S. Samarasingham, T . C . Z . Jayaman, E . O . Stuart, (Miss) B. I . Piyasena, B.Sc. (Cey.) S. Sundralingam, B.Sc. (Poona) Vacant M . S. Ramaswamy, B.Sc. (Mysore) , A . R . I . C , A . I . I .Sc . T . S. Nathan, B. P. M . Perera K . Sivapalan, B.Sc. (Cey . ) , V . Fernando E . L . Keegel * D . Kirtisinghe, B.Sc. (Cey.) L . S. Weragoda , A . H . R . Balthazaar W . C . A . de Silva, B.Sc. (Cey.) C . Kandappa, B.Sc. (Cey.) T . Visser, Dr , Ir (Wageningen) U . Pethiyagoda, B.Sc. (Cey. ) , Ph .D . (Lond . ) ,D . I .C . M . Piyasena S. Nagarajah, B.Sc. (Cey.) A . R . M . Hassim, N .S . Rajendram, B.Sc. (Madras) D . N . R . Wijewardene F. H . Kehl S. Kulasegaram, B.Sc. (Cey.) H . R . Solomon, A . L . J. de Croos D . D . Kroon (Passara), H.B . Ratnayake (Hantane) D . Mulder , Nat. Phil. Dr. (Amsterdam) *N. Shanmuganathan, B.Sc. (Cey.) * R . L . de Silva, B. Sc. (Cey.) W . Redlich, B.Sc. (Cey.) P. V . Arulpragasam, B.Sc. (Madras) S. Murugiah, W . F. Rodrigo, B . S c , (Cey.) J. E . Cranham, B.A. (Cantab.) , D . I . C . E . Judenko, Ph.D. (Cracow) * D . Calnaido, B.Sc. (Cey.) D . J . W . Ranaweera * W . Danthanarayana, B.Sc. (Cey.) E . F. W . Fernando G . B. Rajapakse A . R . Sebastiampillai, B.Sc. (Cey.) M . T . Hutchinson, B . S c , Ph.D. (Rutgers) *P. Sivapalan, B.Sc. (Cey.) M . K . Vythilingam P. A . John H . N . Hasselo, Dr , Ir (Wageningen) W . M . W . B. Manipura , B.Sc. (Cey.) S. M . Kandasamy P. Kanapathipillai, B.Sc. (Lond.) K . Seevaratnam A . W . R . Joachim, O . B . E . , B . S c , Ph.D. (Lond . ) , F . R . I . C . , Dip. Agric. (Cantab.) U . L. M . de Silva J. I. H . Bandaranayake (Endane) K . H . G. Gunapala (Kottawa) C O N T E N T S Report o f the Director Report of the Superintendent of St Coombs Estate Meteorological Observations, St Coombs Report of the Chief Advisory Officer . . . Report of the Low-country Adviser Report o f the Librarian . . . - . . . . . . R e s e a r c h R e p o r t s — Agricultural Chemistry • . . , „ • . • -. " ; Agronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Entomology . . . :. .. Nematology -.•.- . . . Plant Breeding Plant Pathology Plant Physiology Selection Propagation and Testing o f Clones Statistics . . . Technology P R E F A C E In view o f unavoidable delays consequent on the auditing o f accounts, the Board decided to issue without further delay the technical sections o f the report o f the Institute for 1962 as Part 2. The section dealing with the Board's report and accounts will be published as Part 1, as soon as the Auditor General's approval is received for the latter. A . W . R . JOACHIM DIRECTOR. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR FOR 1962 D . L . Gunn, G.B.E., D . Sc. Staff.—The year was a difficult one in regard to heads o f divisions. D r Mulder l |eft the Island on October, on completion o f his four-year contract, but arrangements were made for his replacement by Dr. A . Kerr on secondment from the Waite Agricultural Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia, though his arrival is to be delayed until late in 1963. In the mean time, D r Shanmu- ganathan is to act as head o f the Pathology Division. Dr Visser left at the same time, and D r Pethiyagoda is acting as head o f the Plant Physiology Department pending a more permanent appointment. M r H . J. Balmond left to tajce up a University post in Nigeria and he was replaced temporarily as Chief Administrative Officer by M r W . J . A . van Langenberg, M.B.E . M r Elias also left to take up an appointment overseas; he was replaced by M r J. G . G . Tennekoon as Superintendent o f St Coombs. O n 1st August, 1962, M r G. A . D . Kehl retired from the senior-stafFpost of Administrative Secretary after 31 years o f service to the T . R . I . His benign and dependable presence will be much missed. His post has been abolished and the accounting work now comes under M r P. Pathmanathan, as Assistant Administrative Officer. Early in 1963 there are to be new appointments in Biochemistry (Dr G . W . Sanderson), in Agronomy (Dr L . H . Fernando), the latter primarily in the low country, and the Superintendent ( M r C . Andrews) o f St Joachim Estate. M y own resignation, to take.up a post at the headquarters o f the Agricul­ tural Research Council in London, takes effect at the end o f February 1963 and Dr Joachim will once more take over. In the Intermediate Grades, M r R . R . Selvendran was appointed in Biochemistry. Another appointment o f the same sort became effective pn 1st January 1963, while Dr R . L . Wickremasinghe went to Cambridge as Research Fellow in Biochemisty. With the appointment o f D r Sanderson as Head o f the Division, and in spite o f the loss o f M r S. Ramaswamy to the CeyTea Company, Biochemistry should now acquire a new impetus in its new quarters. M r P. Sivapalan (Nematology) and M r W . Danthanarayana (Ento­ mology) went overseas for advanced research, while D r N . Shanmuganathan (Pathology) and Dr D . Calnaido (Entomology) returned with doctorates. Messrs. R . L . de Silva (Pathology) and D . Kirthisinghe (Technology o f T e a Manufacture) continued advanced research in the University o f London. In the Junior Grade, M r L . M . de W . Tillekeratne (Advisory) returned from the United States o f America with the degree o f Master o f Education (Calif.). M r S. Nagarajah went to U.S.A. for special training. Losses o f staff in the Junior grades totalled three and gains ten, making a nett increase o f seven. T h e results o f all these changes were that the scientific staff within 1962 decreased from 24 to 23 in the Senior and Intermediate grades and increased from 36 to 40 in the Junior Grade. O f all these, 33 are graduates, compared with 32 at the end o f 1961. Buildings.—Good progress has continued. T h e new headquarters building was occupied by the Administration upstairs and the library down­ stairs in August b u t the biochemical laboratories had not been completely 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 fitted out, pending the arrival o f Dr Sanderson. The first meeting (of the Experimental and Estate Committee) .was held in the new Board R o o m on 13th October 1962. The consequent changes were begun in the old building, so as to accommodate the Advisory and Agronomy-Divisions more suitably. T w o semi-detached houses for Senior Officers made only slow progress, but the two pairs of Intermediate Grade flats were completed and seventeen Junior houses and two minor, staff and servants quarters were completed and occupied. Late in the year the building of more new houses for Intermediate and Junior Staff was approved. Outlying'stations.—St Joachim Estate continued to be managed through the Saffragam Company. Owing to the necessity o f going through tender procedure, the houses, the laboratory, and the factory were not built, but there is good hope of visible progress in 1963. The site for the laboratory and houses had been almost cleared by the end of 1962. At Hantane, two houses were completed and occupied. One of these was for the officer in charge of clonal testing; the other was intended for an out- stationi advisory officer* but was.used for an entomologist to study Shot-hole Borer in that favourable location. •' \Finance.—The estate, with a prbfit o f about Rs. 233,443.03 on revenue account, less Rs . 130,902.74 spent on capital account, yielded a contribution o f about Rs 102,540.29 to the research aspects of the Institute. The effective acreage of tea still remained low because of the replanting programme and production isJ not expected to rise much for some years. Visits.—There were many visits by planters, other members of the Ceylon tea industry,,government officials, scientists from Ceylon and overseas, and other distinguished persons. . Professor G. E. Blackman, F.R.S. (Agriculture, Oxford) came in, August as a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee in. the; U.K.!. Professor.F. G . Young, F.R.S:,, (Biochemistry, Cambridge) Professor .Gk Ci Varley (Entomology, Oxford) , Professor L . J . Audus (Botany, London) , Professor J. R.Raeburr i . (Economics , Aberdeen), Dr D . J. Watson (Botany, Rothamsted) and Dr G. '&..S'. Cooke (Chemistry, Rothamsted) were among the scientific visitors. . / A member o f the staff visited South India but the Tocklai (Assam) Scien­ tific Conference was (postponed because of the approach of the Chinese army. Instant Tea.—The CeyTea factory made excellent progress and early experimental manufactures were actually^ better, than the best made in the ; development stages in the T . R . I . , T h e matter is now entirely in commercial hands. Publications.—The Tea Quarterly and the Annual Report were published. For internal-reasons the later numbers were delayed', but it i s hoped to return to prompt publication by March 1963. r : ' '•. Trends.-—In' order to; enable readers o f these Annual Reports to see for themselves how the crude total tea production of Ceylon ischaiigijig, itis shown in a graph (Fig. 1) which allows further entries to be made. The figures are taken from the reports o f the International Tea Association in London, to which thanks are tendered. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 3 I960 1950 Year Production of tea in Ceylon 1970 Fig. I s—The line is the semi-logarithmic plot of best fit from 1945 to 1960, namely log yield = 0.01316 (years from 1945) + 0.43707. T h e stub lines enable subsequent years' yields to be inserted, to show if there is any marked diver­ gence later. A discussion o f some o f the implications of the facts shown in the graph was given in the Annual Report for 1961. Since then the new advisory policy on fertilizer nitrogen has come into force and about a hundred estates have been given individual advice; other estates are increasing their nitrogen dosage without consulting us o n details. It is not to be expected that the resulting increase in nitrogen application will have an immediate dramatic effect on production from die high country, but some effects should be evident even there by 1964. It will, o f course, be impossible to separate, in the crude production figures, the effects o f increased nitrogen, o f shot-hole-borer control and its interaction with increased nitrogen, o f increased acreage, and o f any changes in practice. What we may hope for is an upward kink in the total production curve o f Fig. 1. W e may further hope that the opening o f new markets by CeyTea will help to take off the increase of production. 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 The importance of production per acre in cost of production was referred to in the 1961 Annual Report. Replanting with highly productive clonal tea is one way of achieving a high production per acre, and increased rates o f nitrogen can also help. Dr Joachim refers to a replanted acre that produced nearly 5 , 5 0 0 lb of tea in a year using 5 0 0 lb of nitrogen. But the rate of replan­ ting has been disappointing. It may increase if the replanting subsidy is increased, as it seems likely to be in 1963. But the rate of replanting would have to increase to an impossible level in order to check the rise in average age of Ceylon's tea. 1870 1895 1920 1945 J970 YEAR Figi 2i—Acreage under tea in Ceylon. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 5 Figure 2 shows the acreage o f tea in Ceylon, from the start o f the industry. In 1 8 9 0 , there were, in round figures, 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 acres o f tea; by 1 9 0 1 , the total exceeded 4 0 0 , 0 0 0 and the present total is just short o f 6 0 0 , 0 0 0 . Abandon­ ment and replanting probably does no t greatly exceed a total o f 1 0 , 0 0 0 acres, and may be neglected for rough purposes. That is to say, one third o f Ceylon's tea today is over 7 0 years old and another third is between 6 0 and 7 0 years old. Nobody knows what is the economic life of a tea bush; if it is 1 0 0 years, on a steady programme 1 % should be replanted annually. But it should not be a steady programme because of the outburst o f planting from 1 8 8 0 to 1 9 0 0 . Even 6 , 0 0 0 acres of replanting per annum is not being done, so we have to envisage an ageing population of tea. What is to be done about this? It is not even certain that high age, of itself, is detrimental to production. It is, however, a general property o f populations that the number of individuals in a particular birth-date group tends to decline as that group gets older. As the group approaches the end of its natural life, the decline in numbers steepens. In terms of tea bushes the original population declines, through casual accidents and diseases; there are no data to show whether or not the decline is steepening. What is well known is that some of the early tea was planted at low density and many gaps have appeared in it. And it is this old tea which will form the bulk o f the Island's acreage for a long time. One way o f arresting this tendency to decline is, of course, to persuade each bush that survives to yield more; this is evidently being done, for the yield per acre is rising far more rapidly than can be explained by new tea coming into bearing. An additional way may be to fill in the gaps in the tea. This practice has virtually ceased in most parts of the Island, for1 large sums have been spent on it with little success. But there is at least one lpW-country estate that is very successfully filling vacancies with clonal tea. If practical methods o f doing this can be worked out and accepted by the industry in all parts o f the Island the resulting increase in bush population, combined with steadily increasing manuring, may be sufficient to keep total production rising well, until replanting can take over the burden o f progress, as the fertilizer increases on old tea begin to fade out during the next decade or so. Perhaps some of the Tea Replanting Subsidy Fund could be used to encourage infilling, at perhaps 5 0 cts per successful bush. The T .R . I , o f Ceylon, under the influence of Dr T . Eden from Rotham- sted, led the way with plot trials of fertiliser dosage. In the last decade or so, this lead has been lost and it will take some years to catch up with other Tea Research Institutes. Today, in order to provide material for sensitive experi­ ments, there is at St Coombs an annual programme o f uprooting 1 5 acres o f old tea for replacement by uniform clonal tea. St Joachim Estate in the low country is expected to proceed similarly and there is good hope that many o f the controversial questions of today will be settled in the future, when these trials come to fruition. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ST COOMBS ESTATE FOR 1962 J. G. G . Tennekoon Staff.—Following the departure of M r A . L . Elias, I assumed duties as Superintendent o f St Coombs on the 15th December, 1962. I arrived on St Coombs on the 1st o f December and worked together with M r Elias until he left. The Assistant Teamaker, M r B. F. Mendis left the estate on 30th July, having obtained the post o f Head Teamaker on a neighbouring estate. A new Assistant Teamaker, M r W . G. Rajapakse was appointed on 1st August to fill the vacancy. All other appointments remained unaltered. The new re-survey Plan of St Coombs estate was obtained during the middle of the year and the new acreage figures will be in effect as from the 1st January, 1 9 6 3 . Acreage as at 31st December, 1962: Tea in bearing . . . Tea under experiment (Plucking only) . . . Mew Clearings: Field N o . 1—1960 planting Llan Thomas and 14B area—1961 planting Field N o . 7 and No. 8—1962 planting . . . Field N o . 7 and N o . 8 T . R . I , experimental planting Areas under rehabilitation: Field N o . 2 and N o . 7—1963 planting . . . Field N o . 3—1964 planting Field N o 8—T.R.I , experimental planting —do—area to be given in exchange for Mattakefie estate land . . . Area reserved for Clonal cuttings Tea seed bearer areas Land suitable for planting tea Nurseries in Field Nos. 1, 12, and 14A . . . Guatemala grass clearing Fuel Clearings etc. Buildings, roads, garden etc. Land unsuitable for planting Total Old Survey New Survey R . P. A . R . P. 1 9 9 2 0 0 2 2 2 0 3 3 2 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 8 1 0 0 8 3 1 7 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 4 1 4 3 0 0 1 5 1 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 . 2 2 00 1 1 2 5 1 1 2 5 2 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 9 6 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 8 9 0 1 5 2 5 3 1 2 2 9 1 3 8 5 3 3 1 4 6 0 3 3 7 3 8 0 0 0 4 0 3 2 2 4 2 3 3 37 4 2 2 1 0 3 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 7 During the year tea was uprooted on 1 5 acres in Field N o . 3 for replanting purposes. After approximately 1 8 months rehabilitation under Guatemala grass, this area will be planted in April—June 1 9 6 4 . Weather (Estate gauge) Rainfall Wet Sunshine inches days hours Registered in 1 9 6 2 8 6 0 4 2 1 4 1 , 7 1 0 Registered in 1 9 6 1 8 6 5 6 2 0 6 1 , 3 8 2 * Registered in 1 9 6 0 1 0 6 4 8 2 5 0 1 , 6 8 6 Registered in 1 9 5 9 9 2 8 0 2 1 2 1 , 9 9 6 Registered in 1 9 5 8 8 0 0 8 2 2 9 1 , 8 4 2 Decennial averages ( 1 9 5 2 - 1 9 6 1 ) 9 1 . 4 1 2 2 5 1 , 7 7 9 * (•January 1 9 6 1 — n o record was maintained and February maintained for 1 9 days only) . Rainfall was fairly well distributed throughout the year and no serious drought was experienced. Rainfall recorded during the first three months was 8.04 in., 34 wet days, i.e. January 2 .50 in., 1 5 wet days, February 1.79 in., 9 wet days and March 3.75 in., 1 0 wet days. Scattered showers fell during January, February, and March. Cold nights and gusty winds were experien­ ced during this period. Weather conditions throughout the period April- December have been favourable in every respect except for a freak period in June, when there was one dry spell which lasted from 7th to 15th June inclusive. T h e rainfall o f 3.49 in. in June is the lowest on record for that month since 1929. The south-west monsoon was not particularly severe. T h e total recorded rainfall for the year was 8 6 . 0 4 in. which was . 52 in less than in 1 9 6 1 and 5.37 in. less than the decennial average. There were 2 1 4 wet days, 8 days more than in 1 9 6 1 and 11 days less than the decennial average. Crop 1 9 6 2 lb 1 9 6 1 lb 1 9 6 0 lb Estimate 2 7 8 , 0 0 0 2 5 5 , 0 0 0 2 7 0 , 0 0 0 Total crop (including off grades) 3 0 5 , 8 4 7 2 9 6 , 1 9 7 3 2 3 , 3 3 1 Yield per acre on 2 1 5 acres 1 , 3 5 0 — — Yield per acre on 2 1 5 | acres — 1 , 2 8 6 — Yield per acre on 2 5 1 \ acres — — 1 , 2 8 6 The estimated crop of 2 7 8 , 0 0 0 lb of made tea was exceeded by 2 7 , 8 4 ? lb and the yield per acre for the year was 1 , 3 5 0 lb. The yield o f 1 , 3 5 0 lb per acre constitutes a record for St Coombs. T h e previous best yield was 1 , 2 8 6 l b per acre in 1 9 6 1 and 1 9 6 0 . A notable feature was the even monthly intake of crop throughout the year as follows:— 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 Month Made Tea Yield per lb acre January 2 5 , 0 9 2 1 0 8 February 2 3 , 6 9 5 1 0 0 March 1 9 , 9 5 6 8 7 April 3 0 , 3 2 0 1 3 1 May 3 6 , 7 3 5 1 5 8 June 2 7 , 8 9 5 1 2 1 July 1 9 , 8 3 8 8 5 August 1 8 , 9 4 8 8 3 September 2 0 , 4 1 8 9 1 October 2 6 , 3 2 8 1 1 7 November 2 6 , 0 0 5 1 2 5 December 3 0 , 6 1 7 1 4 4 3 0 5 , 8 4 7 1 , 3 5 0 The highest monthly crop was harvested in M a y when the average yield for the estate was 1 5 8 lb per acre. Cash plucking and Sunday plucking was not resorted to on any single occasion during the year under review due to the large acreage of tea being uprooted for replanting. The quality o f leaf brough t into the factory was good throughout, and all teas fetched reasonably g o o d prices. Prices and Total Crop Sold: Total crop Gross price Nett price Year sold lb cents cents 1 9 6 2 2 8 5 , 7 9 4 2 6 8 2 2 3 1 9 6 1 2 9 2 , 8 7 0 2 6 8 2 2 0 I 9 6 0 . 3 2 0 , 5 2 1 2 7 0 2 2 5 These prices compared favourably with the high-grown average and with those o f neighbouring estates. T h e best invoices were:— Invoice No . Month Rs per lb • 2 January 3 . 5 0 6 February 3 . 8 6 7 March 3 . 8 0 Cost of Production: 1 9 6 2 1 9 6 1 1 9 6 0 Cost per lb Cost per lb Cost per lb cents cents cents Estimate . . . 1 5 6 1 6 5 1 7 3 Actual . . . 1 4 5 1 5 4 1 4 8 Profits on Estate Working: 1 9 6 2 . . . . . . Rs 2 3 3 , 6 1 9 1 9 6 1 . . . . . . Rs 2 2 0 , 1 9 8 1 9 6 0 . . . . . . Rs 2 6 6 , 7 8 3 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 9 Capital Expenditure: 1 9 6 2 1 9 6 1 1 9 6 0 Rs 1 3 0 , 9 0 2 . 4 3 cents per lb Rs 8 2 , 5 2 8 . 2 8 cents per lb Rs 1 4 9 , 9 6 7 . 4 7 cents per lb The main items of capital expenditure were:— Buildings Water supply to lines Rs Cts 2 , 4 9 7 . 0 0 2 3 , 4 6 6 . 0 0 New Clearings: 1 9 6 0 planting— 2 1 9 6 1 planting— 8 J 1 9 6 2 planting—15 1 9 6 3 p lant ing—14f 1 9 6 4 planting—15 acres 6 8 . 6 8 7 . 0 0 Ravines to be cleared Factory Furniture Factory Machinery Playground 3 , 1 0 0 . 5 1 3 0 , 3 6 7 . 0 0 7 2 5 . 0 0 2 , 0 6 0 . 0 0 Plucking.—7-8 day plucking rounds were maintained throughout the year and the standard of leaf harvested was always of fairly high quality. The average per plucker for the year was 3 0 lb compared with 2 5 lb in 1 9 6 1 and 2 7 lb in 1 9 6 0 . It is possible that the present system o f norms has had a good effect on pluckers. Estate Roads and Paths.—The usual routine maintenance of field roads, footpaths and estate roads was carried out. Terracing o f road side drains was done where necessary. Some work was also done on widening the road past the N o . 10 clonal area. A motorable road was cut through the 14B area and Field N o . 14B leading towards the new cadday. Fuel Clearings.—Routine maintenance work was carried out during the year. T h e main drain leading out o f the estate through Kowlahena estate to the main river was cleaned throughout its length and deepened wherever necessary. All subsidiary drains flowing into the main leader drain were cleaned out. Supplies of firewood were adequate and the demands of all estate and institute Staff were m e t Boundaries and Ravines.—All boundaries are in good order and were regularly cleaned and maintained throughout the year. Regular checks for weeds and cootch were maintained. Many small ravines were reclaimed during the year and were planted up with mana grass. Weeding.—The over-all cost o f weeding for the year was Rs 8/78 per acre. Weeding contracts continued to be popular. A regular monthly round was completed, 1 7 4 acres being weeded on contract and the remainder on estate account." All weeds were transported to a central compost shed and turned into compost. Weeds presented no problem during the year. 1 0 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 Pests and Diseases—Blister Blight:—Regular spraying rounds were carried out during the period under review, stopping only when favourable weather conditions prevailed. Mist-blowers were used throughout with 4 ounces of Colloidal copper in two gallons o f water per acre. This was increased to 6 ounces in all fields recovering from pruning. Scarlet and Yellow Mite: N o attacks of any severity were observed during the year. Tortrix: N o attacks of any severity were observed during the year. White Grub: N o infestations of any severity were observed during the year. Poria: Isolated Poria patches in Fields Nos. 3 and 4 received special attention during the year. Loranthus: All loranthus growing on grevilleas have been removed in all fields. Pruning: The following fields against each field:— No . 6 - 9 £ acres „ 1 1 - 1 7 „ , ) 1 - 6 i „ „ 14A - 11 „ „ 14B - 2J „ pruned during the months indicated . . . May-June . . . June-July - July . . . July-August . . . August were 46J acres All good w o o d was left and a medium prune carried out all over. In Field No . 1, the 1955-56 clonal planting (6^ acres) comprising Block Nos. 26, 28, 30, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 55, 56, and 59 were pruned in July, for the first time. All pruning and tipping was done on the slope and recovery, generally was good all over. Pruning began on the 17th May and the programme was completed on the 11th August. Supplying and Nurseries.—The nurseries in Fields No . 1 and 12 continued to be used by the Nematology Division for experimental purposes. The V .P . nursery in the gum clearing between Llan Thomas Field and Field No . 14A was used as the main nursery for St Coombs. Putting out cuttings in polythene bags for the following year's planting commenced in June. Altogether there are .101, 137 bags at 2 cuttings per bag, i.e. 1 0 1 , 1 3 7 potential plants comprising the following clones: Clone No . No . of plants T R I 7 7 7 1 9 , 6 9 7 T R I 2 0 2 2 6 , 5 0 0 T R I . 2 0 2 3 1 3 , 0 0 0 T R I 2 0 2 4 2 0 , 4 5 0 T R I . 2 0 2 5 2 2 , 0 1 0 T R I 2 0 2 6 6 , 5 0 0 T R I 2 0 2 7 6 , 4 8 0 T R I 2 0 3 9 3 , 8 6 0 T R I . 2 1 4 2 2 , 6 4 0 1 0 1 , 1 3 7 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 11 The polythene cylinders were filled with a soil mixture of one part tea fluff to five parts of sub-soil by volume, and shaded with woven coir matting. A n experiment is being carried out for the first time under tall shade firstly and polythene covers under this tall shade. Manure T.65 is applied at 1 oz/gal/sq.yd/fortnight, and is watered on. Mossing and Ferning.—Pruned fields were treated with "L imbux" to control moss and lichen @ l £ cwt per acre, using Birchmeir Senior Sprayers with N o . 2 lime-washing jets. Ferns were removed by weeding contractors and this method was found to be successful. Moss, lichen and ferns are well under control. Manuring.—The practice of applying T . 700 mixture on a "ratio basis" was changed in accordance with T .R . I , policy to "efficiency manuring" in June. In 1961, an average o f 140 lb of nitrogen per acre was applied. During 1962, it was decided to increase this to an average o f 170 lb o f nitrogen for 1962. O n individual fields, the increases were to vary up to 40 lb. Including the very heavily manured Field N o . 12, where an average of 184 lb per acre was applied. Only broadcasting of manure in both rows is done. The number of applications averaged four per field during the year. T h e area in Field N o . 10 reserved for clonal cuttings received five applica­ tions o f T . 200 mixture @ 2 ounces per plant. All fields pruned during the year received one application of dolomite against magnesium deficiency. T o p dressings o f ground dolomitic limestone were given at an application rate o f 400 lb per acre. Green Manure and Shade Trees.—All stunted Albizzia moluccatia trees in Field No . 14A were removed. L o w shade in the form o f dadaps and acacia pruinosa was lopped twice during the year and is well regulated. 2,100 gum plants have been planted in the swamp adjoining the nursery, interplanted with 720 grevillea plants and Sesbania plants. Cootch and Illuk.—Isolated patches o f cootch grass and illuk in all mature tea areas received attention during the year and are under control. New Clearings Field No. 1—1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1959 clonal planting.—TKt$e areas are receiving routine treatment. 1960 Clonal Planting-Blocks 8A and 8B—2 acres—Planted June 1960^4- Rehabilitation Period 3years.—Routine weeding and spraying was done. Manurr ing was done six times during the year, using T . 175 mixture @ 1 oz per plant per application. Drains were cleaned out, dadaps lopped twice during the year and boundaries and ravines were attended to. Some of the blocks handed back to the estate by the Physiology Division were not in good condi­ tion and 986 bed plants o f T R I 777 were put out in vacancies.. The entire area was thatched with broken down Guatemala grass and except for a few 1 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 vacancies, most plants are in good health. This area will be brought into revenue account in 1 9 6 3 . 1 9 6 1 Clonal Planting—Llan Thomas area 3-f acres.—Routine weeding and spraying was done. Manuring was done six times during the year using Sterameal ' A ' mixture @ 1 oz per plant per application. Drains were cleaned, dadaps lopped and all Tephrosia vogelli was uprooted. Sesbania in all the experimental blocks were removed on the instructions of the Agricultural Chemist. O f 24,248 plants put out in this area, 6 , 0 0 0 plants were in poly­ thene sleeves and the balance 18,248 were bed plants, the clone being T R I 2024. Regular thumb-nail pruning was carried out. Bed plants were put out in vacancies. Very light plucking at 2 4 in. after light cut across at this height was done. This clearing has filled up nicely and now shows signs o f good health, except for some weak patches in the centre o f the area. 1 4 B area—i\ acres.—Routine weeding and spraying was done. Manur­ ing was done six times during the year, using Sterameal ' A ' mixture @ 1 oz per plant per application. Drains were cleaned, dadaps lopped and all Tephrosia vogelli was uprooted. O f a total o f 2 8 , 8 4 1 plants put out, 3 , 0 0 0 plants of clone T R I 777 were in polythene sleeves and 1 5 , 8 4 1 o f the same clone were bed plants. The rest were made up of 1 0 , 0 0 0 bed plants, 5 , 0 0 0 each o f T R I 2024 and T R I 2025. Regular thumb-nail pruning was carried out. Bed plants were put out in vacancies, but there have been a number o f casualties, particularly in the experimental blocks. Very light plucking at 24 in. after a light cut across was done. 1 9 6 2 Clonal Planting—Field j\'o. 1—6J acres and Field j\"o. 8 — 8 i acres.—A final application of Guatemala grass mixture @ 5 cwt per acre was given in January. A part o f this area earmarked for replanting was taken over by the Physiology Division from the 3 | - ac re block in Field No . 8 and the grass in this experimental area was lopped instead of cutting to ground level. The rest of the area was cut to ground level during March in preparation for planting and we were at least a month behind field operations such as lining, holing and draining for a south-west monsoon planting. A second grass cutting was necessary to remove shoots which had sprouted subsequently. It is a mistake not to cut the Guatemala grass down to ground level, in late December or early January, in order that the drought may kill off the roots. Another part o f this area was taken over by the Nematology and Agronomy Divisions f o r experimental planting. Thus the actual acreage left over for commercial planting was 6 acres in Field No. 7 and 4 acres in Field No . 8 . All lining and pegging, wind-breaks, and shade-tree rows were marked out and planting operations commenced on 18th May. The planting distance was 4 ft x 1-| ft. All lateral drains were traced approximately 40 feet apart, wherever possible on a gradient o f 1' : 120'. Good progress was made in spite of a late start. In one block, approximately J acre in extent, 1 , 9 8 9 polythene bag plants were put out. This area will make an excellent multiplication plot. From 29th May onwards, 5,966 plants of clone D T 9 5 were put out. Weather conditions remained ideal for planting, except for a strong wind but precau­ tions were taken to guard against wind damage by using prunings to protect the young plants. There are five wind-breaks in the main body of this clear­ ing, two have been planted in V .P . clones 3 ft apart in the row, one each in Acacia decurrens, pruinosa and elata also 3 ft apart in the row. There are also green manure rows 25 feet apart and consist o f dadaps, Sesbania and grevillea grown in alternate rows. Regular spraying against Blister Blight was carried out, drains were re-cleaned, weeding done and the plants were manured in June, August, October and December, using Sterameal ' A ' @ 1 oz per plant over the whole area. . A full detail of the entire operation is given below: A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 13 M a y Planting Clone N o . N o . of Plants T R I 2 0 3 9 2 7 7 2 0 4 3 2 1 0 2 1 4 2 2 9 2 G M T 9 4 0 0 K 1 4 5 1 6 5 K 1 5 0 2 0 7 D K 8 1 5 3 D K 1 6 9 9 G L 4 8 7 7 G W 2 1 4 5 W 1 4 6 4 Total . . . 1 , 9 8 9 T R I June Planting D T 2 0 2 4 1 4 , 2 4 8 2 0 2 5 2 , 2 1 4 9 5 1 1 , 4 2 7 Total . . . 2 7 , 8 8 9 July Planting Clone No. No . of Plants T R I 2 0 2 6 7 8 2 2 0 2 5 7 , 4 3 7 2 0 2 4 3 , 6 0 6 2 0 2 3 2 , 1 1 8 1 1 1 4 2 , 6 3 9 7 7 7 4 , 0 5 7 7 7 7 - - 1 9 6 0 bed D T 1 plants 7 , 3 9 2 3 , 8 1 2 T R I 2 0 2 5 - - 1 9 6 0 bed W 3 plants for hedges.... 9 6 0 6 0 0 W 1 4 1 8 8 K 1 4 5 1 4 1 D K 1 1 , 0 9 2 D K 8 4 3 1 D K 1 9 1 , 4 3 4 H B D 4 0 3 Total . . . 3 6 , 1 3 2 14 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 August Planting T R I 2 0 2 4 5 5 7 2 0 2 5 6 3 2 0 4 3 7 0 2 0 7 5 1 9 3 ,, 2 0 7 9 2 9 6 ,, 2 1 4 5 1 6 5 G M T 9 2 3 9 D T 1 1 , 0 5 0 K 1 4 5 1 1 2 O K 1 2 3 2 O K 3 2 2 7 O K 4 2 3 0 Total . . . 3 , 4 3 4 September Planting T R I 2 0 2 4 3 , 2 0 0 > ) 1 1 1 4 1 2 0 3 ) 777- 4 0 0 D T 1 1 , 1 0 0 Total . . . 4,820 Grand Total . . . 74,264 All plants are growing well, with a few vacancies noticeable. Areas under Rehabilitation for replanting. 1963 Replanting—14f acres (Field No. 2 — a n d Field No. 7—6J acres).—Regular weeding was carried out and the Guatemala grass was lopped three times during the year at 14 in. above ground level. Loppings were quite substantial. The area was manured three times, i.e. after each cut at 4 cwt per acre per application, the manure being broadcast. 1 9 6 4 Replanting—15 acres in Field No. 3.—Uprooting by estate labour on contract began on 2nd October and was completed on 29th November. T h e Guatemala grass was planted 2 ft x 2 ft and the necessary terracing work in this area is in progress. 1965 Replanting—17£ acres in Field No. 3.—The balance in Field No . 3 , i.e. 17J acres excludes the 5^ acres of the N.P.K. experimental area. This area is due for uprooting in September 1 9 6 3 and until then, routine work such as weeding and manuring is to be carried out. Factory and Machinery.—The No . 1 Marshall's roller was dismantled, completely renovated and fitted in the new No. 5 position. A new 4 5 in. Walker's roller was erected in August and is working satisfactorily. Owing to the new factory extension the humidifying plant has been working in fits and starts and it has not been possible to use the fans at certain times. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 15 Messrs H . W . Hammond & Co. , made their annual inspection on the 14th of May and the recommendations contained in their report were carried out, except for repairs to Rollers Nos. 2 and 3, which are under way now. Several sample lengths of nylon netting have been installed in the lofts. One particular material known as " M y c l e " has been installed in one bank (19 tats) and spreading at 1 lb green leaf per 8 sq. ft is possible with a resulting good even wither. Manufacture.—Two types of manufacture were carried out during the year as follows:— A 4-roll programme, i.e. 4 rolls of 30 min. duration (120 min. rolling). Four periods of roll-breaking of 10 min. duration (40 min. roll-breaking) with 2£-3j hrs fermentation, charges every 50 min. Order o f firing 3,2,1,4, big bulk. A 5-roll programme, i.e. 1st roll—40 min., 2nd roll—35 min., 3rd roll— 30 min., 4th and 5th rolls—25 min. duration (155 min. rolling), 5 periods of roll-breaking of 10 min. duration (50 min. roll-breaking), with 2§-4J hrs fermentation, charges every 105 min. Order of firing 3,2,1,4,5, big bulk. The percentage of dhools obtained on the various programmes were as follows:— 4-roll 5-roll 1st dhool 12 15 2nd dhool 20 17 3rd dhool 31 19 4th dhool 34 26 5th dhool — 20 6th dhool — — Big bulk 2 2 99% 99% Grade Percentages 1962 1961 Broken Orange Pekoe 70.73 68.78 B.O.P. Fannings 8.87 8.14 Flowery Pekoe 2.01 2 .25 Fannings 6.00 6.31 Broken Pekoe 1.63 2.52 Broken Mixed 5.53 7.29 Dust 4.83 4.09 Experimental Teas . . . .40 .62 100 .00% 100.00% Out-turn of made tea to green leaf 2 3 . 4 0 % Labour.—During the year a few children over the age of 14 years were registered. All incoming brides were also registered. One male and three 16 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 female workers voluntarily retired during the year. Health was generally good and except for mild epidemics o f influenza, there were no large-scale outbreaks o f any kind. All children under 1 year were vaccinated against small-pox. T h e labour force co-operated reasonably well with the management throughout the year. There are two Unions on the estate, namely, the Ceylon Workers' Congress and the All Ceylon United Estate Workers' Union and Union rivalry was intense during family ceremonies. There was a major clash on one occasion, when some labourers were injured. The annual sami-kumbudu was held during the week-beginning 25th, 26th and 27th March. A Sports Meet for labourers children was held on Monday 26th March and was a success. Non-working M e n Women children Total Working labourers on estate as at 31st December, 1962 . . . 2 5 5 240 — 495 Non-working labourers (Pensioners) . . . 23 21 — 44 Total estate population 287 264 521 1,072 Working labourers numbered 1.65 per cultivated acre and the percentage of out-turn was 83%. 27.89% of all labour employed was used by the Insti­ tute for experimental work. During the year four families consisting of one pensioner, ten workers and seven non-working children retired to India. Some other families are also interested in immediate repatriation. Much corres­ pondence has to be entered into by the Superintendent and the interested party and a considerable time ensues before repatriation moves are completed. Buildings and Lines.—The total number of units, all up to Government standard, is 38 sets or 217 rooms. The number of workers per room is 2.28 and the number of souls per room is 4.94. During the year annual white-washing was carried out and all necessary minor repairs completed. One cattle shed in the upper colony was re-roofed. There are at present 51 herd of cattle and 103 goats on the estate. Once again the fly nuisance was fully controlled by sanitary methods and by regular spraying carried out under the supervision of Mr J. E. Cranham, Entomologist, and his staff, to whom a vote of thanks is due for the able man­ ner in which this was controlled throughout the year. All minor buildings on the estate are in a satisfactory condition. Playground.—A centre pitch for use with a coir matting cover has been completed and is now ready for use. Visiting Agent.—Mr Alexander Mackie visited the estate on two occasions during the year on 19th March and 26th November. Clonal Blocks.—During the year the industry's needs for clonal cuttings were met as far as possible. Altogether 2,038,975 cuttings were sold to estates A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 17 all over the island. In the case o f estates in close proximity to St Coombs, collection by lorry, van or car was made. A large number of cuttings, however, were despatched by rail packed in polythene bags and open crates. Cart Roads.—Further work was carried out on existing road surfaces and on the construction o f new roads. Mexphalte 80/100 was used as a road sur­ face, by applying this hot bitumen on all badly cracked surfaces and spreading by squeegee. Coarse river sand was used for blinding. This work should continue for the next few years. Further cracking appears to have taken place and only constant attention can arrest complete deterioration, which will other­ wise involve considerable expenditure. The following new roads were completed during the year: 1. road from old cadday to Maternity Ward and Dispensary (Scott's St .) ; 2. road to Director's and T . R . I . Garages; 3. road to reservoir bungalow and filtration plant approach road (Reservoir R o a d ) ; 4. new Junior staff bungalows circular road (Scott's Street); 5. Mattakelle-Cairness outlet road. All new roads completed in 1962 will have to be further consolidated by applying a second coat of colas early in the 1963 season. Sign boards were painted, guard stones, bridges and culverts received close attention and all necessary repairs were carried out. T h e Superintendent took over care and maintenance of all cart roads two years ago from the Engineering Division and it has been arranged that this work be handed back to the Factory. Factory Extension.—The Colombo Commercial C o . Ltd., was given the contract to build the factory extension to house the withering trough and the withering drum. Foundation earth cutting began in early June and the Superintendent has supervised all work in connection with this extension, which is now complete, except for painting and a few finishing details. Satis­ factory progress has been made on the building. General.—During the year, the Ceylon Fire Insurance Association's Inspector visited the factory for factory inspection and sprinkler installation surveys as follows: 12 March, 4th April, 23rd May, 18th July and 26th October. The year under review has been a very satisfactory one. The yield o f 1,350 lb per acre has been the highest to date and the prices obtained have compared very favourably with those of other estates in the district. Given favourable weather conditions, we look forward to a good season in 1963. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS — ST COOMBS (Laboratory Gauges) 1962 TEMPERATURE °F RAIN FALL RAINY DAYS SUNSHINE M O N T H M ea n . M ax im um D iff er en ce fr om A ve ra ge (2 5 Y ea rs ) M ea n M in im um D if fe re nc e fr om | A ve ra ge (2 5 Y ea rs ) j A do pt ed M ea n M ea n o n G ra ss M ea n R el at iv e H um id iit y In ch es D iff er en ce fr cm A ve ra ge (2 5 Y ea rs ) D ay s D iff er en ce fr om A ve ra ge (2 5 Y ea rs ) H ou rs D if fe re nc e fr om j A ve ra ge (2 5 Y ea rs i January 72.4 •— 1.7 56.7 + 1.0 64.5 54.2 80 2.48 — 1.12 12 + 1.0 169.10 — 23.60 February 74.5 — 1.8 56.4 + 1.8 65.5 52.3 73 1.93 —0.42 4 — 4.0 203.60 — 7.08 March 74.5 — 3.2 55.5 — 65.0 50.5 71 3.45 — 1.0S 6 — 6.0 221.70 — 11.31 April 75.0 — 2.4 57.6 — 0.2 66.3 55.5 80 6.91 + 0 . 5 4 16 — 194.20 — 2.24 May 72.5 + 0.1 59.8 + 0.1 66.2 57.8 92 16.45 + 5 . 1 7 19 + 1.0 93.90 — 70.10 June 72.5 + 1.9 57.0 — 3.4 64.8 56.2 92 3.24 —9.86 10 —16.0 270.10 + 178.06 July 69.9 — 0.3 57.3 — 2.2 63.6 53.1 94 11.37 —0.37 19 — 7.0 92.70 — 12.49 August 71.1 + 0.1 56.9 — 2.3 64.0 50.2 92 7.89 —1.53 19 — 6.0 132.50 + 18.34 September 71.2 — 1.0 57.1 — 1.1 64.2 50.7 94 7.64 —0.73 13 — 8.0 94.40 — 45.92 October 71.2 — 1.9 56.2 — 1.5 63.7 52.1 94 10.28 + 0 . 5 9 24 + 2.0 91.80 — 57.56 November 72.9 — 0.6 55.2 — 1.9 64.0 51.6 86 4.23 —3.19 10 — 9.0 149.60 — 11.92 December 74.2 + 0.7 55.4 — 0.7 64.8 51.9 86 1.47 —3.17 8 — 7.0 186.90 + 17.67 72.6 — 0.84 56.7 — 0.86 64.7 53.0 86 77.34 —15.18 160 —59 1900.50 — 28.15 a: c > f w •a a H O. OS-. MEANS TOTALS REPORT OF THE CHIEF ADVISORY OFFICER FOR 1962 G. B. Foster-Barham, M . A : 1. Correspondence and Visits—Replies were given in answer to 2,129 letters during the year, and 434 more letters were answered than in 1961. The total number of estates corresponding was 469, which is 4 5 . 1 % o f the number listed in Ferguson's Directory for 1962. The percentage increase was about 2 % over 1961. In addition there were 356 enquiries from non-estate sources, under the following headings:— Educational Establishments Research Institutes and stations other than T .R . I , sub-stations . . . T . R . I . Sub-stations Government Departments . . . Agencies Private Individuals in Ceylon including persons in mercantile business, commerce and in schools Ditto from abroad, including U .K . , India, U.S.A. , New Zealand, Indonesia and Southern Rhodesia Visits were made to 165 estates during the year, these having increased by 64 over the number visited in 1961. The general increase in the turn-over of work carried out by the Advisory Division during the year was due mainly to the extra correspondence received in connection with manuring in consequence o f the introduction of a new fertilizer policy; also to the problem o f survival o f V .P . tea under drought condition in Uva , and last years expansion in Advisory staff, three o f whom have been available at headquarters for advisory work o f a generally routine nature which has included estates visits, while two have been engaged in special investigations which are referred to later in this report. Other Divisions of the Institute have dealt with special correspondence and have made estate visits in connection with their own particular lines o f research, which are not included here. 2. Soil and Plant Specimens from Estates—310 estates reported troubles o f numerous different kinds, involving a total o f about 900 separate letters, and 474 soil samples were tested for p H . Colombo Firms continue to deal with by far the greater bulk o f soil samples for routine analysis. 2.1. Nature of Enquiries—General Considerations.—A classified enumeration of the various troubles diagnosed in specimens sent and other enquiries made during any particular year by a sample number of estates does not reflect anywhere near on the real extent of these conditions generally throughout the total number o f Tea estates in Ceylon, as there are obviously many estates who d o not always notify the Institute, also conditions which ,may escape notice or are of insufficient concern, and others already familiar. The sample itself may nevertheless serve as a pointer to those particular troubles which are of sufficient concern or interest to the estate to lead to its seeking Institute advice. In this connection, it appears that those particular pests, diseases or other troubles with which the Planter becomes in time entirely 46 18 32 54 62 132 12 19 20 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R i$6i familiar, becomes progressively less frequently notified or enquired about, the best known and most obvious illustrations of this being Blister-Blight, the methods of controlling which are now widely known. Completely on the opposite side of this are the extremely small minority cases where an estate submits specimens or the same enquiry over a period of time again and again and always receives exactly the same answer. In the latter case, it seems as if there is either possible inability to recognise what should have eventually become familiar symptoms, in the case o f specimens, possibly no confidence except in the authority o f the Institute, or merely a need for repeated re­ assurance. From time to time also, certain problems achieve greater promin- ance than others either because new systems are introduced, new approaches towards dealing with particular problems are published, side-effects may be produced following the introduction of recently adopted chemical compounds, or an outbreak of some particular pest or disease occurs. In the case o f V.P . , a gradually increasing acreage of a homogenous as opposed to heterogenous type of tea, introduces in time attendant problems associated with the suscept­ ibility of certain clones to various kinds o f pests, diseases and deficiencies. The advantages o f high yield or excellent quality may be offset by certain disadvantages in other spheres applicable either generally or only to certain localities, and allied with this type of problem there are not only considerations o f experimentation which brings sometimes spectacular results, the general adoption o f a new method before it has been completely tested and questions of policy, but also chiefly the desire for still higher yields and better quality in order to balance the economy in the face of rising costs. While research aims to tip the balance onto the side of as many possible gains, there are invariably the problems which come to the forefront of attention during the initial stages of searching for solutions. T o what extent the attention of the planting community is drawn towards current problems depends largely on the extent of publicity and subsequent concern felt in responsible quarters. As a reflection in the light of these foregoing observations, the extent o f the response from estate sources during 1962 and subject to sampling limitations appears to have been as follows:— 3. Fungal Diseases 3 .1. Poria hypolateria the most frequently reported fungal disease in 1962 appears, as in 1961, to have been again Poria hypolateria. This was reported from 37 estates in 21 different districts and included 10 estates in Dimbulla district. Fumigation against Poria, although it has not yet achieved the status o f being officially recommended by the Institute, has appeared to give some promising results for a lower cost per acre than control by conventional methods in present practice. A number o f estates with Poria troubles have adopted the fumigation technique experimentally and in 1962, 17 estates are known to have applied to the Institute for information in writing. 3.2. Rosselinia arcuata was reported from 20 estates in 9 districts with the greatest number of estates (5) in Haputale district. 3.3. Ustulina deusta (or Zonata) was reported from 23 estates 13 districts with greatest number (4) in each o f Haputale and Badulla districts. 3.4. Forms noxius was reported from 17 estates in 9 districts including 7 estates in Badulla district. 3.5. Leptothyrium theae was reported from 11 estates in 4 districts. This included 4 estates in each of Haputale and Udapussellawa, 2 in Welimada and 1 in Hewaheta Upper district. This particular disease, although it has caused some concern which has spread beyond the bounds of the particular estates which were affected, on account o f its having been found attacking A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R ld62 Clone T R I 2024 in particular, is not nearly as widespread or as common as may be believedj nor have the local outbreaks amongst Clone T R I 2024, which were reported in 1962, in fact spread elsewhere to anything like a degree which could be classed as alarming or potentially dangerous. About 36 years of records kept at the T R I have been examined in regard to the distribution o f this disease, and this has elucidated the information that occurrence is commonest at around 5,000 feet elevation and above, under conditions o f mist, damp and strong winds persisting at certain times of the year, while less frequent cases may be found down to about 4,000 feet. It is therefore a disease which would never be likely to become of any major concern except in the high country, should further outbreak occur, and it is likely that if it did, it would remain confined locally to particular areas only where climatic conditions are conducive to infection. Within such local areas, there is always o f course a potential chance o f infection and the latest methods suggested by the Institute for dealing with this disease have now been published in the Tea Quarterly for September, 1962. It is o f interest to record that in actual fact the amount of concern which reports of clone T R I 2024 having been attacked aroused during 1962, was comparatively small and the extent o f correspondence entered into as a result o f general enquires from sources excluding the particular estates that were concerned amounted, as far as the Advisory Division were concerned, to 5 other estates and 3 Agency Houses. 3.6. Rhizoctonia solani the black spot disease of young tea plants, conti­ nued to be a problem in the low country on many estates. Experiments on the concentration and frequency of copper spraying to control the above disease is still in progress and a definite recommendation will be made in due course. 3.7. All other fungal diseases in which examination of specimens was involved, were reported from less than 10 estates who were concerned in each particular case. 4 . Yellowing and inter-venal chlorosis of leaves in Gliricidia maculata. This condition was noticed on 4 estates in the low-country. Laboratory investigations did not reveal any plant pathogen connected with this condition. Affected trees were lopped, and the new growth was found to be free of such symptom expression. The above condition is probably due to a physiological condition which the trees overcome in due course. 5. Deficiencies in Chemical Nutrients. 5 .1. Zinc.—Examination of leaf specimens received and also examination of bushes in the field made during estate visits, enabled confirmation o f the presence of this particular deficiency to be given, up to the end of 1962, in respect of 34 estates from the 1st of January, and the districts in which these estates were situated were as follows:—Udapussellawa, Pundaluoya, Dickoya and Dickoya Lower, Kelani Valley, Madulsima, Matale East, Passara, Morawak Korale, Matara, Pussellawa, Wattegama, Ramboda , Galle, Mede- Mahanuwara, Rakwana, Ratnapura, Dimbula, Haputale and Badulla. Further examinations, not reported here, have been carried out by the Agri­ cultural Chemistry Division and may no doubt widen this distribution. A great deal more information is required yet before any idea can be gained as to how common this deficiency is, and it will probably never be fully known as there are to date many estates who have taken up routine spraying with Zinc Sulphate on a general estate scale with or without advice from the Institute. The symptoms of Zinc deficiency in tea have only recently been recognized and publicized, and have in consequence rapidly become a major topic. Experimentation on estates has featured largely as it inevitably does when something new has been discovered, and mistblowers combining both Zinc and Copper spraying, as well as Urea and Epsom salts where indicated, 22 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R mi have enabled larger acreages to be covered at cheaper rates than permitted by higher volume spraying within the same time. In addition to the leaf specimen examinations noted above, there were 41 further enquiries on this subject. These were mostly of a general nature which covered the subject as a whole, but some were of a more specific nature covering such particular questions as effects on quality of manufactured leaf, cost o f application, effect on yield, maximum safe concentration of the spray solution, and whether spraying in particular cases was really justified or not. Enquiries came from estates in the following additional districts which are not mentioned above:—Hewaheta Upper and Lower, Maskeliya, Kelebokke, Nuwara Eliya, Balangoda, Nilambe, Welimada and Kalutara. 5.2. Magnesium.—This particular deficiency was diagnosed in specimens sent by, and also on visits made to, 33 estates altogether. Most frequent cases occurred in Dickoya (7 estates) and Dimbula districts (5 estates, ) while other districts involved included Dolosbage, Pundaluoya, Kelani Valley, Hantane, Hunasgiriya, Knuckles, Pussellawa, Maturata, Ramboda , Kegalle, Medemahanuwara, Haputale, Maskeliya and Badulla. Other enquiries about Magnesium numbered 52 altogether. Prominent amongst these has been a rising tendency amongst estates and other sources, during 1962, to consider the relative merits of and indications for use o f Dolo­ mite, Kieserite and Epsom salts either as ground applications, or as sprays where practicable. Although the objective is to cure or to guard against Magnesium deficiency, the means of achieving this objective economically and expeditiously has remained much in dispute and it has also not remained unallied with to a certain extent commercial interests as there have been also considerations of straight and separate application in the case of Dolomite which costs far less per unit weight, admixture of Kieserite with N P K standard mixtures, and compatibility of Epsom salts with Copper, Zinc and Urea sprays. Advice to date is based on consideration of the following questions:— (a) " H o w urgently necessary is it to achieve a cure for a particular case of Magnesium deficiency on a particular estate?" (b) " H o w serious or wide­ spread is this deficiency in the particular estate or area in question?" (c) "What is the least expensive form and method o f Magnesium fertilizer application which should be used under the particular circumstances in question?" Estates will be in a better position to judge the economics of these questions for themselves as there is no Economics Division at the Insti­ tute which at present can assist in this respect. For the sake of the tea and its performance however it seems best to use the more soluble forms if the condi­ tion is serious or a more rapid cure is desired, and the less soluble cheaper form if there is no particular urgency, if it is merely a question o f preventative treatment, or if perhaps finances d o not permit. Views may however change in the future if ever spraying of Epsom salts comes into more widespread routine usage with increasing adoption of the mistblower. A few enquiries are already being made in this direction, but it is not possible at the moment to say to what extent the adoption o f Epsom salts spraying may be likely to become a substitute for present conventional methods o f applying Magnesium if it ever should become a substitute at all. 5.3. Nitrogen.—Diagnoses of this deficiency were made in respect of 20 estates situated in the following districts:—Dickoya, Kelani Valley, Hunas­ giriya, Morawak Korale, Hewaheta Upper, Pussellawa, Ramboda, Kalutara, Galle, Dimbula, Maskeliya and Badulla, the condition being commoner on V .P . than seedling tea, notably in V .P . nurseries and early stages in clearings. 5.4. Other deficiencies diagnosed involved less than 10 estates in each case, namely, Boron (7 estates), and Potassium (8 estates) only. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 5 2 6. Pests 6.1. Tortrix.—Outbreaks of this were notified by a total o f 48 estates during 1962, and 23 districts were involved. The districts were Udapussellawa (3) , Dolosbage (1) , Kelebokka (1) , Pundaluoya (1) , Dickoya and Dickoya Lower (5 ) , Ratnapura (3 ) , Kelani Valley (2 ) , Matale South (1 ) , Nilambe (2) , Kadugannawa (1) , Hunasgiriya (1) , Passara (1) , Pussellawa (2) , Maturata (1) , Ramboda (1 ) , Kalutara (1) , Medemahanuwara (1) , Rakwana Kl), Dimbula (10) , Haputale (1) , Maskeliya (3) and Badulla (5 ) . In addition 17 estates made general enquiries. 6.2. Shot-hole Borer.—28 estates in 20 different districts only notified this pest, and not more than 20 applied for general information or asked specific questions. This appears likely to be due to increasingly widespread know­ ledge about the pest and the effectiveness of Dieldrin. The Tortrix side-effect however still gives some matter for concern and alternative chemicals that d o not produce a side-effect have been sought. In this particular respect, Te lo- drin and Aldrin which appear promising, are being investigated by the Entomology Division. 6.3. Mites.—Yellow Mite was reported in respect of 23 estates, Red spider 20, Scarlet Mite 12 and Purple Mi te 3, amongst specimens received at the Institute. 23 districts were involved. A t best, this gives only a very rough indication of the relative frequency of occurrence o f each Mite species in a very small sample where attacks were evidently o f sufficient concern to the estates concerned to warrant their seeking advice. 6.4. Other pests reported included the following: Figures given in brackets are in respect of numbers of estates in each case. Meadow Eelworm (23) , Root-knot Eelworm (7), Thrips (14), White Grub (various species) (12) , Scale Insects (various species) (12) , Red Borer (10) , Mealy Bug (10) and Aphis (8) . All other remaining reported cases involved less than 7 estates in every instance. 7. Physical and Cultural Conditions 7.1. V.P. nurseries.—The most commonly diagnosed class of trouble, un­ der this category, was that where cuttings either failed to callus, overcallussed without putting out any or very little root growth or rotted due to either use of unsuitable textured soil, impeded drainage, overwatering or unsuitable microclimate. 38 estates were reported as having had trouble of this kind from one or more o f these particular causes. In the majority o f cases, soils of too clayey a texture had been used or drainage outlet from polythene bags had been insufficiently provided for. O n certain estates, the problem o f securing a suitably textured soil is a very difficult one to solve and periods of heavy rainfall during the Monsoon may aggravate the problem if the soil crumb-structure breaks down and the pore-spaces becomes filled with water. Estates with this particular problem may possibly find that they can grow successful cuttings in a not too clayey textured soil if they can prevent this break-down and saturation and maintain an air-filled crumb-structure intact as nearly as possible as originally filled into the bag or container without undue compressing. This would involve ensuring that there is an efficient drainage outlet and in some cases resting the bases of the bags on a sand­ wiched layer o f small stone or coarse road metal, particularly if the nursery bed foundation is itself clayey, and the provision of an impermeable cover for temporary use during adverse weather. Such a cover might be placed over the normal shade protection, but it would need removal in dry weather, and particularly in hot sunny weather if the underneath temperature is not fo become excessive. Avoidance of excessive watering would also be an A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 essential. There is probably a critical degree of clayeyness in a nursery soil beyond which conditions become impossible, and in any case the difficulty may not possibly be solved except by the most skilful supervision and labour and by constant attention. Fortunately a problem o f this particular kind is in the minority. 7.2. Other relatively common types o f cases included Die-back and W o o d R o t (30 estates), Collar rot in clearings (23 estates), Starch deficiency (17 estates), Manure Scorch (15 estates), Shallow rooting (13 estates), and Wind damage (10 estates). Here again, this is within sampling limitation only, but may possibly indicate relative commonness o f reporting. This does not include cases o f drought damage, which during 1962, was o f particular concern to estates in Uva. This has been a particular problem deserving close attention, and a resume o f the first findings resulting from a preliminary survey questionnaire sent to a selected sample of Uva Estates is reported on later. 8. Doubtful causes, unidentified causes and unsuitable specimens. Although there are many cases where the cause of a particular trouble escapes diagnosis completely, or the answer is simply not known, in spite o f all available information supplied, there are still quite a number of letters received from estates in which information that could be o f much material assistance is either limited or entirely lacking. Specimens may arrive also in unsuitable condition for diagnosis and in some cases can't be replaced. The importance of choice of representative specimens which are not too dry or far gone, their careful and proper packing, and trouble in providing as much information as possible which may give valuable clues to die answer, cannot be overstressed. In 1962, specimens from 51 estates were classed as suspect or probable in respect of the particular likely cause or causes; those from 69 estates were classed as unknowns or undetermined cases (some being subse­ quently diagnosed accurately), and those from 23 estates had to be classed as rejects owing to unsuitable condition of specimens on arrival. 9. General Enquiries (excluding specimen examinations) 9.1. Fertilizer application, Fertilizer chemicals and Fertilizer Policy.—A total of 174 estates made enquiries during the year on this subject, and 73 of these sought and were given advice on the new fertilizer policy after sending in yield and fertilizer data and other information, and in the majority of cases after personal consultation at the Institute. Information in regard to the recommended change-over from Nitrogen ratio application to the new system, and the reasons for discontinuing the ratio method have been published in the 1961 Annual Report (pages 59 to 61) and the Tea Quarterly dated September, 1962 (pages 122 to 133). The numbers of enquiries received under the above general heading were as follows:— No. of Subject Enquiries General Estate fertilizer policy 170 Zinc . General information 41 Magnesium. General information 52 Boron. General information 16 No. of Subject Enquiries Approval of fertilizer and mixtures 21 Composition of and percent o f nutrients in fertilizer and fertilizer mixtures . . . 13 Urea 6 Granulae fertilizer . . . 2 Others . . . 42 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 9.2. Vegetative Propagation and V.P. Tea. (i) 82 enquiries, referring to matters of general technique, the suitability o f various clones for different localities, and on approved and approval o f clones were received on this subject. This does not include specific manuring aspects nor the analysis of soils for p H and examination for texture, nor the examination o f V .P . plant specimens. (ii) V.P. Tea and Drought in Uva..—In Uva, during 1962, drought conditions in the dry months in many areas were worse than usual, and V.P . tea on several estates was reported to have suffered particularly badly. Con­ siderable concern was expressed by the worst hit estates at the time. Accord­ ingly a circular letter was sent out in September to a selected sample o f 57 Uva estates, requesting information in regard to in which particular years plantings were carried out and if these had been successful. I f not, what was the reason, and which particular year's plantings were unsuccessful. This yielded 40 replies, amongst which there was a total population of 137 clonal clearings planted in the years 1955 to 1961, inclusive. O n an estate basis, 14 reported all round success throughout these years, 16 reported wilting and die-back without serious effects, and 10 reported serious casualties. Amongst these, the proportion of clearings was 61 (45%) all round successful, 52 ( 3 8 % ) affected, but not seriously, and 24 (17%) with serious casualties. The localities o f these particular clearings could not be mapped precisely as at this prelimi­ nary stage of the enquiry the exact situations had not been called for, but it was possible to obtain a broad picture as it appeared from the sample with­ out introducing undue mapping error as most estates or groups occupy a self contained area and separate divisions usually neighbour one upon the other. It appeared from the map that there was a tendency for a greater amount of successes with clearings, according to this sample, to occur in regions around the eastern, south-eastern and southern general perimeter o f Uva , that is to say in regions situated in Passara, Namunukula and Haputale districts, while there was a tendency for reports of less successful clearings and those with higher casualty numbers to be situated in more central and northern parts and Uva , i.e. in regions around Welimada, Ella, Hali-ela, Demodera, Badulla, Ledgerwatte and Kirklees areas. There were, o f course, exceptions. Altitude above sea level and rainfall distribution appeared to have some effect, with higher percentage of casualties at the lower altitudes, and also in some cases with poor rainfall distribution in spite of relatively high annual rainfall. These factors, and others related to the problem, were discussed at the Uva Planters' Association meeting held in Badulla on the 3rd o f October, which four officers of the Institute, including the Director, attended, and a full report o f proceedings will be appearing in the Tea Quarterly. In the meanwhile, it has been planned to carry out as full an investigation as possible into the problem. It has been decided that the method adopted will follow the principle o f sequential analysis in which positive or negative replies to certain major groups of questions asked initially are differentially classified, and according to which classification these primary answers come under further questions are asked which pursue important aspects into final details. This process eliminates a good many factors which may not apply in certain cases, and reduces the work of supplying information and of analysis appreciably. 9.3. Weed Control and Arboricides.—40 enquiries on this subject were rece­ ived during the year, 23 of which came from estates and the remainder from other sources comprising mainly commercial companies and agency houses. These ranged from enquiries in regard to general information on weed con­ trol in tea to specific enquiries about chemicals including Simazine, Fer- noxone, Sovicide, Dowpon, Unipon, Gramevin, Stam F-34, D . C . M . U . 26 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 Karmex, Diuron, Trioxone, Atratone and Sodium Arsenite. Owing to more pressing problems, the Institute has not carried weed control trials for a few years, (the last results being published in the 1960 Annual Report , pages 81 and 82), but, the problem has emerged again as one which has drawn deser­ ving attention, and a special committee now exists to examine the whole question. It is likely that the Institute will resume trials with new chemi­ cals which have since appeared in production. 9.4. Advisory Literature and Leaflets.—Other than leaflets wich were sent out in the normal course o f events to estates which request diagnoses o f diseases pests and other conditions, and which run into appreciable numbers, there were 126 other written requests from various sources including Government Departments, Agencies, Commercial Companies, Educational Establishments Private Individuals and elsewhere. Most of these included requests for a complete set o f leaflets, while others were specific in nature. Use of these were made in some cases at exhibitions organized mostly by colleges and schools, and also for technical classes and for private study. There were also 27 postal applicants for R . L . Illangakoons booklet on Tea Cultivation and several more copies were acquired by Visitors in person. 9.5. Other General Enquiries (excluding specimen examinations and estate visits).—Remaining numbers o f general enquiries not yet mentioned included the following:—Shot-hole Borer, general information (23), Eelworm, general information (17), Tea seed-bearers, tea-seed storage and supply (20) , Cultiva­ tions, cultivation implements and cultivation technique (14), Rhizoctonia solani (13) , Blister-blight (12) , Mites (12) , Rehabilitation, re-supplying and replanting (11), Ground and bush covers (10) , Suitability o f land for tea- planting (9) , Pruning and P ucking (9) , p H critical limits for tea and methods o f reducing p H (8) , Requests for Eelworm analysis of soils diverted to Colombo Firms (8 ) , White-Grub (7) , Termites and other ant species (6) , Approved chemicals other than fertilizers (5) , Mossing and Ferning (5) , p H analysis, technique and apparatus (4 ) , Bacterial stripe disease of Guatemala Grass (4) , Bringing into bearing (4 ) , Die-back and W o o d R o t (5) , Control of Leeches (3 ) , Amphichaeta Disease of Grevilleas (3 ) , Scale insects and Sooty mould limgus (3 ) , and Leaf-hoppers, leaf-suckers and leaf-miners (2) . There were also 98 miscellaneous additional enquiries dealing with varied further subjects. 10. Plant Tissue Analysis Work was begun during the year by Mr . L. M . de W . Tillekeratne in implementing a programme for the use of plant tissue analysis as a guide to fertilizer use, in co-operation with the Agronomy and Plant Physiology Divi­ sions. Selection of the shade experiment in No . 1 field, St Coombs, and also a similar shade experiment at Palm Garden, Ratnapura, was made with the initial objective of finding a sensitive tissue which would give an indication o f the nutrient status of the bush at the time o f sampling, sampling to be carried out at monthly intervals. Five leaves from a pluckable shoot were selected. The initial sampling, drying, grinding and packing of the dried samples was done by M r Tillekeratne with the help of the Agronomy and Plant Physiology Divisions. After this initial sampling, it was possible to formulate a detailed programme for this work, which was then carried on by the Agronomy Divi­ sion. Assistance with the chemical work of analysis has also been given by Dr Kenworthy of Michigan State University whose help is gratefully acknow­ ledged. 11. Exhibitions and Shows The Advisory Division, in co-operation with the Ceylon Tea Propaganda Board, Tea Control Department, and other Divisions of the Institute, organized A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 27 exhibits on various aspects of tea cultivation at the exhibition held in the last week in July by Dharmaraja College, Kandy. Exhibits and photographs were also lent to other colleges and schools which held exhibitions, including Rahula College, Matara and Jaffna College. The assistance of all concerned in providing material for and helping in these exhibitions is gratefully acknow­ ledged. 12. Visit to South Indian Tea Area Mr. J. V . Sabanayagam of the Advisory Division and Dr D . Mulder the Plant Pathologist visited the Tea Experimental Stations of the U.P.A.S.I . in Coonoor and Devorshola and some tea estates in the Mysore District in early April, with particular reference to the Plant Pathological problems in the South Indian Tea areas. The most important problem in the North eastern Hills of Mysore State are the severe root diseases in seedling tea. Red R o o t disease (Poria hypola- teritia, Berk) and Brown root disease (Fomes noxious, Corner) occurred on a fairly widespread scale at all stages of infection. The other problem that is worthy of mention in the Mysore District is the extremes of climatic conditions which are of a continental nature. The drought is so severe and prolonged that the establishment o f clonal material or even seedlings in small areas between seedling tea poses a difficult problem. This is of great importance in connection with the control of root diseases and the replanting of small cleaned patches after treatment. O n the other hand once the rains start, they can be so heavy that tremendous damage is done by earthslips and floods. 13. Staff N o staff changes took place during the year. REPORT OF THE LOW-COUNTRY ADVISER FOR 1962 A. W . R . Joachim, O.B.E., Ph.D., F.R.I .C. , Dip. (Agric.) General.—Concentrated attention was devoted to matters relating to the development o f the Low-country Station on St. Joachim estate. The main lines of activity were the planning o f the laboratory, factory, and quarters for the staff, and the construction of bungalows needed for estate staff. Ques­ tions relating to the water and electrical supply and the installation o f a tele­ phone system also received due consideration and satisfactory arrangements were made in connection with them. Tenders were called for all buildings other than the factory towards the end o f the year, and a start will be made with their construction early in 1963. The levelling o f building sites by bulldozer was given out on contract and considerable progress has been made with this work. A plan o f the factory prepared by Messrs Walker Sons, Ltd. on the lines indicated by the Low-country Committee and the Technologist o f the Insti­ tute was selected by the Committee from those submitted by the chief engineer­ ing firms concerned with this type of work. Our Consulting Engineers are drawing up the necessary specifications and tenders will be called for the structure in a month or two. St Joachim estate continued under the management of the Agents o f Messrs Saffragam Rubber & Tea C o . o f Ceylon Ltd. (Messrs George Steuart & C o . , Ltd.) during the year. M r C . Andrews was appointed Superintendent o f the estate and will assume duties early in January, 1963. The construction of four estate staff quarters was completed by July, thanks to the efforts o f Messrs B. Cocking and H . D . Ross who, with the Director and the Low-country Adviser, then constituted the Low-country Buildings Committee. Dr L . H . Fernando was appointed Agronomist to the Low-country Station and will assume duties at the beginning o f January, 1963. The following staff changes were made during the year: Messrs U . L. M . de Silva and J. I. H . Bandaranayake, Technical Assistants, were transferred to Ratna- pura from Kandy and Endane on 1st January, 1962 and 1st June, 1962 respec­ tively. M r R . I. Pereira was appointed Chief Clerk from 1st November, 1962. Visitors to the Division included Dr S. C. Pearce, Statistician of the East Mailing Horticultural Research Station, U .K . , and Prof. H . S. Raeburn Prof, o f Agricultural Economics, University of Aberdeen. I acted for the Director from 11th M a y to 18th June and served as a member o f the National Education Commission till it concluded its work in July. Advisory and Extension Activities.—The number of letters sent, during the year was 1,715, an excess of 167 over that of last year. 27 meetings were attended including among others, 8 meetings of Low-country Planters' Dis­ trict Associations at which addresses were given, 8 o f the Low-country Buildings Committee, 4 of the Experimental & Estates Committee, and 4 of the Low- country Committee. The number of visits to estates, V .P . nurseries and Government colonization schemes by the staff for advisory purposes was 67. Apart from this, regular visits were made to Palmgarden and Endane estates and Kottawa Clonal Sub-station in connection with experimental and adminis­ trative work. Among the Government schemes reported on was a tea coloni­ zation scheme for the north-westexn part of the Hambantota District. The 28 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 29 prospects for a small-scale tea industry here appeared fairly good. Some attention was directed during the year, in collaboration with the Chief Advisory Officer and the Vegetative Propagation Officer, to the question of tea seed supplies to colonization schemes in the Matara, Galle and Hambantota Districts. In all the cases investigated the tea consignments supplied appeared to contain, a proportion of mixed China-Assam jat seed. The question of the indetification o f China characteristics in tea seed from recognised sources would appear to justify a practical investigation. The number o f soil and plant samples received for examination was 70. This included 58 samples of soil for p H estimation and textural classification. The number o f visitors to the office for technical advice continues to increase. The Division advised on the layout of simple experimental trials relating to manuring, micro-nutrient deficiencies and soil rehabilitation. Kottawa V. P. Station.—Mr K. H. G. Gunapala continued to be the Officer-in-charge of the sub-station during the year and is mainly respon­ sible for the efficient development of the unit in such a comparatively short period. The building programme of the Station was completed during the year except for the nursery shed. The entire area was fenced with barbed wire and only the metalling of the road remains to be done. 14 acres of land have been put under crop and a start made on the remaining 11-acre block. Soil conservation work and jungle clearing have been completed in 7 acres of the latter. Thanks to the kind co-operation extended to us by the Government Agent, Galle, and his officers, an additional block of 25 acres of land was reserved for alienation to the station. The nursery was replanned to serve the requirements of the extended research programme. A large number of nursery experiments was carried out by the Vegetative Propagation Officer and will be referred to by him in his report. A point of practical importance which has emerged from these experiments is the direct planting of clonal cuttings in polythene bags with considerable success. Care has, however, to be taken to avoid over-watering. As regards the Plant Physiologist's trials, the clonal blocks of 32 clones planted in October, 1 9 6 1 were systematically brought into bearing during the year. O f these, the following were outstanding: T5/3 , 2 9 2 6 , DG39, P 0 2 6 , M T / B G , BG18, 2 0 2 3 , 2 0 2 5 , G M T 9 , 2 1 5 1 and N L 3 / 1 . A further lot of 16 clones was planted out in May, in four blocks; two were under shade and two unshaded. A n account o f the other experiments conducted by the Plant Physiologist's will be furnished in his report. This Division's clonal spacing and manurial trial, started in July, 1961, came into plucking in September. All plots received the same maaurial treatment. At 1 6 months from planting a complete spread has been obtained with the clone 2 0 2 4 spaced 4 ' x l £ ' . The initial yield results to the end of December are shown be low:— Yield (lb per plot) Spacing Clones Total 2 0 2 4 2 0 1 6 Q T 4 / 4 4 ' x H ' 4 ' x 2 ' 4 ' x 2\' 3 3 . 5 2 7 1 6 . 5 2 2 2 0 1 7 1 7 1 5 1 0 7 2 . 5 6 2 4 3 . 5 Total 7 7 5 9 4 2 1 7 8 30 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 Variety and spacing both appear to determine yield at the earliest stage o f cropping. A second spacing and clonal trial was laid out in September at the following spacings :4 ' x 1 4 " , 4 ' x 2 8 " and 4 ' x 4 2 " with the colnes 2 0 2 3 , 2 0 2 6 and 1 8 B . 9 3 clonal multiplication plots have been laid out. O f those planted in August/September, 1 9 6 1 all except the 2 0 2 3 , 2 0 2 4 , 2 0 2 5 and 2 0 2 6 plots were brought into bearing. The latter were utilised for supplying V.P . cuttings. 1 6 new clonal plots were planted out in May this year. 2 0 , 0 0 0 clonal shoots were sold from the station during the year, the amount realised being Rs. 2 , 0 6 0 . The sale of green leaf was started late in September, the purchaser being an estate in the close vicinity of the station. The rates paid have been satisfactory and varied from 2 4 to 2 7 cents depending on the average market price for the month. A sum of Rs 1 3 8 / 5 0 was obtained thereby. I have to record our sincere thanks to M r C. Cameron of Walahanduwa Group who continued to be our Visiting Adviser on labour and financial matters except for the period when he was on overseas leave. Research.—The main lines of research undertaken by the Division during the year comprised: (i) the manurial experiment at Endane on old seedling tea, (ii) manurial experiments on young V.P . tea at Palgmarden, (Hi) a zinc-deficiency trial on St Joachim estate, (iv) statistical studies relating to field experiments with tea in the low country, and (v) studies on the relation­ ship of yield and rainfall in the low country. In addition, this Division collaborated very closely with the Plant Physio­ logy Division on a shade trial which was started on St Joachim estate in April. Only passing mention will be made in this report to experimental work being undertaken by other Divisions in the low country, and for a detailed account of these experiments reference to the reports of the specialist officers in question should be made. This work includes the investigations of the Entomologist on the control of Shot-hole Borer with dieldrin, the studies of the Plant Pathologist on the maintenance-leaf fall problem, the Tea Technologist's analysis of the data of the experimental manufacturing tests carried out by the Manager of Pelmadulla Group, Kahawatte, on clonal leaf grown on the estate, the Nema- tologist's investigation on eelworm at Kottawa, and the Agronomist's studies on plant composition and fertilizer problems. (1) Manurial Experiment at Endane (5th Cycle)—This experiment 1 4 months at the end of December, 1 9 6 2 , after 4 1 weekly completed pluckings. The results for the period are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1.—Endane Treatment lb per a c r e Green leaf lb per acre % of mean 0 6 , 3 2 1 9 8 2 Nitrogen 4 0 6 , 4 6 9 1 0 0 5 8 0 6 , 5 2 2 1 0 1 3 4 0 6 , 4 1 7 9 9 7 Potash 6 0 6 , 4 6 3 1 0 0 4 8 0 6 , 4 3 2 9 9 9 0 6 , 4 0 4 9 9 5 Magnesium 2 0 6 , 4 6 1 1 0 0 4 4 0 6 , 4 4 7 1 0 0 2 2 0 6 , 4 2 9 9 9 9 Phosphoric Acid 4 0 6 , 4 9 6 1 0 0 9 6 0 6 , 3 8 7 9 9 1 Average 6 , 4 3 7 1 0 0 0 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 31 It would appear, therefore, that even in the second cycle subsequent to the introduction o f the new manurial treatments, the control with no nitrogen has, so far, yielded only slightly less than the 40 and 80 lb per acre per annum treatments respectively. N o explanation can be offered for this unexpected result except that the natural fertility of the soil together with the nutrients contributed by the green manure trees and loppings have been adequate to maintain the average yield of the control at the same level as that o f the nitrogen-fertilized treatments. The yields o f the control plots have, however, been steadily falling with the advance o f the cycle and it would be surprising if, at the end o f the cycle, the control does not show a significantly lower average yield than those of the nitrogen-treated plots. There has again been no response to potash, magnesium and phosphoric acid above the lowest levels applied. On the advice o f Dr Pearce, our U . K . Statistical Adviser, phosphate treatments were introduced into the experiment without adding to the plot number. This nutrient is being applied at levels of 20, 40 and 60 lb of phos­ phoric acid per acre per annum. N o differences in yield have so far been noted. TABLE 2.—Endane Treatment Weight o f tippings Weight o f leaf lb per acre % of mean lb per acre % o f mean Dieldrex spraying Zinc Sulphate spraying Control 749 831 750 96.4 107.1 96.6 6,389 6,555 6,368 99.1 101.8 98 .9 Average 766 100.0 6,437 100.0 As regards the spray treatments, the zinc-treated blocks, which showed a 1 0 % increase in yield o f tippings over the controls and the dieldrin-treated blocks, did not continue to maintain the beneficial effects of this treatment during the plucking period, despite the fact that four sprayings of zinc sulphate totalling 25 lb per acre were given at regular intervals. The zinc-treated blocks have now out-yielded the controls by only 2 . 6 % . The blocks sprayed with dieldrex developed a bad attack o f tortrix which was controlled by D . D . T . spraying on two occasions. The yields o f these blocks suffered in consequence, but the records during the past two months indicate that these are now fast catching up on the others, and it appears likely that they will at the end of the cycle, which it is now proposed to extend to 2 years from the 18-month pre­ viously adopted, show an advance over the control and the zinc-treated blocks. Table 2 above illustrates these points. (2) Palmgarden V.P. Manorial Experiments (a) Nitrogen, Potash, Magnesium and Frequency Trial.—Table 3 below shows the position in regard to the results of treatments in this experiment to the end of December. 88 pluckings were taken over a period of 15 months. The average crop yield worked out to 3,800 lb of made tea per acre per annum approximately, on a 20 per cent outturn on green leaf. The highest treatment combination gave over 4,100 lb per acre per annum. 3 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 TABLE 3.—Palmgarden Treatments lb per acre per cycle Green leaf lb per acre % Nitrogen 1 5 0 3 0 0 4 5 0 2 2 , 4 9 1 2 4 , 0 3 1 2 4 , 7 6 2 1 0 0 1 0 7 1 1 0 Potash 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 3 , 7 4 1 2 4 , 2 0 3 2 3 , 3 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 9 8 Magnesium 0 4 8 9 6 2 3 , 7 5 8 2 4 , 0 0 3 2 3 , 5 2 3 1 0 0 1 0 1 9 9 Frequency of application per cycle (times) 5 7 9 2 3 , 3 8 1 2 3 , 7 5 8 2 4 , 1 4 4 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 3 Average 2 3 , 7 6 1 It will be observed that nitrogen at the highest level has registered a statistically significant average yield increase of 1 0 % (about 3 6 0 lb per acre per annum) and, at the mid-level, of 7 % (about 2 5 0 lb) over the lowest. There are no differences in yield between the different levels of magnesium and potassium. As regards the frequency of application, it will be seen from Table 3 that the average response to the highest frequency of application has been only 3 % above the lowest to the end of the year. Earlier, however, this difference was as much as 7%. The cause of this marked change in response to frequency of application is not clear. TABLE 4.—Palmgarden No. of fertilizer Nitrogen Treatments Yield % applications to applied per acre date lb per acre N 0 F 0 2 2 , 0 7 8 1 0 0 4 1 1 9 . 7 N 0 F , 2 2 , 6 8 0 1 0 2 7 5 1 0 7 . 0 N 0 F a 2 2 , 7 1 8 1 0 2 9 7 1 1 9 . 7 N , F 0 2 4 , 1 1 1 1 0 9 2 4 2 3 9 . 4 N , F , 2 3 , 9 7 2 1 0 8 6 5 2 1 4 . 1 N , F a 2 4 , 0 1 6 1 0 8 8 7 2 3 9 . 4 N 2 F c 2 3 , 9 5 9 1 0 8 5 4 3 5 9 . 0 N a F , 2 4 , 6 2 4 1 1 5 1 5 3 2 0 . 0 N a F a 2 5 , 6 9 4 1 1 6 4 7 3 5 9 . 0 N 0 = 1 5 0 "J F 0 = 5-] N , = 3 0 0 vlb per acre per cycle F , = 7 > applications per acre per N a = 4 5 0 J F a = 9 J cycle A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 33 A n examination o f Table 4 shows, however, that there is a progressive increase in yield from the lowest nitrogen—frequency combination to the highest. T h e effect o f frequency o f application appears to be most beneficial at the highest fertilizer level, the detailed statistical analysis showing that this is approaching significance at the 5 per cent probability level. T h e average true nitrogen (JV) efficiencies, as calculated from the data o f these trials to date are, on the basis of a 20% outturn o f made tea to green leaf, as follows: Between lb crop per lb nitrogen N , - N 0 2.67 N . - N , 1.26 There are indications of a reduction in the efficiency o f nitrogen at the highest level, though the difference is not statistically significant. Experimental data obtained by Eden over a nitrogen range o f 0 to 80 lb per acre indicate an average true nitrogen efficiency of 3.1 lb of made tea per lb of nitrogen over 8 cycles (Eden, 1949), but it should be pointed out that the figure was lowest in the first year of the pruning cycle and increased each successive year thereafter. In the low country, however, pruning cycles seldom exceed two years' duration and while some improvement in efficiency can be anticipated in the second year of the cycle, the large differences noted by Eden may not be obtained. As a matter o f interest it may be stated that in this trial the nitrogen efficiency increased from 2.1 to 2 .7 lb per unit of nitrogen as the period from pruning increased from one year to 19 months. A further point should be mentioned. The tea in this experiment is only about five years old and as the bushes age their efficiencies in respect o f utilization may increase. (b) Phosphate Trials.—The results of these trials to date are given in Table 5. TABLE 5.—Palmgarden P 9 O s - l b per acre Green leaf lb per acre % 25 26,049 100 50 25,878 99 75 24,624 95 There would appear to be a reduction inyie ld at the highest phosphate level, but a comparision of yields with the corresponding pre-treatment data shows that this decline is only apparent and not real. (c) Decline-in-Yield Trial.—The yield results obtained in respect of the two plots to which no fertilizer was applied during the period show wide differences. One plot G , is sited at the bottom of the experimental area which is a fairly steep slope, and the other G a a little distance from the crest of A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 the hill. The former has shown no decrease in yield at the end of 15 months. It is clear that there has been a steady leaching o f fertilizer down the slope into this plot. This factor and the manurial value of the leguminous green loppings it receives regularly, appear to have brought the yield up to its original level during the experimental period. O n the other hand the plot up the slope has shown a decrease o f about 25% in yield on its earlier average over the period of 15 months during which it received no fertilizer. Results are detailed in Table 6 be low: TABLE 6 Plot Average original yield per pluck-lb Current aver­ age yield per pluck-lb % fall or increase G , (Unmanured) 3.70 3.93 + 6 G s (Unmanured) 4.15 3.21 -23 Average of manured plots 4.69 4.74 + 1 (3) Zinc Deficiency Trial—St Joachim Estate.—A 3 s confounded trial to determine the effects of zinc sulphate sprayed at different concentra­ tions and frequencies on old tea showing symptoms of zinc deficiency (to be manured subsequently at three levels of nitrogen) has been planned for conduct on St Joachim estate. 36 plots each of l/40th acre extent in three blocks were selected for the trial and their pre-treatment yields recorded from mid- September onwards as there is a considerable variation in the proportion of V.P. supplies to old seedling bushes in them. These records will be main­ tained until the plots are pruned in April-May, 1963. Meantime the yield data have been examined to ascertain the co-efficients of variation with plot size. The results will be referred to in a later section. (4) Statistical Investigations (a) Total and Periodical Plucking Yield Correlations.—The initial pre- treatment data of the Palmgarden trial obtained from 68 pluckings over a period of about a year were used for the purpose of ascertaining for what minimum period pre-treatment pluckings should be carried out on V.P. tea in the low country so that the yields could be used with confidence in the analysis of co-variance of experimental data. Correlations were obtained between yield after 20, 36 and 48 rounds or 100, 180 and 240 days of plucking respectively and total yield. The results are shown in Table 7. TABLE 7.—Correlations between Total Yield and Yield during Period Period Blocks Error Total 1 0 0 days 0 . 8 0 0 . 5 8 0 . 6 3 1 8 0 „ 0 . 9 1 0 . 8 1 0 . 8 3 . . . 2 4 0 „ 0 . 9 6 0 . 9 3 0 . 9 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 35 All correlations are significant at the 1 per cent probability level. It would appear, however, that pre-plucking should be carried out for a period o f at least six months if the data obtained are to be considered adequately representative o f the yields o f the plots in question. (b) Size of Plot and Standard Error in Low-country Seedling Tea.—The yield data of the plots in the zinc deficiency trial to which reference has been made were examined to ascertain the coefficients o f variation of old seedling tea re-supplied with V .P . tea in varying proportions. The experiment is in three blocks of level land close to but not adjacent to each other. T h e results are shown in Table 8. TABLE 8.—Coefficients of variation—St Joachim Plot size With blocks Without blocks . 0 2 5 acre % 6 . 7 % 6 . 5 . 0 5 „ 4 . 3 4 . 1 . 0 7 5 „ 4 . 1 3 . 6 • 1 3 . 5 3 . 1 It will be noted that the coefficient of variation varies from 6 . 5 % for a plot size o f l/40th o f an acre to 3 . 1 % with a plot size o f l/10th o f an acre. These figures indicate that the experimental area has a good , even stand o f tea. The coefficients of variation are lower than those reported by other workers for comparable plot size (Eden, 1931). They also compare very favourably with those found for V .P . tea on Palmgarden estate (Joachim, 1962). Considering that these records were taken for a period of just over three months, it is gratifying to note that the errors are comparatively so low and the chances of significant differences being obtained between the treatments are high. (5) Yield and Rainfall in the Low-country.—Further examination of the estate data obtained for yield and rainfall relationships in the low country did not reveal any features o f interest other than those referred to earlier (Joachim, 1962). (6) Shade Trial—St Joachim Estate The Plant Physiologist's trial at St Joachim estate on the effect o f artificial shade o f two densities (no shade and 3 0 % shade) on a block of 2023 clonal tea receiving four manurial treat­ ments, completed five months in December. Weekly pluckings and dry matter estimations were carried out by the staff of this Division. For a survey o f the results reference to the Physiologist's report should be made. Observational (i) Pests and Diseases.—There were no serious outbreaks o f pests and diseases reported in the low country during the year excepting on estates where dieldrin had been used for the control of Shot-hole Borer on a large scale, when tortrix attack was reported to be a problem. The control o f the pest with D . D . T . was effected with two sprayings in most areas. T h e initial setback in yields which occurred appear to have been counter-balanced by 36 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 higher yields from 1 0 months to a year onwards. Sporadic outbreaks of yellow mite and red spider, aphids and thrips were reported, but these were not of a serious nature. Rhizoctonia solani attacks were reported to be serious in some areas during the rainy season. Control was effected with regular copper fungicide sprayings. The maintenance leaf-fall problem was markedly notice­ able in areas where cut-across pruning has been adopted over a period of years, during which no bush-sanitation measures were taken. (ii) Deficiency Diseases.—Zinc deficiency disease has been noted in varying degrees o f intensity on a number of low country estates. Only a very few estates, however, show the deficiency to any marked degree and this is mostly in old tea. Spraying with zinc sulphate has been recommended for trial on a field or two on no less than 8 estates in the low country where the deficiency has been observed. Fields vary greatly in their apparent degree of deficiency o f this minor element and the proportion of bushes showing the deficiency in any one field is also a very variable factor. The response to treatment will, therefore, depend so far as yield is concerned, on the actual number o f bushes showing the deficiency symptoms which may in sum total be small. Albizzia trees which were reported to be in very poor condition, were observed to have made a very good recovery and developed into vigorous trees some months after a light application of borax had been given to the tea in which they were growing. Borax applied to Albizzias which were affected by bark borer did not have any beneficial effect on the pest but the. trees were reported to have recovered better after pruning than those which were not treated with the chemical. (iii) Deaths of V.P. Tea.—Reports were received from estates o f the death after pruning of bushes o f V.P . tea varying in age from 4 to 1 0 years. Investi­ gations revealed that in all instances there was an absence o f carbohydrate reserves in the roots which normally are low under low country conditions. Great care should therefore be taken when pruning V.P . tea in the low country to leave sufficient foliage on the bushes to supplement the starch reserves while recovery is taking place. The adoption of lung pruning would be necessary in most cases and resting prior to pruning may be found desirable, if there were inadequate maintenance leaves on the bushes. A high water- table during the rainy season contributed to bush casualties in one case, and the concentration of poorly-drained clayey soil in trenches in others. G o o d soil drainage is, therefore, another essential condition for success with V .P . tea. (iv) Manuring of V.P. Tea.-—The manuring of V.P. tea in the low country has become a problem o f great importance as there are comparatively large extents in bearing and much larger extents will shortly be coming into crop­ ping. Estates generally manure their V .P . areas liberally but there is much variation in regard to the frequency and method of application. In regard to the former it is interesting to record that on one estate an acre of 4-year old V .P . tea o f T .R . I , clones 2 0 2 3 and 2 0 2 6 was manured at the rate of 1 oz of fertilizer per bush per month. The yield obtained over a period o f an year exceeded 5 , 4 5 0 lb of made tea over the acre, the total quantity o f nitrogen applied being no less than 5 0 0 lb per acre. Some estates adopt the practice o f manuring V.P. tea once in two months, the manure being broadcast between the rows; others give from 5 to 9 applications of fertilizer per acre per annum. The tendency is now to manure little and often and on general grounds this would appear to be a sound practice in a heavy rainfall zone. Our experi­ ments at Palmgarden will furnish information on some of these points regard- jng manuring. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 (v) Clonal seed.—Visits were made along with the Post-graduate Scholar in Plant Breeding to two estates where isolated seed gardens o f T . R . I . 2 0 2 clones had been experimentally established. At Landsdowne, Ratnapura District, clones 2 0 2 3 and 2 0 2 6 were grown in pure and mixed stands respect­ ively. Seed is being collected for experimental purposes. At Rambukkande estate, also in the Ratnapura District, an isolated seed garden was established in the Hapurugala Division about six years ago, the clones grown being 2 0 2 3 and 2 0 2 6 in mixed stand, in the proportion o f 1 0 o f the former to 1 o f the latter. First generation seed from this garden has been established on a field scale for both plucking and seed purposes. The tea in the clearing, about 2 years old, is o f quite uniform stand and growing as vigorously as its clonal parents. The progress of this clearing will be followed with interest. (vi) Clonal suitability from the standpoint of low country manufacture.—The Technologist's investigation on the data of the Pelmadulla manufacturing clonal tests reveal that clones which give the best tip are 2 0 4 3 and 2 0 4 5 , and those which give good or very fair tip are 1 5 3 0 , 2 5 and 2 0 4 6 . The Nilagama seedling clearings come within this category. The T . R . I . 2 0 2 series of clones give only fair or little tip. Conclusion Tea production in the low country, like that in up-country and mid- country areas, continues to show a rise both in respect of total quantity and yield per acre. The latter has risen from 6 9 7 lb in 1 9 6 0 to 7 1 8 lb in 1 9 6 1 . Total production has been about 1 1 3 million pounds in 1 9 6 1 . The figures for 1 9 6 2 will even be higher with the increased use of fertilizer and the greater care and attention given to agronomic practices and management problems generally. With the coming into bearing of large acreages of V .P . tea, a comparatively steep rise in crop production could be anticipated during the next four or five years in the region. The average market price for low country tea has been low throughout the year, being only about Rs. 1 . 5 5 per lb. It is, therefore, apparent that while costs of production will be reduced somewhat when the V .P . areas on low country estates come into bearing, markets must be assured for the absorption o f the increased crops or the efforts which have been made towards increasing crop output may be nullified by a market price even lower than what has recently been obtained. T h e safeguarding of our traditional markets in the Middle East is, therefore, a matter of the utmost importance if tea estates in the low country are to continue to give reasonable overall profits. I have once again to thank the Superintendents o f estates and others who have co-operated so closely with us in our work, and particularly Messrs H . D . Ross of Palmgarden, A . Watt and John Brodie o f Endane, and J. W . Craig formerly in Pelmadulla, for the facilities kindly offered us for conducting experimental work on their estates or for collaborating with us in obtaining information on various aspects of tea cultivation and manufacture. Our special thanks are due to the members of the Low-country Buildings Com­ mittee, Messrs B. Cocking and H. D . Ross for the valuable contribution they made in solving the urgent problem of bungalow accommodation for the staff of St Joachim estate. References I. EDEN , T . ( 1 9 4 9 ) . The work of the Agricultural Chemistry Department of the Institute. Mono, on Tea Production in Ceylon. 1 : 13 . 2 . EDEN , T . ( 1 9 3 1 ) . Studies on the yield of tea. The experimental error of field experiments with tea. f.Agric.Sc. 21 : 5 4 7 - 5 7 3 . 3 . JOACHIM, A . W . R . ( 1 9 6 2 ) . Report o f the Low-country Adviser for 1 9 6 1 . Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 4 0 - 4 9 . 4 . MAHADEVA , B. ( 1 9 6 2 ) . Administration Report of the Tea Controller for 1 9 6 1 : 35-50. REPORT OF TME LIBRARIAN FOR 1962 Steve De Silva, B.Sc. General.—There were no changes in personnel during the year. The move from the old building to the new block was completed in July 1 9 6 2 . Equipment.—The periodical room has been equipped with "Simplex" steel periodical racks ordered through the Crown Agents, from M/s. Libraco Ltd., w h o have also supplied a double-elephant size plan cabinet for the storage o f maps and plans. Fifteen double-sided two-bay library stacks were ordered from M/s. Godrej Ltd., Bombay, for stock storage of blocks and bound periodicals. Library.)—One hundred and eighty nine current scientific and technical periodicals were on standing order during the year. The total number of new books purchased during the year was two hundred and eighty seven. In addition to this a number of annual reports were received'from various Depart­ ments of Agriculture and Research Institutes, both in Ceylon and overseas. The Institute is grateful to those institutions and publishers who send their publications gratis or on an exchange basis. There is on display a collection of early works on tea. The reference and lending section of the library was once again used to advantage by the research staff. Approximately 3 , 0 0 0 works were used for reference and over 1 , 7 0 0 books issued on loan. O n e of the most important tasks for 1 9 6 3 is to be the compliation of an author and a subject index to all existing literature on tea. Considerable initial progress has been made with this essential undertaking. Publications.—Publications issued during the year were: Annual Report for 1961 Tea Quarterly 3 3 : Parts 1—3. Free Mailing List for the publications of the Institute was revised during the year. Al l those estates whose returns were not received were deleted from this list, but some are being replaced as their returns are received. The number o f copies of publications being distributed on this list totals 1 4 8 5 . The number of subscribers to the publications of the Institute is 4 8 6 . Those on our exchange mailing list total 2 0 5 . Monograph No. 4 , Tea Manufacture in Ceylon by E . L. Keegel is in great demand and it appears that a new edition or a reprint of this publication will have to be arranged during 1 9 6 3 . 3fc REPORT OF AGRICULTURAL CHEMIST FOR 1962 J. A . H. Tolhurst, B.Sc. Staff.—Attempts to fill the two vacancies for Research Assistant have again been unsuccessful. N o changes were made in the existing staff, although sanction was given for increase in the establishment of field officers, to keep pace with our growing programme o f field work. During my absence on furlough, Dr H . N . Hasselo acted on my behalf and to him I extend my thanks. With the exception o f this period, I acted also as Biochemist. After the resignation o f M r M . S. Ramaswamy, Senior Research Assistant in Biochemistry, and in the knowledge that a permanent appointment to the Senior Biochemist's post would be made early in 1963, it was decided not to initiate any new work. Preparations have been made for equipping the new biochemistry laboratories, and the staff have also assisted in the laboratory work o f my own Division. Field Experiments 1962 was a more encouraging year in three respects. The two old trials, in Fields Nos. 3 and 13 on St Coombs, showed signs o f benefiting from their rehabilitation to an extent which we had not dared to anticipate. As the team of field assistants, now numbering three, got into its stride it became possible to consider more intensive management of existing trials. Finally, we were able to contemplate an expansion of field work, on St Coombs and possibly outstation. Managing labour on small plots is an exacting operation, unless super­ visory staff are present in extravagant numbers, and we have tried to improve on existing procedure. It had been obvious for some time that the use o f strands of wire to demarcate plot boundaries was unsatisfactory, even when the wire was not promptly stolen. New trials will almost certainly include buffer rows between plots, which, unless specially planted with a clone o f distinctive leaf colour, wili add to the difficulty of keeping a check on small gangs o f labourers working in two or three plots at the same time. Therefore we introduced the idea of allowing a screen of shoots to grow unchecked from the outside edge of boundary bushes. The initiation of these screens may be rather troublesome, but after that stage they appear to be effective and simple to maintain. They allow the staff to check the position of the labourers from a distance, and they have an added value in trials where foliar spraying is included in the treatments. Plucking in the St Coombs trials has been kept to a 7-day round when­ ever possible. Shoots have usually been plucked to the small fish leaf, main­ taining a level, and only allowing the table to rise slowly. N o attempt is made to keep adjacent bushes to the same level. 1. N.P.K. Experiment: St Coombs Mo. 3 Field Growth, in most plots, had been so encouraging, after the hard prune in 1959, that it was decided to complete the rehabilitation pruning and to revise the manurial treatments. 39 40 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 The remaining old branches and rotted stumps were sown off in March, and the young shoots which had sprung from the trunks or stumps in 1959 were thinned out to 10 or 20 per bush. These shoots were pruned below the level of branching and subsequent tipping and plucking has been hard, in order to force the development o f a spreading frame close to the ground. T o date, this hard treatment, which can be mitigated whenever growth appears to be poor, seems to have served its purpose without causing damage. Subse­ quent prunings, for several cycles, should now be simple cut-across operations, with the minimum o f cleaning. After inspection o f the yield trends in 1961, and in anticipation o f a greater yield potential once the new frames had developed, it was decided to start the present, eleventh, cycle with higher levels of nitrogen and potash. This is the first change in rates o f any of the three nutrients under trial since the third cycle, 1937-40. W e may now hope that this trial, which had lapsed into an unfortunate state, will at last be brought into a condition which bears comparison with much up-country tea. Previous nitrogen levels of 40, 60 and 80 lb N . per acre per annum had been associated with yields of 974; 1,165 and 1,407 lb dry weight per acre over an 18 month period o f plucking. Al l levels, particularly after heavy- cropping periods, resulted in nitrogen-deficiency symptoms on many bushes. A change was therefore made to 120, 150 and 180 lb N . respectively. Potash levels of 0, 20 and 40 lb K a O per acre per annum became 0, 60, 90. Damage in the zero-potash plots is irreparable and there seemed to be no point in changing this treatment. These plots have a value for scientific purposes, even though their erratic and poor yields may be troublesome when trying to evaluate the effect o f nutrient interactions on yield. The 20 lb treatments, judging by the occurrence of potash deficiency symptoms in some plots, had not been sufficient even at low yield levels to prevent a drain on soil reserves. Phosphate levels were left unchanged at 0, 30 and 60 lb P 2 O s per acre per annum. Differences in yield over the same period were smaller, the three treatments giving 1,110; 1,251 and 1,176 lb dry weight per acre. N o attempt will be made to correct for the fact that the zero-phosphate plots have also had no calcium since 1934, until the calcium-potash-boron question has been settled (Tolhurst, 1960). Magnesium was introduced for the first time, 60 lb magnesia per acre being broadcast in April on three of the six blocks. Zinc was continued as an overall treatment, by incorporating zinc sulphate in the routine copper sprays. Chemical analysis of the foliage was restricted to completion of the large number o f samples taken in 1961 and early 1962 according to a pre-arranged pattern relating time o f sampling to manure application. The most interest­ ing results were shown by the boron contents of the uppermost mature leaves, sampled in February 1962, 2 | years from pruning and 1£ years from the start o f plucking. A relation again appeared between boron accumulation and the ratio between phosphatic and potassic manurial treatments. The effect was not so great as that shown by a similar sampling in January 1959, to­ wards the end o f the 9th cycle, and it will be interesting to follow the trends now that the proportion of potash has been increased. Table I shows the boron contents, as parts per million of dry matter and the mean o f six plots, for each o f the phosphate/potash treatment combinations. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 41 TABLE I.—Boron contents of mature leaf in relation to phosphatejpotash treatment combinations. M.P.K. Trial, No. 3 Field, St Coombs P a 0 5 as lb/a/an K a O as lb per acre per annum 0 2 0 4 0 ' Sampling : January 1 9 5 9 0 3 8 . 1 4 4 . 7 6 1 . 7 3 0 3 5 . 0 3 2 . 9 3 2 . 3 6 0 3 5 . 5 2 9 . 1 3 2 . 3 Sampling: February 1 9 6 2 0 4 2 . 3 4 6 . 7 4 6 . 5 3 0 4 0 . 1 3 8 . 9 3 7 . 3 6 0 . 4 0 . 7 3 6 . 7 3 6 . 9 This effect of phosphatic manurial treatments was significant at the 0 . 1 % level in 1 9 5 9 , but only at 5 % in 1 9 6 2 . Relations between manurial treatments and the leaf content of major nutrients and manganese were observed. In view of the observations on widespread nitrogen-deficiency symptoms and sporadic potash-deficiency symptoms (vide supra) it is considered preferable to withhold comment until a comparable set o f results is obtained from the bushes under more adequate levels of nutrition. 2 . Phosphate Manurial Experiment: St Coombs Mo. 13 Field This is the second o f the older trials which had been put on to a rehabili­ tation programme, and progress has been encouraging. The whole trial averaged nearly 1 , 8 0 0 lbs dry weight per acre in the first year o f plucking, which ended in September. A fertility gradient is noticeable, but no yield differences between treatments were apparent. Analysis of the mature foliage in November showed a significant relation between phosphate content of the leaf and the level of phosphatic manure applied, whether as super-phosphate or rockphosphate. The means of eight plots for each of the P s O s levels, 3 0 , 4 5 and 6 0 lb P 3 O s per acre, per annum, were 0 . 2 5 , 0 . 2 8 and 0 . 3 0 % P s O , on dry matter. These differences are significant at least at the 1 % level. Similarly, the calcium analyses, giving means of 1 . 4 7 , 1 . 6 9 and 2 . 1 3 % C a O , showed a significant relation, but only between the two upper rates o f phosphatic manuring. O f further interest is the significance o f the differences o f these phosphate analyses between blocks. It appears that the more vigorous areas have a generally lower phosphate content in the mature foliage. 42 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 It may be noted in passing that at a level of 180 lb N , T.700 manure would apply approximately 50 lb P a O s . It is anticipated that the N P K trial in No . 3 Field will be adequate for a study of optimum phosphate levels, and that the No . 13 Field Trial could be more usefully employed in other ways. The comparison between the two forms of phosphatic manure would seem to be only of interest insofar as the No. 3 Field Trial continues to use super­ phosphate. The most interesting feature of this trial is the high yield in relation to the size of the bushes. Pruning, in 1960, was hard and the frames themselves were very small. Subsequent operations aimed to allow new shoots to develop vigorously but even by the end of 1962 it was possible to walk across the rows with reasonable ease, except in the more vigorous plots. W o o d development has been good and there will be no difficulty in pruning the existing frames in such a way that future frames will be much more spreading. Earlier fears that this area was inherently too poor to be of value for field trials can now be discounted. Virus-like distortions o f leaf and stem remain conspicuous but we can anticipate much higher yields, in the near future, in spite of these abnormalities. 3. New Manures' Trial: No. g Field: St Coombs This trial maintained its promise o f high yields, the first year's figure being over 1,800 and 2,100 lb dry weight per acre, for nitrogen levels of 125 and 275 lb per acre per annum. It was decided to change the type of granular manure, at the start of the second cropping year, to a lower-phosphate formula. This will continue to be used when the trial is pruned in 1963, and when we may hope to attach real importance to the yield results. To-date, yield differences between the manure-type treatments have been very small in relation to the variations in plot yields in the pre-treatment period. 4 . Z^nc sulphate and blister-blight control It has already been reported (Tolhurst, 1962), that the addition of zinc sulphate to the commoner red oxide copper fungicides leads to a blue deposit on the foliage. A trial was started in No . 9 Field, St Coombs, to investigate this problem in more detail, a 3 x 3 x 3 factorial design in twofold replica­ tion being used. Zinc sulphate rates of 0 ,10 and 20 lb per acre were combined with three types of fungicide, each at either 2,4, or 6 ounces per acre per round. A red oxide, an oxychloride powder, and a colloidal oxychloride were used. T h e zinc sulphate rates were divided between 20 spray rounds, starting late in May . Recording consisted mainly of assessment of blister-blight infection o f the immature leaves in the plucking table. Ideas of taking yield records had to be abandoned, as the plucking tables in many areas were so irregular that it was felt that too long a period would be required to bring them back to normal. This is doubly regrettable since the trial as a whole showed no effects on fungal population arising from any treatment. Since the monsoon included very cool and dull periods and the plots were well shaded, the inference is that our spraying technique was so meticulous that all the fungicide levels were adequate. A second, smaller, trial was started elsewhere in September but had to be stopped when the unexpected drought in November and December reduced blister-blight infestation. It is unfortunate that a considerable amount of work should have pro­ duced very little result, but it illustrates a difficulty not uncommon in our A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 43 research. Persistent reports have come in from estates, supported by a preliminary observation o f m y own, that the blue reaction product gives a very good control of blister-blight. It can be suspected, from observation, that large droplets of copper fungicide suspension would have their effective area on the leaf increased by virtue o f the spread o f a blue fringe of the zinc- fungicide reaction product. It seems that if we are to test this hypothesis in small-plot trials we shall have to aim for a poor standard of spraying, as far as droplet size is concerned. T o d o this, and yet not increase our sampling error within plots will be far from easy. Nevertheless, a repetition is planned for 1963. The most useful result from the first trial was obtained from the analyses of mature leaves from two samplings; after 9 spray rounds and again after 19. The zinc accumulation was of such a magnitude that it is possible to say that the efficiency o f retention o f zinc, from combined zinc-copper sprays, is high and apparently unaffected by either rate or type of copper fungicide. In October the area of the main trial came entirely under my jurisdiction, manuring having been done by my Division for some months previously, and the plots were pruned in November. Residual effects of zinc spraying will be investigated, and further investigations on methods o f application o f zinc will later be included. Plant Nutrition 1. Zinc Deficiency Inevitably, with the growing interest in zinc as a routine manure in practice, this nutrient has occupied much of our time. Comprehensive trials have been planned, on St Joachim Estate as well as on St Coombs, but many qualitative and semi-quantitative trials have already been done in order to guide us as to which treatments should be included in the larger trials. So far, foliar application o f zinc sulphate, either with or without copper fungi­ cides, has been more extensively studied than any other method. It is anti­ cipated that zinc oxide will be included in the study, also as a foliar applica­ tion, and eventually long-term trials should be done to include soil applications of these compounds. T o date, effects of soil application of zinc sulphate have not been detectable, for mature tea. The question o f the extent o f accumulation o f zinc on flush shoots has already been mentioned as causing no concern (Tolhurst, 1962). Additional analyses on black tea, made by various estates following heavy sprays of up to 12 lb zinc sulphate per acre, confirmed the earlier findings. Three o f these estates, in Uva, applied heavy rates of zinc sulphate at the beginning of the 1962 dry season, to certain fields. Leaf from these fields was manufactured separately at intervals throughout the dry season and samples were sent to the Institute for submission to tasters, according to our normal procedure. T h e tasters were asked in this case to comment on any peculiar characteristic. N o such comments were made. Some of the teas came from estates which, at that time, obtained high valuations in their usual dealings, and we feel satisfied that there is no reason to fear any adverse affect on manufacturing properties if zinc sulphate is applied in any of the ways which we suggest. T w o of the main field trials on St Coombs have been used for approximate, valuation of the nature of the yield response to frequent small applications o f zinc sulphate. Treatments have been on a block basis and results have been o f some value in deciding upon the design o f future zinc trials. 44 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 The first o f these trials to be used was the New Manures' Trial, and reports on the earlier treatments and responses have been made (Tolhurst, 1 9 6 2 ) . Here it is only necessary to comment on the findings from the later spray treatments. 1 lb of zinc sulphate in 1 2 gallons per acre was applied to the highest-yielding block, as well as to one of the two lowest-yielding blocks which had previously received no zinc until early 1 9 6 2 . Twelve such sprays were put out weekly, ending in July. The second of the lowest-yielding blocks received a soil application, in June, of 1 0 0 lb of zinc sulphate per acre. The remaining block, which had received zinc sprays in 1 9 6 1 , was left un­ treated. Yields have been plotted monthly since the start of the trial early in 1 9 6 1 and the relative positions of the four blocks prior to zinc treatments appeared to be fairly settled. Zinc spraying in 1 9 6 2 was associated with a rise in yield early in the monsoon, but the differences disappeared when crop­ ping rates fell during the cool , latter months of the monsoon. In November, yields in the two recently sprayed blocks again rose, relative to those in the remaining blocks. In the second of these trials, the No. 1 3 Field Phosphate Trial, the bushes were expanding laterally at an appreciable rate when the first zinc sulphate sprays were applied to two blocks in 1 9 6 1 . A third block had received a soil application of zinc sulphate at 1 5 0 lb per acre, also in 1 9 6 1 . Between M a y and August of 1 9 6 2 , the two sprayed blocks received 1 2 sprays, each of 1 lb zinc sulphate per acre added to the copper fungicide sprays and applied by a mistblower. A n improvement in the appearance of the foliage was noted after four spray rounds but no yield response was detectable until December, when the two sprayed blocks showed a marked rise relative to the remaining blocks. A more precise estimate was obtained from an experiment on twenty pairs of bushes, identical twins raised by splitting seeds, in Plot 8 Z St. Coombs. A spray equivalent to 3 0 lb zinc sulphate per acre was given in January to one bush in each pair and in spite of the severe drought in subsequent weeks, yields from the twenty sprayed bushes rose very rapidly. Over twenty pluck­ ing rounds an increase of 3 0 % was recorded. The same bushes received a further 5 lb zinc sulphate per acre in May, by which time the effect of the first spraying had vanished. Over the following six plucks an increase of 3 2 % in yield was attributable to the zinc treatments. Both these differences were significant. T w o further sprays^ach of the 2 . 5 lb rate, were given in August and September but no effects on yield were shown until late October. The bushes were then pruned, in November, with a view to investigating residual effects. Taking these various investigations as a whole, it seems that attention should be concentrated on the frequency of spraying, with particular reference to practice in those districts where a long dry season prevails. Yield response during drier months is physiologically understandable and agriculturally promising. If zinc sprays could be shown to give an appreciable yield return during such seasons estates might prefer to mount a separate spraying opera­ tion, rather than to rely on the residual effects from the routine fungicide sprays plus zinc supplements. Apparent lack of response to heavy soil applications does not encourage their inclusion in the immediate programme of" research. Small trials are in progress at the Clonal Proving Stations at Passara and Hantane. A t Passara, zinc and boron treatments were applied to clones T . R . I . 2 0 2 3 and 2 0 2 4 just before pruning in November. At Hantane, two trials with zinc sulphate foliar sprays were started on one-year old plants. Zinc deficiency was known to be present in both areas. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 45 A point which may be emphasised is that small-leaved jats of tea have been shown to respond to zinc foliar sprays in certain areas, even though the bushes show no visible symptoms of zinc deficiency. Experimental, diagnostic, spraying is simple and practicable and there need be no reason for tea of this type to escape possible benefits simply through lack o f visible symptoms. 2 . Nutrient Foliar Sprays Many qualitative trials have been done with several fertilizers to deter­ mine the practicability of further experimentation. It is natural that, once zinc sulphate had been applied in practice in this way, Superintendent* should show interest in other nutrients. Since motorised-knapsack spraying, usually at 2 gallons per acre, is becoming increasingly common it was necessary to determine the concentra­ tions of nutrient solutions which could be safely applied to tea. With the exception of urea, most of the fertilizers which would be considered in practice showed surprisingly little damage even when applied at high concentrations. From mistblowers, and with no wetting agent, the following concentrations have proved safe under varying conditions of weather, unless bushes were sprayed with volumes far exceeding the 2 gallons per acre rate. 1. 1 lb Zinc sulphate plus 4 lb Epsom salts 2. 6 lb Epsom salts 3. 3 lb Potassium nitrate The above weights would, in practice, not be recommended unless the risk of incomplete solution of the fertilizer charges were acceptable. It does seem that practicable concentrations could be found for magnesium manuring to be considered in this way, and possibly for supplementary potash manuring. Very few reports have come in from estates concerning trouble arising with mistblowers. Those which have, suggest that the nutrient plus fungicide suspension has been spilled into parts of the machine where liquid is not expected to be found. O f more interest is the observation that red cuprous oxide fungicide can react on the leaf with several fertilizer solutions. Epsom salts, potassium nitrate and sulphate, and ammonium phosphate have all given blue products. W e see no reason to be concerned about this, and observation suggests that retention of such products on the leaf is excellent. 3. Leaf Analysis. Most attention, under this heading, has been directed to the nine, un- replicated, plots laid down at the beginning o f the year. Nitrogen uptake from three levels of sulphate of ammonia, equivalent to 1 2 0 , 3 6 0 and 4 8 0 lbs N per acre per annum, is being investigated. Each level is divided between either two, three or four applications a year, and samples of flush and upper­ most mature leaf are taken monthly. More recently, weekly sampling was introduced, and checks were started on other nutrients in the leaf. The aim is to obtain a guide to the most useful manner of sampling larger field trials without expending as much time and energy as was done in the many 1 9 6 1 - 6 2 samplings of, for example, the No. 3 Field N.P.K. Trial. T o date, it is not possible to comment on a pattern relating nitrogen content of either of the leaf types with manure application or season. It does appear that the variation in nitrogen content from one sampling to another is small. This is o f particular interest when considering the possible use o f leaf analysis in interpreting experimental trends, or eventually, as a means of assisting advice to estates on manuring policy. It is hoped that it will be possible to expand this line of work to investigate nitrogen fractions which may be a more sensitive guide to nutritional status than the total nitrogen so far detet mined. 46 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 General Chlorosis in clones—Late in the year reports and specimens were sent from three estates, unrelated to each other, o f clones which had broken down in young clearings giving bright yellow, sharply defined patches on all leaves, more pronounced on the lower and older ones. Clone T R I 2 0 2 4 was affected in all three clearings, and in one estate Clones 2 0 2 3 and 2 0 2 5 were equally affected. Plants were very retarded, and during the drier seasons sun scorch had affected the chlorotic areas very severely. The general appearance of the symptoms was identical to that which is commonly seen on individual bushes in old seedling tea. Several such cases have been observed on St Coombs for many years and it seems that symptoms are most pronounced early in the cycle, occasionally disappearing altogether after the second year. One o f the three estates mentioned above, in Kanda- pola, has been under observation also for many years as the seedling tea, generally o f a small-level jat, has shown a wide variety of foliar discolourations and distortions, so far unidentified. Although it is most unlikely that nutritional imbalance, in the accepted agronomic sense, is a causative factor, I am continuing observations since in one o f the clearings the symptoms are closely correlated with a small topo­ graphic feature. This may, of course, be purely fortuitous. Publication TOLHURST , J. A . H . ( 1 9 6 2 ) . Z inc deficiency of tea in Ceylon. Tea Quart. 3 3 : 1 3 4 - 1 3 7 . References TOLHURST , J. A . H . ( 1 9 6 0 ) . Report o f the Agricultural Chemist for 1 9 5 9 . Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 3 6 - 4 5 . TOLHURST , J. A . H . ( 1 9 6 1 ) . Report of the Agricultural Chemist for 1 9 6 0 . Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 5 0 - 5 8 . TOLHURST , J. A . H . ( 1 9 6 2 ) . Zinc deficiency o f tea in Ceylon. Tea Quart. 3 3 : 1 3 4 - 1 3 7 . REPORT OF THE CHIEF AGRONOMIST FOR 1962 H. N. Hasselo, Dr Ir Genera l .—Mr S. M . Kandasamy was appointed Technical Assistant and took up duties on 1st October. Dep l e t i on o f Roo t -S ta rch Contents .—The objective and layout of the trial was discussed in the Annual Report for 1961 (Hasselo, 1961). The treatments were applied in November 1961, while the application o f a foliar spray of a chemical growth stimulant (2, 4-D) was repeated in February 1962. Samples of roots of 3/8th o f an inch in diameter and of convenient length were obtained from each o f the 16 plots and the carbohydrate contents o f the roots assessed by Mr W . B. Manipura in accordance with the methods used by Mr Nagarajah of the Physiological Division (see also Visser, 1961). TABLE 1.—Root-starch contents (% dry matter)— Glenlyon Estate (Mean of 4 replicates) Treatment Root-starch contents in 1962 March May July Sept. Mean Mar.-Sep.* N o treatment Slashing (low-cut pruning) . . . Foliar spray of a 10% urea solution Foliar spray of 2, 4-D solution 14.5 6.2 11.6 13.5 6.8 2.4 10.9 9.9 12.1 2.6 10.5 8.0 7.9 4.9 11.4 11.5 10.3 4 .0 11.0 10.7 Mean* 11.5 7.5 8.3 8.9 9 .0 *S.D. (P0.05) : 2.0 S.D. (P 0.01) : 3.1 It will be seen from the table that the slashing treatment significantly reduced the root-starch contents. The other treatments had no effect. The highest root-starch contents were observed in March at the end o f the dry season. The primary objective of this trial, namely, to reduce the root-starch content without affecting tea yields has not been achieved. This short-term trial has been discontinued. Fer t i l iz ing T e a i n Cey lon .—The major part of the year was spent studying problems of or connected with manuring of tea in Ceylon. In the previous Annual Report (Hasselo, 1961) it was indicated why the principle underlying the system of ratio manuring, as adopted in Ceylon, was incorrect. This finding did not imply that the general principle of ratio manuring is invalid nor necessarily that the system of ratio manuring, as adopted in Ceylon, has adversely affected tea yields in Ceylon. It did show that reasoning based upon the incorrect Ceylon principle o f ratio manuring would lead to wrong conclusions, thus creating a false picture of the (in) efficiency of manuring. 47 48 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 This being established, it became necessary to elucidate what the correct principle was. Generally, the correct principle is to lay down experiments in order to find out whether or not manure has had, and may have, an effect on yield and, if so, how large the effect has been and may be in terms of lb of made tea produced per lb of manure applied under the varying conditions of different estates or parts thereof; in short to encourage experimentation on tea estates. Thereto, Dr Visser collected and analysed yield and fertilizer data o f a large number of estates (Visser, 1 9 6 1 ) . The results were discussed by us and studied in great detail. Dr S. C. Pearce was able with the help of some o f these estate data to show statistically that manure had contributed to the yield increases obtained on those estates. A different approach, worked out by Dr Visser, showed that on estates with rising yields, increased manuring alone had not necessarily or always contributed to the yield increase. This latter finding indicated that the same reasoning as used to show why the Ceylon principle of ratio manuring was incorrect (Hasselo, 1 9 6 1 ) could not necessarily or always be used, if at all, as a basis for advice on the manuring policy to estates, as had been advocated by Gunn et al (Gunn and Kanapathi- pillai, 1 9 6 2 ) . Detailed results will be published in due course. This part o f the work was done entirely in co-operation with Dr Visser, lately Plant Physiologist of the T . R . I . The co-operation of the Superintendents who sent their estate data is gratefully acknowledged. Soil-crop Relationship in Tea.—The ability of the land to produce crops is not only dependent on the chemical fertility, but also on the profile characteristics of its soils (Hasselo, 1 9 6 2 ) . The effect o f profile characteristics is presently being studied. Preliminary results show that the influence of topography, i.e. position on the slope, on the capability of the land to produce crops is very large and perhaps larger than any other single factor alone. In one case differences in growth of young clonal tea plants amounted to 1 0 0 % over a distance o f less than 1 0 0 yards along the slope. Detailed results will be published in due course. Field Experiments.—The priority of the problems that need investi­ gation in Agronomy experiments has been discussed in detail. It was decided that the factors to be studied first were:— (a) levels o f N , P and K fertilizing; (b) the effects of shade and its inter-action with (a) ; (c) the effect of spacing and its inter-actions with (a) and (b); (d) differences between clones and inter-actions with (a) and (c); («) the effect o f frequency o f application o f fertilizer and its inter­ action with (a). Dr S. C. Pearce designed two trials, both o f the same basic form which incorporated factors a—d. Owing to circumstances beyond control only one of these trials could be laid out this year. In this trial there were three factors, namely, application o f nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, each at three levels. There were six blocks each of ten plots. One plot in each block was allocated at random to receive no fertilizer; the other nine received one-third o f the 27 treatment combinations chosen so as to confound part of the three-factor inter-actions. The design is not quite saturated: the super- numary plot in each block could, if and when required, be used to study a two-level factor reasonably precisely. The three levels of application of each o f the three nutrients are: ( 1 ) Sulphate of ammonia: 8 0 , 1 6 0 and 2 4 0 lb N per acre per annum. ( 2 ) Saphosphospbate: 0 , 4 0 and 8 0 lb P a O s per acre per annum. (3) Muriate of potash ( 5 0 % ) 0 , 5 0 and 1 0 0 l b K 2 0 per acre per annum. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 49 The manure is applied bi-monthly and the first application was made in October. The height and the number of leaves of all the plants were measured in December. As expected analysis of the results did not produce significant treatment effects, except in the case o f phosphate, which would appear to have had an adverse effect on leaf number (see table). Future results will have to be awaited to see whether any importance could be attached to this solitary significant effect. TABLE 2.—Mean number of leaves per plant No. fertilizer N (in lb/acre/annum) P 2 0 5 (in lb/acre annum) K a O (in lb/acre/annum) 8 0 160 240 0 40 80 0 50 100 1 9 . 3 3 2 0 . 7 2 2 0 . 7 8 2 0 . 8 3 2 1 . 6 1 1 9 . 8 9 2 0 . 8 3 2 0 . 7 2 2 0 . 5 0 2 1 . 1 1 *S.D. ( P 0 . 0 5 ) : 0 . 9 8 Foliar Analysis.—During a visit by Dr A . L. Kenworthy, Professor o f Horticulture, Michigan State University, U.S.A. , arrangements were made with regard to an offer to have the nutrient contents of tea leaf samples analysed under the "International Co-operative Research Programme in Plant Nutri­ tion". This generous offer has been gratefully accepted and 1 , 7 2 8 dried and ground leaf samples were despatched in December for analysis at Michigan State University. These samples were collected monthly in two shade-cum- fertilizer trials (Visser, 1 9 6 1 ) , i.e. in the months o f June to September inclusive at St Coombs and July to November inclusive at Ratnapura (Low Country Station, T . R . I . ) . The assistance o f M r L. M . de W . Tillekeratne o f the Advisory Division is gratefully acknowledged. Publications. HASSELO, H . N. ( 1 9 6 1 ) . Report of the Chief Agronomist for 1 9 6 1 . Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 5 9 - 6 2 . HASSELO, H . N . ( 1 9 6 2 ) . Tea roots show effective depth of soil. Tea Quart. 3 3 : 45. JUDENKO , E., SHANMUGAM, C . & HASSELO, H . N . ( 1 9 6 2 ) . Field experiments on the chemicai control of Shot-hole Borer (Xyleborous fornkatus, Eichh.) on tea soon after pruning. Tea Quart. 33 : 6 9 - 8 7 . References EDEN , T . ( 1 9 4 9 ) . T h e work of the Agricultural Chemistry department 1 9 2 7 - 4 8 . Monogr. Tea Prod. Ceylon. No. 1: 7 8 pp. GUNN, D . L . & KANAPATHIPILLAI , P. ( 1 9 6 2 ) . A new look at fertilizer (N) dosage. Tea Quart. 3 3 : 1 2 2 - 1 3 1 . HASSELO, H . N . ( 1 9 6 1 ) . Report of the Chief Agronomist for 1 9 6 1 . Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 5 9 - 6 2 . VISSER, T . ( 1 9 6 1 ) . Report of the Plant Physiologist for 1 9 6 1 . Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon. 1 0 0 - 1 2 3 . REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST FOR 1962 J. E. Cranham, B.A., D. I .C . , M.I.Biol. General.—Mr A . Kathiravetpillai, B.Sc. (Cey.) joined the staff as a Technical Assistant in April. Dr D . Calnaido returned in June after three years in Britain at Rothamsted Experimental Station having gained his Ph.D. (Lond.) degree for his work on the emergence and dispersal of Frit Fly (Oscinella frit). M r W . Danthanarayana left for Britain in September for postgraduate studies at the Imperial College Field Station, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, Berks. M r C. Shanmugam was seconded to the departmental staff as Tech­ nical Assistant in December. Estate visits numbered 3 2 4 and were mostly in connection with the heavy programme of shot-hole-borer trials. There were 4 5 0 letters received and 689 sent out. Shot-hole Borer 1. Large-scale dieldrin trials on estates With the co-operation of Superintendents, assessment of seventeen trials on mature tea and two trials on new clearings were continued on Uva Keta- wella Estate, Rothschild Group, Delta Group, Choisy Estate, Meddetenne Estate, Meddecombra Group, Oodewella Estate, Hantane Estate, Balangoda Group, Endane Estate, Rye Estate, Queenstown Group, Demodera Group and Imboolpittia Estate. "Eleven of the trials on mature tea have run for over two years since prun­ ing and spraying and it is possible to review the results. The graphs in Figure 1 are based on the average counts o f infestation and galleries per 1 0 0 sample units, for each bi-monthly sampling period, for the dieldrin-sprayed plots and for the unsprayed control plots. The data of the unsprayed plots provide a more widely-based picture of the population dynamics of the borer than any gathered hitherto. Graph T in Figure 1 is plotted from the average counts of all live stages (eggs, larvae, pupae and adults) and shows the growth, peak, and decline phases in popula­ tion ; although most of the trials have not gone sufficiently far into the decline phase to generalise about it. The number of galleries (Graph ' G ' ) does not decline with the infestation. Galleries do not heal up internally in the wood but remain as a record of the attack—indeed, the number of galleries per sample is a useful measure of the accumulated total of the attack. In healthy wood the vacated galleries heal over externally by growth from the cambium; the number of 'open galleries' is usually closely correlated with the infestation. 5 0 A N N U A L REPORT FOR 1962 51 2001 NUMBERS per 100 SAMPIE , 5 0 ' UNITS 100 504 6 12 18 24 MONTHS AFTER PRUNING Fig. 1.—The results to the 26th month after pruning of eleven estate trials on the control of Shot-hole Borer: the number of live borers (I) and of galleries (G) per 100 sample units on the unsprayed plots; and the number of live borers (1(D)) and of galleries (G(D)) on the dieldrin-sprayed plots; based on the averages for each bi-monthly sampling period. The graphs 'I (D)' and 'G (D)' show the average counts for infestation and galleries on the sprayed plots, which were mosdy sprayed with ,1.5 lb actual dieldrin per acre either as two rounds of three pints 'Dieldrex' or one round of six pints of 'Dieldrex'. The results from these two treatments do not differ appreciably. Three of the trials contained plots treated with two rounds of six pints of 'Dieldrex' (3 lb dieldrin); the results on these plots also are not markedly better and are here combined in the general average. It will be seen that there was an upward trend in the average infestation of the sprayed plots about ten months later than in the unsprayed plots. However, die control achieved within a 24-month pruning cycle was good—the accumu­ lated attack, as represented by the number of galleries, has been reduced on an average by more than two-thirds. It is still too early to judge from these trials whether the application of dieldrin after pruning will generally prevent serious attack by the borer for a pruning cycle of longer than two years, or whether spraying merely postpones the peak in numbers to a 'third-year build-up'. Gadd (1949) produced evidence from the Passara trial of 1940-43 that the rate of reproduction declined steadily as the wood aged after pruning and he concluded that conditions became progressively less suitable for brood-rearing. Analysis of the present data shows a decline in the number of inmates per open gallery and also in the proportion of young in the population, the effect of both being marked after the 16th-18th month when the number of galleries has reached about 0.5 per sample unit (see Figures 2 & 3). The data show that on an 5 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 average between 1 2 months and 2 4 months after pruning the ratio of young to adults dropped from roughly 2 : 1 to 1 : 1 , and the average number of borers of all ages per open gallery (including a fairly constant proportion of those empty) from about 5 . 0 to below 3 . 0 . 3.0-j Ratio of immature stages to adults . 2.0 H 1. O n day of opening 25 8 32 »> 1 day after opening of flower 50 9 18 )> 2 days after opening of flower 38 3 8 3 ) 3 days after opening of flower 46 0 0 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 8 9 2.2. Interval between pollination and fertilisation—This experiment involved the excision of styles at intervals after pollination varying from 6 to 3 0 hours. It was thereby hoped to find out the minimum time that must elapse between pollination and removal of the style so as not to interfere with seed set. T h e results were all negative in that the severing o f the style up to 30 hours after pollination have consistently resulted in a failure to set seed. Further work with longer time intervals would be necessary to obtain positive results. 3. C l o n a l Ident i f icat ion—An attempt is being made to correlate morphological characters with clones. 3 .1 . Stamen numbers—Preliminary studies on stamen numbers of 14 clones have been completed. The results point to the fact that although the stamen number per flower within a clone is variable, still it is possible to group these clones into different categories, depending on their mean stamen numbers. Statistical analysis of the data is in progress. I- UL O 5 « 20 : i OI , B W ASS- 4 / 1 0 MEAN-1*4-37 DT. I MEAN - 365-38 MEAN-II3 BS 0T. »S MEAN-I44>«0 1 MEAN-ITS-7* 20 Sis' 2 UL 8 io U) a 5 T.FU-2077 M E A N - J 7 S 4 3 T.R.I. 2024 MEAN-189 3 9 5 0 ISO 250 350 NO. OF STAMENS / FLOWER T.R1. 2O70 M E A N - 2 7 1 - 0 0 50 ISO 250 3SO NO. OF STAMENS/FLOWER MEAN - I I4 . J I LA T.RJ. 207 5 MEAN-I70-«» 50 ISO 250 350 NO. OF STAMENS /FLOWER Frequency Histogram of Stamen Numbers of Twelve Clones (100 flowers per clone) 3.2. Leaf areas—Areas of individual leaves of different clones have been measured in order to classify them on the basis of their leaf sizes. Further work is in progress. 4. Clonal seed—Open pollinated seeds of 1 4 clones were collected and tests on the germination of these seeds have been completed. The more vigorous seedlings have been selected and planted out in the field on St Coombs for further studies. REPORT OF THE ACTING PLANT PATHOLOGIST N. Shanmuganathan, Ph.D., B.Sc. General The Pathologist, Dr Mulder, resigned his post and left the service of the Institute on October 17th, and I was appointed to act as Pathologist. I had returned to the Island on June 20th after successfully completing three years' post-graduate work at the East Mailing Research Station in Kent. Mr J. P. Herat, Technical Assistant, resigned his post on September 30th and was replaced by Mr W . R. F. Rodrigo on October 15th. There were 156 letters received and 241 sent out. Altogether 140 estate visits were made by members of the staff; except for a few visits to the low country, which were of a general investigatory nature, most of these were concerned with experimental work on estates. Fungal Diseases 1. Blister Blight (Exobasidium vexans) 1.1. Fungicide investigations—South-West Monsoon Trial. - In this trial at St Coombs, five fungicides, namely, Perenox, Duphar Colloidal Copper, Zineb, Dithane and Copper Curit (a mixture of copper oxychloride and Zineb), were tested at concentrations of \ , 1, 2, and 4 oz per acre. Low concentrations were chosen deliberately in order to bring out differences between fungicides more distinctly. The monsoon was erratic and average field infestation was low (26.9%) compared with that of previous years (37.5% in 1961; 40 .3% in 1 9 6 0 ) . Sixteen assessments for blister infection were carried out during the trial and the results are summarized in Table 1. TABLE 1.—Percentage infection by Blister Blight sprayed protectively with various materials Duphar Untreated Copper Colloidal Control Curit Zineb Dithane Copper Perenox Mean Percentage 2 6 . 9 2 1 . 0 2 0 . 7 2 0 . 3 1 8 . 7 1 7 . 7 Infection v v ——•• ' v v———' Significant difference 1 . 5 ( P = 0 . 0 5 ) Non-significant differences are bracketed. In agreement with previous observations, the inorganic copper com­ pounds proved superior to the organic thiocarbamates despite the general decrease in infection. The effect of doses was also significant ( P = 0 . 0 5 ) ; one, two and four- ounce doses gave better control than a dose of half-ounce. However, there was no significant difference in efficacy between one, two and four-ounce 90 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 9 1 doses, thus indicating that in experimental conditions and with low field infestation, copper fungicides could give adequate protection at concentra­ tions far below those normally in use (4-6 oz/acre). Brestan, an organo tin compound (triphenyl tin acetate) proved ineffective even at a concentration 5 times that recommended for copper compounds. North-East Monsoon Trial.—In this trial, attempts to evaluate the comparative efficiency o f Perenox, Duphar Colloidal Copper, Brestan, Zineb and Copper Curit proved inconclusive because of the low field infestation (23 .7%—mean for three months). All fungicides were about equally effective at all doses treated. Efforts to obtain a dosage-response curve were also vitiated by the severe decrease in infection. 1 .2 . Epidemiological Studies A n automatic, volumetric, spore trap o f the Hirst type was sited on Field N o . 9 at St Coombs, and was in operation throughout the year. The catches consisted predominantly o f basidiospores of Exobasidium vexans (more than 9 0 % ) ; other spores included several hyaline and coloured basidiospores, few ascospores, and spores o f Fungi Imperfecti. Spores o f mosses and ferns, and pollen were comparatively rare. Scanning of slides from the spore trap was carried out daily, but only spores of E. vexans were enumerated. Results showed a certain seasonal periodicity, but this was not very marked. The highest catch was recorded in July and in November, coincident with the two monsoons, the South-west and the North-east, when the spores reached a mean concentration of 10,500 and 9,600 respectively per cubic metre of air. The lowest catch was recorded in March (2,000 per cubic metre). A n interesting feature was that consider­ able numbers o f spores were trapped even during the comparatively dry months of February, March and April, when field infestation was negligible. It was not possible to relate the variation in atmospheric spore content to field infesta­ tion because o f the difficulty of separating the contributions from local and from distant sources; a further complication was caused by spray applications during critical periods, applications which considerably affected natural field infestation. Two-hourly concentrations obtained on 10 days in November indicated a very pronounced diurnal rhythm in the atmospheric spore content. Spores o f E. vexans reached the highest concentration in the early hours o f the morn­ ing between midnight and 4.00 hr., and in this respect E. vexans seems to resemble several other Basidiomycetes which show a similar nocturnal pattern. The diurnal periodicity could, however, be greatly altered by weather condi­ tions. For instance, a heavy thunderstorm at approximately 13.00 hr. on the 24th and 25th December resulted in two peak catches on those two days, high concentrations occurring in the first hour and second hour after the onset o f the rain, and again in the early hours o f the morning. Prolonged rain, on the other hand, always resulted in a drop in the mean daily catch. 2. Red Root Disease (Poria hypolateritia) 2 .1 . Fumigation Trials.—The large scale fumigation trials to deter­ mine the effect o f D D (1 ,3-dichloropropene and 1 ,2-dichloropropane) on Poria 9 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 control were continued on eight estates. The results of the two completed trials indicate that a dosage of 2 , 0 0 0 lbs per acre (approximately 1 6 5 imperial gallons) was the most effective; on one estate this'dosage gave complete control while on the other residual infection was very small and near the edge. Results were assayed using Tephrosia vogelli as indicator crop, but tea has now been planted on the experimental plot and is under observation. A n application rate of 1 , 0 0 0 lbs per acre proved to be inadequate, while 3 , 0 0 0 lbs per acre was no better than 2 , 0 0 0 . l b s . Injection at two levels, viz. 6 and 2 4 inches below ground level, show that better fumigation is obtained by injecting at 6 inches than at 2 4 inches. Injection at both 6 and 2 4 inches by splitting the dose into two was not superior to injection at 6 inches. Fumigation with D D followed by inoculation with a spore suspension of Trichoderma viride resulted in slightly better control than fumigation alone, but the difference was not significant. A trial to test the efficacy of Vapam (sodium dimethyl dithiocarbamate) when used as a soil fumigant to control Poria has been started on St Coombs estate. In this trial three rates of application, 1 0 0 , 1 5 0 and 2 0 0 gallons per acre, and two depths of injection, 1 ft and 2 ft, are being compared. Results will not be known until late in 1 9 6 3 . 2 . 2 . Field experiments During investigations carried out to study the vertical distribution of P. hypolateritia on the root surface of infected tea bushes, to determine the effective depth of penetration of D D required for complete control, 8 0 diseased bushes in an advanced state of defoliation, collected from 8 different estates, .were examined. This revealed that the fungus was mainly confined to the .top 3 0 inches of the root system. Although the depth of the root-system varied from 1 ft 6 in to 6 ft 6 in only in one case had the fungus colonized a depth of more than 3 0 inches. The average depth of the root-system was 3 f t 0 in and the average vertical distribution of P. hypolateritia 1 ft 9 in. Investigations are in progress to study the survival of P. hypolateritia in infected tea roots of varying thickness in the absence of other substrates in tea soil. A field experiment has also been started using artificially infected tea roots buried at different depths to determine the depth of penetration of D D when injected at two levels, viz. 9 and 1 8 inches below ground level. A pot experiment is also in progress to assess the potentialities o f Vapam and Trapex, a new formulation, as soil fumigants for Poria control. Results of these experiments are not yet available. 2 . 3 . Tolerance tests Twenty-three clones planted out in pots and artificially inoculated with P. hypolateritia are under observation. 2 . 4 . Laboratory studies In nutritional studies in the laboratory, attempts to culture P. hypolateritia on purely artificial inorganic media were unsuccessful. The addition of A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 93. organic materials such as yeast or malt extract resulted in luxuriant growth; good growth was also obtained on sterilized root and stem segments of tea. Growth in Knop ' s solution with 10 g per litre o f glucose and added thiamine was very poor unless asparagine too was added. The inability of P. hypolateritia to grow in purely synthetic inorganic culture media and its ability to grow on materials such as roots and stems and in synthetic media incorporating malt or yeast extract indicate that it requires specific vitamins for growth. The nature of these requirements is now under investigation. In a study of the growth requirements o f P. hypolateritia using 6 isolates collected from areas of varying elevations, the optimum temperature was found to be between 25 and 30°C, and the optimum p H between 5.5 and 6 . 5 ; the latter corresponds closely with the average p H of tea soils. 3. Collar and Branch Canker (Leptothyrium tkeae and Macrophoma theicola) During the year several outbreaks o f Collar and Branch Canker in clonal tea were reported from the Udapussellawa, Welimada, Badulla and Haputale Districts. Examination o f specimens received from six estates all yielded a fungus that closely resembled L. theae, but was not quite identical with it or with M. theicola, and type cultures have, therefore, been sent to the Common­ wealth Mycological Institute at Kew, Surrey, for complete identification and confirmation of the causal organism. T h e popular notion that the Clone T R I 2024 is uniquely susceptible to Collar Canker does not appear to be true for, in addition to T R I 2024, Clones Tillicoultry 10, U D 30, T G K 2, T R I 2025, Downside 686 and 740, Damba- tenne 434, NB 3, Brunswick M 9, Kennilworth 16/3 and several other un­ identified clones were also reported to have been attacked. T h e reason why clone T R I 2024 appears to suffer more may be due to the undoubted fact that it is used very widely in the Tea Replanting Subsidy Scheme. T h e mode o f entry o f the fungus into the stem o f young tea plants is not clear, and experiments are now in progress to find out. Once a successful inoculation technique has been worked out, it is hoped to conduct a tolerance test using young clonal tea, with a view to choosing immune or highly resistant clones for future replanting. With regard to control o f the disease, as an interim measure copper sprays have been recommended, and certain modifications in the method o f bringing into bearing young tea have also been advised (Mulder, 1962). A randomized five-fold replicated spraying trial is being conducted at Nayabedde Estate, Bandarawela, to test the effect o f 4 different fungicides on the control of Collar and Branch canker in young tea. In this experiment, 11-year-old T R I 2024 tea is sprayed at fortnightly intervals with either Perenox, or Perenox and Limbux (lime), or Captan, or Tillex. Results are not yet available. 4. Oil-Spot Disease The disease has now been definitely identified in 10 estates in the high- country, mostly around Nuwara Eliya, Kandapola and Agrapatana Districts, and field observations indicate that it is on the increase on certain fields in these estates. 94 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 A programme o f weekly sprays with a number o f insecticides and acari­ cides carried out on diseased bushes recovering from pruning has failed to control the disease. Recurrence o f Oil-Spot was apparent on several o f the bushes under all kinds of treatments and it became evident, therefore, that no insect or mite was connected with this disease. Attempts to transmit the disease by sap inoculations to herbaceous plants like French bean and cucumber were unsuccessful, and grafting experiments also proved to be failures mainly due to incompatibility between different types of tea and inability of diseased buds to establish on healthy shoots. A reconsideration of the symptoms o f the disease which range from tiny oil-spots to severe scorching o f the entire leaf, in some instances, and the fact that the disease appears on the same side o f the bush after pruning led us to the supposition that a toxic substance moving up in the bush, either from the soil or from the frame, was responsible for the disease, as suggested earlier (Mulder, 1960). In renewed efforts to identify the cause o f this disease, a slow-growing, parasitic fungus has now been isolated from the collar and branches o f affected bushes and it appears to be the causal organism of the Oil-Spot Disease. This fungus remains for the most part in the basal portions of the tea bush, being confined mainly to the wood o f the frame, and experiments indicate that it produces a toxin which acts at a distance from the site o f infection and gradually destroys the entire plant. Culture filtrates o f the fungus were found to induce typical symptoms o f Oil-Spot in tea shoots, and wilting, desiccation and necrosis of tomato shoots and young bean plants. Work is now in progress to isolate and characterize this toxin. T h e fungus has so far remained sterile on a number o f artificial media and has thus defied all attempts to identify it. Search for fruiting-bodies o f the fungus continues. Several healthy bushes in an up-country estate have also been inoculated with this fungus, but no symptoms are apparent as yet. 5. Maintenance-leaf fall in the low country The experiment at Millakande Estate, Bulathsinhala, to test the effect of improved 'field sanitation', viz. , cleaning of the frames after pruning, burn­ ing prunings, periodical application of fungicidal sprays, etc., on premature fall o f maintenance-leaf was continued. Six treatments are involved in this experiment. A t the end of the year, the experiment had been in progress for nearly 18 months and five monthly assessments had been made to estimate the amount o f leaf fall. The extent of fungal colonization on the experimental plots show no significant difference between treated and untreated plots, although there were slight indications that both leaf fall and fungal mycelium were less on treated plots. These assessments were made on visual observa­ tion. There was also no significant difference with regard to yield between any o f the treatments and the control. Towards the end of the year the method of assessment was improved so as to obtain a direct measure o f the leaf fall; this was achieved by placing traps under experimental bushes and weighing the droppings monthly. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 95 T h e experiment is expected to run until next June when the field is- due for pruning, and it is hoped that the incidence of leaf fall would be high in trie next six months, as this often happens towards the end of the pruning cycle, so that differences between treatments would become more apparent. 6. Black Blight (Rhizoctonia solani) in the low country Reports o f fresh outbreaks o f Black Blight in 2-3-year-old clonal tea came from a few estates in the low country with the onset of wet weather, and a spraying trial was therefore initiated at the Pelawatte State Plantation in the Kalutara District to determine the concentration and frequency o f spray applications necessary for the control o f this disease. In this trial three fungicides, Perenox, Zineb and Dithane, were applied at the rate o f 2 , 4 and 6 ozs in 30 gallons of water per acre o f tea. Unfortunately, as the monsoon was erratic and the Rhizoctonia attack sporadic and low in intensity, the spraying had to be discontinued soon after the commencement o f the experiment. T h e experiment will, however, be taken up again next year. 7. Marginal Scorch or R i m Blight Severe marginal scorch and subsequent invasion by Brown and Grey Blight fungi resulted in intense defoliation o f young clonal plants in a low country estate. The cause of this condition is not quite clear, though potash deficiency was considered a contributory factor. O h two other estates, severe marginal scorch accompanied by consider­ able leaf deformation resembling insect attack was noticed on clonal tea recovering from pruning. In the absence of insect pests, the probable cause appeared to be application of chemical manure before leaf growth had taken place following pruning. Virus and Virus-like Disorders 1. Phloem Necrosis.—Further work on this virus disease is n o w in abeyance. 2. Virus-like Disorders.—Dr Mulder who made a special study o f these disorders has now published an article on this subject which will appear in the March issue of the Tea Quarterly (1963). Deficiency Diseases Magnesium deficiency in tea The magnesium deficiency trial at Court Lodge Estate, Kandapola, was continued. During the year no further magnesium was applied but assess­ ments for lower-leaf chlorosis, magnesium content o f the leaves, and yield, were carried out. Results showed that considerable reduction in lower-leaf chlorosis could be obtained by the application o f either Dolomite, Kieserite or Epsom salt. There was also a significant increase in the magnesium content o f the leaves in the Kieserite and Epsom salt-applied plots as compared with untreated plots, but this diffrence was not evident in the Dolomite-applied plots. There was no significant difference in yield between treated and con­ trol plots. < 96 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 Disease of Cover Crops and Shade Trees 1. Guatemala Grass (Tripsacum laxum) 1.1. Spikiness Disease Further observations made on this disease indicate that the symptoms are reminiscent o f a leaf-hopper transmitted virus disease, although no proof o f such transmission is available yet. However, the insect responsible for the transmission must be rather rare as the spread o f the disease in the field is slow. In one experiment, healthy and diseased plants were planted out alternately in blocks o f 10 ft. x 10 ft. and examination o f the originally healthy plants showed that at the end o f 12 months they were completely free o f all symptoms. Loppings taken from these plants also showed that the yield from healthy grass was significantly higher than that obtained from infected grass. Results o f heat inactivation experiments were somewhat inconclusive though there were indications that by immersing cuttings taken from diseased, plants in water at 49°C for 10 minutes it might be possible to raise healthy plants. 1.2. Bacterial leaf-stripe (Xanthomonas sp.) M o r e reports o f the occurrence o f the disease continue to come from several estates, but so far the disease has not caused any serious damage. Several isolates o f the causal bacterium have now been obtained with a view to determining the susceptibility o f other rehabilitation crops like Mana , Napier and other grasses to the disease. 2. Gliricidia (Gliricidia maculata) A condition o f inter-veinal chlorosis leading to intense yellowing o f the leaves o f Gliricidia was reported from four estates in the low-country. This condition has not been previously noticed. In one instance, waterlogging was suspected but could not be proved, and the cause, therefore, remains obs­ cure. A n interesting point is that this condition passes off with lopping as the new growth appears to be free of symptoms. T w o other estates reported marginal scorch and defoliation o f the lower leaves o f Gliricidia and in one case this was ascribed to excessive manuring, while the cause on the other estate remained unknown. Miscellaneous Decay of Shade Tree Stumps In a trial at St Coombs, attempts were made to hasten the decay o f shade tree stumps by covering them with earth, weeds or plastic. Examination o f these stumps after a year showed that stumps o f both Grevillea and Albizzia were more readily attacked by termites, ants and saprophytic fungi when covered with earth or other material than when left uncovered. But how far this is feasible in practice is open to doubt for two reasons: firstly, the shade trees will have to be felled at or near ground level, which is very often not done, and, secondly, it is not easy to keep a stump covered with soil particularly when it is situated on a slope. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 57 Plans arc now afoot to effect rapid decay of stumps by inoculating them with a fast-rotting saprophytic fungus. Contrary to opinion, Grevillea stumps appeared to rot faster than Albizzia stumps. Publications VISSER, T . , SHANMUGANATHAN, N . & SABANAYAGAM, J. V . (1962). The influence of sunshine and rain on tea blister-blight fungus, Exobasidiunr vexans Massee, in Ceylon. Tta Quarterly 3 3 : 34-43. Reprinted from the Ann. appl. Biol., 4 9 : 306. MULDER, D . , REDLICH, W . W . & SABANAYAGAM,J. V . (1962). "BlackBlight": a leaf spot disease o f tea in the low-country caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. Tea Quart. 3 3 : 105-109. MULDER, D . (1962). Ring-barking of shade trees, its use and consequences with root diseases. Tea Quart. 3 3 : 146-147. MULDER, D . (1962). The symptoms of chlorosis due to high light intensity on tea leaves at high elevation. Tea Quart. 3 3 : 148-149. MULDER, D . (1962). The vein-banding virus disease o f the dadap tree (Erythrina lithosperma). Tea Quart. 3 3 : 150-151. MULDER, D . (1962). Collar canker caused by Leptothyrium theae Petch. Tea Qjiart. 3 3 : 152-155. References MULDER, D . (1960). Report o f the Plant Pathologist for 1959. Ann. Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 67-72. REPORT OF THE ACTING PLANT PHYSIOLOGIST FOR 1962 U . Pethiyagoda, B . S c , Ph.D., D . I .C . 1. General.—Mr D . N . " R . Wijewardena resigned from his post as Technical Assistant in September 1962. Dr T . Visser relinquished his post as Plant Physiologist on 15th October , since when I have been in charge o f the Division. M r S. Nagarajah continued his studies abroad. 135 letters have been sent out during the year. About 30 visits have been made by members o f the staff to estates and sub-stations. 2. Field Experiments 2 . 1 . Shade Experiment (St Coombs).—This trial, designed to test the c o m ­ bined effects of manuring and artificial shade on mature tea, was described in the Annual Report for 1 9 6 1 (Visser, 1 9 6 2 ) . Each o f the twelve shaded or unshaded blocks was 1 9 £ ft x 38 ft; each block consisted o f four equal-sized plots for the fertilizer treatments. The shade had been erected in M a y 1 9 6 1 and the manurial applications made in July 1 9 6 1 , November 1 9 6 1 , March 1 9 6 2 and July 1 9 6 2 . The tea was pruned in September-October 1 9 6 2 and is now recovering. The results so far obtained indicate that only the higher nitrogen levels have increased yield while the shade has had no significant effect. (Table 1) . TABLE 1.—St Coombs shade trial. Yields of crop for the period May ig6l to September ig62. Each figure represents the sum of four replicates and is expressed as dry weight yield in pounds and calculated to 5 2 plucks (from a total of 69 plucks) Fertilizer treatment % Light intensi ty • Mean 1 0 0 6 0 4 0 N , K , N , K a N a K , N a K a 2 1 . 5 6 2 2 . 5 1 2 8 . 8 2 2 7 . 8 0 2 6 . 1 4 2 4 . 8 5 2 8 . 8 8 2 6 . 8 8 2 3 . 2 1 2 3 . 1 3 2 4 . 5 4 2 4 . 8 2 2 3 . 6 4 2 3 . 5 0 2 7 . 4 1 2 6 . 5 0 Mean 2 5 . 1 7 2 6 . 6 9 2 3 . 9 3 Dry Wt . yield lb/4 plots/52 plucks fdl} 0 . 5 8 ( P - 0 . 1 % ) 25.53"! . • c 25 00 I significant N , N , K , Lb/year 1 0 0 2 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 98 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 99 The trial is now due to start its first complete pruning cycle and a more complete picture may begin to emerge. Concurrent observations have also been made on growth rates o f marked flush shoots and on proportions of banji and active flush shoots in each pluck. At the same time, moisture recordings have been made at weekly intervals from gypsum blocks sunk in all shade blocks at depths of \\, 3 and 6 ft. T h e results indicate that fluctuations are smaller under shade than in the exposed areas and that, as the depth increases, so also does the moisture level. T h e variations too are smaller at the greater depths. At the time o f pruning this trial, the following assessments were made for each plot separately:— (a) total weight o f prunings; (b) weight o f pruned wood and leaf separately; (c) total leaf area (estimated); (d) number o f leaves (estimated); (e) the maximum leaf area attained. Estimations o f dry weight were also made for (b), and on summation yield a value for (a) . T h e results are presented in Tables 2 and 3. T A B L E 2.—St Coombs shade trial. Assessments made at pruning [September- October 1962). Each figure represents the mean of four replicate plots. Results are tabulated on the basis of shade treatments % L i ght inter isity Sig. diff. at 100 60 40 Pruning weight (lb) W o o d weight (lb) Leaf weight (lb) Leaf numbers Leaf area m 2 Maximum leaf area c m 2 33.08 23 .22 9 .66 22364 45.63 48 31.31 22.63 8.70 18688 45.52 62 27.17 19.54 7.63 15322 41.35 71 not sig. not sig. not sig. 1% level=5534 not sig. 0 . 1 % l e v e l = 9 . 3 0 T A B L E Z.—St Coombs shade trial. Assessments made at pruning (September- October 1062). Each figure represents the mean of four replicate plots. Results are tabulated on the basis of fertilizer treatments. N , K , N , K 2 N 2 K , N a K a Pruning weight (lb) W o o d weight (lb) Leaf weight (lb) Leaf number Leaf area m a Maximum leaf area c m 2 28.39 20.03 8.39 17662 42.70 59 28.40 20.33 8.07 17834 41.09 61 32.76 23 .70 9.06 19758 46.18 60 32 .52 23.13 9 .12 19911 46.70 61 100 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962" N , N 2 Sig. diff. at K , K 2 Sig. diff. at Pruning weight (lb) 2 8 . 4 0 3 2 . 6 4 0 . 1 % l e v e l = 3 . 4 7 3 0 . 5 8 3 0 . 4 6 not sig. W o o d weight (lb) 2 0 . 1 8 2 3 . 4 2 0 . 1 % l e v e l = 2 . 9 4 2 1 . 8 7 2 1 . 7 3 not sig. Leaf weight (lb) 8 . 2 3 9 . 0 9 l%level = 0 . 8 3 8 . 7 3 8 . 6 0 not sig. Leaf number 17748 19839 not sig. 18710 18873 not sig. Leaf area m 2 4 1 . 9 0 4 6 . 4 4 not sig. 4 4 . 4 4 4 3 . 9 0 not sig. M a x i m u m leaf area c m a 60 61 not sig. . 6 0 61 . not. sig. These results indicate the following:— 1. The shade has not had a significant effect on total weight of prunings, weight of pruned w o o d , leaf weight and total leaf area. The total leaf number is, however, significantly decreased with increasing shade. It may be inferred from this that the average leaf area must increase with shade. Determinations o f the maximum leaf area obtained at each level o f shade confirm that the shaded plots have larger leaves. 2. The level o f potash seems without effect on any o f the assessments. The higher nitrogen level, however, has significantly increased the total weight o f prunings and the weights o f pruning w o o d and leaf separately. Leaf number, total leaf area and maximum leaf area are not significantly affected. This result may suggest that the higher nitrogen level increases leaf thickness (or density). It should, however, be noted that the total leaf area is an estimated figure whose accuracy may be relatively low. N o estimates of leaf thickness were obtained. The results of tests of manufacture on samples drawn from this experi­ ment are presented in the Report of the Technologist for 1962 (Keegel, 1963). 2.2. Shade experiment (St Joachim Estate, Ratnapura).—This trial, also briefly reported in the Annual Report for 1961 is based on the one at St Coombs. It includes two levels o f light intensity ( 7 0 % and 100% sunlight) and the same four fertilizer treatments, replicated four times. The plots are o f approximately the same size as at St Coombs. T h e shade was erected in April 1962 and the first manure applied in July. T h e tea was pruned in November 1962. Yield has been recorded for all plots from December 1961 until pruning in November 1962. The results indicate the absence o f any shade or manurial effects—both factors probably having been operative for too short a period. The results are presented in Table 4. TABLE 4.—St Joachim shade trial. Yields of crop for the period April to November 1962. Each figure represents the sum of four replicates and is expressed as dry weight yield in pounds and calculated to 52 plucks (from a total of 30 plucks) Fertilizer treatment % Light intensity Mean 100 70 N , K , 60 .5 62 .0 61 .3 N , K 2 61 .3 61 .2 61.3 N , K t 64.3 68.8 66.6 N 2 K 2 : 62.6 ' 62 .2 62.4 Mean 62.2 : 63.6 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 idi K , lb/year 1 0 0 2 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 Dry Wt . yield/4 plots/52 plucks. 6 4 " 5 >not significant. 6 1 9 / N O T significant. At the time of pruning, assessments similar to those on the St Coombs trial (see above) were carried out. In accordance with low country practice, pruning was o f the 'rim-lung' type and similar figures at the time o f removal of the lungs are now awaited for an evaluation of any effects. 2 . 3 . Mulch estimations under tea and shade trees (St Coombs):—This trial was initiated in 1 9 6 1 and was described in the Annual Report for that year. The results o f annual estimations are presented beloA (Table 5 ) . TABLE 5.—Annual estimations of mulch from shaded and unshaded tea (a) Shaded: Mean area per plot=4gy sq.ft. Period Fresh wt/plot Dry wt/plot Tons/acre U p to 2 0 - 1 2 - 6 0 1 3 6 . 3 1 0 8 . 9 4 . 2 6 2 0 - 1 2 - 6 0 — 8 - 1 - 6 2 4 9 . 8 3 5 . 2 1 . 3 8 8 - 1 - 6 2 — 8 - 1 - 6 3 1 1 3 . 1 7 3 . 9 2 . 8 0 (b) Unshaded: Mean area per plot=84i sq.ft. Period Fresh wt/plot Dry wt/plot Tons/acre U p to 3 - 1 1 - 6 1 2 0 6 . 5 1 2 9 . 5 3 . 0 4 3 . 1 1 - 6 1 — 6 - 1 1 - 6 2 1 6 2 . 5 8 2 . 1 1 . 9 0 Since yearly mulch estimations must be expected to yield low figures due to decay of the litter, monthly assessments are now in progress. T h e results so far obtained indicate, as expected, that considerably higher estimates than obtained hitherto in this experiment are likely by increasing the frequency of estimation (Table 6 ) . TABLE 6.—'Monthly collections of mulch from unshaded plots (as above). Period Fresh wt/plot Dry wt/plot Tons/acre 6 - 1 1 - 6 2 — 6 - 1 2 - 6 2 2 9 : 5 1 9 . 1 0 . 4 4 6 - 1 2 - 6 2 — 7 - 1 - 6 3 3 4 . 4 1 6 . 6 0 . 3 8 Total for two months: 0 . 8 2 162 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 3. Studies on growth 3.1. Reconditioning and growth.—This experiment has been laid down at St Coombs to determine whether a single crop o f potatoes prior to recondi­ tioning with Guatemala has an effect on the subsequent growth of young tea plants. A n area of land under Guatemala from M a y 1960 was selected and the plots meant for potato cultivation cleared in February 1961. The potato crop was raised in the months March to June. New Guatemala was planted put on these plots in July 1961. The grass on all plots was removed in March 1962 and tea (clone T R I 2025) planted in June 1962 after deep forking all o f the plots. The experiment thus compares the growth o f tea on a randomized arrangement o f six plots that had been continuously under Guatemala from M a y 1960 to June 1962 and of six plots which had an interpolated cultivation o f potatoes from March to June 1961. Each plot was 12 ft x 18 ft in size. Superimposed on this were three mutilation treatments on the tea plants, carried out at the time o f planting. (a) Control plants (intact); (b) A n estimated l/3rd o f shoot removed; (c) A n estimated 1/3rd o f root removed; (d) Estimated l/3rd shoot plus l/3rd root removed. Each plot had 48 plants arranged in groups o f four representing one of each mutilation treatment and control. Sampling was at fortnightly intervals with one such group being removed from each plot. Plants with similar mutilation treatments from the six "Guatemala plots" and the six "potato plots" were pooled for growth assessments (leaf weight, stem weight and root weight with corresponding dry weight estimations—summated to give total plant weights). The results are presented in Table 7. T A B L E 7.—The effect of an interpolated crop of potatoes during reconditioning on the subsequent growth of tea (clone TRI 2025) subject to mutilation treat­ ments at planting, (St Coombs). Results expressed as total dry weight in grams per plant (mean of values obtained for 10 separate fortnightly assessments). Potato Guatemala Sig. diff. at 5 % l e v e l = 6 . 5 3 Control 1/3 top removed 1 /3 root removed 1/3 (top + root) removed 51.00 45.78 39.92 32.95 63.12 54.53 51.25 46.95 Mean 57.06 50.16 45.56 39.95 Mean Sig. diff at 5 % level = 7 . 6 1 42.41 53.96 48.18 3.1. (b) Reconditioning experiment—Hantane.—An experiment similar to the one described above (for St Coombs) was conducted concurrently at Hantane. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 TWO points o f difference at this site were:— (a) In place o f the mutilation treatments, 5 clones were tested for their growth (clones A , N , D G 7, T R I 1530 and T R I 2024). (b) All plants were assessed only on one occasion (30 weeks after planting). The results presented in Table 7 (b) indicate that while there were marked differences in the gowth of the different clones, the planting of a c rop o f pota­ toes was without significant effect on the subsequent growth o f tea. TABLE 7.—(b) The effect of an interpolated crop of potatoes during recondition­ ing on the subsequent growth of five clones (Hantane). Results expressed as total dry weight in grams per plant (assessed 30 weeks after planting) Clone Potato Guatemala Sig. diff. at 5 % l e v e l = 9 . 1 7 Mean A 23.46 24.20 23.88 N 47.98 50.72 49.35 T R I 2024 31.12 30.26 30.75 T R I 1530 29.70 32.78 31.24 D G 7 41.85 43.40 42.63 Mean 36.30 34.84 35.57 Difference between treatment means is not significant at the 5% level. The results may be summarised as follows:— (i) Unmutilated (control) plants were superior in their growth to all the mutilation treatments. T h e order being, control; l/3rd shoot removed; 1/3 root removed; and 1/3 shoot and root removed. The last treatment resulted in considerably more casualties than the other three. , These results Jare in accord with previous experience at St Coombs (Annual Report 1961). (ii) Over the period o f assessment (26 weeks) there was a significant superiority o f the "Guatemala plots" over the "potato plots". This conclusion however, is made with reservation since, in the one case, the interruption o f the grass cover for potato cultivation did not allow a fair chance for the estab­ lishment o f the Guatemala. The period o f assessment was possibly also too short to bring out maximum effects as attention has been confined to a region o f the growth curve consider­ ably ahead o f the period of most rapid increase (see Visser, Annual Report 1961). T w o final assessments have therefore been delayed and remain to be made. 3.2. Observations on production of 'banji' shoots.—An examination o f past records and field observations are in progress to determine the factors respon­ sible for the onset of apical dormancy (banji production) in tea. Some preliminary trials have also been carried out on the effects o f leaf removal on banji shoots. The indications are too tentative in nature to Warrant report at this stage. 164 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 3.3. Growth studies onGuatemala and Mana grasses:—This trial has been laid down at five locations—Kottawa (200—300 ft), Hantane (2,500 ft), Passara (3,400 ft), St Coombs (4,600 ft) and Oliphant estate (6,800 ft). It is intended to compare the performance of these two grasses that are commonly used as reconditioning crops, at the five elevations. The plots were planted in October- November 1962. After assessing the growth over about one year, tea is to be planted on the plots. Periodic sampling will furnish growth curves for tea at these five locations. It is hoped that the information gained will, in addition to showing any differential effects o f the two reconditioning grasses, also indi­ cate suitable time intervals for the assessment o f tea in future studies on growth. 4. Laboratory studies 4.1. Carbohydrate estimations:—The main lines of investigation indicated in the Annual Report for 1961 continued. It has, however, become apparent that the results show evidence o f marked inconsistencies. Accordingly, the sampling and method of estimation are now under scrutiny with a view to their standardization. 4.2. Photosynthesis in tea shoots:—Preliminary work is under way for a study o f the photosynthetic activity o f flush shoot components by a relatively crude dry weight method. It is hoped that such studies will mark the beginning of an attempt to understand more completely the nutritional status o f flush shoots and their role in food manufacture, prior to plucking. 5.5. Potato trials.—Four trials have been carried out during the year at St Coombs and Mattakelle estates. They were two fertilizer trials, one variety trial with different manurial levels and one variety trial with two different spacings. 5.1. Potato fertilizer trial (St Coombs and Mattakelle):—Two potato varieties, Tedria and Eigenheimer were grown, each at two levels of N , P, K and M g . The experiment was a 2* design arranged in blocks of 4 plots each. T h e layout was the same at both sites and the fertilizer levels are as indicated be low: Nutrient L b per acre at level 1 2 N 80 160 80 160 K a O 80 160 M g O 30 60 (as ammonium sulphate.) (as ordinary super-phosphate.) (as sulphate o f potash.) (as epsom salts.) T h e yields obtained are summarised in Table 8. T A B L E 8.—(a) Potato fertilizer trial (St Coombs)—yield is expressed as tons per acre calculated on the basis of number of tubers planted; each figure being calculated from sixteen plots Fertilizer treatments N , N 2 P P K , K 2 M g , M g 2 Mean yield (tons/acre) Yield as percent­ age o f lower fer­ tilizer level Percentage of casulaties 2.81 2.89 100 102.8 28.8 33.5 2.46 3.25 100 132.1 36.1 26.2 2.88 2.83 100 98.3 31.4 .30.9. 2.77 2.93 100 105.8 30.2 32.1 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 105 The difference in yield between treatments P, and P a alone is significant at the 1% level. All the other treatments have been without significant effect. All first order fertilizer interactions were worked out and only the P x M g proved significant at the 1% level (see be low) . P , P M g , 2.'77 2.*78 M g a 2 .15 3 .72 - 0 .62 + 0 . 9 4 (b) Potato fertilizer trial (Mattakelle) yield expressed as above Fertilizer treatments N , N a P P 1 * 2 K , K a M g , M g a Mean yield (tons/acre) Yield as percent­ age o f lower fer­ tilizer level Percentage o f casualties 2 .92 2.73 100 93.5 15.3 17.5 2 .67 2.98 100 111.6 16.5 16.3 2.91 2.74 100 94 .2 17.0 15.8 2 .80 2 .80 100 100 16.5 16.3 None o f the treatments was significant. The yields obtained in this experiment are quite low. 5.2. Variety trial at different manurial levels (Mattakelle):—Nine different varieties of potato were grown at three manurial levels in a randomized experi­ ment with three replications. The manurial mixture was that provisionally recommended for potatoes and was made up as follows:— Ammonium sulphate . . . 660 lb Ordinary superphosphate . . . 550 lb Sulphate o f potash . . . 260 lb Epsom salts . . . 250 lb 1720 lb per acre. T h e manurial treatments were as follows:— M , . . . N o manure M a . . . A b o v e mixture at the rate o f 1,290 lb/acre (i.e. 3/4 normal rate). M s . . . Above mixture at the rate o f 2,580 lb/acre (i.e. l £ normal rate). T h e yields obtained are given in Table 9. T A B L E 9.—Variety trial at three manurial levels (Mattakelle) yields expressed as tons per acre, calculated on the basis of number of tubers planted; each figure being calculated from 2j plots (for each manurial level) and from 9 plots (for each variety). Manurial level M , M a M 3 Sig. diff. Mean yield (tons/acre) Percentage casualties 1.98 5 .2 2.93 4 .2 3.25 4 .7 0.84 (at 0 . 1 % level) 106 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 The manured plots have yielded very much better than the unmanured. As between the two levels of manuring, the higher dosage has not resulted in a significantly better yield than the lower dosage (SD = 0.37 tons per acre at P = 0.05). Percentage Yield Variety casualties (tons/acre) Voran 8.1 1.77 Eigenheimer 6.6 1.83 Noordeling 1.5 1.86 Gineke 2.5 2.25 Luctor 5.6 2.29 Extase 15.2 2.32 Profijt 2.5 3.51 Ambassadeur 0.5 3.75 Tedria 0 4.91 Significant yield difference = 1.11 (P = 0.001). The varieties show markedly different performances in the experiment. The yields obtained are again quite low. 5.3. Variety and spacing trial (St Coombs):—The performance of seven different varieties at two spacings (12" x 24" and 10" x 20") was tested in a randomised trial replicated three times. The results are presented in Table 10. T A B L E 10.—Potato variety and spacing trial (St Coombs). Mean yield expressed as pounds of tubers per plot Sig. diff. Variety Spacing at 5% a b l eve l=1 .33 Mean I V P 654 3.10 4.23 3.67 Geld. R o d e 3.52 3.88 3.70 Zeeburger 4.40 3.73 4.07 Gineke 5.06 5.55 5.31 Tedria 6.65 6.96 6.81 Hilla 7.55 6.74 7.14 Eigenheimer 7.50 7.37 7.44 Mean 5.40 5.50 5.45 While varietal differences are again present, the two spacings have been without effect on yield. References VISSER, T . (1962). Report o f the Plant Physiologist for 1961. Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 100—123. KEEGEL , E. L . (1963). Report o f the Technologist for 1962. Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon:— REPORT ON THE SELECTION PROPAGATION AND TESTING OF CLONES FOR 1962 F. H . Kehl N O T E : This report incorporates information relating to a number of previous years, particularly of 1961 in respect o f which no report was published. Normally this report would have been signed by the Vegetative Propagation Officer, M r F. H . Kehl and Dr T . Visser, Plant Physiologist, but as the latter retired from the Tea Research Institute before the end of 1962, it appears under the name o f M r Kehl only. I should like to express the thanks o f the Tea Research Institute to Dr Visser who was associated with this work and gave M r Kehl the benefit o f his wide experience. (A. W . R . Joachim, 1.6. 1963). 1. General 1.1. Staff.—Mr W . Ekanayake was appointed as Field Attendant at Hantane from 2nd February, and M r R . M . Chandrasekera as Field Attendant at St Coombs from 17 th December. 1.2. Correspondence and visits (including 1961).—Letters received numbered 379 and those despatched 466. 160 visits to estates and the Sub-stations were made by members of the staff. As in previous years most o f these visits were in connection with the selection of clones, and the collection and distribution o f clonal cuttings to the different stations. 1.3. Miscellaneous Information on the Clonal Stations.—Apart from the work referred to under separate headings, the following is to be reported:— (1) NEUCHATEL (about 100 ft).—The clonal areas were handed over to the estate early in January, 1961, and experimental work there ceased. (2) HANTANE (about 2,500 ft).—The total rainfall was 75.89 inches and there were 199 wet days. A heavy infestation of Red Spider Mite was observed during August-September. It was controlled by the application o f sulphur. T w o staff bungalows were completed towards the end o f the year. (3) K O T T A W A (about 100 ft).—The rainfall recorded for the year was 111. 99 inches. The number o f wet days was 185. During very wet weather mild attacks of Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn were noticed; control was effected by spraying copper fungicides during periods when the tea was susceptible to the disease. The building used as a temporary store was converted to a bungalow to house the Field Attendant. T w o twin labour cottages were built during the year. A sum of Rs. 2,000 was obtained from the sale of cuttings. (4) PASSARA (about 3,500 ft).—Rainfall o f 87.20 inches and 188 wet days were recorded. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency were not so marked as in previous years. Sales of green leaf and of clonal cuttings realized Rs. 2,182.42 and Rs. 1,370/-, respectively. 107 108 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 2. Nursery Experiments 2.1. Nursery testing of clones (Kottawa, Hantane, Passara, St Coombs 1961).—The first set o f tests was started in 1960 (Visser & Kehl, 1961) using clones which appeared to be promising as to yield and other characteristics as judged from observations made from (unreplicated) rows or small plots at St Coombs and on other estates. The purpose was to select for planting in the field those clones (out o f about 70 clones) which showed the best rooting and growth in the nurseries of all four stations (elevations from 100 to 4,500 ft). Replicated nursery trials were carried out with the same clones twice each at St Coombs and Passara and once each at Hantane and Kottawa. T h e cuttings of each clone at each station were examined for rooting at 7, 9, 11, 13, and 16 weeks after planting; these examinations made it possible to determine the early rooter. T h e 31 clones which were finally chosen for field trials (Table 1) were selected on the following bases: (a) rooting percentage after 16 weeks; (b) growth in the nursery assessed on growth o f roots and shoots 16 weeks after planting; (c) general growth in baskets and polythene bags determined b y visual observations shortly before planting was due; (d) whether good rooting and growth occurred in most or, in all o f the 6 tests; (e) availability of plants at all 4 stations. Table 1 gives the performance o f 31 selected clones on nursery rooting tests. Classification in three categories. A (above average) B (about average) and C (below average) on the basis o f tests at St Coombs, Passara, Hantane and Kottawa. T A B L E 1.—Performance of 31 selected clones in Nursery rooting tests Classification into three categories. A (Above Average), B (About Average), and C (Below Average) Clone Origin Rooting Root Growth DG. 39 MT. 18 Mt/BG CV4B1 CV5B1 CR. 4 D N DT 1 EN 31 G M T 9 KEN 15/7 KEN 16/3 K 150 K 136 NL3/1 N L 4 / 2 PA 22 P 0 26 Q T 1/5 T K 4 8 C Y 9 T 5/3 T 5 / 3 5 TRI 777 TRI 2023 TRI 2024 TRI 2025 TRI 2026 TRI 2027 TRI 2151 U H 9 / 3 Balangoda Balangoda Balangoda Cannavarella Cannavarella Craig Diyagama Drayton Kenilworth Kenilworth Kirkoswald Kirkoswald Neluwa Endane Gonamotawa Neluwa Passara Poronuwa Queenstown Talankande Tangakelle Thotulagalla Thotulagalla St Coombs St Coombs St Coombs St Coombs St Coombs St Coombs St Coombs Uva Highlands A A A A A A A B A A A A B B A A A A A B A A A B A A A A A A A B B B C B B B B B B B B A B B A B C C B B B A C A B B A B B B A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 1 0 9 2.2. The nursery tests of the second series, consisting of 30 clones were completed. The cuttings of the various clones were put out in batches of 4 to 6 clones, T R I 2024 being included in every batch. T h e first set was planted on 25th September and the last on the 10th October. T h e design was similar to that described in 2.1. Table 2 gives the performance of 18 selected clones on nursery tests. TABLE 2.—Performance of 18 selected clones in nursery rooting tests. Classification into three categories A (Above Average), B (About Average) and C (Below Average) Clone Origin Rooting Root Growth H 6 Al Hellbodde C C H 13/4 Tangakelle C C W Y B C TRI 2024 St Coombs A B TRI 2016 ,» . B B , , 2020 B B „ 2022 ; y B' B „ 2024 i A B , , 2039 i 3 A B D Diyagama I A B N 3 Nayabedde A C : TRI 2024 St Coombs A B 2043 Moray A C MG B C TRI 2024 St Coombs - A B MG 3/B1 Cannavarella B B NK 4/B29 > * Palmgarden B C KP204 B E T R I 2024 St Coombs B B CH 13 Craighead A C . MPA 1 Passara B B TRI 2024 St Coombs A B NW2 Norwood No test Insufficient material 1 Over-mature cuttings were responsible for the low rooting percentage o f clones H 6 A 1, H 1 3 / 4 and M G . 2.3. The third series of nursery tests on cuttings of 18 clones were started for 1 9 6 3 clonal trials. 2.4. New Clones.—Cuttings of 9 new clones were put out in the nursery for preliminary tests. 8 clones: were, selected for vigorous growth and one for quality. Three other clones selected for quality were pruned; cuttings of these will be propagated early in 1963. 2 . 5 . Effect of shoot condition on rooting (St Coombs).—An experiment was started in August to observe rooting and growth of cuttings from shoots which had (a) dormant terminal buds (banji); (b) terminal bud just starting to show signs of activity; and (c) fully -active terminal buds. Cuttings of clones T R I 2 5 and T R I 2 0 2 4 were used; the trial was replicated 4 times, with 3 0 cuttings/ plot/clone. 110 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 TABLE 3.—The effect of the condition of the terminal bud of the shoot in the performance of cuttings of TRI clones 25 and 2024 assessed 4 months after planting (means in brackets). 1 2 3 4 5 Condition ofshoot Clone TRI % rooting Dry weight in g. roots shoots total plant Dormant 25 2024 53 (75) 97 0.143 (0.922) 1.702 0.490 (0.581) 0.671 0.633 (1.003) 2.373 Near-active 25 2024 59 (79) 98 0.444 (0.945) 1.445 0.523 (0.955) 1.386 0.967 (1.899) 1.831 Active 25 2024 53 (75) 96 0.164 (0.953) 1.742 0.864 (1.014) 1.164 1.028 (1.892) 2.756 - Sign. diff. for means a t P = 0 . 0 5 N.S. N.S. 0.267 The results of this experiment are given in Table 3 which shows that there is no significant difference between treatments as regards the rooting percentage (column 2) and the mean weight of roots (column 3). However, the shoot growth o f cuttings taken from near-active or active shoots was significantly superior to that o f cuttings made from shoots which had turned bariji (column 4). The weights for total growth (column 5) show that the results improve with increased activity of the terminal bud. It can also be seen from Table 3 that the clones differ greatly in rooting and growth and behave somewhat differently according to the terminal bud activity of the shoot. The experiment indicates clearly that the condition of the shoots can have a marked effect on the performance o f cuttings in the nursery. 3. Growth Observation on Young Tea Plants 3.1. The effect of pressing the soil ia Polythene bags (St Coombs).—A small- scale trial was done to observe the influence of (a) pressing the soil tightly round the roots of plants and (b) pressing the soil only moderately firmly. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 10 uniform 6 month old plants o f clone T R I 2024. The plants were transferred from the nursery to polythene bags filled with a soil mixture consisting o f 1 part sub-soil, 1 part peat and 1 part decomposed tea fluff. T A B L E 4.—The effect of pressing the soil tightly (Tight) or moderately firmly (Mod) on the subsequent root and shoot weight (Dry weight in g) Assessed four months after transfer of plant beds to bags. Plot No . Roo t Weight Shoot Weight Soil Pressed S o i l P ressed Tight M o d . Tight M o d . 1 2 3 Mean S.E. 5.37 6.36 6.77 6.17 +0.41 15.25 11.08 12.87 13.40 ± 1.21 5.79 4.24 10.84 6.96 + 1.99 41.16 28.32 38.12 35.87 + 3.87 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 1 1 1 The results presented in Table 4 show a striking effect o f the soil texture in the bags. The root weight of the plants in the loosely pressed soil was twice and shoot weight five times as high as those of the plants growing in the tightly pressed soil. In fact the plants in tighdy pressed soil made hardly any new growth, the leaves gradually turning yellow after transplanting, while at the time of the assessment the finer roots were mostly dead or dying. Presumably, pressing the soil firmly damaged the root system, on the one hand, while on the other the compactness of the soil must have impeded aeration and thus slowed down growth. 3 . 2 . The effect of removal of shoots and roots at transplanting (St Coombs, Passara, Hantane).—These trials were carried out to assess the effect o f partial removal of the shoot or roots at the time of transplanting on the survival and subsequent growth o f the plants (see Report o f the Plant Physiologist for 1961). 3 . 3 . The effect o f different treatments of polythene bags at the time o f transplanting. (1) K O T T A W A . — T h i s experiment was designed to study the effect o f (a) complete removal of the bag, (b) slitting the bag longitudinally at 4 places, (c) removal of basal discs, (d) bags intact. The bags used were approximately 3 . 5 inches in diameter and about 9 inches long. The base was heat sealed and a number of perforations made to allow water to drain through. Plants approximately one year old were used, of clones Ken 16/3 and CV4B1. . Assessments were carried out 8 months after the plants were put out in the field. The differences found are sum­ marised in Table 5 . TABLE 5.—(Kottawa) — The effects of (a) Removal of polythene bag (b) Slitting P. bags (c) P. bag intact (d) Removal of Basal disc at transplanting on clones KEN i6J3 and CV4B1. Mean dry weights of roots, leaves and stems per plant in g. Removed Slit Intact Basal disc removed Sign. diff. for means at P==. 0 5 Roots 3 5 . 0 5 2 5 . 4 7 2 3 . 5 3 2 1 . 5 0 4 . 4 1 Leaves 4 9 . 4 1 3 5 . 0 4 2 7 . 9 5 2 7 . 1 1 5 . 1 0 Stems 5 2 . 6 0 3 9 . 9 6 3 1 . 4 9 3 0 . 4 5 5 . 4 3 These data show that the complete removal of bags gave better root leaf and stem growth than any of the other three treatments. Slitting o f the bags resulted in more leaf and stem growth than the treatments, bags intact and basal discs removed, but no difference in root growth. It was observed that a better spreading type of root system had developed by the removal of bags, so that there was better soil exploitation. In the slit treatment some roots had grown through the slits but a fair proportion of the feeding roots appeared to be pot bound as in the other two treatments—bags intact and basal discs removed. It was also noticed that there were no signs of the polythene bags disintegrating at the time the assessments were carried out. 1 1 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1963 (2) PASSARA .—At Passara the polythene sleeves were not heat sealed but were left open. T h e treatments consisted o f (a) complete removal (b) slitting, the bags longitudinally at 4 places (c) bags intact, i.e. with bottom open. The bags were approximately the same size as those used at Kottawa. 14 months old plants o f clones U R 12 and DF were used. Assessments were carried out 8 months after planting. T h e results are shown in Table 6. T A B L E 6.—(Passara)—The effect of (a) Removal of polythene bag (b) Slitting P. bag (c) P. bag intact at transplanting on clones UR 12 & DF. Mean dry weight* of roots, leaves and stems per plant in g. Removed Slit Intact Sign. diff. for means at P = . 0 5 Roots 4.31 4.24 3.20 N.S. Leaves 10.75 8.83 5.72 2.45 Stems 12.74 11.23 8.26 2.14 T h e results show that there is no significant difference between treatments as regards root formation. There is also no difference in leaf and stem weights between removal o f bags and slitting but they are both superior to the other treatment, bags intact. It is obvious that the clones used in this trial did not make as much growth as those at Kottawa—Table 2. Growth at Kottawa is generally more vigorous than at Passara. 3.4. Shade Experiment.—An experiment was laid out by M r V . S. Kulase- garam to investigate the influence of soil cover and shade on young tea plants following transplanting in the field. The treatments were:(a) control, i.e. no cover or shade; (b) plants shaded with fern; (c) Guatemala thatch; (d) fern and Guatemala thatch; (e) Crotalaria grown in alternate.rows; (f) Crotalaria grown in alternate rows and Guatemala thatch. The Crotalarias were lopped periodically. The treatments were replicated four times, twice each at Hantane and at Kottawa. 10-months-old plants of clone T R I 2024 were used. T w o assessments were carried out, one about 7 months after planting and the second about 5-6 months later. The results are presented in Table 7. The first assessment showed no difference between the treatments in root growth. As regards stem growth the treatments, (c), (a), (d) and (b) are superior to the two Crotalaria treatments (e) and (f); in leaf growth the treat­ ments (a) and (c) are better than the rest of the treatments. At the second assessment treatment (c) was markedly superior to (a), (b), (e), and (f) but only slightly better than treatment (d) in root growth. There were no differences in top growth (stem and leaves). In the early stages the Crotalaria treatments did not seem to favour top growth. In the later stages of growth thatching with Guatemala appeared to favour root development. 3.5. Treatment of plants at transplanting.—An experiment was initiated by M r V . S. Kulasegaram to study the effect o f removal o f part o f the shoots at the time o f transplanting. The treatments (a) control, (b) 1/3 top removed and (c) £ top removed, were replicated 8 times. The experiment was carried out at Passara using 9-month-old plants o f the clone T R I 2024. Assessments were carried out 6-7 months after planting. The results are presented in Table 8. T A B L E 7.—The effect of shade on young tea, Mean weight of roots; stems and leaves per plant of clone TRI 2024 Mean Wt. T R E A T M E N T S Sign, diffi. for means at P = . 05 M Control (*) Fern W Thatch V) Fern & thatch W Crotalaria if) Crotalaria & thatch 1st asst. dry wt. in g/plant Roots Stems Leaves 15.75 98.48 97.25 16.55 86.65 78.48 16.43 102.43 95.10 13.85 91.85 75.63 9.10 49.18 56.50 11.33 61.65 63.73 not significant 20.72 14.05 2nd asst. fresh wt. in oz/plant Roots Top growth (stems and leaves) 11.42 31.28 11.33 33.80 18.50 39.42 13.34 31.58 10.07 22.69 9.30 29.19 5.73 not significant 1 1 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 TABLE 8.—Effect of cutting back young plants at transplanting. Mean dry weight of roots, stems, and leaves, in g. per plant. TREATMENTS Sign. diff. for means at P = 0 . 0 5 Control (*) 1 / 3 top removed • V 1 /2 top removed Roots 2 . 0 1 . 5 8 1 . 4 4 0 . 3 7 2 Stems 6 . 0 1 5 . 9 5 5 . 5 4 Not significant Leaves 7 . 0 4 6 . 6 0 6 . 7 0 d o The results show that there are no differences between treatments in top growth but the removal of tops (J and 1 /3) did reduce root growth. 4 . Clonal testing experiments (Kottawa, Hantane, Passara, St Coombs) 4 . 1 . ( 1 9 6 1 Planting).—Up to the present, the testing of clones has been done on the basis of a single row of bushes, which has proved to be convenient for demonstration, for observation on branching type and for preliminary records of yields, prior to weeding out o f unsuitable types. It is evident that by resorting to single rows, the yield of a slow growing clone can be interfered with or depressed, if it happens to be flanked by two high yielding spreading clones. Also a vigorous grower, when placed between rows of slow growing clones, can often give yields higher than what would be normally obtained. Before a consistant behaviour in yield can be claimed a more accurate test is needed. In 1 9 6 0 it was, accordingly, decided that the best clones selected on row tests at St Coombs and elsewhere should be properly tested in repli­ cated experiments at different elevations. T h e first 3 1 clones—selected after nursery testing (see 2 . 1 and Table 1) — were planted in 1 9 6 1 in replicated plots at St Coombs, Passara, Hantane, and Kottawa. At each locality there are 4 blocks of which 2 are shaded and 2 are unshaded. The blocks, comprising 3 2 plots (31 clones and 1 seedling plot) , are each divided into 4 sub-blocks of 5 6 feet square which contain 8 plots of 2 8 x 1 4 feet planted at 4 feet between rows and 2 feet in the row. The plots are separated by a guard row of the red flush clone, T R I 2 6 , so that each plot contains 3 6 plants of the clone to be tested. Gliricidia or Dadaps were planted for shade at 1 4 x 1 4 feet on the shade blocks. The experiments at St Coombs and Hantane were planted in tea land which had been reconditioned with Guatemala grass for about one year. The experimental" area in Kottawa had formerly been scrub land and that in Passara had been patna. They were planted in Guatemala grass for one year and three years respectively before planting the clones. The removal of the grass and planting operations were carried out in the following months:— St Coombs Passara Hantane Kottawa Grass cut to ground level Clones planted end. of March 2 n d half of June early July November early August 2 n d half o f October end of September Mid-October A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 1 1 5 The planting was done in holes, except in Kottawa where it was done in trenches o f 1 ft depth and of which the bottom was forked to a depth o f about 9 inches. This was done to break up the hard gravel pan at about 1 ft; the trenches were filled with top soil. Nearly all plants at the 4 stations were bent at least once. Some o f the clones not selected for trial were planted in small plots for further observations. The clones put out in 1 9 6 1 were given a light cut-across in the following months:— Hantane Kottawa Passara St Coombs Cut-across 18 to 20 inches December October — August 1st Tipping — — — November It is hoped to give the first cut across at Passara early in 1963. 4.2. (ig62 Planting).—16 clones, selected after nursery tests (see Table 2), were planted in replicated plots at Kottawa and Passara, 15 at Hantane and 18, at St Coombs. Clone H 13/4 had not made sufficient growth to be included at Hantane. T w o extra clones put out at St Coombs are W Y and N 2, plants of which were not available at the other stations. The design is similar to that described in 4.1. Details of the various planting operations are given be low:— Hantane Kottawa St Coombs Passara April 1960 December April 1958 1959 April 1962 March 1962 October 1962 May & June May-June November 1962 1962 1962 At Kottawa planting was done in trenches as described previously. T w o o f the blocks were planted without any soil rehabilitation. This was unavoid­ able as suitable land that was under Guatemala grass was used for other experiments. 5. Clonal selection work 1937-1961.—Detailed accounts o f clones have appeared in the Annual Reports for 1945, 1946 and 1947 (Tubbs, 1946? 1947? 1948?), but since then only the yields o f the better clones have been dealt with in the more recent Reports (Visser, 1960; Visser & Kehl, 1961). A n attempt is now made to include in this report most o f the information that has been obtained from the time clonal work started in 1937. 5.1. St Coombs (elevation 4,500 feet).—Some common factors in all the clonal test plots established between 1937 and 1956 are that the clones were planted in land that had previously been in tea, and the land was not rehabil­ itated. The system adopted forjudging the prospective value o f a clone has been to grow one row o f 10-30 bushes for each clone: the spacing between rows is 4 ft, with 3 ft within rows. A few clones, o f which a larger number o f plants was available, were planted in duplicate rows. All blocks are with­ out shade. Ex-nursery plants approximately one year old were used in most cases. Guatemala July 1960 Planted Guatemala cut at ground level June 1 9 6 2 Clones Planted July and November 1 9 6 2 116 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 8 th pluck 16th pluck 24th pluck 32nd pluck Start. 1st discard 2nd discard 3rd discard 4th discard Rejected 0 50 25 8 6 Retained 100 50 25 17 : • 11 • Before the final selection was made the leaf of each bush was test-manu­ factured a few times. Bushes with undesirable qualities were discarded. The bushes selected were given a clean prune and allowed to run up for cuttings. Cuttings o f each selected bush were planted in the nursery and only those that were not difficult to root were put out in the field. Most of these selections were from fields of hybrid types showing "China" influence. A few selections were made on other characteristics, such as clone 33 which has a pinkish flower with a sweet odour. It was thought that the flush would perhaps produce teas with an aroma, but tests have shown that, the teas were below average. Clone 26 and 32 were selected as red leafed types. The clones put out in 1941 in the main clonal area were not brought into plucking at the same times and are placed in two groups, (a) and (b). The latter came into plucking about 10 months after (a) the early prunings of clones in 1937-38, 1939, 1941 (a) and 1941 (b) were generally more severe than later prunings. The pruning dates and the types of pruning adopted are given in Table 9. (1) The main block consists of clones planted in 1937-38, 1939, 1941 and 1941-42. The majority of these were from selections made from 2,762 bushes that had been chosen in fields on St Coombs for size and vigour of growth and of which the individual yields were recorded (Eden, 1941?). The few clones selected from Galatura Estate, Kiriella, were chosen after recording for 5 rounds the number of crop shoots plucked of each o f 1,575 bushes (Tubbs, 1938?) the block also contains other estate clones selected by visual appraisal. The primary selections on St Coombs were made in fields being pruned by pruners, who left 4 to 5 bushes unpruned each day, avoiding all roadside bushes, bushes adjoining vacancies and double bushes. After pruning of the field was completed all bushes left unpruned were carefully examined by an officer of the Physiology Division w h o selected only the best looking, (size, density of plucking table, etc.). All bushes selected were given a light pruning and brought into plucking after 6 weeks. The leaf of the first two plucks was discarded and thereafter the bushes were plucked weekly. The procedure adopted in recording was to have numbered linen bags, one for each bush under test; bags with two tapes attached; one in the centre and the other on the top were used so that the plucked leaf was placed in the upper section and oven dried. Before the next pluck the dried leaf was shaken to the lower section of the bag. The accumulated leaf is weighed at the end of eignt pluckings, after which the lowest yielders were discarded according to the following scheme (Kehl, 1960):— A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 0 2 1 1 7 TABLE 9 . — ^ 7 Coombs main clonal area ( 1 9 3 7 - 3 8 — 1 9 4 3 - 4 4 planting) Record of main cultural operations Abbreviations: C P . = C l e a n Prune S.P. = Slope Prune C . A . = C u t Across Pruning PLANTING 1937-38 1939 1941 (a) 1941 (b) , . /"Date 1st 4 rr, \ T y p e 9/41 C P . 6 to 8 in. 8/42 C P . 6 to 8 in. 6/43 C.A. 10 to 12 in. 6/44 C.A. 10 to 12 in. \ T y p e 8/44 C.A. 10 to 12 in. 8/45 C.A. 10 to 12 in. In order to obtain information on the influence of time after pruning on quality it was planned to prune one-third of each row of all rows planted in 1937-38 to 1943-44. For that purpose, the block—the clonal rows which were planted up and down the hill—was divided into three sections or areas, so that each clone was represented by a similar number of bushes, bottom (1). middle (2), top (3) areas. The pruning was planned to be carried out in May, but it was found that the new disease Blister Blight, caused serious damage to the primary shoot after recovery. Subsequent pruning was therefore done in November, so that recovery could take place during more favourable weather conditions. After Blister Blight had been brought under control, the pruning programme was altered to the original scheme from 1955 onwards. All clones were sprayed until the first plucking to prevent undue damage to the growth of primary shoots after recovery, no further spraying was done during the cycle in order to determine blister-blight resistance. The details on pruning and plucking cycles o f the different blocks are given in Table 10. TABLE 10.—St Coombs main clonal area. Record of main cultural operations subsequent to 1 9 4 5 when all clones were brought into the same staggered schedules for pruning Area Pruning Date Type Cycle Pruning Date Type Cycle Pruning Date Type Cycle 1 5/46 CP. 12 in. 9/46 8/49 11/50 S.P. 22 in. 4/51 4/54 5/55 S.P. 22 in. 11/55 11/58 2 5/47 CP. 12 in. 9/47 8/50 11/51 S.P. 22 in. 5/52 4/55 5/56 S.P. 22 in. 11/56 11/59 3 11/48 CP. 12 in. 5/49 5/52 11/52 S.P. 22 in. 5/53 4/56 5/57 S.P. 22 in. 11/57 10/59 It will be noted from Table 10 that there is an interval of about one year between the last plucking and the next pruning date. This is due to the fact that the plucking cycle was actually 4 years, for quality studies (Keegel, 1955, 1959), but the yield of the 4th year was not recorded. In December 1 9 5 9 all areas were given a slope prune. Cuttings of some clones were taken for propagation in April 1 9 6 0 after which clonal plants were given a light cut-across. They were skiffed in November 1 9 6 0 and brought into plucking in January 1 9 6 1 , but no records were maintained. 1 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 Considering the limitations of single row tests, it was decided not to publish figures of clones as in the past, but to classify the clones on the basis of yield from areas 1, 2 and 3 into three groups. In Table 1 1 the categorisation is on the second cycle, unless stated otherwise. The clones in the main area were examined for variations in resistance to Blister Blight by determining over 2 0 plucks the mean number of blisters; (a) per bush (b) per unit crop and (c) per crop shoot (Tubbs, 1 9 4 8 ? ) . O n the results obtained and observations made clones are placed in three groups (Table 1 1 ) . Table 11 also includes the rooting ability and yield intensity, i.e. the crop per unit (sq ft) bush area. TABLE 11.—St Coombs main Clonal area; Classification of Clones on the basis of yield; rooting tests; relative yield intensity; relative Blister- blight infection; relative quality, Clones Origin Rooting No. of Yield Relative Blister Relative Planted Nursery Bushes yield blight quality Int. resist. 1937-38 M25* Moray B 18 B — C A2 M 2 3 * B 16 B — B A2 M21 B 26 B B A A2 TRI 9* St Coombs B 15 B — A C(l) TRI 1* , > B 29 B A •A B G 18 Galatura B 20 C — A C M 2 2 2 Moray B 30 B B C A2 G 15* Galatura B 20 C — A A2 G 14* B 29 C C C A2 G 16* B 19 C — B A2 G 19 B 29 C B C B G 13* »» B 21 C — B C 1939 TRI 45* St. Coombs A 19 B — B A2 TRI 37 B 28 B B C A2 ED 46 Ederapolla A 28 B B B A2 TRI 4 St Coombs B 33 B B A A2 MB 33* Maliboda C 23 C — A B D 3 2 * Diyagama B 18 C — • B B 1941 TRI 1114 St Coombs B 28 A A C C TRI 1526 M B 28 B — A Al TRI 928 ) » A 27 B A A A2 TRI 777 >> B 33 B C B Al TRI 1076* i t A 23 B — A A2 TRI 934* 11 B 21 B — B B(3) TRI 1530 > > B 55 B B B A2 TR1 1082* ) 1 A 21 B — C A2 TRI 34 > y B 27 B A B B TRI 343 » f C 30 C A B B TRI 22 ) > B 21 B — C C TRI 483 > ! B 29 B B B A2 TRI 603 >» A 34 B B B B TRI 407 11 A 31 B B A C(2) TRI 216 t > B 55 B B C A2 TRI 331 11 A 67 B B C A2 TRI 128 » > A 31 B B A A2 TRI 1294 i t A 59 B C C Al TRI 839 t » A 35 C C B B TRI 43* ) » B 41 C — B A2 TRI 1005* » J B 19 C — B A2 TRI 510* ) > A 19 C — B C Seedlings* — 43 C — C C TRI 397* St Coombs B 22 C — B B TRI 20* B 7 C — A C TRI 960* 11 B 8 C — C C Contd. A N N U A L REPORT FOR 19C2 119 Clones Planted Origin Rooting Nursery No. of Bushes Yield Relative yield Int. Blister blight resist. Relative quality 1941-42 B TRI 740 St Coombs A 9 — A C TRI 142 B 28 B A B C TRI 396 B 26 B C B C TRI 105 B 20 C C A C TRI 999* ) ( B 15 — — C B TRI 293* C 18 — — C B TRI 862* f f B 19 — — c B TRI 687* B 10 — C 1943-44 A 1/2 TRI 425 St Coombs B 30 B — A DT 1001 Drayton B 13 B — A B TRI 170 St. Coombs B 30 B — A B TRI 946 B 30 B — B C TRI 896 C 30 B — C C TRI 1446 B 20 B — A C TRI 708 C 28 B — A B TRI 1128 C 30 B — A C TRI 1054 C 29 C A C TRI 235 B 30 C — A B TRI 1456 B 30 C — A A2 TRI 1118 C 27 C — C C TRI 1002 Nayabedde B 17 — — — "— N 3 — 38 — — — — TRI 769 St Coombs B 26 — — — — TRI 789 B 26 — — — c TRI 1544 C 40 — — — c TRI 223 f y C 37 — — — c TRI 132 >> B 40 — — — — TRI 384* > j C 31 — — B c TRI 124 11 A 36 — — — TRI 997* Nayabedde B 35 — — A c N 1 — 33 — — — — S255 Sirikandura — 30 — — — — TRI 742* St Coombs C 36 — — A c TRI 1387* >> C 19 C C Symbols classifying rooting, yield, rel. quality, blister resistance. A = Above Average B = About Average C = Below Average Symbols classifying Quality. Al = Outstanding (1) Non-Fermenter A2 = Good (2) Taint found on one occasion B = Average (3) Taint found on two occasions C = Poor •Yields judged on First two years of first cycle T h e plucking on T R I clones 23, 25, 740, 1526, 1076 and Galatura 18 was stopped after two years in the 1st cycle for the growth of propagation material. Observations on the following clones were discontinued, (a) during the 1st cycle: D 3 2 , G13, G15, G16, MB33, T R I clones 9 (non-fermenter) 20, 22, 26, 43, 45, 293, 384, 397, 510, 687, 742, 862, 934, 960, 997, 999, 1005, 1016, 1082, 1387, (£) after the first cycle: S255, T R I clones 124, 132, 740. The following clones were rejected and uprooted: (c) after the first cycle: N l , S255, T R I clones 223, 769, 789, 1002, 1544; (d) after the second cycle: T R I 708, 896, 946, 1054, 1118, 1128, 1456 but clones N3, T R I 425 and T R I 1446 were uprooted but later replanted in other areas. 1 2 0 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 ( 2 ) The 1947-area comprises selections designed to extend the range o f "Assam" type clones at St Coombs. The majority of the selections were made in a field raised from seed collected by Dr Tubbs from abroad. The selections were made after 8 rounds of test plucks in 1 9 4 6 . The popular T R I clones 2 0 2 3 , 2 0 2 4 , 2 0 2 5 , 2 0 2 6 and other good clones such as 2 0 2 1 , 2 0 2 2 and 2 0 2 7 originated from seeds collected by Dr Tubbs from one particular open pollinated seed bearer. Clones were planted in May-June 1 9 4 7 ; they were lightly cut across at 1 5 inches in December 1 9 4 9 and brought into pluck­ ing in June 1 9 5 0 ; plucking continued until M a y 1 9 5 3 . O n account of the vigorous growth made by many clones it was decided to rest all clones for 3 months before the second prune (at 2 2 - 2 4 in. along the slope) which was carried out in August 1 9 5 3 . Upon the completion o f 3 years plucking in January 1 9 5 7 the bushes were rested again; as January was considered to be an unfavourable month for pruning, this was delayed until M a y 1 9 5 7 . The area also includes 4 clones planted in June 1 9 4 9 - 5 0 which were cut across pruned at 1 5 - 2 0 inches in November 1 9 5 1 . Though they were brought into plucking in March 1 9 5 2 no records were maintained until after the second prune at 2 2 in. in August 1 9 5 3 . Clone T L K 1 3 , which was planted in July 1 9 5 4 , was pruned at 2 2 in. along the slope in M a y 1 9 5 7 and came into pluck­ ing in November 1 9 5 7 . All clones were slope-pruned again at 2 2 - 2 4 in. in November 1 9 6 0 and the bushes allowed to run up for cuttings. Apart from yield the clones were observed for blister blight infection, tested for quality and yield intensity determined. The results and observations are given in Table 1 2 . TABLE 12.—St Coombs 1 9 4 7 Area: Classification of Clones on the basis of yield, rooting tests, relative yield intensity; relative blister-blight resistance; relative quality Clones Planted Origin Rooting in nursery No. of Bushes Yield Rel. yield Int. Blister blight resist. Relative quality 1947 A2 TRI 2024 St Coombs A 31 A A A TRI 2026 A 28 A — — C TRI 2025 A 34 A B A B TRI 2046 » , B 26 A A A C TRI 2016 A 33 A B C B TRI 2043 A 32 A A A C TRI 2023 >» A 63 A — C A2 D2050 Diyagama — 6 A — — B TRI 2022 St Coombs A 33 A C A TRI 2042 B 33 A B A B TRI 1076 ,> — 25 B A A A2 N 3 Nayabedde A 26 B — A A2 TRI 2021 St Coombs A 9 B — — A2 D2049 Diyagama B 52 B B — — TRI 2044 St Coombs A 34 B B — — M 2 5 Moray — 64 B A C A2 TRI 2020 St Coombs A 34 B B — A2 TRI 2015 >, B 36 B B — — M 2 3 Moray — 25 B — B A2 TRI 2014 St Coombs A 34 B C — — TRI 777 — 30 B A — Al TRI 2017 B 29 B C — — TRI 2039 A 74 B C — — TRI 2019 A 67 B B — — TRI 2011 A 30 C C — — TRI 2041 A 19 C — — A2 TRI 2006 A 30 C C — — 1949-50 A2 M H Moray 11 A — — M G . 16 A C — — F 8 Fernlands 20 B C — — F 4 25 B B — — 1954 TLK 13* Talawakelle 21 C — —• •First Cycle A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 1 2 1 (3) The clones in the blister-resistant block are selections made in 1 9 4 7 from bushes appearing to be resistant to Blister Blight in Field N o . 8 at St Coombs, which was badly affected after pruning. Originally 2 1 1 bushes were marked after careful examination o f about 4 9 , 0 0 0 bushes. These were finally reduced to 2 1 bushes on which blisters were absent or extremely few (Tubbs, 1 9 4 8 ? ) . N o immune bushes were discovered in the process. Also included in the block are clones which were selected on the basis of apparent resistance to Blister Blight from outside estates. Nearly all clones in this block were directly planted with 5 cuttings per hole in November-December 1 9 4 7 , but ultimately only one rooted cutting was left per hole. The cuttings received the same treatment as those m nurseries. This method was adopted in view of the urgency of estabishing clones showing resistance to Blister Blight. Clones that failed to establish were replaced between 1 9 4 8 and 1 9 5 4 with other clones represented by 3 or more rows in order to avoid too much competition on two sides by much older bushes. Though the planting dates o f clones differed, it was thought that a oetter comparison between clones could be made if the pruning operation was carried out when all the clones were ready for pruning. Clones put out in 1 9 4 7 and between 1 9 4 9 and 1 9 5 0 were given a light cut-across prune at a height o f about 1 5 - 1 8 in. in November 1 9 5 1 and were plucked from M a y 1 9 5 2 to April 1 9 5 5 . T h e second pruning was carried out in M a y 1 9 5 5 and at the same time the 6 clones planted in 1 9 5 2 and 1 9 5 3 were given the first prune. Plucking on these 6 clones also commenced in January 1 9 5 6 and ended in July 1 9 5 9 , when they were pruned and allowed to grow for cuttings. All clones, excluding the better clones from which cuttings were required, were given a skiff early in November 1 9 6 0 and brought into plucking again towards the end o f January 1 9 6 1 . As for the other areas, Table 1 3 gives the classification of the clones. TABLE 13.—St Coombs blister-resistant area; classification of clones on the basis of yield; rooting tests; relative yield intensity; relative blister-blight resistance; relative quality Clones Planted Origin Rooting Nursery No. of bushes Yield Rel. Yield Int. Blister bliight resist. Relative quality 1947 Al S 106 Sirikandura — 6 A A C V K 9 * * Ouvahkelle B 6 A A C A2 KEN 16/3** Kenilworth B 12 A A C B KEN 15/7** >, A 13 B A A A2 KEN 15/8** B 13 B A B B S 123 Sirikandura — 6 B B C A2 KEN 15/2** Kenilworth A 8 B B — C TRI 1526** St Coombs — 6 B B A Bl TRI 2065** , , A 19 B B A C KEW 4A/2* Kew B 13 B B C B TRI 2075 St Coombs A 26 C C A — TRI 2078** B 18 C C A — TRI 2079** A 26 C C — — V K 12 Ouvahkelle A 12 C C — — TRI 777 St Coombs * 14 Al Ctmtd. 1 2 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 Clones Planted Origin Rooting nursery No. of bushes Yield Rel. yield Int. Blister blight resist. Relative quality 1949 O K 2 Ouvahkelle — 2 B A B V K 1 , j A 22 B A A B UR 12 Uda-Radella 26 B B A A2 O K 3 Ouvahkelle — 13 B B A B V K 11 »j A 13 C C — V K 4 t > A 13 C C — V K 2 A 13 C C — — 1950 T K 4 8 Talankande A 13 A A A2 KEW 14/1 Kew A 13 A A B B KEW 4A/4 »j A 13 A A .— B TRI 2091 St Coombs A 13 B B A B D Diyagama — 12 B B .— A2 KEN 13/3 Kenilworth A 13 B A B B O K 4 Ouvahkelle — 13 B A A A2 TRI 2116 St Coombs A 13 B B C A2 O K 1 Ouvahkelle — 13 B C A C TRI 2104 St Coombs A 13 B B A C KEN 15/13 Kenilworth A 13 B A C B TRI 2115 St Coombs A 13 B B C C TRI 2086 » > A 13 B B . B A O 4 Agra Ouvah — 12 B B B — TRI 2114 St Coombs B 13 B B C B KEN 15/15 Kenilworth B 11 B B — TRI 2093 St Coombs A 13 B B A — KEN 22/1 Kenilworth A 6 B B B TRI 2088 St Coombs A 24 B C A — TRI 2103 A 13 B C A — B 11/69 Bogawana — 8 B c — — KEN 15/12 Kenilworth A 13 B B — — TRI 2096 St Coombs B 9 C C — TRI 2112 1 1 B 13 C C B — TRI 2092 t , B 10 C C A — TRI 2074 >t B 13 C C — — B 8 * Bogawana — 5 B — — — MT/BG* Balangoda — 30 B — ' — — 1953-53 K 145* Kirkoswald — 11 A A B B K 150* >> — 8 B B B A2 C 5 6 * Chapelton j» — 12 B B B — C 5 8 * — 5 B C — — C 7 * j > — 7 B B — C 4 0 * »> — 11 B C — — •Classified on yield of first cycle. **Cuttings planted direct in field. ( 4 ) The windbelt area consists of a collection of clones the majority of which were selected by estates; it also includes 1 0 clones selected at Diyanila- kele Estate for resistance to Meadow Eelworm (Portsmouth, 1 9 5 4 ) . N o yield records were taken but all bushes chosen were vigorous growers even though they grew in highly infested soil. Also some of the other clones in this area came from estates which are known to be infested by Meadow Eelworm. Most of the clones were planted in July 1 9 5 3 and 1 0 clones in July 1 9 5 4 ; the former were pruned in M a y 1 9 5 5 and brought into plucking in January 1 9 5 6 , the latter pruned in April 1 9 5 7 and plucking commenced in November 1 9 5 7 . The pruning given was a cut across at 1 5 - 1 8 in. All clones were pruned again along the slope at about 2 2 in. in August 1 9 5 9 and allowed to grow up for propagation material. After shoots of the better clones were removed for propagation, the clones were pruned lightly in April 1 9 6 0 , and allowed to grow up again for cuttings. All clones, except the better ones from which cuttings were needed, were given a skiff early in November 1 9 6 0 and brought into plucking at the end of January 1 9 6 1 . A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 123 TABLE 14.—St Coombs Wind belt area Classification of clones on the basis of yield (ist cycle) rooting tests, relative yield intensity relative blister-blight infection; relative quality Clones Origin Rooting No. of Yield Rel. Blister Relative Planted nursery bushes yield blight quality Int. resist. 1953 A2 TRI 2151 St Coombs A 13 A A C B95 Bogawana A 14 B B C B DK 11 Diyanilakelle A 17 B — B C TRI 2025 St Coombs — 16 B A A B DK 19 Diyanilakelle A 12 B B C Al W 3 Wooton B 13 B A B Al B77 Bogawana A 18 B A B — RA Rutland A 6 B A A — DN Diyagama A 18 B B C B T K 4 2 Talankande A 16 B B A B 3012 Haputale Jungle A 15 B B — — CH 13 Craighead A 19 B B — B W 14 Wooton A 11 B A B Al DK 1 Diyanilakelle A 14 B B C B TRI 2142 St Coombs A 13 B B B A2 RE Rutland A 14 B B C A2 DK 8 Diyanilakelle A 17 B B A A2 D K 9 A 16 B A A — C171 Chapelton A 15 B B A A2 C 12 1, A 13 B B A — T K 6 9 Talankande A 16 B B A — GN 10/1 Glenamore C 11 B C B — RB Rutland A 9 B B C — D K 2 4 Diyanilakelle A 12 B B B — TRI 2137 St Coombs A 13 B C A — TRI 2138 i , A 13 B C B — T K 4 5 Talankande A 9 B C A — DK 2 Diyanilakelle A 17 B C B — 3B2 Albion A 17 C B — T K 5 3 Talankande A 13 C B A — R 8 0 Rutland A 26 C B C — 3B5 Albion A 20 C C — — TRI 2077 St Coombs A 36 C B — — C41 Chapelton A 18 C B A — TRI 3011 St Coombs A 26 C C A — RD Rutland A 14 C B C — D K 3 Diyanilakelle A 16 C C B — DK 13 7) A 19 C C C — DK 17 y y A 10 C C A — LP 5/3 Sheen — 12 C C A — 1954 C 103 Chapelton — 5 B — A — K 145 Kirkoswald A 9 B — A — M K 2 Mattakele A 7 B — A — K 136 Kirkoswald A 12 B — A — M K 5 Mattakele A 10 B — B — W30F3 Waltrim A 5 B — C — HV Hauteville B 8 B — B — W24F2 Waltrim A 12 B — B — W 3 4 F 3 A 6 C B — W23F2 3 > A 8 C — A — (5) (1955-56 plots). This block consists of 48 clones from outside estates, 4 from St Coombs and 1 from outside Ceylon. The clones had been planted in single rows for preliminary tests in July 1956 and July 1957. The area was previously under tea which was uprooted prior to the planting operations. The growth of the clones put out in 1956 suffered a setback on account of the adverse weather conditions that prevailed soon after planting. As a result, the first prune had to be carried out along with the clones put out in 1957. All clones were given a cut across at 22 inches in June-July 1958. The second prune was done at 20 inches in November. Table 15 gives the categorization into 3 groups for rooting, yield and relative quality. 1 2 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 TABLE 1 5 . — 1 9 5 5 - 5 6 Areas:—Classification of clones on the basis of yield; rooting Usts relating quality Clones Planted Origin Rooting nursery No. of bushes Yield Relative Quality 7/56. C W 2 1 Coombewood A 36 A B TRI 2142 St Coombs A 20 B Al/2 CAR 7/10A Carolina A 27 B A2 CAR 2/18 B 28 B A2 Q T 1 / 5 Queenstown A 15 B B E7/27 Somerset A 27 B B DUN Dunsinanc A 24 B Al/2 UH 9/3 Uva Highlands A 22 B B TRI 1446 St Coombs B 25 B A2 NL 3/1 Neluwa A 33 B A2 DT 1 Drayton A 21 B Al BW. CB3B3 Brunswick A 26 B B SJ 2/30 St James A 28 B B K. EEUD 163 Kirkoswald A 37 B B CAR 7/10B Carolina A 23 B B LLF 14/2 Luckyland A 20 B B NL4/2 Neluwa A 27 B Al TRI 2120 St Coombs A 34 B B NL8/3 Neluwa A 34 B A2 SJ 2/28 St James A 30 B B DON 3N1 Marigold A 23 B B UH 3/7 Uva Highlands A 32 B B AL 10/24 Aislaby A 28 B B KEEUD 20 Kirkoswald A 28 B B BWCB2A1 Brunswick A 26 B B CAR 7/3 Carolina B 34 B B TRI 2118 St Coombs A 36 B B C 3 8 Chapelton A 26 B A2 D T 9 5 Drayton A 21 B B GF 7/6 Gordon A 27 B A2 BW DT1-47 Brunswick A 28 C B C33A Chapelton B 27 C B TRI 425 St Coombs B 27 C Al/2 AL3/4 Aislaby A 29 C B H5/1 Harrow A 26 C A2 BW 1B2 Brunswick A 29 C B O T 4 / 4 Queenstown A 27 C B K EEUD 65 Kirkoswald A 28 C A2 BW DT1-56 Brunswick A 15 C B UH 3/4 Uva Highlands A 28 C B 7/57. M T 18 Balangoda B 19 B B T C 9 Tillicoultry A 17 B Al Q T 3 / 3 Queenstown A 22 B B INTRI 5/9 Introduction • — 6 B — O T 1 / 3 Queenstown A 20 B C PA22 Passara A 22 B C GW 19 Great Western A 19 B A2 CAR 7/4 Carolina B 28 C B TC 10 Tillicoultry A 23 C B GLEA6 Graigie Lea B 18 C Al/2 GLEN 6/3 Glen tilt A 23 C B V O 33/3 Vellai Ova A 26 C B 5 . 2 . Neuchatel (elevation 100 f t ) .—The land used for clonal tests at this station was previously under rubber which was cleared just before test rows were planted. The 1956-area was planted in May-June 1 9 5 6 with clonal material consisting of well-grown plants of clones transported from the nursery at Vogan, Matugama (Walter, 1 9 5 7 ) . Rogues have been detected in about half of the clonal rows in this area, probably partly because a number o f clones got mixed in the process of transporting from Vogan. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 125 These clones, as well as those put out later, were planted at 3 feet in the row and 4 feet between rows and as shade Gliricidia was grown at 12 x 16 feet. The clones came into plucking in May 1 9 5 8 , completing their first cycle in May 1 9 6 0 . The yield classification of the clones is given in Table 16. TABLE 16.—Neuchatel 1956 area: Classification of clones on the basis of yield; rooting tests Clones Origin No. of bushes Yield 18 Doubtful 80 A TRI 2026 St Coombs 117 B M T 18 Balangoda 13 B TRI 2022 St Coombs 15 B ED 31 Ederapolla 58 B ED 397 > > 133 (3) B KEW 4A/4 Kew 87 B OP 117 Opatha 56 (1). B ED 177 Ederapolla 19 (1) B A 19 Alupolla 209 (2) C ED 180 Ederapolla 88 (3) C ED 129 > > 225 (3) C TRI 2024 St Coombs 28 C ED 128 Ederapolla 11 C ED 379 > > 374 C ED 60 19 (1) C S220 Sirikandura 54 C P W 5 8 Panawatte 13 C ED 56 Ederapolla 19 (1) C ED 199 Alupolla 370 (3) C A 17 Ederapolla 99 C ED 97 > > 164 (3) C ED 350 444 (3) C ED 116 y y 18 (1) C ED 22 Kenilworth 104 (3) C KEN 16/3 62 C OP 110 Opata 122 (2) C R 5 Rayigam 45 C TRI 1526 St Coombs 18 C K 150 Kirkoswald 13 C TRI 1114 St Coombs 28 C P W 4 4 Panawatta 40 C ED 117 Ederapolla 19 C ED 95 , y 223 (3) C A 13 Alupolla 144 (3) C E31 - Endane 22 (3) C P W 4 6 Panawatte 28 C P W 4 0 52 C ED 184 Ederapolla 122 (3) c ED 24 y y 203 (3) c ED 73 y y 22 (1) c HWSDL Hunuwella 21 c OP 66 Opata 82 (3) c R 12 Rayigam 26 c D Diyagama 43 c A 15 Alupolla 54(3) c ED 134 Ederapolla 33(1) c P 13 Panawatte 14 c HW 167 Hunuwella 29 (3) c ED 188 Ederapolla 122 (3) c ED 53 20 c ED 151 y y Hunuwella 11 (1) c HW 154 13 c ED 145 Ederapolla 20 c The clones in the 1 9 5 7 area were planted in May-June 1 9 5 7 and came into plucking in April 1 9 5 9 and completed 2 0 months plucking before the station closed down early in January 1 9 6 1 . Table 1 7 classifies the clones into 3 categories for rooting and yield. 126 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 TABLE 17.—Neuchatel igyj area; Classification of clones on the basis of yield; rooting tests Clone Origin Rooting No. of bushes Yield TRI 2023 St Coombs A 57 A TRI 2025 »t A 54 B TRI 2026 tt A 56 B TRI 2021 n A 52 B TRI 2022 > t A 57 B TRI 2024 if A 58 B TRI 1076 ft A 57 B MT/BG Balangoda A 57 C OP 177 Opata A 45 C TRI 1294 St Coombs B 58 C M 2 5 Moray B 43 C TRI 2016 St Coombs A 55 C A D K 2 9 Alupolla A 40 C A D K 2 0 11 A 35 C KEW 14/1 Kew A 56 C ED 45 Ederapolla A 34 C ED 43 t t B 52 C ED 46 t t B 52 C 61/14A 21 Alupolla B 48 C ED 40 Ederapolla B 52 C KEW 4A/2 Kew A 58 C ED 95 Ederapolla A 40 C A D K 2 Alupolla A 47 C ED 54 Ederapolla A 56 C TRI 740 St Coombs B 51 C ED 31 Ederapolla A 49 c HAL 9 Halwatura A 45 c WEL 1B7 Wellandura B 38 c H W R O W Hunuwella A 57 c G I K I 3 Gikiyanakande B 54 c WEL 34 Wellandura A 46 c HAL 8 Halwatura A. 51 c 5.2. PASSARA (elevation about 3,500 ft.)/—The land used for the clonal blocks was originally in mana grass and was then put under Guatemala grass for nearly two years (December 1955 to July 1957) before the clonal tests rows were established. Gliricidia was planted in July 1957 at a spacing o f 12 ft x 20 ft on a modified triangular system-so that each clonal row had approximately the same number of shade trees. Basket plants were put out in November 1957 at a spacing o f 4 feet by 3 feet Crotalaria species were grown in alternate rows from November 1957 for about 12 months. The Crotalaria was lopped periodically. The rows between the tea were thatched in May 1958 with loppings o f Guatemala grass at the rate o f about 15 tons per acre. T h e first prune, which was a light cut-across at about 18 in. was given at different times (May 1959, October 1959 and January 1960) owing to the marked variations in growth of the different clones. The clones pruned in May and October were brought into plucking between December 1959 and January 1960 and plucking on those pruned in January 1960 started in April 1960. Table 18 gives the yield and rooting performance of the clones in three categories. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 1 2 7 T A B L E 18.—Passara: Classification of clones on the basis of yield; Rooting tests Clones Planted Origin Rooting Nursery No. of bushes Yield 1957 TRI 2023 St Coombs A 176 A TRI 2026 n A 60 A TRI 2024 yy A 115 A TRI 2025 yy A 59 A P U H 5 Poonagalla B 59 60 B MT/BG Balangoda A B PCG2 Poonagalla B 59 B KEN 16/3 Kenilworth A 60 B GT4/4 Queenstown B 57 B T5 /35 Thotulagalla A 57 B PULG 1 Poonagalla B 59 B NL 8/3 Neluwa B 59 B NL4/2 y y A 47 B SS/P Passara Sub-Station A 57 B Y 2 / 3 Yapame A 60 B TRI 1294 St Coombs A 53 B T 5 / 3 Thotulagalla A 60 B NL3/1 Neluwa A 49 B K 150 Kirkoswald B 59 B TRI 2016 St Coombs A 59 B TRI 25 yt A 60 B Q T 1 / 3 Queenstown A 37 C G M T 9 Gonamotawa A 58 C TRI 740 St Coombs B 60 G CV4B1 Cannavarella A 60 C A M A H 3/12 Ampitiakande A 59 C K 1 4 5 Kirkoswald B 59 C AMDCA 9/6 Ampitiakande A 53 C T K 4 8 Talankande A 59 C D Diyagama B 60 C KEW 14/1 Kew B 37 C T 5 / 2 Thotulagalla A 52 C AMDCA 12/2 Ampitiakande A 59 C Q T 3 / 4 Queenstown B 38 C N K 3/B1 Cannavarella A 60 C TRI 2020 St Coombs A 58 c TRI 1526 yy B 57 c BS35 Brookside A 58 C KEN 15/2 Kenilworth A 55 C O K 4 Ouvahkellie A 58 C 1958 TRI 2027 St Coombs A 60 A TRI 1076 yy C 60 A DT 3 Balangoda B 60 B M T 3 5 yy A 59 B D W 2 6 Downside A 59 B M T 2 0 Balangoda B 60 B C Y 9 Tangakelle A 60 B D G 7 Balangoda B 60 B M T 18 A 59 B D G 3 9 A 60 B CH 13 Craighead A 60 B TRI 2012 St Coombs A 58 C T K 4 2 Talankande B 57 C DW 19 Downside C 45 C DW 1 A 59 C D W 3 2 » ) St Coombs A 56 C TRI 23 A 60 C M T 13 Balangoda A 54 C BW CB 2A1 Brunswick A 59 C UR 12 Uda Radella B 57 C DG66 Balangoda B 54 C DW 5 Downside B 58 C G 18 Galatura A 60 C KEN 15/7 Kenilworth B 59 C TRI 2086 St Coombs A 49 C KEN 15/8 Kenilworth B 59 C 128 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 Rooting No. of Clones Planted Origin Nursery bushes Yield 1960 U H 9 / 3 Uva Highlands A 57 B PLLG2 Poonagalla B 60 B D W 2 9 Downside A 59 B DW 12 A 55 C Q T 115 Queenstown A 54 C DW 16 Downside A 59 C PA 29 Passara A 35 C O T 7 / 1 Queenstown A 52 C PUH 1 Poonagalla B 60 C UH3/4 Uva Highlands B 37 C DW 3 Downside B 46 C GOW 15/25 Gowerakelle A 53 C GOW 15/30 >> A 49 C PA 2 Passara A 42 C GOW 20/1 Gowerakelle A 56 C TRI 2043 St Coombs A 40 C PA 3 Passara A 44 C A M A 5/60 Ampitiakande A 58 C M G 3/31 Cannawarella A 19 C KEW 4A/4 Kew B 45 C PA 5 Passara A 46 C PD 14 Gonakelle A 32 C T 2 / 2 Thotulagalla A 52 C The clones planted in 1957 and 1958 were given a rim-lung prune early in November. 6. Estate Clonal Areas Some data have been obtained on yields of clonal blocks planted on estates. 6.1. Balangoda Group.—Two one-acre blocks were planted in November 1954, one with seedlings and the other with clones DG2, DG3, DG4, DG6, DG7, DG8, DG9, DG10, M T 3 , MT10, MT12, MT13, M T 1 5 (approximately 3,700 plants per acre). Plucking commenced in November 1957. The yields of the two blocks for 3 years are given in Table 19. TABLE 19.—Balangoda: Yield of seedlings and clonal blocks in lb per acre per year V.P. Seedlings 149 11 562 41 3rd year . . . . . . 910 138 1st year . . . . . . 2nd year . . . . . . Total . . . 1,621 (853%) 190 (100%) Table 19 shows that the clones came into bearing very much more quickly than the seedlings, the latter had scarcely yielded anything while the clones produced 1,600 lb crop over the first cycle. One of the clones, DG4, was found to be susceptible to drought, while only the 3 clones DG3, DG7 and M T 1 3 , are considered to be above average with regard to yield. Had the whole block been planted with these clones the yield of the clonal block would have been much higher. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 1 2 9 6 .2 . Palmgarden Estate.—-Two 5-acre blocks of clones 2 0 2 3 and 2 0 2 6 were planted in April-May 1 9 5 7 , at a spacing of 4 by 2 feet, the first prune was carried out in M a y 1 9 5 9 , after which the clones were brought into plucking in June 1 9 5 9 . The blocks were pruned for the second time in August 1 9 6 1 . The data are given in Table 1 6 , which shows that the yields compare favour­ ably with those obtained in test rows at St Coombs and in the sub-stations. TABLE 20.—Palmgarden: Yields lb per acre per year Clone 1 9 5 9 - 6 0 1 9 6 0 - 6 1 2 0 2 3 . . . . . . 2 , 5 3 8 3 , 3 0 5 2 0 2 6 . . . . . . 2 , 3 8 2 3 , 3 2 1 6 . 3 . Berubeula Estate.—The clonal block, o f T R I 2 0 2 6 which is nearly one acre in extent gave a yield of 2 , 8 5 8 lb of made tea per acre in the pruning year 1 9 6 0 (Jayawickrema, 1 9 6 0 ) . The recorded yield in 1 9 6 1 was 4 , 3 8 5 lb per acre. Another area, approximately 6 acres of mixed clones planted in 1 9 5 8 at a spacing of 4 by 2 feet, gave 3 , 5 0 0 lb per acre in 1 9 6 1 . The clones in the block are T R I clones 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 , 2 0 2 3 , 2 0 2 4 and 2 0 2 6 . Clone T R I 2 0 2 6 covers about 4 J acres and T R I 2 0 2 3 about one acre. The manufactured tea from the mixed clones gave more O.P. from the big bulk than that from the seedling areas. Acknowledgements.—We once again record our thanks and apprecia­ tion to Superintendents o f estates who have offered clonal material for our trials. The assistance received from the Superintendents and Assistants o f Enselwatte, Gonakelle, Hantane and St Coombs is acknowledged with thanks. Thanks are also due to the Officers-in-charge o f the sub-stations for their good work. References EDEN , T . ( 1 9 4 1 ? ) . Report o f the Plant Physiologist for 1 9 4 0 . Bull. Tea Res. Inst. Cylon, no. 2 2 : 6 3 - 7 2 . JAYAWICKREMA , D . A . ( 1 9 6 0 ) . Some results o f vegetative propagation with T R I 2 0 2 6 . Tea Quart. 31: 8 1 - 8 2 . KEEGEL , E. L. ( 1 9 5 5 ) . Report o f the Technologist for 1 9 5 4 . Bull. Tea Res. Inst. Ctylon, no. 3 6 : 3 3 - 3 7 . KEEGEL , E. L. ( 1 9 5 9 ) . Report o f the Technologist. Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon. 5 1 - 5 5 . KEEGEL , E. L. ( 1 9 5 9 ) . Tea made from clones. Tea Quart. 3 0 : 1 3 4 - 1 4 2 . PORTSMOUTH, G. B. ( 1 9 5 1 ) . Report of the Plant Physiologist for 1 9 4 9 . Bull. Tea Res. Inst. C.ylon, no. 3 1 : 3 2 - 3 7 . PORTSMOUTH, G. B. ( 1 9 5 4 ) . Report o f the Plant Physiologist for 1 9 5 2 . Bull. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon, no. 3 4 : 3 1 - 3 9 . TUBBS, F. R . ( 1 9 3 8 ? ) . Report of the Plant Physiologist for 1 9 3 7 . Bull. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylov, no. 18 : 4 4 - 6 2 . TUBBS, F. R . ( 1 9 4 6 ? ) . Report o f the Plant Physiologist for 1 9 4 5 . Bull. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon, no. 2 7 : 3 7 - 4 2 . TUBBS, F. R . ( 1 9 4 7 ? ) . Report o f the Plant Physiologist for 1 9 4 6 . Bull. Tea Rti. Inst. Ceylon, no. 3 8 : 4 0 - 4 9 . TUBBS, F. R . ( 1 9 4 8 ? ) . Report o f the Plant Physiologist for 1 9 4 7 . Bull. Tea Res. Imt. Ceylon, no. 2 9 : 3 3 - 4 4 . VISSER, T . ( 1 9 6 0 ) . Report o f the Plant Physiologist for 1 9 5 9 . Rep. Tta Res. Inst. Ceylon, 7 3 - 9 0 . VISSER, T . , K E H L , F. H . ( 1 9 6 1 ) . Report on the selection, propagation, and testing of clones for 1 9 6 0 . Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon, 9 0 - 9 3 . W A L T E R , T . E. ( 1 9 5 7 ) . Report o f the Low-country Scientific Officer for the period January-August, 1 9 5 6 . Bull. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon, no. 38 : 5 8 - 6 0 . REPORT OF THE STATISTICIAN FOR i962 P. Kanapathipillai, B . S c , F.S.S. Staff.—Mr K . Seevaratnam, Technical Assistant, assumed duties on 8th December, 1962. Dr Pearce's Visit.—Dr S. C. Pearce of East Mailing Research Station, Kent worked with the Statistics Division from 6th January 1962 to 15th Febru­ ary 1962. He developed a technique for the analyses of the data of yield and fertilizer applications on estates. Briefly, the technique is as follows. T h e estates are first categorised into groups as homogeneous as possible in regard to elevation, rainfall etc. The present yields of each group of these estates are then analysed in relation to the nitrogen* applications of the present year ( N t ) , the previous year ( N 2 ) , the previous two years ( N 8 ) , and the previous four-years ( N t ) . Working on the residuals, the variance-covariance matrix or the "dispersion-matrix" is obtained. From this "dispersion-matrix" is derived the correlation matrix. The constants in the correlation-matrix gave the best estimates o f the relative contributions o f the factors under study towards yield. Analysis of Experiments 1. Fungicide Trials—The trials on Fields Nos. 6, 9, and 10, laid out in 1960 and 1961, and the S.W. and N.E. Monsoon trials of 1962 were analysed. Attempts to fit a dosage-mortality curve were not quite successful owing to the low incidence of Blister Blight in recent years at St Coombs. 2. Manurial Trials—In order to make allowance for differential plant populations, analysis of covariance was used on the data o f the 3rd cycle of the 3 x 3 x 3 manurial trial at Endane. The puzzling features ©f this experiment, namely, no significant difference in yield in any level o f any treatment, still remained. A preliminary analysis o f the 3 x 3 x 3 fertilizer trial 1962 laid out at St Coombs with clone T R I 2024, showed no significant difference in heights o f plants due to the treatments. 3 . Other Trials The following data were also analysed:— I. Contingency table o f estates classified: (a) by elevation and injury to roots; (b) by elevation and number o f nematodes per 1 0 0 gram o f soil; (c) by monsoons and distribution o f numbers o f nematodes. I I . Sampling variations in nematode counts. I I I . Nematode-susceptibility o f different clones indifferent types of soil. I V . The efficacy o f marigold and Nemagon in increasing yields. (This experiment was conducted on Derryclare Estate). General—Individual estate data of yield and fertilizer applications over the past 10 years o f about 100 estates have so far been analysed. Suggestions for future fertilizer applications have been based on the above analysis together with personal discussions between the Director, the Chief Advisory Officer, the Superintendent o f the estate, and myself. This scheme follows the abandon­ ment o f ratio-manuring. This interim procedure has been adopted until results from new fertilizer experiments covering the levels o f fertilizer now in use, become available. The Division continued to give assistance on problems of design, analyses and sampling. *Nitrogen here refers to the Nitrogen in the fertilizer mixture. 1 3 0 REPORT OF THE TECHNOLOGIST FOR. 1962 E. L . Keegel 1. Staff.—Mr A . H . R . Balthazaar resigned in September; his place was filled by M r C . Kandappah on 15th October. Within the last four years 4 Junior Officers have resigned from the division and although they have been replaced at the first opportunity, these changes have interrupted the continuity o f work. However , it is pleasing to record that in every instance the new recruits have picked up the work in a remarkably short time. O n e Research Assistant and one Technical Assistant have yet to be appoin­ ted; attempts to fill these posts were not successful. 2. Advisory.—81 visits were made to factories, and nearly 1000 samples examined. Advisory work continued to be heavy. 3. General.—A series o f one-day courses for tea-makers was held in various districts and proved to be a complete success. Judging from the nume­ rous questions asked (over 300) and the interest shown in the discussions, there is no doubt that these courses have served a very useful purpose and that worth­ while results have been achieved. Over 700 tea-makers and assistant teamakers attended, including teamakers from estates not affiliated to the Planters' Association. Details o f the 13 meetings held are as follows:— Date Districts Attendance N o . o f ques­ tions asked Dimbula Morawake Korale Sabaragamuwa Pussellawa Dickoya Passara Hewaheta Nuwara Eliya Badulla Haputale Southern Province Kandy, Kurunegala and part o f Kegalle Kalutara, K. V . , and part Kegalle The following lectures were given:— 1. Theory of manufacture 2. Practice o f manufacture 3. Thermometry and hygrometry 4. Factory Organization 5. Common manufacturing faults 1. 22-1-62 2. 26-2-62 3. 2-4-62 4. 11-6-62 5. 25-6-62 6. 2-7-62 7. 9-7-62 8. 16-7-62 9. 23-7-62 10. 30-7-62 11. 6-8-62 12. 20-8-62 13. 27-8-62 100 19 21 13 42 26 61 41 113 25 39 32 25 25 62 33 51 8 58 41 47 25 68 16 46 15 Total 733 319 E. L . Keegel A . H . R . Balthazaar W . C. A . de Silva E. L. Keegel L. S. Weragoda 131 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962. Texts o f these papers and the discussions which followed will be made available in the form of a booklet to all teamakers. The Technologist addressed the Dimbula District Planters' Association on "Future developments in tea manufacture". The address was repeated at a meeting of the Kandy District Planters' Association. 4. C lona l 4.1. Examination of techniques.—From past experience and. wide know­ ledge of quality testing o f clones, it became evident that if small-scale methods of manufacture were to be sufficiently reliable for the assessment of potential quality, the product should bear some resemblance to a tea turned out by conventional methods on a commercial scale. Otherwise wrong conclusions could be drawn. In the mincing-machine technique, it is not of course possible to obtain a tea of standard appearance. This is nothing to worry about but one unrealistic result is the extra colour and strength. The difference in these characteris­ tics between the mincing-machine technique and ordinary rolling can be very appreciable. That is not all; the improvement in liquoring properties is associated with some loss of inherent quality. In addition, the liquors are inclined to be harsh. If all these shortcomings are to be corrected by a very mild treatment, such as mincing the leaf once or using a mild cutter, the liquor then becomes too light and thin by normal standards. Hitherto, leaf was thoroughly crushed, even a miniature Clivemeare roller being used for the initial rupturing o f the leaf. Such a technique produced strong, coloury liquors and gave misleading results. The technique has sinc» been modified and, by the use of suitable cutters and suitable sieves, some of the previous weaknesses Of such teas have been eliminated. One feature which can be expected in a tea produced on a very small-scale is harshness. Some tasters may refer to it as brassy or metallic. Investigations revealed that, more often than not, over-withering or 'under-rolling' accentua­ ted it. It does not, however, detract from quality unless it is pronounced. The high metal to leaf ratio was also suspected but experiments carried out on two sets of miniature rollers—one with wooden tables and the other with metallic tables—revealed that the metal was not the cause. Longer fermen­ tations were also tried but there were no indications that the short period o f fermentation adopted with a view to conserving quality was the contributory factor. A higher temperature of fermentation gave no conclusive results. So it was concluded that harshness of a liquor, unless caused by over-withering or 'under-rolling' (brought about by insufficient rupturing), was more probably due to an inherent character of the leaf than a direct result o f using a mincing machine. The employment of miniature rollers, however, results in teas more true to type. Yet here again a wide range of characteristics was possible merely by the alteration of the method o f roll-breaking and period of fermentation. It appeared that a wider latitude than in the case of commercial manufacture was permissible in the estimation of quality, probably because of the much lower temperatures experienced. Nevertheless, a technique was finally arrived at which, to all intents and purposes, gave a tea not far short of a com­ mercial product in both appearance and liquor. O n e aspect o f all this work was the method o f firing. Because o f the small quantities involved single tray drying has to be employed. T w o points had to be established. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 (i) Over-all period of fermentation.—In a normal batch process dhools are fired at different times, the difference in period between the first and last dhools that are fed into a drier being usually as much as one hour. In a miniature drier all this leaf has to be fired together at the same time. The period of fermentation had therefore to be so carefully selected that the results would not have been very dissimilar from those obtained had the teas been fired over a period of one hour or so. It was possible to get a period without loss of quality and with only an insignificant change in the other characteristics. (ii) Temperature of firing.—Leaf in a 6-tray drier is subject to a pro­ gressively higher temperature as it travels from one tray to the next. It is not feasible to reproduce these conditions in a single-tray drier but we were able to simulate these conditions by subjecting the leaf initially to a low tem­ perature and then to a higher temperature in the last stages o f firing. By suitable adjustments in load, period, and temperature, we obtained results which were almost identical with those from a normal firing process. Thus it will be seen that, in the assessment of quality or for that matter any other liquoring characteristic by micro methods of manufacture, we have developed techniques that give as true a result as can be expected on a commer­ cial scale. In the case of the infusion, however, some differences in brightness are inevitable, mainly because of temperature differences. The colour of the infusion can also be altered in the mincing-machine technique by varying the degree of rupturing—the less the rupturing, the greener the infusion. Never­ theless, by standardising small-scale techniques, it is possible to get a result that bears some relation to what would be obtained from normal commercial scale manufacture. 4 . 2 . Testing of individual bushes.—-Besides the observations on the 4 0 0 bushes referred to in our last annual report, a further 5 0 0 bushes were selected in 1 9 6 2 and studied for their teamaking properties particularly with a view to seeing whether a relationship existed between leaf" characteristics and any particular features in the manufactured product. The characters under observation in the former case were:— (a) size of leaf, (b) colour o f leaf, (c) pubescence, (d) length of internodes, and(e) shape of leaf. N o conclusions could be drawn from the results, and it may safely be said that there is no possibility of selecting a bush for quality by visual observation. The only indication we had of some sort of relationship was that lighter coloured flush appeared to produce better quality teas than the darker green varieties, but here again because of some exceptions we would not place too much re­ liance on such an observation. 4 . 3 . Testing of clones: More clones from the V.P . plots of the Plant Physiology Division have been tested for their potential quality, and the results are given in Table 1 . T h e symbols within brackets denote previous rank, and those marked with an asterisk possess useful colour and strength (see also Table 2 ) . The following lists are subject to revision. Table 1.—Classification of clones into groups according to quality. Group Al.—Clones of good quality. T R I 2 1 4 2 ( A 2 ) . ' 134 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 Group Al/2.—Clones of potentially good quality T R I 407*(C) ; T R I 1001* ( B ) ; T R I 2077; B 95 ( B ) ; C 103*; D K 11 ( C ) ; D K 17*; H V ; R L 80; R L B * ; T K 45*. Group A2.—Clones with very fair quality T R I 16 ( A 2 ) ; T R I 23 ( A 2 ) ; T R I 45 ( A 2 ) ; T R I 170* ( B ) ; T R I 1016* ( A 2 ) j T R I 2115 ( C ) ; T R I 2138*; T R I 3011; A B 3B2; B 3B5*; C 1 2 ; C N 4 1 ; D K 2 * ; D K 3; D K 9; D K 13; K 136* ( A 2 ) ; K 145 ( B ) ; K E N 15/8* ( B ) ; K E N 15/13* ( B ) ; K E N 16/3* (B) ; M K 2 * ; M K 5; O K 3* ( B ) ; R L D ; R L E* ( A 2 ) ; T K 42 ( B ) ; T K 53*; T K 69; W T 23/F2; W T 24/F2*; W T 30F/3; W T 34/F3*. Group B.—Clones with fair quality T R I 2065 ( C ) ; T R I 2137; T R I 3012; B 77; C 171 ( A 2 ) ; D K 24; G N 10/1; R L A . •Useful colour and strength, and would suit mid-country requirements. Abbreviations T R I . . . Tea Research Institute B . . . Bogawana A B . . . Albion C . . . Chapelton D K . . . Diyanilakele G N . . . Glenanore H V . . . Hauteville K . . . Kirkoswald K E N . . . Kenilworth M K . . . Mattakelle O K . . . Ouvahkellie R L . . . Rudand T K . . . Talankande W T Waltrim 4.4. Mid-country requirements.—Up to now presentation of results o f the clonal work carried out at the T R I has primarily been concerned with high- grown quality. Recently, on account of some useful work carried out by the Superintendent of Pelmadulla Group, it has also been possible to make some recommendations on the suitability or otherwise of certain clones for the low-country (Keegel 1963). With regard to the mid-country, however, no attempt has so far been made to indicate which o f the clones examined for high- grown quality would be the most appropriate. In view of the enquiries we are receiving in this respect and a possible delay in establishing a manufacturing unit at the Hantane clonal-proving station, we have now selected a few clones, the manufacturing properties of which we consider would be the most suitable for mid-country conditions. In making this choice two important points were considered. One was quality and the other, colour and strength. Although a premium is paid to teas with good colour and strength, we would not dare to recommend a clone, however coloury it may be , unless it possesses reasonably good quality. Dullish, coloury liquors are o f no use to anybody, and since the brightness o f the colour of a liquor is linked with quality, the selection must obviously be confined to those clones with promising quality (Groups A l and A 2 ) . Since the mincing-machine technique tends to give extra colour and strength, some allowance has naturally to be made when assessing a clone for these characteristics. The list given in Table 2 has been compiled after due consideration of this discrepancy, and represents clones which could be expec­ ted to produce good all-round liquors by conventional methods of manufacture^ A N N U A L R E P O R T FOR. 1962 136 It has riot been possible to classify these clones into groups in the manner adop­ ted for quality and tip. The clones are not arranged according to merit, and the list is subject to revision. TABLE 2.—Clones with useful liquoring properties T . R . I . Beaumont Brunswick Cannavarella Carolina Chapelton Craigie Lea Diyanilakele Dunsinane Hellbodde Kirkoswald Melfort Mooloya Ouvahkellie Rayigam Sirikandura Talankande U d a Radella Waltrim Woot ton 1 2 8 , 3 3 1 , 4 8 3 , 7 7 7 , 1 0 8 2 , 1 2 9 4 , 1 5 3 0 , 2 0 2 1 , 2 0 2 3 , 2 0 2 4 , 2 0 4 1 and 2 1 5 1 . 1 2 / 3 , 1 1 / 4 and 4 B / 1 9 . B W - E M 9 C V 4 / B 1 C A R 2 / 1 8 C 3 8 G L E A 6 D K 1 9 D U N 7 H 6 A / 1 K 1 5 0 and K E E U D 6 5 S / 4 / 1 0 M O 1 1 0 , M O 1 1 4 , M O 2 0 8 , M O 2 0 9 and M O 2 4 1 O K 4 R G M / 1 2 S. 1 0 6 T K 7 0 U R 1 2 W T 2 6 and W T 3 6 W 3 and W 1 4 5. A g e f r o m Pruning.—This investigation which commenced in 1959 (Keegel 1960) was terminated in July, and covered a period o f about 3 J years. Interim reports on the results have been published in consecutive annual reports. The field selected for these experiments was situated in Pedro Estate, Nuwara Eliya, at an elevation o f about 6,000 ft. A t this altitude, recovery from pruning is slow and takes 8-9 months. By normal up-country standards, reference only to the age from pruning might therefore be somewhat misleading. Accordingly the age o f the bushes from the first pluck should also be noted when examining the results. Previous findings (Keegel 1955, 1959) indicated that once a bush attains normal growth the tea produced from it is not markedly different from an older bush. The experiments at Pedro Estate were specially designed to test the effect o f extending a pruning cycle and also to confirm previous results. Putting together the results from a long period conveys Utile or no information on the effect o f age on the made tea. A clearer picture is obtained if the pruning cycle is divided into smaller periods. T o present the results o f the three following groups in a simple way, it has been decided to split Group I into 2 periods, and Group II into 4 periods. In the case of Group I I I this scheme has not been adopted although this particular experiment covered a period of 9 months, because from an examination o f the data there did not appear to be any inconsistent variations between the two ages from month to month. The statistical interpretation o f all results has been based on a level of significance of P = 0 .05. The following comparisons were made on an experi­ mental scale (roller capacity 30 lb withered leaf), 136 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 GROUP I.—Bushes 30 months from pruning compared with bushes recovering from pruning (Difference in age—22 months) Period of experiment Number of manufactures Older leaf Younger leaf Difference in age .. September 1961 to June 1962 (10 months) 23 Age from pruning 3 0 - 4 0 months 8 - 1 8 „ 2 2 „ Age from 1st plucking 2 2 - 3 2 months 0 - 1 0 „ 2 2 , , (NOTE:—All ages given in the folowing and subsequent tables refer to age from first plucking). TABLE 3.—Average marks obtained for the first 6 months (September to February) Characteristic Older leaf Younger leaf Difference Result (22-28 months) (0-6 months) Infusion ... 5.31 4.42 +0.89 Significant Colour ... 5.14 5.47 -0.33 Not significant Strength ... 5.08 4.88 + 0.20 „ „ Quality ... 5.04 4.26 +0.78 Valuation ... Rs. 2.35 Rs. 2.20 +15cts. Significant 99 TABLE 4.—Average marks obtained for the next 4 months (March to June) Characteristic Older leaf Younger leaf (28-32 months) (6-10 months) Infusion Colour Strength Quality Valuation Rs. 5 . 3 2 5 . 2 7 5 . 0 8 4 . 8 4 2 . 2 7 Rs. 5 . 1 8 5 . 2 7 5 . 0 3 4 . 6 0 2 . 2 0 Difference + 0 . 1 4 0 + 0 . 0 5 + 0 . 2 4 + 7 cts. Result Not significant 99 99 99 99 99 99 Significant Colour and Strength.—Results on the whole showed no significant difference in these characteristics between the two ages. Even in the early stages of the experiment there was not much variation in colour between the older and younger leaf. The only time at which colour of the younger leaf showed a tendency to be better than the other was during the dry-weather period. Strength did not folow such a trend. The younger leaf was inferior to the older leaf in this respect for the first few plucks only, after which there was practically no difference. Quality.—As expected, the younger leaf gave less quality than the older ieaf for the first 6 months after plucking. The difference in quality for the next 4 months was however statistically insignificant. Infusion.—This folowed the same trend as quality. The infusion of the younger leaf was not only less bright but greener as well than the other for the first few plucks. In the last 4 months of the experiment the infusions were not different from one another, A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 1 3 7 Valuation.—The difference in the mean valuation was statistically signi­ ficant for both periods, although no significant difference was observed in the liquoring characteristics for the last 4 months of the experiment. The slightly better flavour in the older leaf when this characteristic was present evidently influenced the valuations to some extent. GROUP II.—Bushes 4 4 months from pruning compared with bushes recovering from pruning (Difference in a g e — 4 4 months) Period of experiment Number of manufactures Older leaf Younger leaf Difference in age December 1 9 5 9 to November 1 9 6 1 ( 2 4 months) 5 3 Age from pruning 5 3 - 7 7 months 9 - 3 3 „ 4 4 „ Age from 1st plucking 4 4 - 6 8 months 0 - 2 4 „ 4 4 „ TABLE 5.—Average marks obtained for the first 6 months (December to May) Characteristic Older leaf Younger leaf Difference Infusion Colour Strength Quality Valuation ( 4 4 - 5 0 months) ( 0 - 6 months) (not marked) Rs. 5 . 0 0 5 . 0 7 5 . 0 1 2 . 4 2 5 . 0 7 4 . 9 5 4 . 7 2 Rs. 2 . 2 9 - 0 . 0 7 + 0 . 1 2 + 0 . 2 9 + 1 3 cts. Result Not significant 3 3 3 3 Significant TABLE 6.—Average marks obtained for the nezt 6 months (June to November) Characteristic Older leaf Younger leaf ( 5 0 - 5 6 months) ( 6 - 1 2 months) Infusion . . . (not marked) Colour . . . 4 . 9 6 5 . 0 9 Strength . . . 5 . 0 4 4 . 9 7 Quality . . . 5 . 0 4 4 . 9 7 Valuation . . . R s . 2 . 4 0 Rs. 2 . 4 0 Difference - 0 . 1 3 + 0 . 0 7 + 0 . 0 7 0 Result Not significant TABLE 7.—Average marks obtained for the period January to June ( 6 months) Characteristic Older leaf Younger leaf Difference ( 5 7 - 6 3 months) ( 1 3 - 1 9 months) Infusion Colour Strength Quality Valuation 5 . 4 1 5 . 3 0 5 . 1 9 4 . 9 7 Rs. 2 . 3 8 Rs. 5 . 0 3 5 . 8 6 5 . 3 0 . 4 . 5 9 2 . 3 7 + 0 . 3 8 - 0 . 5 6 - 0 . 1 1 + 0 . 3 8 + 1 Ct. Result Significant 3 3 Not significant Significant Not significant 1 3 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 T A B L E 8.—Average marks obtained for the last 5 months (July to November) Characteristic Older leaf Younger leaf Difference Infusion Colour Strength Quality Valuation (63-68 months) (19-24 months) Result 5.82 5.16 4.95 5.29 Rs. 2.33 5.48 5.32 5.34 5.19 Rs. 2.35 + 0.34 - 0 . 1 6 - 0 . 3 9 + 0.10 - 2 cts. Significant Not significant Significant Not significant T h e results follow the same trend as in Group I despite a very much bigger difference in the ages. After 6 months from the first plucking the teas are almost identical, the main notable difference having occurred in colour during the dry weather period in favour o f the younger leaf (Table 7) . In this same period preference was given to the older leaf in infusion and quality but the differences, though statistically significant, did not affect the mean valuations o f the teas. A decline in strength o f the older leaf in the last 5 months o f the experiment should be noted, which was compensated for by the improvement in the brightness of the infusion. Otherwise the two teas were practically the same. Colour of infusion.—As in Group I the infusion o f the younger leaf was slightly greener than the other in the early stages. Flavour.—The early months of 1960 did not produce much flavour, so it was not possible to establish anything with regard to this feature. In 1961, however, by which time the younger leaf was just over a year old from the first plucking, there was evidence o f flavour in some o f the manufactures carried out. There was little to choose between the younger and older leaf in this respect. G r o u p III.—Bushes 62 months from pruning compared with bushes 44 months from pruning (Difference in age—18 months) Period of experiment . . . March 1959 to November 1959 (9 months) Number of manufactures . . . 19 Age from Age from pruning 1st plucking Older leaf . . . 62-71 months 53-62 months Younger leaf . . . 44-53 „ 35-44 „ Difference in a g e . . . 18 „ 18 „ TABLE 9—Average marks obtained for the whole period March to November Characteristic Older leaf Younger leaf Difference Result (53-62 months) (35-44 months) Infuson . . . 6.52 6.71 - 0 . 1 9 Not significant Colour . . . 5.23 5.92 - 0 . 6 9 Significant Strength . . . 5.14 5.73 - 0 . 5 9 Quality 5.32 5.48 - 0 . 1 6 Not significant Valuation . . . Rs . 2.54 Rs. 2.60 - 6 cts. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 139 Colour and strength.—With the exception o f a few isolated instances, the younger leaf consistendy gave more colour and strength, the difference being significant. Infusion and quality.—No significant difference was observed between the two ages in these characteristics. Valuation.—A higher mean valuation o f 6 cts. was obtained for the younger leaf because of the better colour and strength but this difference was not statistically significant. Flavour.—This when present was not affected. General conclusions.'—It is not a simple matter to translate all these results into practical terms, which would have a very wide application, because o f the conditions under which these experiments were conducted. For one thing the material was derived from an estate in Nuwara Eliya district, and for another the leaf was manufactured at St Coombs. The time o f pruning and method o f pruning are also important since the period at which a bush comes into plucking and the time taken for it to recover from pruning could alter the characteristics of the made tea somewhat appreciably. However, it is possible to draw some broad conclusions, and one such conclusion is that undue extension of a pruning cycle does not improve quality (Table 9 ) . A second conclusion is that only during periods favourable to the develop­ ment o f inherent quality does older leaf produce more quality than very much younger leaf. For example in Group I it was observed that in the later stages o f the experiment, when the weather was wet, the younger leaf showed no difference in quality from older leaf. This must be regarded more as a result o f the change in climatic conditions than because of the leaf getting older. T h e point is best illustrated in Tables 6 , 7 and 8, where no significant difference was observed between 6-12 months and 5 0 - 5 6 months, but the latter was significantly better in the next 6 months; in the period following this, however, quality was again similar to each other. A third and interesting result is that colour also reacts in a marked way to a change in climatic conditions. I f the weather is not conducive to the development o f quality, 28 months gives the same results as 5 0 months when compared with leaf only 6 months from plucking. In a quality period, younger leaf gives better colour than older leaf (Table 7 ) . The reason for 3 5 - 4 4 months giving better colour than 5 3 - 6 2 months (Group III) is however obscure, since in the light o f the results from Groups I and II one would have expected no difference. Anyway there is some justification for concluding from the general trend o f the results that the younger the leaf the better the colour. As regards strength the pattern is somewhat clearer. This characteristic quickly regains a normal level after the first few plucks and declines when the bush gets too old. It is not possible of course from these results to specify the exact age at which any characteristic is at its optimum during a pruning cycle, because quite evidently there are a number of conditions to consider, chief of which appears to be climate. This would appear to be a more influencing factor than age from pruning on the made tea, and tends to confuse the issue. H o w ­ ever, these results in conjunction with earlier work carried out (Keegel, 1 9 5 5 , 1 9 5 9 ) indicate that with respect to quality, the older the leaf the better the quality when this characteristic is intrinsically present to a high degree due 140 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 either to climatic conditions of some inherent property, in the leaf. Other­ wise leaf as young as 6 months from the first plucking produces just as good quality as much older leaf. In the case of colour the general conclusion is that the older the leaf the less the colour. Strength is quite definitely below par in the early stages of a pruning cycle, probably reaches a peak, and then tends to decline. Flavour appears to follow the same trend as quality and so does the brightness of the infusion. The general conclusion is that for colour and strength the short er the pruning cycle the better but for quality and flavour long pruning cycles are preferable. In addition to this work two blocks of clone T R I 2024, grown at St Coombs and planted at different times, were examined during the dry weather period (January to March) . Particulars of these blocks are as follows:— Date of Date of Age from Age from 1st planting pruning pruning plucking .• Block 41 October 1953 Mid 1959 2 | years 2 years (approx.) (approx.) „ 46 June 1955 - — 4 „ ( „ ) There was no significant difference between the two teas, except in colour, Block 41 (2 years from plucking) having been preferred—a result consistent with previous observations. 6. Relationship between various characteristics.—The vast amount of data collected from the foregoing pruning experiments was utilized for a statistical investigation of any relationship which existed between some of the characteristics reported on. Quality in relation to infusion and colour was examined, and the results from 1 0 0 samples are given in Tables 1 0 and 11. Each sample was evaluated by 8 tasters, and the average marks for each characteristic were obtained after a rejection test had been carried out statis­ tically for each sample. Notation etc: r i q c s e.g. r iq r iq.c r iq.sc = partial correlation between i and q when both s and c are kept constant. coefficient o f correlation infusion (brightness of, not colour of) quality colour strength total correlation between i and q partial correlation between i and q when ' c is kept constant. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1962 TABLE 10.-—Relationship bdween infusion and quality - Correlation coefficient M Level of significance degrees of freedom Value of r after trans­ formation to z r jq- 0.6130 P < 0 . 0 0 1 98 0.7131 r iq.c 0.6084 P < 0 . 0 0 1 97 0.7066 r iq.s 0.6854 P < 0 . 0 0 1 97 0.8400 r iq.sc 0.5507 P < 0 . 0 0 1 . 96 0.6200 Standard error between any two values o f z = . 1455 The correlation coefficients are not significantly different. Therefore the relationship between infusion (i) and quality (q) appeared to be inde­ pendent o f strength (s) or colour ( c ) . TABLE 11.—Relationship between colour and quality Correlation coefficient M level o f significance degrees o f freedom value o f r after trans­ formation to z r cq. 0.1145 Not significant even at P—. 1 98 0.11516 r cq.i 0.06466 97 0.06464 r cq.s -0 .3058 P < 0 . 0 0 1 97 0.31593 r cq.is -0 .4328 P < 0 . 0 0 1 96 0.46330 z z cq.is — cq. 3 = 2.393 which is significant at 2%. S.E. r is significantly different from r cq . cq.is. Accordingly the relationship between c and q appeared to be influenced by either infusion (i) or strength (s) or both, z z cq.is — cq.s = . 14737 which is not at all significant. S.E. . 1455 r r cq.is is not significantly different from cq.s. Therefore the relationship between colour (c) and quality (q) appeared to be unaffected by infusion ( i ) . U 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 cq.s — cq.i = 0 . 2 5 1 2 9 = 1 . 7 2 7 1 which is not signi- S.E. 0 . 1 4 5 5 . ficant at 5 % level, but is significant at 1 0 % . r r Since cq.is and cq are significantly different, it seems reasonable to attribute this difference only to the influence of s. Hence the relationship between colour (c) and quality (q) appeared to be affected only by strength (s) and not by infusion (t). Conclusion.—The results indicate that a significant correlation exists between the brightness of an infusion and quality, which does not appear to b e influenced by the degree o f colour or strength. There is a tendency for colour to improve with a decrease in quality, but this relationship seems to be affected by the strength o f a liquor. Under what conditions strength contributes to this relationship remains to be determined. 7. Shade.—With the co-operation o f the Plant Physiology Division, the effect o f shade was investigated on an area planted up with clone T R I 2 0 2 5 , which was pruned in June 1 9 5 9 and had been in regular plucking since May 1 9 6 0 . At the time manufacture tests commenced the bushes had been in regular plucking for about 1 5 months. Tests covered a period o f approxima­ tely one year, during which 2 5 manufactures were carried out. Three levels o f shade were examined, namely:— N o shade . . . 1 0 0 % light Medium . . . 6 0 % „ (approximately) Heavy . . . 4 0 % „ The results are given in Table 1 2 . T A B L E 12.—Average marks and valuations obtained for three levels of shade Means Characteristic No. shade Medium shade Heavy shade Conclusion Infusion 5 . 8 8 4 . 3 9 3 . 6 3 N o shade better than medium shade, which is better than heavy shade.* Colour 4 . 7 4 5 . 7 1 5 . 8 1 N o shade worse than both medium and heavy shade, which are not significantly different.* Strength 5 . 2 9 5 . 6 5 5 . 7 2 N o shade worse than both medium and heavy shade, which are not significantly different.**' Quality 5 . 3 9 4 . 3 7 4 . 0 5 N o shade better than both medium and heavy shade, which are not significantly different.* Valuation Rs. 2 . 4 1 Rs. 2 . 2 6 Rs. 2 . 2 0 N o shade better than both medium and heavy shade, which are not significantly different.* * . Level of significance < 0 . 1 % yy yy yy — /o A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 1 4 3 The results are quite conclusive. Shade improves colour and strength but has an adverse effect on quality, and also flavour, when the latter is present. In the height o f the flavoury season, the differences in flavour and quality were so pronounced that on one occasion no shade was valued 7 0 cts higher than heavy shade. The colour o f the infusion also appears to be influenced by shade, the heavier the shade the greener the infusion. The effect o f shade on the various characteristics and valuations is best seen from the graphs in Figures 1 to 5 . 8 . M a n u r i n g — T h e Annual Report for 1 9 5 8 (Keegel, 1 9 5 9 ) refers to some experiments on the effects of nitrogen, potash and phosphate on the made tea. The conclusions were based on a general trend o f marks given by tasters for the various samples. In view o f the importance of the subject, the results have now been more closely analvsed on a statistical basis arid are given in Tables 1 3 , 1 4 and 1 5 . TABLE 13.—Effect of nitrogen (40 N vs 80 jV.) . Colour . . . Difference significant in favour of 40 N at 5% level Strength . . . „ „ „ „ 2% „ Quality . . . „ „ , ; „ < 1 % „ Valuation . . . „ „ „ „ < 1 % „ TABLE 14.—Effect of potash (20 K vs 40 K) Colour . . . Difference significant in favour 40 K at 2 % level Strength . . . „ not „ even at 1 0 % level Quality . . . „ „ „ • „ Valuation . . . „ „ „ „ „ TABLE 15.—Effect of phosphate (30 P vs 60 P) Colour . . . Difference not significant even at 10% level Strength . . . „ „ Quality . . . „ significant in favour of 60 P at < 5 % level Valuation . . . ,, not significant even at 1 0 % level The statistical data indicate that under the experimental and sampling conditions, the examination of samples of tea manufactured with miniature scale equipment on a limited number of occasions tend to show that colour and quality are adversely affected by the higher nitrogen dosage applied. Colour tends to be improved by the higher level of potash and quality by the higher level o f phosphoric acid used. Further investigations on this subject are contemplated. , Further experiments were done in 1962, leaf from the shade experiments being used for comparing two levels of nitrogen. The following combinar tions were examined:— N1K1 . . . 100 lb N and 50 lb K (A) N1K2 . . . 100 „ „ „ 100 „ „ . ( B ) N2K1 . . . 200 „ „ „ 50 „ „ (C) • N2K2 . . . . 200 „ „ „ 100 , , „ (D) Seventeen manufactures were carried out spread over 6 months. There was no significant difference between all 4 treatments, on the basis of tasters', reports. 144 A N N U A L REPORT F O R 1962 From the data as regards 40 N and 80 N, there is every reason to believe that beyond a certain level of fertiliser application the influence of dosage on the made tea is insignificant. This explains the failure of treatments A and B to produce a better tea than C or D. These conclusions should however be regarded as tentative till more evidence is available.. . 9. Withering materials. Further to the work carried out on nylon net and plastic materials, reported in the Annual Report for 1961 (Keegel, 1962), observations on the following materials have been begun:— Manufacturers Agents Type of Material I.C.I. — "Terylene" Fukui Fishing Net Co. (Japan) Bristol Agency Knotless 'Mycle' net Nippon Seimo Co. (Japan) P.P.P. Jinadasa Knotless "Kuralon" net Courtauld & Co. (U.K.) — Polythene Courlene x 3 Reeves (U.S.A.) — Polyethylene yarn Chicopee Mills (U.S.A.) — Lumite woven Polypro­ pylene fabric. It is far too early yet to offer any opinion on the suitability or durability of these materials, or to make any specific recommendation as to which is the best material available at present. However, the choice of a material should take the following points into consideration:— 1. Mesh size of 4 meshes to the inch 2. Mesh size remains constant 3. Light in weight and has good tensile strength properties 4. Does not require much stretching, and 5. Free from knots. A matter that is somewhat confusing to the purchasers of nylon material— the diamond type that has to be stretched—is the specification given for mesh size and length. Mesh size refers to the diagonal distance and not to the actual size of the mesh in a linear direction. For example, " \ inch stretched mesh" corresponds to 4 meshes to the linear inch after the material is stretched for a withering tat. Likewise, a specified stretched measurement is not the same as that of a material after it has been stretched in all directions when installed as a tat A stretched measurement of say 5 0 ' would be equivalent to only the length of a standard tat (34'). The word 'stretched' in the suppliers' specifi­ cations refers to the material as supplied and not to any measurements after the material has to be stretched further. 10. M i s c e l l a n e o u s : 10.1. Roll-Breaking.—The improvement of the colour and strength by double roll-breaking of the dhool is well known up country and because of this it is quite a common practice to double roll-break a dhool in quite a number of up-country factories. What is perhaps not recognized is that although the coarser fraction of a dhool is inferior to the finer portions in these characteristics it does not necessarily follow that a similar difference in quality exists. From the results of a series of trials carried out to study this question it would appear that with respect to quality it may in fact be a disadvantage to take too even a dhool. Re-rolling that fraction of the dhool which is considered too large in size may result in an appreciable decline in quality. Double roll-breaking of a dhool should therefore not be indiscriminately carried out just because it happens to be a popular practice. The decision to do so should be guided by the actual size and quantity of the coarser fraction of a dhool, and also whether more emphasis is placed on colour and strength than on quality. A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 1 9 6 2 1 4 5 1 0 . 2 . Taint trials.—In collaboration with the Entomologist taint trials were conducted on Dipterex, Sevin, Malathion and Aldrex. The results and the manner in which they should be used are reported on by the Entomologist. A fungicide for protection against Blister Blight, called Brestan, was also tested. This compound did not taint tea under the conditions it was used. 1 1 . Publications: KEEGEL , E. L. Relation of temperature and humidity to made tea. Tea Quart 3 3 : 6 0 - 6 8 . KEEGEL , E. L. Future developments in tea manufacture. Tea Quart 3 3 : 1 7 7 - 1 8 2 . KEEGEL , E. L. Tea made from clones—Part 2 . Tea Quart 33 : 1 8 3 - 1 8 8 . 1 2 . Acknowledgments.—The fullest co-operation was received from M r N . M . Sanders o f Pedro Estate and the Plant Physiologist in the pruning, shade and manurial trials, and our grateful thanks are due to them. Thanks are also due to the Statistician for the assistance he has given us in the statistical analysis of the results. As usual we have received considerable assistance from the Tea tasters in Colombo, and to all those gentlemen who have spared so much of their time to taste our experimental teas we express our grateful thanks. References: KEEGEL , E. L. ( 1 9 5 5 ) . Report o f the Technologist for 1 9 5 4 . Bull. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon, No . 3 6 : 3 3 - 3 7 . KEEGEL , E. L. ( 1 9 5 9 ) . Report o f the Technologist for 1 9 5 8 . Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 5 1 - 5 5 . KEEGEL , E. L . ( 1 9 6 0 ) . Report of the Technologist for 1 9 5 9 . Rep. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 9 1 - 9 7 . KEEGEL , E. L. ( 1 9 6 2 ) . Report of the Technologist for 1 9 0 1 . R^p. Tea Res. Inst. Ceylon: 1 2 5 - 1 3 3 . KEEGEL , E. L. ( 1 9 6 3 ) . Tea made from Clones. Part 2—Tea Qiiarl. 3 3 : 1 8 3 - 1 8 8 . Printed by Wilfred Samarasinghe of No . 5 , 3 r d Lane, Pita Kotte, Kotte, at M/s H . W . Cave & Co . , Ltd., Gaffoor Building, Main Street, Colombo 1, for the Tea Research Institute of Ceylon, St Coombs, Talawakela. The Tea Research Institute of Ceylon Staff as at 31st December 1962 Director . . . Agricultural Chemistry Agricultural Chemist Research Officer Senior Technical Assistant Assistants Biochemistry Biochemist Research Officer Assistants Technology Technologist Research Officer Assistants Plant Physiology Plant Physiologist Research Officer Senior Technical Assistant Assistants Vegetative Propagation Officer Research Officer Assistants Plant Pathology Plant Pathologist Research Officers Assistants Entomology Entomologist . . . Entomologist, Special Research Research Officers Assistants Plant Breeding Post-graduate Scholar Hematology Nematologist . . . Research Officer Assistants Agronomy Chief Agronomist Research Officer Assistant Statistics Statistician Assistant Low-Country Service Scientific Adviser Assistants •Working overseas D . L . Gunn , C . B . E . , D.Sc. (Wales) , Ph.D. (Birm) J. A . H . Tolhurst, B.Sc. (Reading) Vacant V . Mendis S. Samarasingham, T . C . Z . Jayaman, E . O . Stuart, (Miss) B. I . Piyasena, B.Sc. (Cey.) S. Sundralingam, B.Sc. (Poona) Vacant M . S. Ramaswamy, B.Sc. (Mysore) , A . R . I . C , A . I . I .Sc . T . S. Nathan, B. P. M . Perera K . Sivapalan, B.Sc. (Cey . ) , V . Fernando E . L . Keegel * D . Kirtisinghe, B.Sc. (Cey.) L . S. Weragoda , A . H . R . Balthazaar W . C . A . de Silva, B.Sc. (Cey.) C . Kandappa, B.Sc. (Cey.) T . Visser, Dr , Ir (Wageningen) U . Pethiyagoda, B.Sc. (Cey. ) , Ph .D . (Lond . ) ,D . I .C . M . Piyasena S. Nagarajah, B.Sc. (Cey.) A . R . M . Hassim, N .S . Rajendram, B.Sc. (Madras) D . N . R . Wijewardene F. H . Kehl S. Kulasegaram, B.Sc. (Cey.) H . R . Solomon, A . L . J. de Croos D . D . Kroon (Passara), H.B . Ratnayake (Hantane) D . Mulder , Nat. Phil. Dr. (Amsterdam) *N. Shanmuganathan, B.Sc. (Cey.) * R . L . de Silva, B. Sc. (Cey.) W . Redlich, B.Sc. (Cey.) P. V . Arulpragasam, B.Sc. (Madras) S. Murugiah, W . F. Rodrigo, B . S c , (Cey.) J. E . Cranham, B.A. (Cantab.) , D . I . C . E . Judenko, Ph.D. (Cracow) * D . Calnaido, B.Sc. (Cey.) D . J . W . Ranaweera * W . Danthanarayana, B.Sc. (Cey.) E . F. W . Fernando G . B. Rajapakse A . R . Sebastiampillai, B.Sc. (Cey.) M . T . Hutchinson, B . S c , Ph.D. (Rutgers) *P. Sivapalan, B.Sc. (Cey.) M . K . Vythilingam P. A . John H . N . Hasselo, Dr , Ir (Wageningen) W . M . W . B. Manipura , B . S c (Cey.) S. M . Kandasamy P. Kanapathipillai, B.Sc. (Lond.) K . Seevaratnam A . W . R . Joachim, O . B . E . , B . S c , Ph.D. (Lond . ) , F . R . I . C . , Dip. Agric. (Cantab.) U . L. M . de Silva J. I. H . Bandaranayake (Endane) K . H . G. Gunapala (Kottawa) The Tea Research Institute of Ceylon Board of Control as at December 31st 1962 Chairman:— M r F. Amarasuriya Appointed by the Planters' Association of Ceylon:— M r S. P. Vytilingam M r W . H . W . Coultas M r N. M . Sanders Appointed by the Agency Section, Planters' Association of Ceylon:— M r C. R . Warren M r R . J. Gilmour M r R . D . W e d d Appointed by the Low-Country Products Association:— M r L. C. de M e l M r H . R . Fernando M r M . P. Amarasuriya Representing the Small Holders:— M r D . E. Hettiarachchi, J.P., U.M. C. S. Ratwatte, M.P . Representing the House of Representatives: — M r J. D . Weerasekera, M.P . Ex-Ojfkie Members:— M r G. D . Loos, C.C.S. representing the Hon. the Minister of Finance The Director o f Agriculture ( M r A . V . Richards) M r V . G. W . Ratnayaka, M.B.E. , Chairman, Planters' Association of Ceylon. M r W . W . W o o d , Chairman, Agency Section, Planters' Association o f Ceylon. M r F. Amarasuriya, Chairman, Low-Country Products Association. T h e Tea Controller ( M r B. Mahadeva, c.c.s.) T h e Director (Dr D . L . Gunn, C.B.E.) Secretary:— M r W . J. A . van Langenberg