THE TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE 
OF 
SRI LANKA 
ANNUAL REPORT 
FOR THE YEAR 
1997 
ISSN 1012 - 3954 
Published by 
THE TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SRI LANKA 
ST. COOMBS, TALAWAKELE, SRI LANKA 
1997 
C O N T E N T S 
Report of the Chairman 1 
Report of the Director 3 
Report of the Administration Division S 
Report of the Finance Division 13 
Research Projects 
Multi-disciplinary Research Projects 
Intercropping on tea lands to maximise income and conserve soil 
through optimal land utilization IS 
Monodisciplinary Research Projects/Divisional Activities 
Agronomy 18 
Biochemistry 51 
Entomology 61 
Plant Pathology 84 
Plant Physiology 99 
Plant Propagation and Breeding 105 
Soils and Plant Nutrition 141 
Technology 172 
Statistics 192 
Agricultural Economics Unit 193 
St Coombs/St Lamiliere Estate 199 
St Joachim Estate 207 
Advisory and Extension Services Division 216 
Low-country Station Research, Advisory and Extension Centre-Ratnapura 230 
Mid-country Research, Advisory and Extension Centre-Kandy 235 
Deniyaya Advisory and Extension Centre-Diyadawa 238 
Uva Advisory and Extension Centre-Passara 241 
Advisory and Extension Centre-Talgampola 244 
Weather Tables 
Talawakele 246 
Kandy 247 
Ratnapura 248 
Deniyaya - Diyadawa 249 
Passara 250 
Talgampola - Kottawa 251 
Government Auditors Report 253 
Report of the Chairman, Tea Research Board 
The action plan drawn up on restructuring of the Tea Research Institute 
(77?/) to meet the challenges of the 21st century was submitted to the Ministry 
for discussion at its Tea Sector Review meetings. A positive outcome of these 
discussions was the increase of the tea cess by 50 cts per Kilo of tea exported. 
The CADMAR (Composi te Approach to Decis ion Making in 
Agricultural Research) process of research prioritization was carried forward 
to near completion. A cost-benefit analysis of all identified thrusts and projects, 
in both applied and basic research, is now in progress. Completion of this 
process will lead to maximization of resources, both human and financial, in 
the development of technology so needed for the tea industry to carry it through 
the next century and beyond. 
Renewed emphasis was placed in the resolution of legal matters of TRI 
with the assistance of the Attorney General and by obtaining his approval to 
retain private lawyers on a case by case basis. Matters receiving attention were 
in regard to defaulting of bonds by staff sent on postgraduate training abroad, 
defense of TRI in Labour Tribunal cases etc. 
All staff were required to submit reports within specified time limits on 
their return from of official visits abroad. They were also required to present 
debriefing seminars on their return for the benefit of other staff. 
The post of superintendent St. Coombs Estate was filled and a visiting 
agent was identified for the two TRI estates. The rationale being that these TRI 
estates should serve as model estates for the industry. The accounts unit at TRI 
Talawakelle was made responsible for the financial control of both TRI estates, 
a practice not followed.in the past. The Director TRI was given "observer" 
status at meetings of the Sri Lanka Tea Board and was required to report on 
relevant matters to the Tea Research Board (TRB) 
Action was initiated to formulate a corporate plan for the TRI for the 5 
year period beginning 1999. Ah internal committee with Director TRI as its 
Chairman was assigned this task: A qualified engineer was engaged m inspect 
and report on the vehicle fleet of TRI to facilitate replacement of those that are 
unserviceable. Inadequatetransport facilities impede TRI's field programmes. 
A new generator was installed at the St. Joachim factory, replacing the old on 
which was beyond repair. This was done to circumvent losses in manufacture 
incurred due to constant power failures. Approval was given to TRI to produce 
video films on nursery practices, land selection and preparation and harvesting 
of tea and for training of its officers in this activity. These video films are for 
use both in estates and smallholdings in advisory and extension work. A protest 
was sent to the Ministry in regard to FAO supporting Sri Lankan participation 
2 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
at a conference abroad on tea bypassing TRI. Low interest loans were provided 
to TRI estate workers at St. Coombs Estate for electrification of their houses. 
A consultant was engaged to enable St Coombs Estate to obtain ISO 
9000 series certification. 
Schemes of recruitment were drawn up for the posts of Computer Systems 
Manager and Resident Engineer. Approval was obtained from the Public 
Enterprises Division of the Ministry of Finance to create a cadre position for a 
Technical Editor for TRI. Till now this function has been performed by a senior 
scientist at TRI, an arrangement which needs correction due to the load of 
work involved. Approval was sought to create 10 posts of Heads of Divisions 
by suppressing an equal number of posts from the senior research officers 
cadre. 
Action was taken to extend the contractual period of Director TRI from 
I to 3 years and for revision of his emoluments. An application was made to 
patent the TRI plucking shear which has been adopted by a number of estates 
as well as small holders because of its superiority over manual plucking. TRI 
extension staff were permitted to work for plantation companies on payment 
without any deductions by TRI. 
It was decided that TRI should not maintain commercial tea 
nurseries, except at its Hantane station and St Jochim Estate, Ratnapura. In all 
other stations only model nurseries are to be maintained. The TRB approved 
the involvement of experienced scientists who had left the TRI and also 
university scientists m its research projects and for them to be sponsored by 
plantation management companies. 
Consequent to a decision to establish the Ceylon Tea Museum at Hantane 
Estate, Kandy the TRB approved a donation of Rs. 1 m. 
The Executive Director, Council for Agricultural Research Policy, Dr D 
Kirtisinghe and the Secretary General, the Planters' Association of Ceylon, 
Mr S K Seneviratne were appointed as members of the Consultative Committees 
on Research and Estates& Advisory Services, respectively. 
During the year the TRB held 09 meetings whilst its three consultative 
committees on Research, Estates & Advisory Services and Administration & 
Finance held 3, 3 and 8 meetings, respectively. 
Dr. S D I E Gunawardene Chairman, 
Tea Research Board. 
THE TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SRI LANKA 
ANNUAL REPORT, 1997 
REVIEW OF THE DIRECTOR 
Arising from its responsibility as part of the agricultural research system 
of the nation, and towards fulfilling its mandate for research into the planting 
and manufacture of tea, the Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka sets itself four­
square as a partner in the country's tea industry and specifically in the plantations 
and smallholder segments. 
Tea is a long-term perennial crop, and any progress in tea research is 
mostly subtle and cumulative rather than in the form of the proverbial 
breakthrough. The present Annual Report sets out details of research and 
extension activities for 1997 under divisional headings and, as with such 
Reports, it is necessarily a snapshot of activity during a single year. It is perhaps 
difficult, therefore, to peruse it and discern progress., 
For this reason, the Director's review is used to highlight achievements 
and advances rather than merely to abstract the details written by Divisions. 
Guidelines for intercropping tea with rubber were issued, based on 
on-going collaborative trials with the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. 
A shear harvester was developed and released for combatting the 
problems of low plucker-intake, labour shortage and unplucked green leaf during 
peak cropping seasons. It is light and manouverable and allows for leaf 
selectivity during harvesting. A patent was applied for together with a well-
known company, Messrs RRR Jinadasa, who started mass-producing the shears 
for sale to growers. Growers began using them with excellent results. 
Soil conservation and improvement were advanced, biologically 
through the introduction both of an exotic species, Arachis pintoii, as a cover 
crop and of earthworms in vermicompost, and from the use of Flemingia 
congesta as hedgerow plants on sloping, marginal tea lands. 
A tea tissue-culture protocol was developed and collaboration was 
begun with a Sri Lankan company for testing its efficacy in large scale 
production of tea plantlets. 
Biochemical identification of tea clones was advanced through the 
development of an isozyme technique. 
Integrated pest management (IPM) and the de-emphasis of hazardous 
agro-chemicals were taken further. Guidelines were issued on the integrated 
4 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Dr W.W.D. Modder 
Director 
management of shothole borer. The feasibility of controlling mite outbreaks 
using exotic predators was demonstrated, and a new, safe pesticide (a 
nitroguanidine) against scavenging^rmites, as efficacious as the chlorinated 
termiticides now on the banned list?;was recommended. 
Soil surveys and GIS technology for maximising profitability from 
rational land use were applied to a further six marginal mid-country estates, 
following on the five completed in 1996. 
A rehabilitation plan for the tea industry in the mid-country was 
published. 
A smallholder Experiments and Extension (E & E) Forum was held 
for the first time ever, and in the Sinhala language, in December at the TRI, 
Ratnapura. This was deemed a great success. 
Two international meetings took place in Colombo during the year. 
The International Standards (ISO) Conference was held in February, 
with the TRI Director as leader of the Sri Lankan delegation. Issues of tea 
manufacture and packaging, and evaluation methods for obtaining data on which 
standards could be based, were discussed. A standard (ISO 11286) was proposed 
that required all teas to be graded on particle size. If adopted, this would have 
favoured CTC and not our variably-sized orthodox teas used in blending. We 
therefore put forward ah escape clause, fortunately accepted unanimously, that 
"ISO 11286 shall not apply to blended teas". 
Other significant successes for Sri Lanka at the Conference included 
our obtaining from the Chair a clear and unambiguous statement that Sri Lankan 
teas were "the cleanest in the world", as far as pesticide residues were concerned. 
At least some of the credit for this happy state must go to the TRI. 
We were also able to allay, at this Conference, West European and German 
anxieties that our VP or clonal teas were the result of genetic manipulation. 
A Tea and Health Seminar was held in August. TRI research on 
establishing health benefits of tea drinking, using animal models, was presented. 
TEA RESEARCH BOARD OF SRI LANKA 
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1997 
1.1 Introduction 
The Tea Research Board of Sri Lanka was established on 12th November 
1993 under the provisions of the Tea Research Board Act. No. 52 of 1993. 
According to the above Act, which came into operation on 07th March, 
1994, the functions of the Tea Research Board shall be to engage in, and 
to encourage, foster and faciletate, research into the planting and 
manufacturing of tea. 
1.2 The functions of the Tea Research Board 
The specific functions of the Tea Research Board are: 
(a) to conduct, assist and encourage, scientific and technological research 
into, and investigations of, all problems and matters affecting the 
production and manufacture of tea, including the prevention and 
control of pests affecting tea, the prevention and control of diseases 
affecting tea and the improvement of the quality of tea, as well as the 
diversification of products manufactured from tea; and to disseminate 
and publish at its discretion, the results of such research : 
(b) to conduct, assist and encourage, research into the economic viability 
of the tea industry in Sri Lanka including future economic trends in 
such industry; 
(c) to establish and maintain relations with research institutions in Sri 
Lanka and abroad; 
(d) to conduct, in the discharge of its functions, joint study programmes, 
seminars or symposia, with foreign research institutions and research 
institutions in Sri Lanka. 
1.3 Tea Research Institute Head Office at Talawakelle 
The Head Office at Talalawakelle is responsible for the maintenance, 
administraion, overall planning and execution of research and extension 
and advisory programmes of its main centre at Talawakelle and five 
sub- stations located in different tea growing districts. 
6 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
1.4 Members of the Tea Research Board as at 31st December, 1997. 
1. Dr. S.D.I.E.Gunawardhena Chairman 
2. Dr. W.W.D. Modder Director, TRI 
3. Mr. Rohan Ellangaratne Member 
4. Mr. Clifford Ratwatte Member 
5. Mr.Anura Ekanayae Member 
6. Mr.E Kanendran Member 
7. Mr.S.K.Seneviratne Member 
8. Mr.G.V.Tissera Member 
9. Mr. J.P.M.Y. Ratnayake Member 
10. Mr. Sivam Loganathan Member 
11. Mr.V. Puthirasigamoney Member 
12. Mr. I.L.A.Fernando Member 
13. Mr.S.Wirasinghe Member 
14. Prof. H.RM.Gunasena Member 
Secretary to the Board : Mr. C.CMawilmada 
* M/S. G.V. Tissera and J.P.M.Y. Ratnayake served as the members of 
Tea Research Board until October, 1997. 
1.5 Senior Management Staff as at 31st December, 1997 
1. Director - Dr. W.W.D. Modder 
2. Deputy Director Research (Prod.) - Dr. G.D.Wimaladasa 
3. Deputy Director Research (Tech.) - - Dr. M.T. Z. Mohamed 
4. Deputy Director (Administration) - Mr.C. C .Mawilmada 
5. Senior Accountant - Mr. W.B. Herath 
* Dr. G.D.Wimaladasa was terminated from the TRI service with effect 
from 19th May, 1997 on disciplinary grounds. 
1.6 Heads of Divisions, Administration, Research & Advisory Staff -
Grade I - V as at 31st December, 1997. 
Administration Division 
01. Mr. C.CMawilmada 
02. Mr.D.W.Bartholomeuz 
03. Mrs.S.M.Jeyasinghein 
04. Mr.D.S.E.Weerasuriya 
05. Mr.B.Thilakeratne 
06. Mr.M.m.P.J.Gawafammana 
07. Mr.G.G.E.H.Gamage 
Deputy Director (Administration) 
Administrative Officer 
Secretary to the Director 
Chief Clerk 
Purchasing Officer 
Transport Officer 
Chief Motor Mechanic 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 7 
08. Mr.U.A.Wickramasinghe 
09. Mr.K.G.Piyasena 
10. Mrs.S.Shanmuganathan 
11. Mrs.P.Marapana 
12. Mrs. Devika Ratnayake 
13. Miss. D.H.Kalikotuwe 
14. Miss. A.P.V.Kalyani 
15. Miss. C.S.K.Kiribathgoda 
16. Mr.P.D.S.L.De Silva 
17. Mrs.R.Godage 
18. Mrs.I.Jayawickrama 
19. Mrs.RJayasinghe 
20. Miss. Ramani Wijeratne 
21. Mrs. Chandrika Jayaram 
22. Mr.Rajendrakumar 
23. Mr.D.HJayathilake 
24. Mr.S.H.Chandrasena 
25. Mr.P.T.Perera 
26. Mr.J.M.R.K.Bandara 
27. Mr.R.W.Rengasamy 
28. Mr.K.M.Seneviratne Banda 
29. Miss. B.N.Damayanthi 
30. Mr.W.P.A.N.Jayasinghe 
31. Mr.V.Shanmuganathan 
32. Mr.D.V.D.Vithanage 
33. Mr.CJ.B.Abeykoon 
34. Mr.W.C.K.Fernando 
35. Mr.P.D.Benadict de Silva 
36. Mr.J.G.Gamage 
Finance Division 
01. Mr. W.B.Herath 
02. Mr.G.A.K.P de Silva 
03. Mr.M.Bowatte 
04. Mr.K.D.H.Pathirana 
05. Mr.T.H.Lokuhetti 
06. Mr. S.G. Punchi Banda 
07. Mr. C.B. Koswatte 
08. Miss. D.M.R.Dissanayake 
09. Mr.B.G.D. Premadasa 
10. Mrs. N.Saparamadu 
11. Miss. V.Pahalage 
12. Mr.R.M.H.B.Ratnayake 
Electrical Foreman 
Stenographer (Sinhala) 
Stenographer (English) 
Stenographer (English) 
Stenographer (English) 
Stenographer (English) 
Stenographer (English) 
Stenographer (English) 
Clerk/Typist 
Clerk/Typist 
Clerk/Typist 
Clerk/Typist 
Clerk/Typist 
Clerk/Typist 
Clerk/Typist 
Clerk/Typist 
Clerk/Typist 
Clerk/Typist 
Electrician 
Electrician 
Telephone Operator 
Telephone Operator cum 
Receptionist 
General Clerk 
Clerk/Typist 
Work Supervisor 
Work Supervisor 
Chief Plumber Mechanic 
Plumber Mechanic 
Filter Plant Assistant 
Senior Accountant 
Accountant I 
Accountant II 
Chief Store Keeper 
Clerk/typist 
Accounting Assistant 
Accounting Assistant 
Accounting Assistant 
Clerk/ Typist 
Stenographer (English) 
Accounts Clerk 
Accounts Clerk 
8 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
13. Mrs. G.A.S. Gunasekara 
14. Mrs. W.G.Piyaseeli 
15. Mr. Saman Hewasilian 
16. Mr.KT.U. Kulathunge 
17. Mr.W.A.Nishantha 
18. Mr. M.W.T.P.De Silva 
19. Mr.H.B.W. Gunasekara 
20. Mr. H.B Thalghagoda 
21. Miss. A.P.Amarathunga 
22. Miss. P.V.D. Chandrakanthi 
23. Miss. H.K.Seetha 
Accounts Clerk 
Accounts Clerk 
Accounts Clerk 
Assistant Store Keeper 
Data Entry Operator 
Assistant Store Keeper 
Store Assistant 
Accounts Clerk 
Accounts Clerk 
Accounts Clerk 
Accounts Clerk 
Internal Audit 
01. Mr. R.Kariyawasam 
02. Mr. P.S.Wickramasinghe 
Internal Auditor 
Internal Audit Clerk 
Library 
01. Mrs. R.W.M.W.K. Illanganthilake 
02. Mrs. R.W.M.S.K.Amunugama 
Publication Unit 
01. Mrs. F.Y.M.Maharoof 
Librarian 
Library Assistant 
Publications/Publicity Officer 
Advisory & Extension Service Division 
01. Mr.C.C.Rajasingham 
02. Mr.J.C.K.Rajasinghe 
03. Mr.B.A.D.Samansiri 
04. Mr.V. Sidhakaran 
05. Mr. K.R.M.Priyantha 
Senior Advisory Officer 
Advisory Officer 
Advisory Officer 
Extension Officer 
Clerk/Typist 
Agronomy Division 
01. Dr. A. Kathiravettpillai 
02. Mrs. M.S.D.L. De Silva 
03. Mrs. J.Balasuriya 
04. Mr. A.R.Amarasekara 
05. Mr.U.P.Abeysekara 
Head of Division 
Research Officer 
Research Assistant 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 9 
Agricultural Economics Unit 
01 . Mrs. J.A.A.M.Jayakody 
02. Mr.T.P.B.Herath 
03. Mr.G.Ganewatte 
Biochemistry Division 
01. Dr. I. S. B. Abeysinghe 
02. Dr. (Mrs) A.C.Liyanage 
03. Mrs. JJayasundare 
04. Mr. A.M.T.Amarakoon 
05. Mr. P.B.Chandradasa 
06. Mr. M.W.Silva 
Entomology Division 
01. Mrs. S.I.Vitharana 
02. Dr (Mrs) L.D.Amarasinghe 
03. Mr. K. Thirugnanasuntharan 
04. Mrs. K.M.S.M.Naghaulla 
05. Mr.M.M.Keerthi Mohotti 
06. Mr. D.D.Liyanage 
07. Mr.N.Navaratne 
08. Mrs. P.V.A.R.Abeysekara 
09. Mr.P.D.Peter De Silva 
10. Mr.G.P.Udumulla 
Plant Pathology Division 
01. Mr.A.Balasuriya 
02. Mrs. R.M.D.T. Pallemulla 
03. Mr.T.S.Gunasekara 
04. Mr.R.M.A.Rataayake 
05. Mrs. K.M.N.K.Ratnamalala 
Plant Physiology Division 
01. Dr. Ananthacoomaraswamy 
02. Mrs.AJ.Mohotti 
03. Mrs. V. Sidhakaran 
04. Mrs.D.M.S.Nawaratne 
Senior Research Officer/OIC 
Research Assistant 
Research Assistant 
Actg.Head/Sen. Res. Officer 
Senior Research Officer 
Research Officer 
Research Assistant 
Technical Assistant 
Skilled Mechanic 
Actg.Head/Sen.Res. Officer 
Senior Research Officer 
Senior Research Officer 
Research Office 
Research Assistant 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Technical Assistant 
Technical Assistant 
Research Assistant/Actg. OIC 
Research Officer 
Research Assistant 
Expermental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Actg.Head/Sen.Res. Officer 
Research Assistant 
Technical Assistant 
Technical Assistant 
10 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Plant Propagation & Breeding Division 
01. Mr. V.Shanmugarajah 
02. Mrs. M.T.K.Amarakoon 
03. Mr. M.Ratnayake 
04. Mr.S.W. Gunadasa 
05. Mr. B.A.Ratnagoda 
Soil & Plant Nutrition Division 
01. Dr. L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
02. Mrs. S.Ananthacoomaraswamy 
03. Mr. G.P. Gunaratne 
04. Mr. A.K.N.Zoysa 
05. Mr. R.G.A.Wijewardhene 
06. Mr. H.A.P.Warnasiri 
07. Mr.S.M.Dissanayake 
Statistics Division 
01. Miss. T.N.Senaratne 
Technology Division 
01. Dr. M.T. Z. Mohamed 
02. Mr.P.A.N.Punyasiri 
03. Mr.W.S.Botheju 
04. Mr. K.Raveendran 
05. Mrs. S.H.P.Waduge 
06. Mr. L. Jayasinghe 
07. Mr.A.Nandasiri 
Actg. OIC/Research Officer 
Research Assistant 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Technical Assistant 
Actg. Head/Sen.Res.Officer 
Research Officer 
Research Officer 
Research Assistant 
Experimental Officer 
Technical Assistant 
Technical Assistant 
Data Entry Operator 
Deputy Director Resarch (Tech.) 
Research Officer 
Research Officer 
Chemical Engineer 
Experimental Officer 
Technical Assistant 
Workshop Mechanic 
Research, Advisory & Extension Centres 
(a) TRI Research Advisory & Extension Centre, Ratnapura (Low Country) 
01. Mrs. S.I.Vitharana 
02. Mr.S.Wimaladharma 
03. Dr. M.A.Wijeratne 
04. Mr.N.I.Giddawage 
05. Mr.S.Koneswaramoorthy 
06. Mr.G.L.C. Galahitiyawa 
07. Dr. K.G.Premathilaka 
08. Miss. S.M.Samarasinghe 
OIC/Actg.Head Entomology 
Actg. Head/Advisory & Exten. 
Senior Advisory Officer 
Senior Research Officer 
Administrative Officer 
Mechanical Engineer 
Research Officer 
Research Assistant 
Experimental Officer 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 11 
09. Mr. H. S. N. Peiris 
10. Mr. M. K. S. L. D. Amarathunga 
11. Mr. A. K. Premathunga 
12. Mr. E. R. Perera 
13. Mr. C. Gunasekara 
14. Mr. D. W. Vithana 
15. Mr. A. K. M. Jayasena 
16. Mr. K. T. C. Perera 
17. Mr. K. D. Mervyn 
18. Mrs. P. V. G. Karunanayake 
20. Mr. J. S. K. De Silva 
21. Mr. K. Gunawardhene 
22. Mr. J. H. N. Piyasundera 
23. Mr. E. W. D. P. Premathunga 
24. Mrs. B.S. N. Vithana 
25. Mr. R.Nadarajah 
26. Miss. P.I. Jayawardena 
27. Mr. M. A. B. De Silva 
Experimental Officer 
Extension Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Technical Assistant 
Technical Asssistant 
Accounting Assistant 
Clerk/Typist 
Electrician 
Work Supervisor 
Technical Assistant 
Technical Assistant 
Technical Assistant 
Clerk/Typist 
Tel. Operator/Receptionist 
General Mechanic 
(b) TRI Research Advisory & Extension Centre, Hantane (Mid Country) 
01. Mr. P. B. Ekanayake 
02. Mr. S.T.Yatawatte 
03. Dr. (Mrs) S. K. J. Liyanage 
04. Mr. T. M. Sarathchandra 
05. Mr. P. D. Uplai 
06. Mr. H. J. M. De Silva 
07. Mr. A. P. D. A. Jayasekara 
08. Mr. U. B. Herath 
09. Mrs. B. Sureshkumar 
10. Mr. S. Wijethunga 
11. Miss. R. M. S. Rajapakse 
12. Mr. A. H. M. L. S. Abeysinghe 
13. Mrs. U. Sritharan 
14. Mrs. S. N. Wijesekara 
15. Mr. H. Jayaweera 
16. Mrs. K. Sarathchandra 
17. Mrs. C. N. K. Edirisinghe 
18. Mrs. B. K. S. Herath 
19. Mr. L. Pahalathanthirige 
OlC/Senior Research Officer 
Advisory Officer 
Research Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Technical Assistant 
Station Assistant 
Accounts Clerk 
Work Supervisor 
12 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Advisory & Extension Centres 
(a) TRI Advisory & Extension Centre, Passara (Uva) 
01. Mr. M. B. A. Perera 
02. Mr. R. Nadasena 
OIC/ Advisory Officer 
Station Assistant 
(b) TRI Advisory & Extension Centre, Deniyaya 
01. Mr. J. A. S. K. V. Jayasinghe 
02. Mr. O. W. Jayawardene 
Actg. OIC/ Extension Officer 
Station Assistant 
(c) TRI Advisory & Extension Centre, Kottawa 
01. Mr. K. D. Dhanayake 
02. Mr. P. K. Jayawickrema 
03. Mr. E. K. Somapala 
OIC/Advisory Officer 
Experimental Officer 
Station Assistant 
1.7 Most of the vacant positions in the Administration inclusive of St. 
Coombs and St. Joachim Estates were filled during the year 1997 
1.8 Action has been initiated to fill the vacancies in the Scientific divisions 
1.9 Action has been initiated to provide electricity to workmen's cottages of 
St. Coombs Estate 
1.10 Maintenance of Divisions: Engineering, Electrical and Water Supply of 
TRI continued to maintain a high standard in the maintenance of 
buildings, electrical installations and in the supply of water to the staff 
quarters within the TRI Campus during the year 
1.11 Action has been taken to expand the security within the TRI Head Office 
and its Sub-stations 
1.12 Action has been taken to renovate the Guest House at Head Office to a 
high standard 
1.13 Action has been initiated to draft the Manual of Disciplinary Procedure 
of the Tea Research Institute 
1.14 Action has been initiated to revise the existing schemes of recruitment's, 
promotions etc. 
1.15 Action has been taken to obtain five (05) Nos. direct telephone lines 
through the WILLS telephone system. 
1.16 The Tea Research Board held (09) nine meetings during the year 1997. 
The three Consultative Committees of the Tea Research Board on 
Research, Estate and Advisory Services, Administration & Finance held 
(03) three, (03) three and (10) ten meetings respectively. 
TEA RESEARCH BOARD 
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER - 1997 
Tea Research St. Coombs St. Joachim 
Institute Estate Estate Tota] 
1996 1997 1997 1997 1997 
Rs, FIXED ASSETS Rs. cts. Rs. cts, Rs. cts Rs. cts. 
240,485,117 Property, Plant, Equipment etc. 259,049,642.71 - - 259,049,642.71 
(135,108,291) Less: Accumulated Depreciation (Anx. I) (145.542.407.78) - - (145.542.407.78) 
105,376,827 113,507,234.93 - 113,507,234.93 
9.817.789 Capital Work in Progress (Anx. II) 15.497.913.79 - 44.264.45 15.542.178 24 
115,194,616 129,005,148.72 - 44,264.45 129,049,413.17 
CURRENT ASSETS 
9,487,822 Stocks (Anx. 01) 8,188,402.65 1,930,021.91 1,250,617.60 11,369,042.16 
64,197,010 Debtors and Other Debit Balances (Anx. IV) 86,887,766.01 3,064,661.05 335,582.47 90,288,009.53 
11,892,067 Deposits, Pre-Payments & Purchase Advances (Anx. V) 12,753,162.33 231,871.33 239,559.12 13,224,592.78 
8,531,632 Loans and Advances to Staff & employees (Anx. VI) 9,014,344.14 1,198,184.81 649,844.12 10,862,373.07 
5,300 Other Current Assets-Patents 10,300.00 - - i0,300.00 
43,000,000 Short Term Investments-7 day Call Deposits 34,000,000,00 - -• 34,000,000.00 
1.434.130 Cash and Bank Balances (Anx. VII) 10.237.544.92 1.559.479.87 44.708.93 11.841.733.72 
138,547,961 161,091,520.05 7,984,218.97 2,520,312.24 171,596,051.26 
337,400 Suspense (Anx. VIII) 169,285.48 178,791.62 - 348,077.10 
344,051 Identified Losses (Anx. VHI) 500,557.87 - - 500,557.87 
18.713 Excess & Shortages (Anx. VIII) 14.319.21 - 14.319.21 
139,248,125 161,775,682.61 8,163,010.59 2,520,312.24 172,459,005.44 
CURRENT LIABILITIES 
(24,615,889) Creditors and Provisions (Anx. IX) (8,720,237.36) (5.572.412.11) (14.530.167.51) (28,822,816.98) 
114.632.236 Net Current Assets 153.055.445.25 2.590.598.48 (12.009.855.27) 143.636.188.46 
229,826,852 Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 282,060,593.97 2,590,598.48 (11.965.590.82) 272.685.601.63 
REPRESENTED BY 
39,499,941 Grants and Reserves (Anx. X) 41,371,431.89 - - 41,371,431.89 
178,244,600 Tea Research Fund (Anx. XII) 213,441,709.80 - - 213,441,709.80 
- A/C Current St. Coombs Estate 721,887.13 (721,887.13) - -
- A/C Current St. Joachim Estate 13,514,155.15 - (13,514,155.15) -
754,670 Long Term Liabilities - Land Reform Commission 754,670.00 - 754,670.00 
11.327.641 Provision for Gratuity 12.256.740.00 3.312.485.61 1.548.564.33 17.117.789.94 
229,826,852 282.060.593.97 2,590,598.48 (11,965,590 R?) 272.685.601.63 
Note: - Negative figures are shown within brackets 
TEA RESEARCH BOARD 
TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE 
OPERATING ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD 1ST JANUARY 1997 TO 31ST DECEMBER 1997 
1996 1997 
INCOME Rs. cts 
86,027,473 3.1 Cess 94,433,902.31 
27,118,483 3.2 Income from Estates and other commercial Activities (Anx XI) 33,910,939.53 
3,603,803 3.3 Interst on Investments 3,226,181.53 
2,612,752 3.4 Miscellaneous (Anx XI) 4,279,303.85 
119,362,511 TOTAL INCOME 135,850327.22 
Administration Advisory, 
Finance & Extensions Research Total 
EXPENDITURE Services & Publicity 
25,654,070 4.1 Personnel Emoluments 12,117,232.40 5,743,082.00 13,260,524.79 31,120,839.19 
2,902,200 4.2 Travelling 2,134,248.35 1,107,862.00 1,043,393.83 4,285,504.18 
8,924,263 4.3 Supplies and Requisites 1,520,491.50 2,473,927.00 5,481,648.84 9,476,067.34 
8,805,953 4.4 Repairs and Maintenance of Capital Assets 9,250,027.17 2,371,841.87 1,390,186.68 13,012,055.72 
8,896,949 4.4 Depreciation of Fixed Assets 3,120,430.76 2,184,611.44 2,995,255.21 8,300,297.41 
13,159,130 4.5 Transportation, Communication, Utility and Other Services 11,367,986.35 1,967,218.00 2,410,912.43 15,746,116.78 
4,976 4.5 Losses and Write-offs 29,237.67 - - 29,237.67 
1,191,516 4.7 Contributions, Grants and Subsidies 1,186,006.40 136,750.00 108,263.50 1,431,019.90 
2,673,829 4.8 Pensions and Retirement Benefits 1,149,450.21 686,150.00 1,477,159.07 3,312,759.28 
1,018,949 4.8 Gratuity Provision 4,827,853.75 
- - 4,827,853.75 
437,180 4.10 Media, Advertising, Publicity and Gifts 76,398.00 387,254.00 10,477.68 474,129.68 
4,050,270 4.11 Cultivation and Field Trials 4,328,304.61 - 4,328,304.61 
5,250,791 4.12 Miscellaneous 498,518.59 323.442.00 3,374,577.63 4,196,538.22 
82,970,076 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 47,277,881.15 21,710/442.92 31,552,399.66 100.540,723.73 
36,392,435 Operating Srplus 35,309,603.49 
(1,311,017) Prior year adjustments (112,493.29) 
35,081,418 Excess of income over expenditure transferred to Tea Research Fund 35,197,110.20 
Note: Tea cess receivable - Rs. 58,427,836.69 
RESEARCH PROJECTS 
The progress made in the multi-disciplinary and mono-disciplinary projects 
are reported below. 
1. Project A/INCR - Intercropping tea lands to maximize income and 
conserve soil through optimal land utilization 
Project Leader - P.B. Ekanayake 
1.1. Effect of intercropping tea and rubber on productivity 
1.1.1 RRI-Kunwita (1990) 
This experiment is conducted in collaboration with the Rubber Research 
Institute of Sri Lanka. 
Yields are presented in Table 1.1. Yield records were analysed separately 
for tea planted after rehabilitation and planted without rehabilitation. The latter 
was pruned for the second time in June 1997 and tipped in October, 1997. 
Results showed that the yield of monocropped tea was greater than 
intercropped tea, under rubber at spacings of 27'x8' or 40'x8', but there was no 
significant difference in yield of tea between the two rubber spacings. The 
annual yield of tea in the mixed stand (tea +Rubber 40'x8') was 1086 kg ha/yr 
compared to the monocropped tea yield of 3852 kg ha/yr. 
Results on the pruning and tipping assessments were in agreement with 
the yield differences, i.e. although there were no significant differences, a slight 
reduction of the weight of printings .(15%) and tippings (4%) of tea was recorded 
under closer spacing of rubber compared with those under wider spacings. 
TABLE 1.1 Yield of tea under different spacing of rubber 
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROJECTS 
Green leaf Yield (kg bush1) 
Nov'96-Jun'97 Jul'97-Nov'97 
With Rehabilitation 
Tea (monocropping) 
Tea+Rubber (8'x27) 
Tea+Rubber (8'x40') 
0.654 
0.318 
0.323 
0.894 
0.270 
0.300 
LSD (p=0,05) 0.251 0.450 
Without Rehabilitation 
Tea+Rubber (8'x27) 
Tea+Rubber (8'x.40') 
0.378 
0.430 
LSD (p=0.05) NS 
16 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
1.1.2 S t Joachim Estate, TRI-Ratnapura (1990) 
The yield is presented in Table 1.2. Although there was no significant 
yield difference (on a per bush basis) between monocropped tea and tea under 
rubber (40'x8') during the first half of the year, a significant reduction in tea 
yield was recorded under rubber during the second part of the year. The annual 
yield reduction of tea (per bush basis) amounted to be about 40%. Assuming 
a 70% stand of tea under rubber (at 40'x8'), made tea yield in the intercropped 
area (mixed stand) was estimated to be 1119 kg/ha/yr compared to the 
monocropped yield of 2635 kg/ha/yr. 
TABLE 1.2. Yield of tea under different spacing of rubber 
Green leaf Yield (kg bush') 
Jan-June Jul-Dec 
Tea (monocropping) 0.352 0.627 
Tea+Rubber (8'x40') 0.281 0.312 
LSD(p=0.05) NS 0.303 
1.1.3. Demonstration plot, S t Joachim Estate, TRI-Ratnapura, (1989) 
Harvesting of rubber and tea continued together with other cultural practices. 
1.1.4. Observation Block (1995) 
A second cut (45 cm) was given to tea plants and other cultural practices 
continued in this observation block. The same planting system was continued 
in another 2 ha block of the remaining area of this field. Tea and rubber clones 
planted were TRI 2027, RRI100 and RRI102. 
P.B. Ekanayake, M.A. Wijeratne and C. Gunasekara 
1.2 Effect of intercropping in seedling tea 
1.2.1 Effect of intercropping fruit species in seedling tea at Hantane Sub Station 
Except for mango all species had been damaged by wild boar. Therefore 
it was not possible to continue this observation trial and this experiment was 
abandoned. 
13.Mid Country Station Jiantane - SALT Demonstration Hedgerows 
Four loppings were done during the year. Calliandra calothrysus, Cassia 
spectabilis and Flemingia congesta had given higher biomass production than 
other species. The biomass produced by Calliandra calothrysus was superior 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 17 
while the biomass production of Desmodium rensonii, Adathoda visca and 
Teckoma stans was very poor. However, the low biomass production of 
Desmodium rensonii was attributable to the high casuality rate of this species 
with each lopping. The biomass production is presented in Table. 1.3 
TABLE 1.3. Biomass production of different hedgerow species. 
Species Bio mass production 
(Kg ha1) 
Calliandra calothyrsus 6350 
Flemingia congesta 3874 
Cassia spectabilis 3532 
Adathoda vasica 812 
Teckoma stans 786 
Desmodium rensonii 74 
This demonstration trial is continuing. 
A.P.D.A.Jayasekera 
AGRONOMY DIVISION 
Acting Head - A. Anandacoomaraswamy 
1. General 
Dr A. Kathiravetpillai retired from the services of the institute on July 9th 
after 35 years of service. Dr K.G. Prematillake completed the Ph.D program 
at University of Reading and returned to the institute in June. Dr Kathiravetpillai 
attended a workshop on 'Organic Farming' held in Calcutta in March. Mr 
H.S.N. Peiris spent 3 months at the Plantation Management Institute, Coonoor, 
South India. Mr.P.B. Ekanayake attended a workshop on 'Sustainable Farming 
systems' held in Japan. Ms Vanathy Yathavarajan and Anchana Balasingham, 
final year students of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Mr.T.D.P. 
Aratchige and Ms Dhammika Jayawardena from the Agricultural Faculty, 
University of Peradeniya carried out their final year projects. 
Patent right was obtained for the TRI shears and arrangements were made 
for its mass scale production by Messrs. P.P.P. Jinadasa. A first draft of a 
Monograph on Pruning was written by Dr. A.Kathiravetpillai and Dr. M.A. 
Wijeratne. A script for the video film on plucking was written by Dr.M.A. 
Wijeratne and Mr. Janaka Rajasinghe. Video filming on shear harvesting at 
Craig Estate was completed. 
2. Project B/PLUK - Harvesting Practices 
2.1 Effect of different methods of plucking (machine, shear and hand 
plucking) on yield of tea - Hapugastenna Estate, Ratnapura - (1992) 
Different combinations of machine, shear and hand plucking continued 
until the bushes were pruned in May 1997. Over the four months before pruning, 
yield of machine and shear harvested plots fell by about 48% and 34% 
respectively, compared to manual harvesting. The majority of the other plucking 
systems (combinations of mechanical and manual plucking) have given a yield 
loss of less than 10% compared to continuous manual plucking (Table 2.1). 
TABLE 2.1. - Yield of tea 4 months before pruning 
Project Leader - M.A. Wij ijeratne 
Yield Ml (kg/ha) 
Manual Plucking 
Machine plucking 
Shear plucking 
Manual + Machine (Cropping season) 
Manual + Shear (Cropping season) 
Manual + Machine (Alternate rounds) 
Manual + Shear (Alternate rounds) 
LSD (P=0.01) 
1088 
565 
717 
1054 
1016 
995 
902 
186 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 19 
Plucking table heights of shear harvested bushes and manually harvested 
bushes were comparable while those of machine harvested bushes were 7-10 
cm less than the manually harvested bushes. 
Pruning and tipping assessments showed no significant difference in weight 
of pruning and tipping between the plucking systems. However, there was a 
slight reduction of the pruning weight under machine harvesting. 
M.A. Wijeratne, D.W. Vithana and K.T.C. Perera 
2.2 Mechanical harvesting at Rassagala Estate - (1996) 
Two plots of tea of about 0.5 ac (0.2 ha) each (TRI 2023) were harvested, 
one manually and the other by machine, to test the performance of the Kawasaki 
NV60H machine. In the field selected, manual plucking rounds of about 10-
12 days or more are usually adopted due to shortage of pluckers. Yields of 
both plots were comparable i.e. 2664 and 2617 kg/ha/year for the manual and 
machine harvesting. Output of the machine was estimated to be 250 kg/day 
(green leaf) and the labour output was 83 kg/man day. The machine can harvest 
about 0.53 ha/day. The selected field is on undulating land with an average 
slope. Further comparisons showed that the labour requirement for machine 
harvesting has been about 50% less than that for manual harvesting. 
M.A. Wijeratne, D.W. Vithana and K.T.C. Perera 
2.3. Use of different kind of shears for plucking of tea. 
Field No. 3, St Coombs Estate (1996). Observation trial 
Five different shears viz. TRI shear, Malaysian shear, Shear with a bag, 
Shear with a box, Shear with a tray were used in comparison with manual 
plucking on six plots of tea as a demonstration. 
A.R. Amarasekara 
2.4 Effect of Shear plucking on growth and yield of tea. 
Observation trial, Hantane Sub Station, Kandy (1997) 
Two blocks of approximately 0.1 ha are being continuously plucked by 
hand and TRI shear; the crop is recorded and a sample is separated into different 
units to ascertain dry weight. There was no significant difference between shear 
and hand plucking on yield recorded during the year, nor between other 
assessments made on dry weight of different units. 
S.N. Wijesekera 
20 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
3. Project A/PRUN - Pruning practices in tea 
Project Leader - M.A. Wijeratne 
3.1. Study on different methods and time of pruning on the shot- h o l e 
borer damage (SHB Task Force) at Kiriwanaganga Estate, 
Deniyaya (1996). 
Plots pruned in October were tipped and brought into plucking. The 
majority of recovering shoots were infested by shot-hole borer. The second 
set of plots (12 plots) were pruned in April, tipped and brought into plucking 
in October. The degree of shot-hole borer infestation of recovering shoots was 
less than the previous attack. (Complete assessments on the shot-hole borer 
infestation were done by the Entomology Division). 
M.A. Wijeratne, D.W.Vithana, K.T.C.Perera, and 
Staff of Entomology Division. 
3.2. Study on different methods and time of pruning on the shot - h o l e 
borer damage (SHB Task Force) at Attampitya Estate, Attampitiya 
(1996). 
An experiment was initiated to study the effect of different methods and 
time of pruning on the shot hole borer infestation. 
The operations carried out for different methods and time of pruning is 
given in Table 3.1. 
TABLE 3.1 - Methods and Time of Pruning and other operations 
Treatments Pruning Tipping Plucking 
1. 10" Rejuvenation Oct. '96 Sept '97 Nov '97 
2. 10" Rejuvenation Jan. '97 Sept '97 Nov '97 
3. 10" Rejuvenation Apr. '97 - -
4. 18" Normal Oc t '96 Jan. '97 May '97 
5. 18" Normal Jan. '96 Apr. '97 Aug '97 
6. 18" Normal Apr. '96 Sep. '97 Nov '97 
7. 24" Cut across Oct. '96 - May '97 
8. 24" Cut across Jan. '97 - May '97 
9. 24" Cut across Apr . '97 Aug '97 
Assessment of shot hole bore infestation was carried out by Entomology 
staff. 
A.R. Amarasekara 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 21 
3.3 Effect of height of pruning, Type of pruning on yield and infestation 
of Shot Hole Borer, New Peacock Estate, Pussellawa (1997) 
This experiment was initiated to study the effect of different times and 
heights of pruning on the degree of shot-hole borer infestation and yield of tea. 
The Agronomy Division carried out pruning and will keep yield records while 
the Entomology Division will carry out other assessments on pest infestation. 
The treatments, method, height and time of pruning are given in Table 3.2. 
Table.3.2 - Type, height and time of pruning 
Treatments Type of Height of Time of 
pruning pruning pruning 
TI Rejuvenation 25 cm April 1996 
T2 -do- 25 cm October 1996 
T3 -do- 25 cm January 1997 
T4 Normal 45 cm April 1996 
T5 -do- 45 cm October 1996 
T6 -do- 45 cm January 1997 
T7 Cut across 60 cm April 1996 
T8 -do- 60 cm October 1996 
T9 -do- 60 cm January 1997 
Yield is being recorded in all the plots pruned in April 1996 and October 
pruning was also completed. The experiment is in progress. 
A.P.D.A. Jayasekera 
3.3. Different styles of pruning and bringing into plucking on recovery 
after pruning and yield of tea at Noragalla Estate (1996). 
Analysis of results showed that there were no significant differences in 
the annual yield between the different methods of pruning (Rim-lung and cut-
across) and bringing into plucking (tipping and plucking-in) tested. 
M.A. Wijeratne, D.W. Vithana and K.T.C. Perera 
3.4. Seasonal variation of root starch reserves of tea with and without 
resting, S t Joachim estate - Ratnapura (1996). 
The yield for the three clones and starch content are presented in Tables 
3.3. and 3.4. 
22 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 3.3. Yield of made tea (kg ha'yr') 
Yield of made tea (kg ha1 yr') 
TRI 2027 4515 
TRI 2025 3317 
S 106 5249 
LSD (p=0.05) 784 
TABLE 3.4. Starch content of tea roots (%) 
Sample Number 
8 10 12 14 16 18 
Clone 
TRI 2027 2.1 4.0 9.1 10.6 8.7 7.9 
TRI 2025 3.6 3.8 6.7 5.8 8.7 7.7 
S 106 2.8 4.6 8.5 7.6 8.3 7.2 
LSD (p=0.05) NS NS NS NS NS NS 
Although there was a significant difference in yield between clones, root 
starch content was not significantly different between clones. However, 
comparisons of monthly results revealed that starch reserves steadily increased 
with the expansion of the canopy foliage after tipping in October'96 and that it 
reached maximum about 6 months after tipping. Starch content appears to be 
constant during the following 6 months. Yield also varied in a pattern similar 
to that of starch content over the year. 
M.A. Wijeratne and P. Premathunga 
3.5 Effect of height of pruning, retention of lungs and method of tipping 
on yield, S t Coombs Estate, Talawakelle (1995) 
The yields during the 2nd year of the current cycle are given in Table 3.5 
TABLE 3.5 - Effect of height of pruning, retention of lungs and method of 
tipping on yield 
Treatments Yield 
(kg made tea h a 1 ) 
Pruning at 45cm + with lungs + plucking in 3414 
Pruning at 45cm + with lungs + tipping 2853 
Pruning at 45cm + without lungs + plucking in 3016 
Pruning at 45cm + without lungs + tipping 3298 
Cut across at 55cm + with lungs + plucking in 3278 
Cut across at 55cm + with lungs + tipping 3089 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 23 
Cut across at 55cm + without lungs + plucking in 3208 
Cut across at 55cm + without lungs + tipping 3414 
Cut across at 65 cm + with lungs + plucking in 3176 
Cut across at 65 cm + with lungs + tipping 2840 
Cut across at 65 cm + without lungs + plucking in 2843 
Cut across at 65 cm + without lungs + tipping 3332 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
CV% 9.4 
Pruning heights, retention of lungs and method of bringing into bearing 
did not influence the yield. 
A.R. Amarasekara 
4. Project B/ENGYII - Management of shade and fuelwood trees 
Project Leader: A. Anandacoomaraswamy 
4.1 To evaluate the effect of Dadap shade on yield of tea - Field No. 7, 
Stonycliff Estate, Kotagala 
The yields for the second year (December 1996 - November '97) are given 
in Table 4.1. 
TABLE 4.1 - Effect of shade and no shade on yield 
Treatments Yield 
( k g M T h a 1 ) 
4562a 
4400a 
177.6 
4.9 
Without Dadaps 
With Dadaps 
SE 
CV(%) 
The treatment difference is not significant. 
A.R. Amarasekera 
4.2.1 Evaluation of suitable Calliandra provenances 
Trials on Calliandra provenances at St. Coombs Estate, Talawakelle, 
Dessford Estate, Nanu Oya, and Park Estate, Kandapola are in progress. The 
total biomass (dry weight) obtained by the second lopping of branches in July 
at St Coombs trial is presented in Table 4.2. 
24 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 4.2 - Total biomass (kg.ha1) 
Code Biomass 
(kg ha"1) 
10/91/5 1655 
10/91/19 1429 
9/91/7 1339 
10/91/16 1238 
33/93/4 1153 
33/93 1142 
33/93/8 1112 
9/91/6 1109 
33/93/15 1087 
10/91/20 1016 
10/91/4 998 
9/91/11 914 
9/91/20 890 
9/91/1 879 
10/91/6 859 
10/91 767 
9/91/19 700 
10/91/9 664 
33/93/22 647 
9/91/2 635 
10/91/7 625 
33/93/20 595 
10/91/15 534 
10/91/17 496 
10/91/1 476 
10/91/2 457 
33/93/3 449 
33/93/21 • 415 
9/91/13 61 
9/91/18 20 
The biomass obtained by the first lopping at Park Estate, Kandapola is 
presented in Table 4.3. 
TABLE 4.3 - Total biomass (kg.ha') 
Code 
Biomass 
(kg.ha') 
10/91/1 4417 
9/91/13 3075 
9/91/20 2872 
10/91/7 2776 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 25 
33/93 2294 
10/91/5 2039 
9/91/6 1873 
33/93/15 1803 
33/93/6 1748 
33/93/10 1730 
10/91/17 1540 
33/93/22 1020 
33/93/1 860 
A.R. Amarasekara 
4.2.2 Performance of different provenances of Calliandra, Mid Country Station, 
Hantane (1994) 
Calliandra plants were lopped in December. The percentage of surviving 
plants and the mean dry weight of lopping is given in Table.4.4 
TABLE 4.4 - No. of plants and mean biomass production of different 
provenances of Calliandra 
Provenance Initial No. of plants % plants Mean dry wt. of 
(Dec.1997) lopping 
(g/plant) 
10/91 288 24.0 4968 
34/93 515 39.5 4654 
33/93 74 44.0 4611 
9/91 543 20.0 4481 
This trial is in progress 
A.P.D.A.Jayasekera 
4.3 Evaluation of Grevillea robusta provenances 
About 30 provenances performing well in the nursery were transplanted 
in the following estates in October/November for field testing: 
1. New Peacock Estate(Pusellawa) 
2. Pedro Estate(Nuwara Elliya) 
3. St Joachim Estate (Ratnapura) 
4. Galphele Estate(Panwila) 
A. Anadacoomaraswamy. K.G. Prematillaka, K.D. Dahanayake, 
A.R. Amarasekara and A.P.D.A. Jayasekara 
26 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
5. Project B/WATU Water use in tea plantations 
Project Leader: A. Anandacoomaraswamy 
5.1 Soil reconditioning, soil fertility improvement and soil m o i s t u r e 
conservation studies 
5.1.1. Effect of soil rehabilitation with sugar cane varieties and grasses on the 
growth of tea. 
5.1.1.1. St. Joachim Estate, Ratnapura - (1991) 
Yield records over the year showed that soil rehabilitation with different 
grass spp. and sugar cane cultivars before planting had no significant effect on 
the yield of tea. Different species tested were Sugar cane (CO 775, M 292/71, 
LF), Mana, Eragrostis and Vetiver. 
5.1.2 Effect of rehabilitation after pruning on recovery and yield (K145). 
Observation trial, Mattakelle Estate, Talawakelle - (1991) 
The yield for the first year (November '96 - October '97) of the current 
cycle is given in Table 5.1 
TABLE 5.1 -Yield of tea 
The plots were brought into plucking in November. Non- rehabilitated 
plots gave higher yield, probably due to their bottom slope position in the 
topography. 
5.1.3. Effect of burying prunings on yield. St Coombs Estate (1991) 
This experiment is in the second year of the current cycle. The yields are 
given in Table 5.2. 
C. Gunasekara 
Yield 
(kg MT h a 1 ) 
With rehabilitation 
No rehabilitation 
2236 
2476 
A.R. Amerasekera 
A N N U A L REPORT FOR 1997 27 
TABLE 5.2 Effect of burying and retention ofprunings on yield 
Treatments Yield (kg MT h a 1 ) 
T l . Control (with normal fertilizer) 
T3. Burying prunings + half of normal fertilizer 
T4. Burying prunings only 
T5. Burying brush wood + normal fertilizer 
T6. Burying brush wood + half of normal fertilizer 
T7. Retention of prunings + normal fertilizer 
LSD (P=0.05) 
CV% 
4669 
4167 
3226 
4242 
3684 
4510 
567 
9.1 
There were no significant yield differences among treatments T l , T2, T3, 
T5 and T7, but treatments T4 and T6 depressed the yield. 
5.1.4. Effect of direct planting vs. planting after soil reconditioning on yield. 
Concordia Estate (1991) 
This experiment is in the fourth year of the first cycle. Yields are given in 
Table 5.3. 
TABLE 5.3 - Effect on yield of planting tea with and without rehabilitation 
Treatments Yield (kg MT ha 0 
Clone Rehabilitated Direct planted Mean 
TRI 2025 1924 1739 1832 
TRI 2024 2498 1835 2166 
NAY 3 2850 2533 2692 
DT 1 2798 2186 2492 
PK 2 3170 2746 2958 
Mean 2648 2208 2428 
LSD (P=0.05) for planting 144 
LSD (P=0.05) for clones 228 
CV% 10.2 9.0 
SE 246.8 208.5 
All clones gave significantly higher yield in rehabilitated soil. 
5.1.5 Effect of alternate methods of rehabilitation compared with rehabilitation 
under grass. New Peacock Estate.Pussellawa - (1996) 
A.R. Amerasekera 
The plants were tipped at a height of 65cm in October 1997. 
The tipping weight and girth at ground level are presented in Table 5.4 
28 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
M.A.Wijeratne, D.W.Vithana 
TABLE 5.4 - Tipping weight(kg ha1) and girth(cm) 
Tipping weight Girth 
Control v 216.0a 4.76a 
(2 years rehabilitation with grass) 
Direct planting with coir dust 
(3.0 kg/planting hole at bottom) 152.9ab 4.36ab 
Direct planting with compost 
(1.5 kg/planting hole + 20g T200 
fertilizer mixture) 163.5ab 4.40ab 
Direct planting with coir dust 
(1.5 kg/planting hole at bottom + 
1.5 kg compost on top) 135.2ac 3.96 ab 
Direct planting with coir dust 
(3.0 kg/planting hole at bottom + 
20g T200 fertilizer mixture) 108.9abc 4.43ab 
Direct planting with 20g T200 fertilizer 
mixture +1 .5 kg compost on top 84.7bc 4.26ab 
Direct planting with 
compost (3 kg/planting hole) 84.4bc 3.83ab 
Interplanting Flemingia congesta 
as cover crop in tea interrows 28.3c 3.1b 
LSD(P=0.05) 120 0.48 
CV% 56.3 20.4 
Tipping weights obtained from direct planting with compost and T200, 
direct planting with coir dust and compost and direct planting with coir dust 
and T200 were not significantly different from the control. 
A.R. Amerasekera 
5.2 Cover crops 
Cover crops are maintained as a source of plant materials to be distributed 
among the plantations on request. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 29 
5.3 Mulching materials 
5.3.1. Effect of different mulching materials on growth and yield of tea, 
Galphele Estate, Panwila - (1993) 
Yields for the third year (January-December) are presented in Table 5.5. 
TABLE 5.5 - Effect of mulching materials on yield of young tea 
Treatments 
Yield(kg made tea ha 1 ) 
Tea refuse 3069 a 
Mana grass 3031 ab 
Paddy husk 2776 b 
Coir dust 2772 b 
Sawdust 2770b 
Control 2571b 
SE 125.1 
5%LSD 376.9 
CV% 8.8 
The plots mulched with tea refuse and mana grass gave higher yields than 
the control. This experiment is continuing. 
A.P.D.A. Jayasekera 
6. Project B/WEED - Weed Management Practices in tea 
Project Leader K.G. Prematilaka 
6.1 Studies on Passeli weeds in Bandarawela region. 
a) Preliminary investigations on the pattern of growth and reproduction of 
Passeli weeds in Neluwa, St. James and UvaHighlands estates. Table 6.1 
gives morphological information on Passeli weeds. 
TABLE 6.1. Morphology of Passeli weeds in Uva 
Weed 
Talinum paniculatum Andredera basseloides 
Bush type weed Vine type 
Plant density 80/m 2 2-3/m 2 
Plant height 0.50 m '•• 1.4-2.0 m 
No. of shoots/plant 3-10 6-7 
Length of a branch 15-30 cm 75-90 cm 
30 A N N U A L REPORT FOR 1997 
No. of inflorescences/plant 3-10 
No. of fraits/inflo. 25-100 
No. of seeds/fruit 16-20 
Total no. of seeds/plant 1200-15000 
No. of bulbils/1 m branch 
No. of bulbils/plant root 
14-15 
150-200 
b) Demonstration trials at Uva Highlands estate, Bandarawela. 
i) Testing of 'Bimaster' herbicide on the control of Passeli weeds. Herbicide 
was sprayed @ 4 1/ha in Sep.97, but no effective control of either weed was 
observed 2 and 4 weeks after spraying (WAS). 
ii) Use of lown-mower to slash Talinum weed. 
The weed could easily be crushed with the machine but it was difficult to 
move the machine on uneven land and the cutter blades were easily blocked by 
boulders. Continuous slashing was also hampered by the need to remove cut 
weeds which encircled both ends of the axle. These weeds have to be regularly 
removed from the axle for smooth running of the cutter. Some modifications 
will clearly be necessary for the machine. 
iii) Establishment of Arachis pintoii (a cover crop). 
This new cover crop was planted on vacant patches infested with Talinum 
weed in early October 1997. The cover crop failed 6 weeks after planting; 
replanting is to be done soon. 
c) Pot Experiments: 
i. Impact of the size of bulbils and shade on the germination of Passeli kodi 
(A. basselloides). Three sizes of bulbil were compared -
Size 1 (0-1 g fresh weight) 
Size 2 (1-2 g fresh weight) 
Size 3 (2-3 g fresh weight) 
There were 3 reps arranged in a CRD under shade, and another 3 reps 
without shade. 
Treatments were applied in the open. 4 bulbils of each size were dibbled in the 
soil of each pot. Shade was provided by coir mats. 
Assessments: a) Date of emergence of first leaf. 
b) Rate of growth of seedlings. 
The experiment is in progress. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 31 
ii. Competitiveness of Passeli weeds (A. basseloides and 
T.paniculatum) on young tea under two light regimes. 
30 cement pots of size 30x30x30 cm were filled with tea soils and planted 
with clone TRI 4042 in August 1997. Weed treatments were 
W 0 Control - no weeds planted 
W, T. paniculatum 
W 2 A. basseloides 
Half the experiment (15 pots as a CRD) was shaded (coir matting) and the 
other half unshaded. 
Two opposite corners of each weed pot (21.2 cm from the base of the tea 
plant) were planted with two plants of Talinum or Anredera weed according to 
the weed treatment. 
Assessments to be made: 
1 Growth rate of tea - at two month intervals. 
a) Plant height b) Collar thickness c) No. of leaves 
d) No. of shoots 
2) Growth rate of both weeds: 
a) Plant height b) No. of leaves 
c) No. of shoots plus, additionally, for Andredera 
d) No. of bulbils and e) Yam weight 
3) Soil analyses prior to and 6 and 12 months after imposition of treatments 
4) Plant analyses for N, P, and K, 6 and 12 months after imposition of 
treatments. 
5) Ambient temperature under shade and no shade. 
K. G. Prematilaka and P. Prematunge. 
6.2. Investigations on new "Control Droplet Applicator(CDA) sprayer" 
(supplied by Monsanto Co. Ltd). 
a) Spray Swath: 
I) Distribution pattern of the spray droplets within the ssath. While spraying 
with the CDA placing the hood at 20 cm height spray droplets were collected 
for a minute in small petri dishes. Dishes were placed 10 cm apart along a 
straight line from left to right and the spinning disc and hood were placed at 
the centre so that spray solution is collected in dishes. The details are given in 
Table 6.2. 
32 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Table 6.2. Amount of spray solutions 
Distance from Shield level Shield parallel 
centre(cm) to the ground to the lance 
Left 
40 1.5 0.2 
30 2.2 1.2 
20 2.9 3.5 
10 3.6 4.8 
Centre 3.2 5.3 
10 1.95 1.75 
20 0.4 0.1 
30 0.1 0 
40 0.0 0 
Right 
The left side receives more droplets since the spinning disc rotates anti­
clockwise and thus spray droplets are released predominantly to the left 
direction. Positioning the hood and cup more towards the right makes an even 
distribution on both sides of the hood. 
ii) Spray swath as affected by the height of spinning disc from ground level. 
TABLE 6.3. Spray swath(cm) 
Height(cm) 
15 22.5 30 
50 85 92 
70 90 95 
56 58 82 
Hood level to the ground 
Hood raised upward by 30° 
Hood bent downward by 30° 
Holding the spinning disc at height between 22-30 cm while spraying is 
more appropriate to wet a wider area between tea rows with spray solution 
without harming tea bushes. 
b) Effect of walking speed while spraying with CDA and Knapsack sprayers 
on weed control one week after spraying(WAS). 
TABLE 6.4. % Weed control 
Sprayer Speed % Weed control 
grasses Broad leaf 
1)CDA same as for Knapsack 90 45 
(Normal) 
2) CDA Slower than above 95 60 
3) Knapsack Normal 50 10 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 33 
Thus, maintaining the speed for CDA similar to that for the Knapsack 
sprayer provides a satisfactory control of weeds. 
c) Investigation of the rainfastness of "Round up" sprayed once using a CDA 
sprayer. 
"Round up" was sprayed @ 1.651/ha using a CDA (the concentration was 
66 ml/1 i.e. 1.65 1/25 1 of water/ha) and Knapsack sprayers (1.65 1/550 1 of 
water/ha) to the plots demarcated in open land infested with weeds. Following 
application, plots were sprayed with the same volume of water to wash away 
the chemical at given intervals according to the treatments. 
Treatments: 
T l CDA - Watering 1 nr. after spray 
T2 do - Watering 2 hrs. after spray 
T3 do - Watering 3 2 hrs. after spray 
T4 do - Watering 4 2 hrs. after spray 
T5 Knapsack - Watering 4 2 hrs. after spray 
T6 CDA - Watering 5 2 hrs. after spray 
T7 Knapsack - Watering 5 2 hrs. after spray 
T8 CDA - Watering 6 2 hrs. after spray 
T9 Knapsack 
- Watering 6 2 hrs. after spray 
T10 Control 
-
Visual observations were made 1,2 and 4 weeks after application of "Round 
up". 
TABLE 6.5 - Fresh weight of damaged weeds and visual observations. 
Fresh weight of Visual(% damage) 
damaged weeds 
1 WAS(g/0.18 m 2) 1WAS 2WAS 4WAS 
Tl 111 (1.96) ab 7.5 (2.80) 40 (6.36) abc 66 (8.16) ab 
T2 123 (2.05) a 10.0 (3.24) 58 (7.60) abc 75 (8.50) ab 
T3 55 (1.72) abc 10.0 (3.15) 40 (6.40) abc 68 (8.24) ab 
T4 123 (2.06) a 12.5 (3.59) 30 (5.45) abc 59 (7.56) b 
T5 38 (1.58) c 2.5 (1.53) 25 (3.91) cde 12 (3.25) d 
T6 95 (1.91) abc 20.0 (4.15) 60 (7.76) ab 81 (9.00) ab 
17 48 (1.66) be 5.0 (1.98) 3 (1.53) ed 4(1.75) e 
T8 100 (1.99) ab 32.5 (5.53) 73 (8.48) a 90 (8.49) a 
T9 74(1.81) abc 7.5 (2.80) 20 (4.53) bed 30 (5.51) c 
T10 59 (1.57) c 0.0 (0.71) 0 (0.71) e 0 (0.71) e 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
WAS- Weeks after spraying 
Terms in parentheses = Log transformed values (weights) 
= Square root transformed values (%s) 
34 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
The greatest damage to weeds was observed throughout in plots watered 6 
hour after spraying using the CDA sprayer. Howeve, greater damage was 
caused to weeds with CDA even one one hour after application of water than 
with the Knapsack sprayer. This might be due to the efficient use of 
glyphosate(1.65 1/25 I water) with CDA compared to the Knapsack sprayer 
where 1.65 1 is mixed with 550 1 of water. With the Knapsack, four to five 
hours rainfastness resulted in lower weed damage, similar to that of the control. 
However, a six hour rain free situation showed a more weed damage with the 
Knapsack than with the control treatment. 
K.G. Prematilaka 
6 3 : Performance of Lawn Mower as a mechanical weeder. 
TABLE 6.6. Time taken to weed a 50 m interrow of tea. 
Lawn mower 
Minutes 
Time- Worker A 34.0 
28.6 
Worker B 29.6 
31.4 
Average 30.7 
Almost 90% of the weeds could be slashed with a knife but the lawn 
mowver was able to chop only a 60 % of the total weeds. Some modifications 
will clearly be necessary before operating the latter as a weeder. 
K.G. Prematilaka 
Knife 
Minutes 
Worker B - 23.0 
23.0 
Worker A - 32.0 
30.0 
27.0 
6.4: Control of Borreria latifolia at the low country Station, TRI, Ratnapura. 
Treatments: 
T l MCPA @1.91/ha (3.5 ml/1) 
T2 MCPA @2.51/ha (4.5 ml/1) 
T3 MCPA @3.01/ha (5.5 ml/1) 
T4 MCPA @ 1.91/ha (3.5 ml/1) + Paraquat @ 1.11/ha (2 ml/1) 
T5 MCPA @ 2.5 1/ha (4.5 ml/1) + Paraquat @ 1.11/ha (2 ml/1) 
T6 MCPA @ 3.01/ha (5.5 ml/1) + Paraquat @ 1.11/ha (2 ml/1) 
T7 Hedonal-D @ 1.41/ha (2.5 ml/1) + Paraquat @ 1.11/ha (2 ml/1) 
T8 Hedonal-D @ 1.91/ha (3.5 ml/1) + Paraquat @ 1.11/ha (2 ml/1) 
T9 Hedonal-D @ 2.5 1/ha (4.5 ml/1) + Paraquat @ 1.11/ha (2 ml/1) 
T10 Control - no herbicide 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 35 
The above herbicide combinations were applied to the tender patches of 
Borreria in early October, 97, with three replicates. Observations were made 
7,14 and 21 days after spraying. 
TABLE 6.7.Mean visual score(%) for casualties 1, 2 and 3 weeks after 
spray (WAS): 
1 WAS 2 WAS 3 WAS 
T l 50 50 85 
T2 75 100 100 
T3 82 100 100 
T4 50 98 100 
T5 65 85 92 
T6 85 83 98 
T7 82 90 92 
T8 98 100 100 
T9 10 100 100 
T10 0 0 0 
It appeared that 2.51/ha of MCPA alone or 1.91/ha + paraquat 1.11/ha and 
1.91/ha Hedonal-D + 1.11/ha paraquat were more promising on the control of 
Borreria latifolia weed at its immature stage of growth. However, MCPA @ 
1.9 1/ha alone and Hedonal-D @ 1.41/ha also killed the weed satisfactorily 3 
WAS. 
K. G. Prematilaka 
6.5 Studies on the efficacy of glyphosate with incorporation of kaolin in 
the control of Axonopus grass at, S t Joachim Estate. 
36 blocks of size 2 m 2 , which were highly infested with Axonopus 
compressus grass, were used for three replicates of the following twelve 
herbicide treatments. 
T l 2% glyphosate alone 
T2 1% glyphosate + 3.85 kg/ha kaolin 
T3 1% glyphosate + 1.93 kg/ha kaolin 
T4 1% glyphosate alone 
T5 0.5% glyphosate + 3.85 kg/ha kaolin 
T6 0.5% glyphosate + 1.93 kg/ha kaolin 
T7 0.5% glyphosate alone 
T8 0.3% glyphosate + 3.85 kg/ha kaolin 
T9 0.3% glyphosate + 1.93 kg/ha kaolin 
T10 0.3% glyphosate + 0.97 kg/ha kaolin 
T i l 0.3% glyphosate alone 
T12 Control - nil 
36 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Visual observations as well as weed fresh weight differences did not indicate 
any effect of kaolin on weed damage. 
K.G. Prematilaka 
6.6 Effect of different methods of weed management on yield of young 
VP tea, Galphele Estate, Panwila (1994) 
The yields during thr 3rd year of the first cycle are presented in Table 6.8 
Table.6.8 - Effect of method of weed management on yield of young VP tea 
Treatments No.of weeding Yield 
rounds in 1 yr. (kg ha"1) 
Manual weeding every month 12 4456 
Manual weeding every 2 months 6 4056 
Manual weeding every 3 months 4 4196 
Chemical weeding with Paraquat 4 3896 
Chemical weeding with Glyphosate 3 4123 
Chemical weeding with Sulphosate 3 3834 
Chemical weeding with Paraquat + 24D 2 4159 
Chemical weeding with Paraquat+24D + Diuron 2 4184 
Slash weeding 3 4506 
SE (16 df) 262.0 
CV% 6.9 
The results indicate that slash weeding and monthly manual weeding gave 
significantly higher yield than other treatments, while Paraquat and Sulphosate 
led to lower yields. 
This experiment is to continue. 
A.P.D.A. Jayasekera 
6.7 Effect of different frequencies of paraquat application on yield of tea 
compared to manual weeding, St Coombs Estate, Field No. 8 (1995) 
Treatments continued during the year. The plots were in the third year of 
the current cycle and the yield data is presented in Table 6.9 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 37 
TABLE 6.9. Yield of tea 
Treatment Yield (kg made tea ha^) 
T l - » 
T 2 - F 
T 3 - F 
T 4 - F 
LSD< 
CV% 
Manual weeding (monthly interval) 
Paraquat at 1.11 ha"1 (monthly) 
Paraquat at 1.11 ha"1 (every 2 months) 
Paraquat at 1.11 ha"1 (every 3 months) 
' (at P=0.05) 
1695 
1614 
1667 
1901 
NS 
5.6 
No significant differences in yield were observed. This experiment continues. 
6.8 Effect of different weed populations on yield of mature tea, S t Coombs 
Estate, Field No. 7 
Different levels of weed populations (obtained by removal of weeds) such 
as 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% were compared with control plots (no weeding) 
and the yield of tea is presented in Table.6.10 
TABLE 6.10. Yield under different weed populations 
Treatment Yield (Made Tea kg ha^1) 
15% weed population 1679 
30% weed population 1652 
45% weed population 1547 
. 60% weed population 1636 
Control (80-90%) weed population 1592 
There was no significant yield reduction in the 2nd year of the 3rd cycle, 
probably due to lack of competition between the crop and the weeds. This 
experiment is continuing. 
6.9 Control of problem weeds 
6.9.1 Effect of Anredera basseloides on yield of tea. St Coombs Estate, 
Fields 5 and 9. 
An experiment was initiated to study the effect of Anredera basseloides 
on yield of tea. The plots were pruned in September 1996, and treatments 
M.S.D.L.de Silva 
CV% 
LSD (at P=0.05) 
10 
NS 
M.S.D.L. de Silva 
38 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
were imposed in April 1997. The yield for the following 8 months is presented 
in Table 6.11 
TABLE 6.11 Yield of Tea under various control measures 
Treatments Yield (kg h a 1 ) 
Field 5 Field 9 
1. Uprooting of weeds with 
yams every fortnight 3468 2509 
2. Slashing of weed to 
ground level every fortnight 3233 2261 
3. Tipping the weeds at the canopy 
height of tea at weekly intervals 3242 2467 
LSD(P=0.05) NS NS 
CV% 11 17 
M.S.D.L. de Silva 
6.10. Weed survey on Anredera basseloides conducted by a questionnaire. 
In the Up-country, 58 out of 143 estates responded to the questionnaire. 
In Uva only 21 out of 67 estates responded. 
In the Up-country, 34 estates were infested with Anredera basseloides. 
The degree of infestation ranged from 1-30%. 
In Uva, 17 estates were infested, with infestation from 1-40%. 
M.S.D.L. de Silva. 
6.11. Study on the development of resistance in Erigeron sumatrensis (retz) 
to 'Paraquat' in Up-country. 
Paraquat was applied at 4 different rates (0,0.165,0.26,0.325 and 0.39 a.i 
kg ha 1 ) to naturally grown Erigeron populations at 4 growth stages (2-4, 5-6, 
and 7-8 leaf stages, and flowering stage). The impact of herbicide was estimated 
by the efficiency of Photosystem II(Fv/Fm) and leaf cell membrane permeabihty. 
The results indicated that Erigeron has developed resistance to all the levels of 
paraquat tested and at all growth stages. However, it has not developed cross-
resistance. Erigeron could be controlled by Glufosinate ammonium which has 
a similar mode of action to paraquat. 
The other herbicides - Glyphosate, Metribuzine and Hedonol (2,4 D + 
MCPA) also killed the weed successfully. 
M.G.D.L.Priyantha, M.S.DX.de Silva, 
A.Anandacoomaraswamy and B.Marambe 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 39 
6.12 The following weed specimens were added to the herbarium at St. 
Coombs: 
Eragrostis nigra (Graminae) 
Cyperus melansperus (nees) Suringer (Cypereceae) 
Eragrostis tennifolia (Graminae) 
Cyperus compressus L (Cypereceae) 
Cyperus distans L.F (Cypereceae) 
Elusine indica (L) Gaerta (Graminae) 
Cynodon arcuatus J.S.Prest (Graminae) 
Hewittia sublobata (Convolvulaceae) 
Salvia tUiifolia (Labiata) 
Clidemia hirta (Melastomataceae) 
Stachytarpheta urticaefolia (Verbemaceae) 
Aster amellus (Compositae) 
Wikstroemia indica (Thymelaeaceae) 
Ceropegia candilabrum (Acletiadaceae) 
7. D/AGRY - Divisional Activities 
7.1. Growth Regulators 
7.1.1 Foliar Application of Vegemax on tea (Observation Trial). 
Mature tea was first sprayed with Vegemax @ 5 ml/201 of water on 30th 
July '97, this being repeated on 12th August and 25th August. Yield was then 
recorded over a 3-month period. Prior to the application of treatment pre-
harvest yield was recorded for three rounds of plucking. The yield is presented 
in Table 7.1 
TABLE 7 . 1 - Effect of Vegemax on yield of tea 
M.S.D.L. de Silva, S.N. Wijesekara and R.S.S. Rajapakse 
Mean tea flush yield(g/plot/round) 
Date of spray Vegemax Control 
Pre-treatment(July) 
Post-treatment 
367.5 391.0 
Aug. 
Sep. 
Oct. 
246.5 
285.8 
230.5 
214.0 
257.5 
237.3 
Foliar application of Vegemax gave no significant improvement in yield. 
K.G.Premathilaka 
40 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
7.1.2. Effect of spraying Cytozyme (growth regulator) on yield of mature tea, 
Clone TRI 2023 - Galphele Estate, Panwila (1997) 
A study was initiated to test the effect of spraying a growth regulator 
(Cytozyme) on the yield of mature tea (TRI 2023). Seven applications were 
given and the yield obtained is presented in Table 7.2. 
TABLE 7.2 - Effect of spraying Cytozyme on Yield 
Treatments Yield(kgMT/ha) 
Control 4460 
Cytozyme at 0.51 ha"1 5002 
Cytozyme at 1.01 h a 1 5448 
SE 247.1 
LSD(P=0.05) 855 
CV(10%) 9.9 
A.P.D.A. Jayasekara 
7.2. Effect of different size of polythene bags on growth of cuttings in tea 
nurseries (1996) 
Measssurements of growth on clones TRI 2025, TRI 2027, TRI 3055 and 
TRI 4061 over a period of 10 months showed that number of leaves, shoot 
weight and root weight all increased with larger polythene bags (Table 7.3). 
The largest size polythene bag (6"x9") produced the biggest nursery plant. 
However, the weight gain of the 6" bag over the 5" bag was less than that 
between 5" and 3". Of the clones tested, growth of TRI 3055 plants was faster 
than all other clones and TRI 2027 recorded the slowest rate of growth in the 
nursery. Owing to the higher percentage of casualties after a dry spell, this 
experiment was repeated in the St. Joachim estate nursery. 
TABLE 7.3 - Growth of nursery plants 
8 month 
10 month 
Leaf shoot Root Leaf shoot Root 
no. wt. wt. no. wt. wt. 
Clone 
TRI2025 12.4 3.0 0.68 14.4 4.8 1.5 
TRI2027 12.1 1.3 0.29 16.8 3.6 0.7 
TRI3055 12.4 3.3 0.87 25.0 7.6 2.2 
TRI4061 17.2 2.4 0.42 21.4 5.7 1.4 
LSD (p=0.01) 4.21 0.82 0.23 3.85 1.63 0.46 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 41 
Bag diameter 
3" 
5" 
6" 
10.3 
14.6 
15.6 
2.73 
1.4 
2.6 
3.5 
0.52 
0.32 
0.59 
0.79 
0.15 
11.3 
20.6 
26.3 
3.34 
2.2 
5.9 
8.2 
1.41 
0.9 
1.4 
2.1 
0.40 LSD 
(p=0.01) 
M.A. Wijeratne and P. Premathunga 
7.3. Studies on the drought tolerant properties of tea clones. 
Studies were conducted in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture, 
University of Peradeniya. Results of the glasshouse experiments showed that 
moisture stress increased diffusive resistance, thereby reducing water potential 
and relative water content of tea leaves. Wider osmotic adjustments and lower 
water potential at zero turgor were recorded in most TRI 4000 series clones 
than in the control (TRI 2025) and TRI 3000 series clones. The variations of 
these water relation characteristics of the latter two clones were roughly similar. 
Wider osmotic adjustments and lower water potential at turgor loss point of 
TRI 4000 series clones suggest that they are more drought-tolerant than the 
other clones tested. 
7.4. Effect of bud breaking agent Dormex on yield of tea. The details of 
the series of trial were reported in the annual report 1996. 
These trials were continued into the 2nd year in order to determine whether 
there is any depression of yield following the boost in yield obtained in the 
first year. 
St Coombs Estate, Field no 7 
The yield obtained for the period November 1996 - June 1997 is given in 
Table 7.4. This trial has now been terminated, after 8 months. 
TABLE 7.4 - Effect of Dormex on yield of tea 
Treatments Yield (kg h a 1 ) 
M. A. Wijeratne, Asha Karunaratne 
TRI 2025 DTI 
Control for DOP 1618 
Sprayed on DOP @ 1% 1731 
Sprayed on DOP @ 2% 1680 
Control for 3DAP 1705 
Sprayed 3 DAP @ 1% 1767 
Sprayed 3 DAP @ 2% 1711 
LSD (P=0.05)
 N S 
1769 
1801 
1833 
1829 
1936 
1893 
NS 
(Note: DOP = Day of Pruning, DAP = Days after Pruning) 
Treatment differences were not significant. 
42 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
1. Hantane Estate, Mid-country, Kandy Field no 7. Factory division seedling 
2. Galphele Estate, Panwila, Field No 9A TRI 2023 
The yields obtained for the period October 1996 - August 1997 are given 
in Table 7.5. 
TABLE 7.5 - Effect ofDormex on yield of tea 
Treatments Yield (kg ha 1 ) 
Hantane Galphele 
Estate Estate 
Control for DOP 698(b?) 1627a 
Sprayed on DOP @ 1% 793a 1827a 
Sprayed on DOP @ 2% 780a 1870a 
Control for 7DAP 643a 1717a 
Sprayed 7 DAP @ 1% 756a 2025a 
Sprayed 7 DAP @ 2% 677ab 1728a 
A.Kathiravetpillai, A.P.D.A. Jayasekera and S.N. Wijesekara 
Low Country, Galle- TRI Substation, Talgampolla, Field No 7. 
The yield obtained during the eight months of the second year from November 
1996 to June 1997 is given in Table 7.6 
TABLE 7.6 - Effect ofDormex on yield of tea 
Treatments Yield (kg ha 1 ) 
Control for DOP 2897 
Sprayed on DOP @ 1% 2933 
Sprayed on DOP @ 2% 2981 
Control for 7DAP 3005 
Sprayed 7 DAP @ 1% 310Q 
Sprayed 7 DAP @ 2% 3235 
LSD(P=0.05)
 N S 
There were no significant differences in yield between any of the treatments. 
The trial has been terminated. 
A.Kathiravetpillai and P.KJayawickrama 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 43 
Other trials conducted to study the effect of Dormex on yield of tea. 
Gonakele Estate, Passara, Passara division, Field No VP9. 
This study was conducted with clone TRI 2027 to investigate the effect of 
spraying Dormex using a Knapsack sprayer and a Mist Blower. The design 
was of the split-plot type with 3 replicates of main treatments ( 0 , 1 % and 2% 
Dormex) x (times of application), split for sprayer used, 36 plots in all with 60 
bushes per plot. The tea was pruned on 27th Octber 1995 and spraying was 
carried out on (1) day of pruning (DOP) and (2) 7 days after pruning (DAP). 
There were no significant differences between the treatments over a period of 
one year from March 1996 to February 1997. The yields obtained are presented 
in Table 7.7. 
TABLE 7.7 - Effect of Dormex sprayed by knapsack sprayer and Mist blower 
on yield of tea 
Treatments Yield (kg Fwt plot 1 ) 
Knapsack Mist Blower 
sprayer 
Control for DOP 376.4 322 8 
Sprayed on DOP @ 1% 371.9
 3 5 5 9 
Sprayed on DOP @ 2% 424.3 347 3 
Control for 7 DAP 34O.5
 3 6 6 5 
Sprayed 7 DAP @ 1% 325.8 373.1 
Sprayed 7 DAP @ 2% 350.8 380 6 
LSD(P=0.05) NS NS 
There were no significant differences in yield between the treatments 
Norogolla Estate, Ratnapura 
Clone TRI 2023. 
Spraying was carried out using a knapsack sprayer and a mist blower on 
blocks of 0.5 acre (0.2 ha) each. Pruning was done on 2nd July 1996 and 
spraying was carried out on (1) day of pruning and (2) 7 days after pruning at 
1% concentration. The yield of tea (kg fresh weight per plot) obtained from 
October 1996 to June 1997 is given in Table 7.8 
44 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 7.8 - Yield of tea 
Treatments Yield (kg Fwt plot 1 ) 
Knapsack sprayer Mist Blower 
Control for DOP 
Sprayed on DOP @ 1% 
Sprayed on DOP @ 2% 
1993 
1662 
2242 
1456 
1181 
1653 
Spraying 7 days after pruning improved the yields by 12-13%. 
D.W.Withana and M.W. Wijeratne 
Observation trial at Dessford Estate, Nanuoya 
The trial was carried out on clonal tea in 2 blocks of 100 bushes each. The 
tea was pruned in June 1995 and Dormex was sprayed on one block 1%, 7 
days after pruning. The yield kg fresh weight for the period November 1995 to 
October 1996 is given in Table Table 7.9. 
TABLE 7.9 - Yield of tea with and without Dormex 
Treatments Yield(kg MT h a 1 ) 
Control 1861 
Sprayed 2187 
7.5 Earthworm culture 
7.5.1 Effect of inoculation of earthworms on yield of tea. Galphele Estate, 
Panwila (1995) 
The yield recorded in the 3rd year after the treatment application is 
presented in Table 7.10 
TABLE 7.10 - Effect of inoculation of earthworms on yield of tea 
Treatments Mean yield (kgMT ha-i) 
T.750 + 600 earthworms 1929 
T.750 alone 1683 
A.Kathiravetpillai 
The results indicated that inoculation with earthworms enhanced the yield 
significantly (t=2.3152*). The experiment continues. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 45 
7.5.2 Effect of earthworms casts on growth of young tea plants, Hantane Sub 
Station (1996) 
The growth measurements made 18 months after planting are presented in 
Tables.7.11 and 7.12 
TABLE 7.11 - Effect of earthworm casts on growth of tea 
Treatments Shoots Leaves Roots 
No. DW(g) No. DW(g) No. DW(g) 
75g casts 15b 8.7b 119b 35.5b 13b 15.5b 
150g casts 15b 21.3b 144b 45.0b 14b 29.7ab 
250g casts 24a 40.8a 243a 82.3a 34a 56.8a 
T.200 16b 19.2b 152b 34.4b 15b 47.lab 
SE ? ? ? ? ? ? 
%cv 18.8 51.5 34.1 42.3 16.3 55.4 
TABLE 7.12 - Effect of earthworm casts on growth of tea 
Treatment Dry wt. of main stem Total dry wt. 
Casts 75 g 29.17b 138.35b 
Casts 150 g 46.30ab 206.19ab 
Casts 250 g 79.70a 297.44a 
T.200 30.91b 180.70ab 
% CV 34.20 25.15 
The results indicate that plants treated with 250 g earthworm casts had 
exhibited enhanced growth compared to other treatments. 
This experiment has been terminated. 
7.5.3 Effect of inoculation of earthworms on growth of tea plants, Hantane 
Sub Station, Kandy 
This experiment was carried out in lm x lm x 3 m cement tanks. 
Treatments: 
T l - Inoculation of 100 earthworms per tank + tea fertilizer at recommended 
rate 
T2 - Tea fertilizer at the recommended rate 
Design: Paired comparison with 5 replicates 
46 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
The results of the second destructive sampling is presented in Table.7.13 
TABLE 7.13 - Effect of inoculation of earthworms on growth of tea 
Measurement Earthworm Fertilizer t calc 
+ Fertilizer only 
LNo.of roots 17.8 17.8 0.50 
2.No.of leaves 117.0 158.0 0.74 
3.No.of branches 13.4 14.8 0.50 
4.Dry wt of roots(g) 24.5 31.93 0.55 
5.Dry wt of leaves (g) 35.1 53.92 1.00 
6.Dry wt of side shoots(g) 18.3 27.27 0.80 
7.Dry wt of main stem(g) 37.5 53.92 0.81 
8.Total dry wt(g) 163.9 244.88 0.87 
There were no significant differences between any of the treatments. The 
experiment continues. 
7.1.4 Effect of inoculation of earthworms with and without compost on yield 
of tea, Aningkanda Estate,Deniyaya. 
The yields recorded during the first year after treatment application are 
presented in Table.7.14 
TABLE 7.14 - Effect of earthworm with and without compost on yield of tea 
Treatments Yield(kg h a 1 ) 
T l Earthworm+Mana+Compost+Tea fertilizer 2849a 
T2 Earthworm+Compost+Tea fertilizer 1838b 
T3 Earthworm+Mana+Compost 1783b 
T4 Earthworm+Mana+Tea fertilizer 2425ab 
T5 Earthworm+Mana 1882b 
T6 Mana+Compost+Tea fertilizer 2146ab 
T7 Compost+Tea fertilizer 1593b 
T8 Mana+Compost 2282ab 
T9 Mana+Tea fertilizer 2341ab 
T10 Tea fertilizer alone 2403ab 
CV 25.8 
Compost - 8000 kg ha 1 , y r 1 and tea fertilizer at recommended rates. 
The results indicate that there was a higher yield in treatment T l and the 
increase in yield was significant compared to the treatments T2, T3, T5 and 
T7. The experiment is in progress. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 47 
250g casts + T 200 at recommended rate 150.26ab 
250g casts + T 200 at half recommended rate 182.99a 
250g casts only 131.03b 
T 200 at recommended rate 124.68b 
% CV 19.2 
The results indicate that there was a significant increase in yield with 
earthworm casts + T 200 (either rate) when compared to either alone. 
7.5.5 Effect of Vermi compost on growth and yield of tea, Doragal, Kotmale 
(Observation trial) 
This observation trial was initiated to investigate the effect of Vermi 
compost on soil fertility improvement and growth and yield of tea in a tea 
small holding located in Upper Mahaweli catchment area. The Small holder 
was trained to culture the earthworms and produce Vermi compost using cow 
dung, kitchen waste and mana grass. The land was divided into 2 parts. 
Treatments: 
Tl 250g Vermi compost per plant 
T2 T 200 fertilizer at recommended rate 
Six applications were given after April, and visual assessment indicated 
enhanced growth on plants treated with Vermi compost. The experiment is in 
progress. 
R.M.S.S. Rajapakse 
7.5.4 Effect of earthworm casts on growth and yield of tea, Galphele Estate, 
Panwila 
Treatments: 
T1-250 g casts per plant + fertilizer at recommended rate 
T2-250 g casts per plant + fertilizer at 2 recommended rate 
T3-250 g casts per plant 
T4-T 200 fertilizer at recommended rate 
The experiment was initiated in June on plants given the first cut at 15 cm 
by the estate. After the treatment application plants were given second and 
third cuts at 30 and 40 cm and tipped at 50 cm before plucking commenced in 
December. The tipping weight is presented Table 7.15. 
TABLE 7.15 - Effect of earthworm casts on growth of tea 
Treatments Tipping weight(kg ha-1) 
48 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
7.6 Determination of optimum plot size for experimentation and effect of 
plucking table variables on yield 
An investigation was carried out to determine the optimum plot size for 
experimentation in tea and to identify the possible relationship between plucking 
table variables (area of plucking table and active:banji ratio) and yield. TRI 
2025 planted at a spacing of 120cm x 60cm was used at low (Ratnapura), mid 
(Hantana) and high (Talawakele) elevations for this study. Fairfield Smith's 
(1938) procedure and analysis of varience were used. It was found that the 
optimum number of bushes per plot should be between 10-12, at all three sites. 
This also confirmed the earlier results obtained by Fairfield Smith. A multiple 
regression using the standardised values (z values) of plucking table variables 
showed that only plucking table area was weakly correlated with yield at all 
locations. There was no correlation between active:banji ratio and yield. 
T.D.P. Aratchige, R.O. Thatill, P.B. Ekanayake, 
M.A. Wijeratne and A: Anandacoomaraswamy 
9. Particulars regarding seminars/conferences attended/participated and 
publications published/submitted 
a) P.B.Ekanayake 
1) Served as a member of the committee on "Rehabilitation of the Tea industry 
in Mid Country" 
2) Participated in Group discussion held at Talawakelle on "SALT and 
Covercrops" in March organized by RSC 1 
3) Participated and presented a paper on "Soil management in tea plantations" 
at the Workshop on Watershed Management held at Nuwara Eliya from 
24th to 25th April 
4) Addressed the Superintendents of Kahawatte Plantations Ltd., on 
"Covercrops in tea lands" on 30th April 
5) Participated at the Workshop on Social forestry held at Kalutara from 
2nd to 4th May 
7) Participated the RSC seminar held at Bandarawela on 13th June and 
presented a paper on "Soil improvement in tea lands" 
9) Participated in the discussion with executives of Kotagala Plantations at 
Talawakelle on 6th August 
10) Participated in the training programme on "Participatory Forestry" held 
at Kandy on 12th August at Ratnapura on 28th August at Galle on 9th 
September and presented a paper on "Soil Conservation measures adopted 
in tea plantations" 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 49 
11) Attended the Workshop on Forestry Master Plan held at Colombo on 4th 
September 
12) Attended the annual sessions of the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka 
held at Colombo on 10th October 
13) Attended and presented the country paper at the study meeting on 
"Sustainable Farming systems in Upland areas" held in Japan from 27th 
October to 2nd November 
14) Attended the PGIA Annual Congress held on 20th and 21st of November 
15) Addressed the Field Officers oh "Drought management" at the RSC Field 
day held at Hantane on 17th December 
b) M.A.Wijeratne 
1). Dr.M.A. Wijeratne supervised research projects/dissertaions of two NTPM 
trainees (Mr.A.M.A.S.Dhanasekara, Superintendent, Keeragala Estate, 
Kuruwita and Mr. M.S.D.Pinto, Superintendent, Houpe Estate, Kahawatte) 
and Miss Dammika Jayawardena, undergraduate from the Faculty of 
Agriculture, University of Peradeniya. 
2). Reviewed papers for the TRI journals. 
3). Dr.M.A. Wijeratne and Dr.A. Anandacoomaraswamy presented a paper 
on Impact assessments on tea production of Sri Lanka as affected by climate 
change at the National Synposium on Climate Change, held in Colombo 
on March 7,1997. 
4). Addressed the Superintendents/Asst. Superintendents, Field officers and 
Smallholders on pruning and plucking at 9 Regional Scientific Meetings 
(RSC) and field days. He also participated in the RSC seminars at various 
regions as a resource personal. 
5). Dr. M.A. Wijeratne was appointed as a visiting lecturer at the University 
of Ruhuna and he conducted lectures to the undergratuates of the Faculty 
of Agriculture on harvesting practices of tea. 
6). Seminars/field days were conducted for trainee students from Agriculture 
Schools and routine training of NAB students was also undertaken. 
7). Delivered a speech on the "impact of climate change on tea Plantations in 
Sri Lanka" at the Planters' Association meeting at Ratnapura. 
c). K.G.Premathilaka 
1). Dr. K. G. Prematilaka presented seminars in the following fields: 
i). Tea pruning - for small holders at Ratnapura region in Apr.'97. 
ii) Tea pruning- for the students.of School of Agriculture, Karapinche, 
Ratnapura in October 1997 
50 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
iii) Weed Management - for Asst. Superintendents and Field Officers at 
Kottawa Sub Station in November 1997. 
iv) Tea Pruning - For the students of School of Agr icul ture , 
Angunakolapelessa in December 1997. 
2). He attended the AGM of the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka. 
3). He attended the following meetings/courses: 
i) Regional Forest Conservation meeting held at DFO, Ratnapura in 
August 1997. 
ii) "Master Trainers Course" on "Safe and Effective use of Pesticides' 
held at Pannala, Wayamba University, organized by CIC and 
conducted by Zeneca Agrochemicals, UK from 13th-17th, October 
1997. 
d) R.M.S.S.Rajapakse 
1) Presented a paper on "Review of Earthworms" at a staff seminar held at 
Talawakelle on 9th April 1997 
2) Participated in a workshop on "Remote sensing for coastal and forestry 
resource management" held from 4th-l l th June at NARESA Colombo 
3) Participated in a Forestry Symposium organized by the University of Sri 
Jayawardenapura from 12th-13th December and presented a paper as a 
co-author on "Land Use planning for agroforestry in tea estates of Sri 
Lanka" 
e) M.S.D.L.De Silva 
1) M.S.D.L.de Siva and RB.Ekanayake participated in a group discussion 
held at Talawakelle on "Weed Management in tea plantations" on 11th 
June and 18th July organized by the RSC 1 
Publications 
1. Prematbilaka, K.G. (1997). Studies on weed management during early 
establishment of tea in Low-country of Sri Lanka. Ph.D Thesis, University 
of Reading, London. 
2. Amarasekera, A.R., Abesekera, U.P. and Anandacoomaraswamy, A. 
(1997). The Effect of post-prune operations on soil physical properties 
and yield of tea. Sri Lanka Journal of Tea Science, 65: 76-82. 
3. Janakie Balasuriya and Gail Smith, B (1997). Effect of saturation vapour 
pressure deficit of air on shoot growth of clonal tea (Camellia sinensis 
L.) under controlled environmental conditions. Sri Lanka Journal of Tea 
Science, 65: 46-57. 
4. Modder, W.W.D., Kathiravetpillai, A and Sivaram, B. (1997). Organic 
Farming in Sri Lanka. In: proceedings of Organic Farming Conference 
held in Calcutta. 
BIOCHEMISTRY DIVISION 
Acting Head - I.S.B.Abeysinghe 
1. General 
Mr M. W. Silva, Skilled Mechanic, was promoted to Grade V of the 
Institute's service w.e.f. 14th March 1996. 
Mr H. Jayaweera, Technical Assistant, was transferred to Tissue Culture 
unit at Hantana sub station w.e.f. 2nd May. 
Mr P.B. Chandradasa, Experimental Officer, was transferred back to 
Biochemistry division w.e.f. 22nd September. 
Mr A. M. T. Amarakoon, Research Assistant, returned to the Division on 
the 23rd December after successfully completing his PhD programme in 
"Therapeutic properties of Black tea" at the Department of Human Nutrition, 
University of Southampton,UK. 
Dr I.S.B.Abeysinghe continued to serve as a member of the committee 
appointed by the Ministry of Plantation Industries on Quality, Standards and 
Grades of tea produced and exported by Sri Lanka. He served as a member of 
the Board of Study in Chemical Sciences at the Post Graduate Institute of 
Science, University of Peradeniya and the Technical Committee on Tea 
appointed by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution. Dr. Abeysinghe was a member 
of the Sri Lanka delegation for the 17th Technical committee meeting on tea of 
International Organization for Standards (ISO/TC34/SC8) held in Colombo in 
February. 
Miss Anoma Abeykoon, undergraduate student from Faculty of 
Agriculture, University of Peradeniya completed her undergraduate project 
titled "Development and Application of Isozymes Technique for the 
Identification of Tea Clones" in February. Mr. B.D.S.Kumara, undergraduate 
student from University of Colombo completed a project titled "Antimicrobial 
Activities of Ceylon Black Tea" in March. Miss S.C.M.Fernando undergraduate 
student from Uva Campus completed her undergraduate research project titled 
"Improvement of quality in the instant tea manufacture" in August. 
52 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
2. Project B/PDEV 
Project Leaders - I.S.B.Abeysinghe and A.C.Liyanage 
2.1. Attempts to improve the tea character of the TRI formulated hot 
water soluble instant tea 
In an attempt to increase the tea character of instant tea, the inclusion of 
withered leaf and fermented dhool to black teas in the manufacturing process 
were studied. 
Effect of different withering periods and various combinations of withered 
leaf and fermented dhool were also studied. Table 1 gives details of combinations 
used in this experiment. 
Period of Withered Fermented Black Tea 
Withering (Hrs.) Leaf(WL)% Dhool (FD)% (BT)% 
6 10 - 90 
12 10 - 90 
12 - 16.66 83.34 
15 10 16.66 73.34 
15 10 - 90 
15 - 10 90 
15 10 10 80 
Table 1 
Combination Withering TF% TR% TC B% Tasters 
Period Comments 
10%WL+90%BT 6 1.80 14.95 1.49 25.99 Brownish powder, 
Coloury, Useful 
Liquor 
10%WL+90%BT 12 1.84 14.09 1.52 28.60 Brownish Powder, 
Soft Liquor 
10%WL+90%BT 15 1.82 13.84 1.43 27.48 Brownish Powder, 
Light in Cup 
10%FD+90%BT 15 1.76 11.82 1.11 24.40 Brownish Powder, 
Light in Cup 
10%WL+16.66%FD 12 1.91 14.72 1.63 34.39 Dark Powder, 
+ 73.34%BT Light, Raw and 
Unusual Taste 
16.66%FD+83.34%BT 15 1.96 13.88 1.65 34.58 Brownish powder, 
Bright, Fair colour, 
Lack Strength 
10%WL+10%FD 15 1.82 13.88 1.31 27.22 Light Brown 
+80%BT Powder, Very Light 
in cup 
TF=Theaflavins, TR=Thearubigins,TC=Total Colour, B=Brightness 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 53 
Table 2 
Instant tea was manufactured using these combinations and analysed for 
various chemical quality parameters. Professional tea tasters evaluation was 
compared with chemical quality parameters. Results of the experiment are given 
in Table 2. 
Results indicate that the withering period has an effect on the quality of 
instant tea. The inclusion of leaves withered for 6hrs. gave a better product 
compared to inclusion of leaf withered for 12 hours. Inclusion of withered leaf 
with longer withering periods resulted in tea liquor becoming softer in character. 
The inclusion of fermented dhools resulted in brighter teas and fermented dhool 
with 15 hrs withering was preferred when compared to a 12hrs. withering period. 
The inclusion of 16.66% fermented dhool gave a better product than the 
inclusion of 10% fermented dhool. 
A combination of 10% withered leaf and 10% fermented dhool did not 
produce better instant tea when compared with only 10% withered leaf or 10% 
fermented dhool. 
I.S.B.Abeysinghe, A C Liyanage, 
H. Jayaweera and M.W.Silva 
3. Project D/BIOC - Divisional Activities 
Project Leaders - I.S.B.Abeysinghe and A.C.Liyanage 
3.1 Chemical/ biochemical method in the control of the Shot-hole Borer 
(Xyleborous fornicatus) in the tea plant 
Results from experiments carried out in the indicated that caffeine may 
be involved in the resistant mechanism of some tea clones attack by the SHB, 
although there may be multiple mechanism of resistance and that synthesis, 
accumulation and translocation of caffeine to infested tissues may be a plant 
defense response. 
Since the caffeine content of both susceptible and resistant clones were 
much higher than the concentration which inhibit growth of the ambrosia fungus, 
a search was made for the factor which could reduce caffeine activity. It was 
observed that polyphenols lowered the antifungal activity of caffeine. A 
collaborative project with the University of Peradeniya and funded by SAREC 
was started to study the relationship of caffeine content and individual catechin 
concentrations in the infested and non infested pencil thick stems from clones 
TRI 2025 and TRI 2023. For this study samples of SHB susceptible clone TRI 
2025 and resistant clone TRI 2023 were collected from Attampitiya Estate , 
Bandarawela. Node and internode portions of these stems were separated. Bark 
and stem of these sections were analysed separately for Caffeine, Theobromine, 
Gallic acid, Epicatechin and Epigallocatechin. Results of the analysis are given 
in Table 3. 
54 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Clone - TRI 2023 Clone - TRI2025 
Caffeine mg/g Caffeine mg/g 
Status Node Inter Node Inter Node Inter Node Inter 
Bark Node Stem Node Bank Node Stem Node 
Bank Stem Bank Stem 
Healthy 5.17 4.86 0.35 0.32 5.9 6.19 0.44 0.34 
Infested 9.09 8.15 0.70 0.49 14.64 14.20 1.14 0.97 
LSD NS NS NS NS 4.01 4.39 0.37 0.50 
Theobromine mg/g Theobromine mg/g 
Healthy 1.02 1.16 0.22 0.09 1.80 1.98 0.16 0.16 
Infested 1.23 1.47 0.11 0.10 1.90 2.04 0.17 0.15 
LSD NS NS NS NS NS NS NS 
NS 
Epicatechin mg/g Epicatechin mg/g 
Healthy 1.54 1.49 0.63 0.54 2.3 2.53 0.41 0.38 
Infested 1.59 1.47 0.34 0.35 3.25 3.06 0.19 0.10 
LSD NS NS 0.21 NS NS NS NS 0.11 
Epicatechin gallate mg/g Epicatechin gallate mg/g 
Healthy 1.3 0.88 0.26 0.24 1.98 1.97 0.18 0.18 
Infested 1.52 1.19 0.16 0.18 3.38 3.13 0.10 0.11 
LSD NS NS 0.07 NS NS NS NS 0.05 
Gallic Acid mg/g Gallic Acid mg/g 
Healthy 0.26 0.29 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.36 0.01 0.01 
Infested 0.23 0.27 0.01 0.01 0.30 0.36 0.01 0.02 
LSD NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS 
Table 3 
In clone 2025, significant differences were observed for caffeine content 
in the bark and stem portions of the infested and non infested samples where 
the infested portions contained higher amount of caffeine. 
In both clones, significant differences in epicatechin content in the bark 
were not observed, in infested and non infested portions. However significant 
difference was observed in stem portions of the internodes. Similar observations 
were made for epigallocatechin. 
Experiments are being carried out in order to study the role of caffeine, 
epicatechin and epigallocatechin in the SHB resistance mechanism 
Three unknown compounds were detected and experiments are in progress 
to identify these compounds. 
I S B Abeysinghe, S Ratnayake, S Kumar and V Kumar (University of 
Peradeniya) 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 55 
3.2 Evaluation of 3000 and 4000 series clones for quality 
Several clones from TRI 3000 and 4000 series were evaluated for their 
quality potential during quality season. Initially clones TRI 4063,4053,4052, 
3018, 3016, 3072 and 3073 from Venture estate, Norwood, clones TRI 4052, 
4071,4078 and 4079 from Sheen group, Pundaluoya, clones TRI 3015, 3020, 
3019, 3016, 3018 and 3048 from Stockholm Estate, Upcot were selected by 
Plant Breeding division for this purpose. Flush samples were collected during 
quality season and manufactured at the Technology division using miniature 
manufacturing facility. Made tea samples were analysed for quality parameters 
and special emphasis was given to flavour characteristics. Made tea samples 
were sent for tasters evaluation. Results of the experiment are given in Table 4. 
Clone TF% TR% TC B% TR/TF Qi TE 
3015 0.69 11.91 1.82 30.52 17.63 0.28 10.5 
3016 - - - - - 0.29 12.0 
3018 - - - - - 0.53 11.5 
3019 - - - - - 0.15 9.5 
3020 - - - - - 0.36 9.5 
3048 - - - - - 0.54 7.0 
3072 0.90 11.06 2.37 32.26 12.32 0.43 14.0 
3073 0.89 11.95 2.53 30.22 16.09 0.37 11.6 
4052 1.25 13.91 2.76 41.75 11.32 0.30 15.0 
4054 - - - - - 0.30 -
4063 0.91 11.61 2.21 32.84 13.34 0.28 14.25 
4067 - - - - - 28.0 
4071 0.77 12.94 1.87 37.15 16.76 0.39 14.0 
4075 0.98 13.40 2.11 35.91 13.72 0.24 12.0 
4078 1.28 13.15 2.63 44.40 10.31 0.38 15.6 
4079 0.93 13.69 2.62 31.74 14.74 0.45 21.8 
4083 0.60 12.00 1.74 29.14 19.90 - 13.0 
4085 . 0.33 13.67 1.61 12.79 41.34 - 12.0 
TF=Theaflavins, TR=Thearubigins, TC=Total Colour, B=Brightness, 
QI=Quality Index, TE=Tasters Evaluation 
Table 4 
Results indicated that clones TRI 4067 and 4079 have the potential to produce 
flavoury teas. 
I S B Abeysinghe and J Jayasundara 
33 Development and Application of Isozymes Technique For the 
Identification of Tea Clones 
At present taxonomic characterization of clones of Camellia sinensis has 
been restricted to morphological and reproductive triats But in a clone grown 
56 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
under different environmental conditions the mode of expression of some of 
the characters could be altered depending on the environmental conditions. 
Therefore, one cannot conclude with confidence that the classified clones reflect 
true differences at the molecular level. Isozymes which are proteins are the 
direct products of structural genes and they exhibit the potential of reflecting 
DNA sequence changes and polymorphic individuals can be detected as 
genetically different. Isozyme analysis of tea clones was carried out as a 
preliminary attempt to identify tea clones. 
Active buds were found to be the most suitable tissue for the enzyme 
extraction. The best combination of tissue to extraction buffer and PVP was 
found to be in the proportion of 1 .Og of tissue to 2.5ml of extraction buffer and 
0.3g of PVP. Thirteen enzyme systems were tested, namely esterase, acid 
phosphatase (Acph), aspartate amino transferase (AAT), leucine amino 
peptidase (LAP), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), malate dehydrogenase 
(MDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), 6-phosphogluco dehydrogenase (6-
PGDH), glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI), alkaline phosphatase , 
phosphoglucomutase (PGM), peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Except 
for PPO, rest of the systems were all resolved. Out of the twelve enzyme 
systems which gave positive results, only GPI was found to be polymorphic. 
The rest of the enzymes appeared to be monomorphic. 
Apart from tris citrate/lithium borate buffer pH 8.0, electrophoresis was 
carried out using different buffer systems; tris histidine pH 7 and histidine 
citrate pH 5.7 on esterase, AAT, PGM , GDH; and peroxidase, AcpH, LAP; 
respectively to check if polymorphism could be detected with different buffer 
systems having a pH similar to the relevant enzymes. It was observed that 
esterase, AAT and peroxidase produced a monomorphic banding pattern while 
bands did not appear with PGM, Acph and LAP. 
Embryonic tissues of the clones TRI 2043, 2025, 2024, 777 and ASM4/ 
10 at three different stages of germination were analysed using several enzyme 
systems which included AAT, esterase LAP, Acph, ADH and GDH to check 
for polymorphism. During the first stage of germination, ie. emerging stage, 
only AAT produced bands which were monomorphic and the rest of the systems 
did not give any positive result. During the second stage of germination ie. 
prior to greening, esterase and AAT produced monomorphic banding pattern. 
During the third stage ie. greening stage, only AAT produced bands and they 
appeared to be polymorphic. On repeating with a different batch of seedlings it 
was found that the banding pattern obtained for AAT although polymorphic 
was not consistent for some of the clones. Therefore, for further discussion on 
genetic nature, polymorphic enzyme system GPI was used. 
Around eighty five clones which included clones recommended by TRI 
from 2000, 3000 and 4000 series, estate selections, Chinese and Japanese 
varieties were used for analysis. TRI 3069 was used as a standard to categorize 
the clones. Representative banding patterns for GPI system are diagrammatically 
illustrated in Figure 1. In all, seven different banding patterns were observed 
and the clones were grouped accordingly. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 57 
Majority of clones showed a similar banding pattern like that of group 2. 
These were a mixture of clones which included TRI series and most of the 
estate clones. Out of eleven popular estate clones that were tested for variation 
in the banding pattern, 9 clones showed a similar pattern while 2 clones appeared 
to be different. Clone SI06 showed a unique banding pattern indicating that 
these patterns could be used to identify the respective clones. These results 
indicate that although the estate selections are based on outstanding seedling 
bushes selected from all tea growing regions in Sri Lanka (low s mid and high) 
they are genetically similar for this particular locus. 
Parents of most of the clones were traced in order to confirm the parental 
genotype which was based on the comparison of banding pattern of both progeny 
and parental genotype. Based on the results it could be confirmed that most of 
the crosses tally with the results obtained. For some clones the banding pattern 
does not approve the parentage as non parental bands appear in the individuals. 
For certain clones parentage cannot be confirmed since they are open pollinated 
(Figure 1). 
Four clones common to high, mid, low elevations and Uva were analysed 
for their isozymic banding pattern to check the GxE interaction (genotype x 
environmental). From the results it was evident that there was no difference in 
the banding pattern with elevation indicating that isozymes are environmentally 
stable. 
TRI 2025 has been treated with colchicine to produce TRI 3069 and it 
was expected to be a tetraploid. However, isozyme analysis showed a similar 
banding pattern for both clones. Analysis of clones for preferred characters ie. 
drought tolerance, yield, resistance to shot hole borer, eel worm and blister 
blight in order to detect possible linkages of isozyme loci did not reveal a strict 
relationship 
TRI selected clones originated from ASM 4/10 and it is possible that the 
estate clones also could have been derived from the same clone. The clonal 
selection criteria is mainly based on high yield, quality, drought tolerance, 
resistance to pest and disease etc. Therefore, the diversity of commercially 
cultivated tea clones are minute. This could be the reason for monomorphic 
zymogrammes obtained for tested protocols. These results indicate that the 
genetic base of commercially cultivated tea clones have narrowed down. 
The project was proposed by the Tea Research Board and was carried out 
in collaboration with the Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila. This was funded 
by the Council for Agricultural Research Policy. 
A C Liyanage, U Fernando (CRT), K P S K Pathirana and A Abeykoon 
3.4 Effect of fertiliser on made tea quality 
3.4.1. Effect of Sulphate of Ammonia and Urea on made tea quality 
The quality of tea is determined in the field by a combination of factors 
namely, genotype, environmental and agronomic. A plant receiving a correctly 
58 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
balanced fertiliser mixture should give a reasonable yield and a product 
acceptable to the customer, provided proper cultural practices and correct 
manufacturing procedures are followed. There can be many forms of fertiliser 
to supply a particular nutrient. For example, in Sri Lanka there are two major 
forms of nitrogen available, that is Sulphate of Ammonia (SA) and Urea. 
Eventhough SA is expensive than urea the use of SA has been consistent over 
the past years. A study was initiated to find out the effect of SA and Urea on 
made tea quality. 
This trial was carried out at St. Coombs estate using clone TRI 2025. 
Effect of two different levels of nitrogen 240Kg/ha/year, 360Kg/ha/year and 
various combinations of urea and SA, 100%SA, 75%SA & 25%Urea, 50%SA 
& 50%Urea, 25%SA & 75%Urea and 100%Urea were studied. 
Rush samples were collected from these plots every other week and the 
yield was recorded. The flush was anlysed for leaf nitrogen levels. 
The flush was manufactured at the Technology division using a miniature 
manufacturing facility. Made tea samples were graded and BOP fraction was 
analysed for quality parameters for made tea. This experiment was repeated 8 
times and the results are given in Tables 7 and 8. 
Combinations TF% TR% TC B% TR/TF 
100% SA 0.87 11.97 3.01 27.30 13.88 
75% SA+25%U 0.90 12.11 3.02 27.27 13.53 
50% SA+50%U 0.88 12.03 2.94 27.30 14.04 
25% SA+75%U 0.90 11.86 3.06 26.49 13.33 
100%U 0.89 12.15 3.12 27.04 13.76 
LSD NS NS NS NS NS 
TF=Theaflavins, TR=Thearubigins, TC=Total Colour, B=Brightness, 
Table 7 - Quality Parameters - SA Vs Urea - N Level - 240Kg/ha/y 
Combinations TF% TR% TC B% TR/TF 
100% SA 0.80 a 11.47 2.83 a 26.45 14.40 a 
75% SA+25%U 0.91 b 12.03 3.07 b 26.45 13.21 b 
50% SA+50%U 0.86 11.64 3.05 b 27.82 13.61 
25% SA+75%U 0.85 12.20 3.06 b 26.93 14.16 
100%U 0.889 b 11.97 2.97 b 27.18 13.35 b 
LSD NS NS 
TF=Theaflavins, TR=Thearubigins, TC=Total Colour, B=Brightness, 
Table 8 - Quality Parameters - SA Vs Urea - N Level - 360Kg/ha/y 
At 240N level, significant differences in quality parameters were not 
observed with both forms of fertiliser. But at 340N level, quality parameters 
Theaflavins Total Colour and TR/TF ratio showed a significant increase with 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 59 
100% Urea when compared with 100%SA. This is a Collaborative project 
with the Soils and Plants Nutrition division. 
I S B Abeysinghe, L S K Hettiarachchi J Jayasundara 
and H Jayaweera 
3.5.1: Effect of Phosphorous on made tea quality 
Experiments to study the effect of foliar application of phosphorous on 
quality of made tea were continued in 1997. The clones used were CY9 and 
DTI. Di Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) were 
used for this study. There were four treatments (2% and 4% DAP, 2% and 4% 
TSP) and a water spray was used as the control. 
Flush was collected from these plots in the 1st week and 2nd week after 
foliar application and flush was anlysed for leaf P levels. 
The flush was manufactured at the Technology division using a miniature 
manufacturing facility. Made tea samples were graded and BOP fraction was 
analysed for quality parameters for made tea. The quality of the made tea was 
assessed by analysing its liquor characters, desirable flavors and organoleptic 
properties after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week of application. Tables 9 and 10 give 
the quality parameters for clones DTI and CY9 clones after 1 and 2 weeks of 
foliar applications. 
TF TR TC B TR/TF QI 
Control 0.67 11.00 2.47 32.29 20.25 0.52 ba 
2% DAP 1.00 13.20 2.64 32.42 13.30 0.41c 
4% DAP 0.95 12.93 2.79 28.53 13.61 0.43 c 
2%TSP 0.98 12.46 2.64 31.55 12.61 0.55 a 
4%TSP 0.83 12.02 2.29 30.76 14.50 0.47 be 
LSDNS NS NS NS NS 0.06 
TF=Theaflavins, TR=Thearubigins, TC=Total Colour, B=Brightness, 
QI=Quality Index, 
Table 9 - Clone C Y9 - Quality Parameters after the 2nd week of foliar application 
TF TR TC B TR/TF QI 
Control 1.00 11.21 2.77 31.97 16.09 0.40 
2%DAP 0.99 12.11 2.61 33.76 12.08 0.30 
4%DAP 1.32 15.47 3.70 32.04 11.72 0.41 
2%TSP 1.06 12.41 3.48 31.72 11.61 0.35 
4% TSP 0.94 10.43 3.16 33.13 11.09 0.41 
LSD NS NS NS NS NS NS 
TF=Theaflavins, TR=Thearubigins, TC=Total Colour, B=Brightness, 
QI=Quality Index, 
Table 10 - Clone DTI - Quality Parameters after the 2nd week of foliar 
application 
60 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Results indicated that the foliar application of DAP or TSP did not improve 
the quality parameters when compared with the control after one week of foliar 
application. However at the end of the 2nd week, application of 2% and 4% of 
DAP has reduced the quality index significantly in clone CY9. This is a 
collaborative project with the Soils and Plants Nutrition division. 
I S B Abeysinghe, L S K Hettiarachchi, J Jayasundara 
and H Jayaweera 
4. Meetings/Seminars 
Dr. I S B. Abeysinghe attended the 17th International Standards 
Organization Meeting which was held from 17-19 February in Colombo. 
Mrs. Jayanthi Jayasundara attended a workshop on NMR at the University 
of Colombo in February. 
Dr. I S B Abeysinghe addressed a seminar organized by John Keels Ltd 
on Flavour Profiles in January and RSC11 seminar in February on the same 
subject at TRI. 
Dr. I S B Abeysinghe and Dr.(Mrs) A C Liyanage attended 1997 China 
International Symposium on Tea Technology and Tea Culture in Beijing China 
from May 28-30th and presented papers on "Aroma profiles of teas from various 
tea growing regions in Sri Lanka" and "A Study on the changes of PPO and 
peroxidase activity during drying and storage of tea" respectively. 
Mrs. Jayanthi Jayasundara attended the annual session of the Institute of 
Chemistry in June. 
Dr. I S B Abeysinghe presented a paper on "Some recent findings on 
black tea antioxidants in preventing inflammatory or autoimune diseases" at 
the International Seminar on Tea and Health held in Colombo from 13- 16th 
August. 
Dr I S B Abeysinghe attended a workshop on development of a resource 
pool of assessors for accreditation activities organised by Sri Lanka Standards 
Institute and conducted by Swedish Accreditation Board (SWEDAC) in October 
Miss A Abeykoon, final year B Sc student from University of Peradeniya 
presented a paper on "Development and Application of Isozyme Technique 
for the Identification of Tea Clones" at the 53rd annual sessions of SLAAS at 
the University of Ruhuna in December. This paper was based on results obtained 
from a project carried out in the division 
5. Overseas Visits 
Dr. I S B Abeysinghe and Dr.(Mrs.) A C Liyanage attended the 1997 China 
International Symposium on Tea Technology and Tea Culture in Beijing, China 
from 28-30th M a y . 
E N T O M O L O G Y DIVISION 
Actg. Head - Sushila I. Vitarana 
General 
A proposal by the Director to consolidate the services at the TRI Low 
Country Station was supported by the Board and as a consequence, it was 
decided to shift the Division of Entomology to the Low Country Station at 
Ratnapura. Mrs.S.I.Vitarana was transferred to Ratnapura with effect from 20 
th January in order to take up additional responsibilities in the capacity of 
Officerin-Charge of the Low Country Station. 
Mrs.S.B.Vithana, Technical Assistant was transferred to Low Country 
Station with effect from 1 st March. Transfer of other staff was suspended for 
lack of housing and other facilities at the station. 
Mr.K. Thirugnasuntharan served as the Convenor/Secretary to the Task 
Force on Management of the Shot-hole Borer. The Task Force held two meetings 
to review progress of work; experiments under this programme are reported 
by the individual principal investigators in relevant sections in this report. 
Mrs. LAladeniya, Experimental Officer, continued at her temporary 
posting as Promotion Assistant, Ceylon Tea Bureau, London, on secondment 
basis for the fourth year in succession. 
Mrs. Vitarana continued to function as the Convenor/ Secretary of the 
Consultative Committee on Estates and Advisory & Extension Services' a 
sub-committee of the Tea Research Board. 
Mrs. Vitarana continued to serve as a member, representing the 
Director on the Pesticides Technical and Advisory Committee appointed by 
the Minister of Agriculture and also, on the National Plant Quarantine 
Committee of the Council of Agricultural Policy. 
Mr K. M.Mohotti Research Assistant, returned to UK to continue with 
the foreign component of his split-program of postgraduate training leading to 
a PhD. 
Ms. S. M. Nagahaulla Research Assistant and Ms. S. M. Samarasinghe, 
Experimenental Officer continued on their practical projects of the programmes 
leading to PhD and M. Phil respectively . 
Mr. L S. Abeysinghe, Experimental Officer was transferred to TRI 
Mid Country Station, with effect from 1st September. 
62 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Mrs. Viratarana participated at meetings of the Cordinating Committee 
on the Implementation of Montreal Protocol, of the Minitstry of Forestry and 
Environment. 
A project proposal submit ted to the Ministry of Transport , 
Environment and Women's Affairs in 1995 was accepted for funding through 
the NORAD and a sum of Rs.4,622.000.00 was made available with effect 
from January 1997, for a study on substitutes for Methyl Bromide as a 
nematicidal agent in tea plantations. The research activities of this project are 
being reported under "Project: MeBr". 
Research Activities 
1.0. Project B /NEMA - Development of Integrated Management 
Strategies for the control of Plant Parasitic Nematodes causing 
economic damage to tea. 
Project Leader - Sushila I Vitarana 
1.1 Screening of Promising clones for natural resistance/ tolerance / 
susceptibility to parasitic nematodes attacking tea. 
The objective of this programme is to screen new release clones against 
the different species of nematodes that cause damage, to tea. "This is a 
continuous programme with different batches of clones being tested each year. 
1.11 N 1 A (1996) Screening TRI 4000 series clones against the root-lesion 
nematodeJ*ratylenchus loos] with reference to build up of nematode 
population in root and soil and growth of tea plant 
(16 treatments x 4 replicates in Randomized Complete Block design 
Nematology Experimental Area, TRI, Talawakele) 
Thirteen test clones and three standards namely TRI 2024 (susceptible), 
TRI 2025 (tolerant) and D T 1 (resistant) planted in infested soil. The test clones 
included 
T R I 4 0 0 2 , 4 0 0 3 , 4 0 0 4 , 4 0 0 5 , 4 0 1 4 , 4 0 1 5 , 4 0 1 9 , 4 0 2 4 , 4 0 4 2 . 4 0 4 7 , 
4053,4085,and 4089. 
I S . I. Vitharana D. D. Liyanage, G. P. Udumulla, and N . Navaratne 
1.1.2. N I B . Screening TRI 4000 series clones against the root-lesion 
Nematode, Radopholus simlis with reference to build up of 
nematode population in root and soil and growth of the tea plant 
(1994) 
(16 treatments x 6 replicates in RCBD, TRI Mid Country Station, 
Hantana) 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 63 
The experimental beds planted with anthurium in 1996 were 
reinnoculated with pure lab cultures of R. similis in build up the population 
before planting the test clones. However, the population levels in the test beds 
did not reach required levels and it was arranged to shift the experiment to a 
naturally infested old nursery site on Galaha Estate where the site was 
prepared in December and planting of cuttings was scheduled for 1998. Test 
clones included TRI 4002, 4014, 4020, 4047,4048, 4049, 4051, 4052, 4054, 
4059 and TRI 2025 as the standard. 
S.I.Vrtarana, U.B.Herath, B.Suresh Kumar and G.P.Udumulla 
1.2. Studies on Biological Control Agents 
Field studies of a PhD project based on biological control of tea 
nematodes using Pasteuria penetrans,, commenced in February. Six 
experiments have been laid down up to November and the work is in progress. 
K. M.Mohottie. D. D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne, P. K. Jayawickrema 
and G. P. Udumulla 
1 3. Cultural Control 
1 3.1. Studies on Botanicals 
The plant species which were earlier proved to be immune to 
Pratylenchus loosi, Radopholus similis and Rotylenchulus reniformis were 
being screened to check for the presence of any nematicidal properties. It was 
arranged with Dr.Ingo Kohler of Bayer AG Germany to isolate and concentrate 
the active ingredient of Marigold Tagetes sp. 
S.I.Vitarana. I.Kohler and D.D.Liyanage. 
2.0 Project: MeBr 
To find substitutes for methyl bromide for eradication of plant parasitic 
nematodes with environmentally acceptable fumigants and Biological Control 
Agents and other means 
Project Leader - Sushila I.Vitarana 
Studies under this Project commenced in mid 1896 pending approval by 
the external funding agency. 
2.1 Biological Control agents 
N 315 -Isolation of endemic biological control agents of tea nematodes 
and formulating methods of augmenting their activity. 
64 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
The study was undertaken with a view to isolating endemic biological 
control agents of tea nematodes such as fungi, bacteria and soil micro-organisms. 
Cultures of P. Loosi at Talawakelle and H. Simil lis at Hantane laboratories 
were maintained for bioassay purposes. Laboratory cultures of prospective 
nemato-pathogenic agents collected from field soil in December. The study is 
in progress. 
S. I. Vitarana, D. D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne and U.B. Herath 
2.2. Direct Planting of Infested Lands 
2.2.1. Direct Planting using Alternatives to Rehabilitation of land 
under grass to eradicate soil borne parasitic nematodes 
N. 316 - (MeBr No. 1)) -1996 N. C. Blook,, Agarakanda Estate, Agarapatne 
The trial initiated in 1996 in a nematode infested and abandoned land with the 
following treatments in a split- plot factorial design was in progress : 
2C x 2N x 4IC where. 
S = the main treatments of Soil amendments at planting 
Si = Bottom .3/4 of hole filled with equal volumes of soil + decomposed 
spent-tea 
So = No soil amendment. 
N = Nematicidal treatment in sub plots, 
No = Nonematicide 
Ni = Nemacur (7 g)) in Planting hole 
I = Insecticidal treatment to control white grubs that are attracted to the 
organic matter in the planting hole, as well as for its nematicidal 
activity. 
I, = Suscon Fore (2 g) 
1 2 = Suscon Fore (3 g) 
1 3 = Suscon Fore (4 g) 
1 4 = Suscon Fore (5 g) 
One assessment on the population of nematodes in the soil and roots carried 
out in September has shown the following results : 
a. nematode population is still being retained in the plants, though to 
different degrees in different plots 
b. there were more nematodes in the roots in the case of Plots receiving no 
soil amendment nor nematicide; 
c. However, there was no statistically significant difference between 
treatment levels or in the interacions between treatments at this stage. 
The experiment was in progress. 
S. I. Vitarana. D. D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne, 
Y. Konaratne (casual worker), G. P. Udumulla, and 
Gaminie Jayawardena, Director for Agarakanda Estate. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 ° 65 
2.2.2 Direct planting with new Nematicides 
Four experiments in different agroclimatic areas, were initiated in the 
current year as given below, to study the feasibility of treating the planting 
holes with chemical and field as an alternative to 2-year rehabilitation under 
grasses. In the case of organic nematicidal agents, the material that is easily 
available in a given area was used in the experiment: 
N. 319 - (MeBr 13) - Field No. 6, New Forest Division, Cocagala Estate, 
Madulsima - commenced August '97 
(4 Treatments x 3 Replicates) 
The experimental blocks were planted with the clone TRI 2025, in 
November, in replicated Randomized Block Design with the nematicidal 
agent incorporated in to planting holes with an untreated control plot 
(T4) for comparison : 
T l - Tobacco dust 50 g per plant (mixed into the soil in the planting 
hole 2 days prior to planting) 
T2 - firprinol ("Rugby") @ 7g per plant 
T3 - fenamiphos ("Nemacur" @ 7g per plant (standard) 
A basal treatment with T200 fertilizer mixture @ 20g per planting 
hole was given to all plants at the time of planting. The experiment was 
in progress. ' '
 x 
S. I. Vitarana, D. D. Liyange, N. Navaratne and 
Subash Jegatheesan, Superintendent, Cocogala/Estate 
N 324 (MeBr 2) - 1997 N C , Nayapane Estate (June 1997), 
(4Treatments x 3 Replicates) 
The experimental blocks were planted in Randomized Block Design 
with the chemical nematicides incorporated in to planting holes; Treatments 
T l - fiprinol ("Rugby") @ 7g per plant 
T2 - fenamiphos ("Nemacur") @ 7g per plant (standard - chemical) 
T3 - carbosulfan CR ("Suscon Fore") @ 5g per plant 
T4 - "Veriver" grass planted in the inter-row (standard - organic) 
Visual observations were made regularly: 
Best initial growth was exhibited by the plants in T4, shade provided 
by the grass is of added advantage to the young plants; plants in T l 
exhibited phytotoxicity during the first 3 weeks after planting but, they 
recovered thereafter, indicating that a pre-planting period of 3-weks is 
66 ° ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
necessary in the case of firprinol; treatments T2 and T3 were similar in 
terms of general growth, however, the least number of casuaties by the 
end of the year, in T2. Maintenance operations were carried out. The 
experiment was in progress. 
S. I. Vitarana, D. D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne, 
U. B. Herath, G. P. Udumulla and Y. Konaratne 
N 325 (MeBr 3) - 1996 NC Block, Courtlodge Estate, Kandapola 
(4 Treatments x 3 Replicates) 
The experimental blocks were planted with the clone PK 2, in three 
replicates, in September and in Randomized Block Design with the 
chemical nematicides incorporated in to planting holes. All plots received 
a basal mixture of 250-300 g tea waste and 3 g "Sscon Fore" (as 
insurance against white grubs that are attracted to organic matter). 
Treatments were as follows : 
T l - fipronil ("Rugby") @ 7g per plant 
T2 - fenamiphos ("Nemacur") @ 7g per plant (standard) 
T3 - compost (cowdung + weeds) @ 800g per plant 
The untreated control (T4) received only the basal mixture 
Unlike at experimental sites of N 824 and in N 330. fiprinol did not elicit 
any phytotoxicity symptoms; the difference could be explained as due to the 
lower ambient temperature and higher organic content in the soil at Courtlodge 
as against the other two sites. The experiment was in progress. Since PK 2 is a 
tolerant. Clone, the future assessments would be based on the nematode 
populations. 
S. I. Vitarana, D. D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne, G. P. Udumulla, Y. Konaratne 
and D. Gankanda Gankansa (Superintendent, Courtlodge Estate) 
N 330 - (MeBr 8) - F. No. 10. Yelverton Division, Queenstown Estate, 
Hali Ela (4 Treatments x 3 Replicates) 
The experimental blocks were direct Planted in Randomized Complete 
Block design in October '97. The treatments applied at planting were being 
compared with untreated control: 
T l 
T2 
T3 
- fipronil ("Rugby") @ 7 g Per plant 
- fenamiphos ("Nemacur") C 7 g per plant 
- "Neemazal 1%" @ 850 ml per ha, sprayapplication at planting 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 67 
Phytotoxicity was observed in the form of wilting and arrested growth in 
the case o f T l . "Neemazal" treated plants exhibited the best growth.. The 
experiment is in progress. 
S. I. Vitarana,. D. D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne,, G. P. Udumulla 
J ^/" and Y. Konaratne 
2 2.3. Use of Organic Amendments in Direct Planting 
N 326 (MeBr 4) - Field No. 9, Old Factory Division, Hopton Estate, Lunagala, 
(4 Treaments x 3 Replicates) 
The experiment plots were planted in December '97 with following in 
Randomized Complete Block design: 
T l - fenamiphos ("Nemacur") C 7 g per plant (standard) 
T2 - neem formulation ("Nemacur 1%") 850 ml/ha 
T3 - fresh neem (Margosa) leaf thatch 
T4 - untreated control 
Only the treatments 'Tl & T2 were applied by the TRI staff at the time of 
Planting. In the case of T3. the Superintendent (who is e collaborator in this 
study) was to carry out thatching with neem leaf. 
S. I. Vitarana, D. D. Liyanage,. N. Navaratne,. G. P. Udumulla, 
Y. Konaratne and M. Kariapperuma, (Superintendent and S. Godage, 
(Asst. Superintendent. Hopton Estate) 
N 328 - (MeBr 6) Field No. 3 (NC 97), Hanford Estate, Deniyaya. 
(4 Treatments x 3 Replicates) 
Direct planting o f the experimental plots were carried out on Randomized 
Complete Block design, in October with untreated control (T4) for comparison 
Tl - All plants Per plant, thatching with Tithonia diversifolis (wild Sun flower) 
T2 - "Vetiver"" grass planted in the inter-row 
T3 - "Nemacur " 7 g per plant at planting were given a basal treatment of 3 g 
of "Suscon Fore" The experiment was in progress. 
S. I. Vitarana, A. K. Prematunga, D. D. Liyanage,P. K. Jayawickrema, 
and R. Dharmabandu, (Superintendent of Hanford Estate). 
68 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
2 2.4. Eradication of nematodes in infested Young Clearings 
N 327 (MeBr 5) - Kelliewatta Estate 
o 
A study on block-infilling vpf infested tea with organic and inorganic 
nematicidal treatment in place of rehabilitation commenced in March; treatment 
and planting of the experimental blocks (in Randomized Complete Block design) 
were carried out in December. The experiment design is of Replicated 
Completely Radomized Blocks: 
T l - Thatching with "Vetiver" grass 
T2 - fenamiphos ("Nemacur") @ 7 g per Plant 
T3 - Thatching with tobacco waste (Tobacco dust-TD)) 
T4 - Untreated control. 
The experiment was in progress. 
S. I. Vitarana. D. D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne, G. P. Udumulla 
and Y. Konaratne 
N 332 (MeBr 15) - 1990 NC F. No. 1A. Galaha Estate,, Galaha Commenced 
in October. 
In this trial, treatments are being carried out in an infested immature 
clearing under mixture of clones namely DN, TRI '2025 and '2026. a 
Randomized Complete Block design, with 3 replicates : 
T l - fenamiphos ("("Nemacur") @ 7 g per Plant (standard) 
T2 - thatching with fresh, green neem (Margosa) leaf, @ 1 kg per plant, 
repeated at regular intervals, depending on the rate of decomposition. 
T3 - furrow application of sugar cane molasses pretreated with weeds re 
moved from the tea land and decomposed for one month @ 500g Per 
plant. 
T5 - untreated control 
One round of treatment application, where applicable was carried out in 
November. 
Best recovery plants were exhibiting symptoms of nematode infestation 
at commencement of trial was seen in the T l plots, by end of the Year. 
S. I. Vitarana, U. B. Herath, P. Udumulla and B.SureshKumar 
N 332 (MeBr 20) - F. No. . 1A„ Galaha Division, Galaha Estate , 
Commenced in October. 
One trial similar to MeBr 15 was started to test higher dose of fresh neem 
leaf in an infested immature clearing under one clone. TRI 2025, in a 
Randomized Complete Block design, with 3 replicates . Treatments are 
scheduled for January: 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 69 
T l - fenamiphos ("Nemacur") @ 7 g per plant (standard) 
T2 - thatching with fresh, green neem (Margosa) leaf. 1 kg per plant 
repeated at regular intervals, depending on the rate of decomposition. 
T3 - furrow application of sugar cane molasses Pretreated with weeds 
removed from the tea land, and decomposed for one month @ 500g 
Per plant. 
T5 - one month control 
S. I. Vitarana, U. B. Herath, P. Udumulla and B. SureshKumar 
2.3. Nematicidal agents for nurserv soil sterilization (alternatives to Methyl 
Bromide) 
2.3.1. Chemical sterilants: 
N 334 (MeBr 17) - St. Coombs - Basamid ExptSep '97 Nematology Nursery 
Nursery experiment was carried out to check the Period of toxicity due to 
"Basamid" fumigation' because, there was the need to shorten the period of 
nursery work : Fumigated soil was bagged and the cuttings were planted after 
one. two, three and four weeks from fumigation in T l , T2. T3, and T4 
respectively. Dates of treatment were staggered in such a way that the 
assessments could be carried out on the same day in all plots. 
The observations are summerized below : 
Treatment % Plants affected 
(Period alter fumigation) (dead + scorched)) 
One week 11 % 
Two weeks 8 % 
Three weeks 5 % 
Four weeks 1 % 
It was concluded that, soil treated with "Basamid" can be planted with 
tea cuttings after four weeks for with the chemical. 
S. I. Vitarana and P. Udumulla 
2.3.2. Soil Solarization as a means of soil sterilization 
N 320 (MeBr 11) -Tea Nursery, Ova Highland Estate. Bandarawela,, 
Solarization under clear-polythene, by itself and in combination with 
nitrogen fertilizers to impart synergistic effect are being tested in Replicate 
trial, using 150-plant area per plot: 
70 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
T l - Untreated control (the current estate Practice) 
T2 - treated with 'Basamid" as per current TRI recommendation 
T3 - bagged infested soil under 3-week solarization 
T4 - bagged infested soil under 6-week solarization 
T5 - bagged infested soil under 9-week solarization 
T6 - infested soil treated with urea @ 5 kg per cube soil, bagged and 
solarized for 3 weeks 
T7 - infested soil treated with (NH4)2S04 @ 5 kg per cube soil, bagged 
and solarized for 3 weeks 
T8 - infested soil solarized for 6 weeks in bulk 
T9 - infested soil solarized for 9 weeks in bulk 
Treatments commenced in August. Cuttings were planted in September, 
October and November in the 3-week, 6-week and 9-week solarized plots 
respectively. The experiment is in progress. 
S. I. Vitarana, D. D. Liyanage and N. Navaratne 
N 321 (MeBr 12) - Tea Nursery, Ury Group , Passara. 
Solarization under clear-polythene, by itself and in combination with 
nitrogen fertilizers to impart synergistic effect are being tested in a 3-Replicate 
trial, using 1000-plant area per plot and 6" x 3" size bags : 
T l - infested soil solarized for 10 weeks in bulk 
T2 - bagged infested soil under 10-week solarization 
T3 - infested soil treated with urea @ 5 kg Per cube soil, bagged and 
solarized for 10 weeks 
T4 - infested soil treated with (NH4)2S04 @ 5 kg Per cube soil, bagged 
and solarized for 10 weeks 
T5 - bagged infested soil fumigated with Methyl Bromide @ one 500g can 
per 1000 plants (standard) 
T6 - untreated bagged soil covered with Mana up to the time o f planting 
cuttings 
T7 - infested soil in bags, planted with cuttings and immediately covered 
with plythene for long term solarization (moisture is recycled under 
polythene)) 
The experiment was in Progress. 
S. I. Vitarana,. D. .D Liyanage and N. Navaratne 
N 323 (MeBr 10) - Tea Nursery, Moray Estate, Maskeliya 
Preparatory work at this nursery commenced in November for a 
solarization experiment similar to N 320. Treatments were sheduled for the 
period after dry weather sets in, in January'98. 
S. I. Vitarana,, N. Navaratne and P. Udumulla 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 71 
N 336 (MeBr 14) - Tea Nursery, Galaha Division, Galaha Estate, Jan-98 ; 
Nematode infested nursery which had been abandoned due to nematodes 
was prepared in November to conduct an experiment to test the efficacy of soil 
solarization by it self and in combination with other agents,, as given below : 
T l - soil mixed with urea @ 900 g/450 bags, 
bagged and kept under 6-week solarization 
T2 - soil mixed with urea @ 900 g/450 bags, 
T3 - soil mixed with (NH4)2S04 urea @ 900g 
bagged and kept under 6-week solarization 
T4 - soil mixed with (NH4)2S04 urea @ 900 g/450 bags, 
bagged and kept under 8-week solarizatiom 
T5 - soil mixed with "Basamid" @ 125 g/460 bags, 
bagged and kept under 6-week solarization 
T6 - soil mixed with "Basamid" @ 126 g/450 bags, 
bagged and kept under 8-week solarization 
T7 - bagged infested soil-under 6-week solarization only 
T8 - bagged infested soil under 8-week solarization only 
T9 - Untreated control (the current estate practice) 
T10 - treated with MeBr according to current recommendation 
Preliminary work was carried out and treatments were scheduled for early 
1998. 
S. I. Vitrarana,, U. B. Herath,, P. Udumulla and B. SureshKumar 
2.4. Purification of nematode contaminated water for nursery use ; 
LN 1 - (MeBr) 19) - Tea Nursery TRI Centre,, Deniyaya. 
A study commenced to test the sedimentation efficacy of an arrangement 
o f three "Plastishell" tanks which are easily available in any area to clean 
contaminated water that is the only source available to the nursery at present. 
The study is in progress. 
S. I. Vitarana,. A. K. Prematunga and P. K. Jayawickrema 
2.5. Miscellaneous Studies under MeBr Project: 
N 329 (MeBr 7) - Survey on the usage of Methyl Bromide and other 
nematicidal agents in the nursery and in fields on tea estates. '97 
A questionnaire was prepared to collect data from the estates where 
nematode infestationhas been recorded. A seperate vehicle was being awaited 
72 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
to start the survey proper by the end of the Year. 
S. I. Vitarana,, D. D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne, U. B. Herath, G. P. 
Udumulla, A. K. Prematunga and Y. Konaratne 
1.3.0 Cultural Control 
1.3.1. Studies on Botanicals 
The plant species which were earlier proved to be immune to Pratylenchus 
loosi, Radopholus simi lis and Rotylenchulus reniformis were being screened 
to check for the presence of any nematicidal properties. 
S. I. Vitarana, D. D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne, U. B. Herath 
and G. P. Udumulla 
4.0 Project B / P E C O : Pest Ecology and Management of pests with special 
reference to Shot- hole Borer and Up-country live 
wood termite. 
Studies carried out under the project B/SHBO in relation to the 
management of the Shot-hole borer (Project Leader - K. TTiirugnanasuntharan 
are being incorporated under B/PECO as both these Projects include activities 
that come under those of the 'Task Force on Shot-hole Borer. 
Project Leader - L. D. Amarasinghe 
3.1. Resistance of tea clones to the Borer 
(in collaboration with Plant/Breeding Division) 
3.2. Effect of systemic fungicides on Borer buildup (B/SHBO) 
The effect of systemic fungicides on the growth of the ambrosia fungus 
which is the food of the brood of the borer, is being studied in order to assess 
their indirect effect on the development of the borer. This study is in 
collaboration with the Plant Pathology Division. 
E 292 - TRI Uva Station, Passara.(in collaboration with Plant Pathology 
Division) 
In this trial, initiated in November 1996, overgrown nursery plants of the 
susceptible clone TRI 2025 were being treated with two systemic fungicides in 
two methods of application, at three concentrations, at three weekly intervals. 
It was planned to artificially introduce the Borer beetles to the plants in 1997. 
The results did hot show any significant difference between treatments. 
K. Thirugnanasuntharan, A. Balasuriya, A. Abeysekera, 
and P. D. P. de Silva 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 73 
3.3. Effect of high potash fertilizer 
E 289 - Attampertia Estate, Ettampitiya (1996) 
A study on the effect of high potash on nursery stage of growth was initiated 
in collaboration with Soils and Plant Nutrition Division in 1996 on factorial 
design: 
Treatments : 3C x 4K x 3R where, 
3C = 3 clones : TRI 2025 (Susceptible) 
DN (moderately susceptible) 
TRI 3041 / 4070 (resistant) 
4K = 4 Potash levels : @ 0 g, 2.3 g, 5.6 g, 8.4 g. 
3R = 3 replicates 
Treatments commenced at the time of bagging of soil in the nursury and 
continued at fortnightly intervals after 2 months from planting of cutting. Post 
infestation was not observed while the plants were in the nursury. Nursury 
stage of the trial was terminated in September and the plants were transplanted 
in October in F. No. 02, First Division of the same estate. They were planted on 
Randomized Block Design (15 plants of one treatment combination going in 
to one plot in a given replicate). The following treatments were superimposed 
on the field planted blocks. 
T l - T 200 (@ 25 g) + 0.0 g MOP per plant per application 
T2 - T 2 0 0 ( @ 2 5 g ) + 1 . 5 g M O P - d o -
T3 - T 200 (@ 25 g) + 3,0 g MOP - do -
T4 - T 200 ( @ 25 g) + 4.5 g MOP was carried out in one application 
of fertilizer treatments December. 
E290 - Tea Nursaury TRI Mid Country Station, Hantane. 
This is a replicate of the experiment E289. Nursury stage of the trial was 
terminated in September and tyhe plants were transplanted in October in Field 
No. 4, Factory Division of Hantane Estate, Kandy. They were planted on 
Randomized Block Design using 12 plants of one treatment combination going 
in to one plot in a given replicate. 
L. S. K. Hettiarachchi, L. D. Amarasinghe, K. Thirugnanasuntharan, 
L. S. Abeysinghe, A. R. Abeysekera, B. SureshKumar and U. B. Herath 
4.2.1. E 2 6 6 - Screening of Insecticides against SHB F. No. 17, First 
Division, Attampettiya Estate (1994) 
Post-treatment assessments of branch sampling for shot-hole borer 
infestation were carried out; mean number of galleries and mean population 
74 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
per 30 cm of primary branch were assessed commencing from 15 & 19 months 
after prune in October 95 (PI) and March 96 (P2) respectively. The chemical 
treatments included the following: 
T l - Admire SL200 at 500 ml ha"1 
T2 - Admire SL200 at 500 ml ha"1 
T3 - Ekalux 25EC at 1000 ml h a 1 
T4 - Ekalux 25EC at 2000 ml ha"1 
T5 - Chlorpyrifos 25EC at 4500 ml h a 1 
T6 - Chlorpyrifos 20EC at 1500 ml h a 1 
T7 - Untreated control 
Table 1: Mean number of galleries per 30cm of Primary Branch 
(number of samples =30) 
Insecticide Months after pruning 
Treatment 19 21 15 18 20 22 25 
Oct. Dec. Jan. Apr. Jun. Aug. Nov. 
T l 3.3 3.6 2.8 3.0 3.7 4.4 4.4 
T2 3.2 3.8 2.5 3.2 3.5 4.5 4.0 
T3 4.3 4.4 2.2 3.5 4.1 4.8 4.3 
T4 3.2 3.6 1.8 1.9 3.1 3.3 3.3 
T5 3.0 4.0 1.6 2.8 3.1 3.6 3.4 
T6 3.3 3.3 1.7 2.6 3.5 3.6 4.3 
T7 3.5 4.0 1.8 2.4 3.0 4.1 3.6 
T8 4.3 3.3 2.6 3.4 4.0 5.2 4.2 
Table 2: Mean population per 30cm of a primary Branch 
(number of samples =30) 
Insecticide Months after pruning 
Treatment 19 21 15 18 20 22 25 
Oct. Dec. Jan. Apr. Jun. Aug. Nov. 
T l 8.0 7.5 2.9 6.1 4.1 2.5 4.4 
T2 12.6 7.2 5.3 4.2 5.1 1.6 5.3 
T3 5.5 6.3 3.2 3.8 5.9 2.1 5.3 
T4 6.8 7.2 2.8 3.0 2.9 1.8 4.0 
T5 5.0 8.6 3.6 4.4 3.0 3.2 4.0 
T6 4.7 8.6 3.7 3.5 5.2 2.2 3.5 
T7 6.5 8.4 5.0 2.1 3.7 2.8 4.2 
T8 15.0 10.1 5.1 3.7 4.8 3.9 3.7 
PI = Plots pruned in October 1995 
P2 = Plots pruned in March 1996 
The data indicated that the treatments were not significantly different 
from the untreated control. 
L. D. Amarsinghe, L.S. Abeysinghe, A. Abeysekara, and P.D.P. de Silva 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 75 
4.2.2. E 275 Screening of insecticides against SHB in Young tea 
(Field No. 3, NP Division, New Peacock Estate, Pussellawa 1995) 
Chemical treatments are the same as in E266 
Branch-breakage was used as a measure of the infestation in each plot, at 
one assessment carried out in November. The experiment is in progress. 
L. D. Amarasinghe, L. S. Abeysinghe, U. B. Herath and P.D.P. de Silva 
Table 3: Total branch breakage (4 plot each consisting average 40 plants). 
Treatment Block planted in 1995 Block planted in 1994 
(2 years) (3 years) 
T l 23 6 
T2 21 5 
T3 24 14 
T4 27 13 
T5 12 12 
T6 18 13 
T7 16 9 
T8 26 6 
Results will be analysed at the first formative pruning. 
4.2.3. E 294 - Use of bio-control agents in reducing shot- hole borer 
This study was intitiated during the latter part of the year. 
Three isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana 
namely. I-92-76A. 1-94-477, were imported from Commonwealth institute of 
Biological Control, UK. Pure cultures were raised on Molisches Agar plates 
and blastospores were obtained by growing the isolates in liquid cultures of 
the same medium. 
The preliminary bioassays were carried out by application of the test 
material in the form of spores, with a brush on borer infested branches (each 
30cm long) held in polythene bags and replicated 4 times. Mortality/survival 
of Shot-hole borer was assessed after 8 days. The results showed that only the 
adult beetles were killed by the pathogen and the immature stages wer 
unaffected. The study is in progress. 
L.D. Amarasinghe, L.S. Abeysinghe, A. Abeysekara 
76 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
4 3 . Host volatile for mass trapping 
a. Identification of Kairomones : 
Bark volatiles of the host and non host type of plants and of the infested 
and uninfested stems on such plants were studied and the progress of the study 
was presented at the bi-annual meeting of the SAREC project held at Institute 
of Fudimental Studies, Kandy, in July. The study was repeated with samples 
from Attampettiya Estate to confirm the first findings.The experiment is in 
progress. 
L.D. Amarasinghe, Y. Konaratne and I.S.B. Abeysinghe 
b. Effect of presently recommended shade trees as diversionary hosts 
to the Borer 
(in collaboration with Agronomy Division) 
E 286 - Field No. 14, 2nd Division, Attampetiya Estate, Attampitiya; 
Shade combination is Grevillea robusta and Eriythrina lithosperma 
Pre treatment assessment on shot-hole borer infestation was carried out 
in June. Mean number of galleries per 30cm of a primary branch was found to 
be the same (6.7) in all plots indicating uniform and heavy infestation. Plots 
were pruned in October and assessments were scheduled/commnced in 
December 1998. 
E 287 - Field No. 1, Sirimedura Division, Kiruwanagaga Estate, Deniyaya. 
Shade combination is Albizzia moluccana and Giricidia sepium 
Plots were pruned in June. Post treatment assessments were scheduled 
to commence in June 1998. 
E 288 - Field No. 6, NP Division, New Peacock Estate, Pussellwa. 
Shade combination is Grevillea robusta and Erythrina lithosperma 
Pre-treatment assessment was carried out in June. Mean number of 
galleries per 30cm of a primary branch was found to be 6.2 for Plots with 
shade and 7.6 for plots with no shade. All plots were pruned in July. Post-
treatment assessments were scheduled to commence in September 1998. 
A. Kathirvetpillai, L.D. Amarasinghe, K. Thirugnasuntharan, 
L.S. Abeysinghe, A.R. Abeysekera and U.B. Herath 
C. Effect of times and methods of pruning in reducing shot-hole borer 
(in collaboration with Agronomy Division) 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 77 
E 283 - Field No. 7, First Division, Attampitiya Estate, Ettampitiya : 
Treatment in the form of pruning in January and pruning in April were 
carried out. (October pruning had caried out in 1996). Based on visual obser­
vations made in June and December, post treatment assessments were sched­
uled to begin in February 1998 (16 months from prune). 
A. Kathirvetpillai, L.D. Amarasinghe, K. Thirugnasuntharan, 
L.S. Abeysinghe and A.R. Abeysekera& P.D.P. de Silva 
E 284 - Field No. 1, Kiruwanagnaga Estate, Deniyaya 
(pruned in October in 1996) 
Treatment in the form of pruning in April was carried out. (October 
pruning had been carried out in 1996). Visual observations made in August, 
October and December indicated that even green stems measuring about 0.5cm 
in diameter also, were infested in plots pruned in October '96. Data collected 
by the end of the year is given in Table. 
Table - 4 Total branch breakage 
Prune time Type of Prune Total Branch Breakage 
Months after Prune 
4 6 10 12 
October '96 Cut-across - 0 202 65 
Normal - 95 320 80 
Rejuvanation - 142 160 44 
April '97 Cut-across 25 29 - -
Normal 37 19 - -
Rejuvanation 4 18 
January '98 Cut-across - - - -
Normal -
- -
-
Rejuvanation - - - -
Future assesments are scheduled for a period up to 36 months. 
A. Kathirvetpillai, L.D. Amarasinghe, K. Thirugnasuntharan, 
L.S. Abeysinghe and A.R. Abeysekera 
E 285 - Field No. 6, N.P. Division, New Peacock Estate, Pussellawa. 
Pruning scheduled for April and October were carried out. Assesments 
commenced in September. The experiment is in progress. 
A. Kathirvetpillai, L.D. Amarasinghe, K. Thirugnasuntharan, 
L.S. Abeysinghe and A.R. Abeysekera& P. D. P. de Silva 
78 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
4.4 Clonal Selection for resistance to the UCLWT & SHB 
E 271 - Field No. 5, of Lower Division, Mocha Estate, Maskeliya (B/PECO). 
Dining the year, 20 more seedling bushes were selected from this field 
in June. Root samples were bioassayed by the methods adopted in 1996. How­
ever, none of the 20 selections proved to be promising as resistant to the up 
country Live wood Termite. 
This experiment will be continued to complete 200 selections in the 
above location. 
L.D. Amarasinghe, L.S. Abeysinghe and P.D.P. de Silva 
LE 83 - Clonal Selection for pest resistance inclusive of Shot-hole Borer 
(B/SHBO) 
Field No. 5B, Maratenna Division, Balangoda Group, 100 bushes were 
selected from old seedling bushes in November and 72 of the best were se­
lected out for propagation in December. Clonal cuttings were established in 
the estate nursery of Maratenna Division. Generation of cuttings per mother 
bush varied from 10 to 270. However, acording to census taken after establish­
ment, it was observd that they had 100% success. 
S.I. Vitarana, A.K. Prematunga, E.St.E.R.Perera, Ramaiya Kanganie (retired 
Kanganie, Maratenna Division), Mr. K.C. Munaweerahettie, 
(The Superintendent) and K. Thirugnasuntharan 
4.7 Early Detection of Up-country Live wood Termite 
Further development of the equipment, High Gain Instrumentation am­
plifier (HGIA) is in progress. 
K. Thirugnanasuntharan 
5. PROJECT B/TERM : Pest ecology and productivity of tea lands in 
relation to the containment and management of the live-wood termites in the 
Low-country. 
Project Leader- Sushila I Vitarana 
5.1 Clonal Screening 
Clonal resistance to the live wod termites is being studied on replicated 
plot trails designed in collaboration with the Plant Breeder as well as in mother 
bush blocks estblished in the low-country. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 79 
5.1.1 Field Screening; 
LE 22 (ix) - 1 Talangaha Estate 
The clones that were being studied included N1L211, NTL12, NTL262, 
NTL53, TRI3029, NIL274, TRI3052. There were no experimental operations 
scheduled for this year. The experiment is in progress. 
S.I. Vitarana, S.M. Samarasinghe, and P.K. Jayawickrema 
LE 50 - Hapugastenna Estate, LAT Division 
Experimental blocks were being maintained with casualties being infilled. 
S. I. Vitarana, E.StE.R. Perera and A. K. Premathunga 
LE 78 - Hapugastenna Division, Ratnapura 
F. No. 4, Hathdaraganga Division 
50 new selections made in march 1996 were being raised in the nursery. 
The selections turned out to be very slow growing in the nursery, perhaps be­
cause they were the most hardy and selected for total immunity for termite 
attack. These are meant to enter furture breeding programmes. 
S.I. Vitarana, S.M. Samarasinghe, E.StE.R. Perera and A.K. Premathunga 
5.2 Laboratory Screening of plants against the low country live 
wood termite 
LE 80(a) - Bioassay of test clones with TRI 2023 as the standard, using dry 
power of stem material was carried out adopting the "4-channel perspex olfac­
tometer" testing 4 clones at a time. Six replicates were run simultaneously. 
The following clones were being tested : 4048,4059,4002,4003,4054,4088, 
4089, 4087, 4004, 4005, 4015, 4019, 4024, 24048, 4059, 4002, 40034054, 
4088, 4089, 4087, 4004, 4005, 4015, 4019, 4024, 4031& PGI (Pambegama 
selection), with TRI 2023 as control. Data was being prepared for analysis. 
The study is in progress. 
S.I. Vitarana, A.K. Premathunga and E.StE.R. Perera 
LE 80 (b) - Bioassaying of plant extracts for their kairomonal and allomonal 
properties (using olfactometers) 
Two different models of olfactometers were used to test chemical ex­
tracts. Extractions were done both as cold extraction and by solvent distillation 
extraction (SDE), using hexane, methonol & dichloromethane. Extraction was 
replicated at TRI laboratories and at chemistry Department, University of 
Peradeniya. Both types of extracts elicited similar response from the test in-
80 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
sects (alates) even though the two extracts had dissimilar gas chromotograms. 
The test material included the clones of the series TRI 2000, 3000 and 4000. 
The same extracts were used for feeding behaviour studies using two 
methods namely, filter paper incorporated with extracts in petri dish ensemble, 
secondly incorporating the extract in artificial diet medium. The observations 
corroborated the findings of the study of LE 80 (a). This study is in progress. 
S.M. Samarasinghe, I.S.B. Abeysinghe and Vijaya Kumar 
(University of Peradeniya) 
LE 81 - Hapugastenne Estate, UWK Division 
Land preparation, planting, thatching, infiling, weeding, fertilizer appli­
cation and infilling of the experimental site were carried out. The experiment 
is of Randomized Block design with two replicates. The test clones include : 
TRI 4036,4004,4089,4003,4019,4046,4088,4053,4052,4020,4015,4024 
with TRI 2026 as the standard for comparison. The experiment is in progress. 
S.I. Vitarana, E.St.E.R. Perera and A.K. Premathunga 
5.0 Project: C/NEMA 
Project Leader: Susila I Vitarana 
5.1 Analytical services 
47 estate samples were analysed during the period under review. 5 let­
ters and 45 reports were sent out. 
D.D. Liyanage, N. Navaratne, B. Sureshkumar, U.B. Herath and 
G.P. Udumulla 
5.2 In-vitro culturing of nematoes - N288, N289 and N290 
Pure cultures of different species of tea nematodes are maintained in the 
laborataryfor detailed experimental work. Callus tissue of carrot tuber, callus 
tissue developed from excised root tips of corn and callus tissue developed 
from excised root tips of tomato are the media for R. Similis, P. loosi and R. 
reniformis respectively. The method adopted for P. brachyurus is the same as 
for P. loosi. 
N. Navaratne and U.B. Herath and Y. Konaratne 
7. Project: D/ENTO - Divisional Activities 
Project Leader: Sushila I Vitarana 
7.1.2 Biological Control of Tea Mites 
Properly designed trials in relation to dosages, times of release, radius 
of activity and their residual activity were carried out as follows 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 81 
E 272 - Lauderdale Estate, Rakwana 
To study the radius of efficacy of Phytoseiulus persimilis and 
Amblysius californicus on oligonychus coffeae. 
Monthly assessmnets were carried out and the data showed that there is 
no statistically significant difference between the different radii. It could be 
inferred that the migratory habits of the two predators are such that they could 
move to great distances so long as there are no physical barriers such as, ra­
vines, large foot paths, roads and streams. The experiment was terminated. 
S.I. Vitarana, A.K. Premathunga, E.St.E.R. Perera and H.D. Kumarasena, 
Superintendent, (Lauderdale - Deveronside Estates, Rakwana) 
E 273b Lauderdale - Deverenside Estate, Rakwana. 
To study the effect of Biological Control of Oligonychus coffeae 
using the predators phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblysius 
californicus, on productivity of tea fields during mite outbreak 
periods. 
Monthly field vield recorded by the Superintendent in the fields treated 
with the predators as well as the untreated fields over the period from 1981, 
were analysed. It was observed that there was a steady upward trend in the 
yield recorded since the present management took over in 1981. The yield 
increment was found to be even more after the predatory mites were intro­
duced and since the other agricultural factors remained constant during the 
period after their release and since there were heavy outbreaks of mites even in 
1996 in areas outside the expermental area the additional yield increment could 
be attributed to the activity of the introduced predators. The data was been 
referred to the Agricultural Economist for economic analysis. 
S.I. Vitarana, E.StE.R. Perera, A.K. Premathunga, S.B. Vitana and 
H.D. Kumarasena, (Superintendent 
Lauderdale - Deveronside Estates, Rakwana) 
7.2 Chemical Control of Scavenging Termites 
ME 07 - Duckwari Estate, Rangala 
Repeat experimentation to confirm the results of the experiment E268 
(where "Admire 200" at 0.50% dilution proved to be the best and effective 
upto 18 months from treatment) was carried out at the same site using the same 
plots but, identified under different number, "ME 04". "Admire", is compared 
as against chlorpyrifos and common salt which are known termiticides. One 
application of chemical treatments and monthly assessments were carried out. 
The experiment is in progress. 
S.I. Vitarana, S.T. Yatawatte, U.B. Herath, B. Sureshkumar and H.J.M. de Silva 
82 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
ME 08 - F. No. - 05C Hagalla Estate, MadulkeUe 
Chemical Control of Scavenging Termites 
The following treatments with an untreated control were applied in Au­
gust : T l - "Admire" 0 3 % solution, T2 -"Admire" 05% solution, T3 -
Chlorpyrifos 0 .1% olution, t4 - common salt of .0125% solution. All treat­
ments applied as soaking spray at the bottom of the bush covering 1ft up the 
trunk and a radius of 1ft from the base of the bush. 
The experiment is in progress. 
S.I. Vitarana, S.T. Yatawatte, S.B. Abeysinghe, U.B. Herath and 
H J .M. de Silva 
8.0 Unusual Pest Outbreaks, etc 
a. There were unusual outbreks of the Fringed Nettle Grub in sev­
eral fields of EI Tebb Estate. Chemical spraying had been carried out from 
May to end December. Investigations carried out showed that the activity of 
the parasite population was at a very low ebb. The reasons could not be 
illucidated. It was decided to monitor the parasite population next and under­
take chemical control if and when natural control factor is assessed to be 
independable, so that loss in crop could be minimized. 
b. Outbreaks of Tea Totrix and tea mites was generaley less than the 
previous years. One of the contributory factors is the intermittent rains experi­
enced in the pest prone areas during the usual dry seasons. 
c. Several nurseries were found to have been infested with nema­
todes. In almost all such cases the source of infestation could be traced back to 
the water supply. Contaminated water was being used either without sedimen­
tation or with ineffective sedimentation mechanisms. In-situ experimentation 
resulted in a method of eradication of such infestation adopting individual plant 
application of "Nemacur" granules. The dosages varied according to the de­
gree of infestation. This method would be recommended for eradication of 
nematodes in infested nurseries in due course. 
8.0 Miscellaneous work 
8.1 Directory of Tea pests : 
Comprehensive lists of all tea pests including those of animal origin, 
plant orgin (pathogens) and also, weed plants, their distribution in the tea pro­
ducing countries in the world, and their bio-control agents occuring in Sri Lanka 
were complied into one document for the use of the Steering Committee on 
National Plant Quarantine, Council of Agricultural Research Policy of Sri Lanka, 
(CARP). Copies of this document are deposited in the institute libraries at 
Talawakelle and Ratnapura and in the office of CARP. 
S.I. Vitarana, Lakshmie de silva, A. Balasuriya and G. PremauTake 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 83 
8.2 Seminars, symposia, Field days and Lectures: 
Mrs. S.I. Vitarana participated as a member of the Sri Lanka team, at 
the Technical Committee meeting of the International Standards organization 
(ISO) Sub Committee on Tea, held in February, in Colombo. 
Mrs. Vitarana addressed the RSC seminar in Kandy on the topic "Prun­
ing in relation to pest Management", in March. 
Dr. L.D. Amarasinghe and Mr. K. Thirugnanasuntharan attendd the two 
day symposium of Entmology working Greoup of the Department of Agricul­
ture held at HORDI, Gannoruwa, in August. 
Mrs. Vitarana participated at a training programme conducted by the 
Bureau of Standards on "5S Programme" and delivered a seminar on 'Total 
Quality Management" for the benefit of the institute staff on world standards 
Day, 14th October. 
Mrs. S.M. Nagahaulla and Mrs. S.B. Vitana were nominated into a ento­
mological taxonomy group which will function as a national service. They 
participated at two residential training programmes in Kandy during the course 
of the year. 
Dr. L.D. Amarasinghe, Miss. S.M. Samarasinghe, Mrs. S.I. Vitarana and 
Mr. K. Thirugnasuntharan participated at the biannual meeting of the particpants 
of the SAREC Biochemical Pest Control Project, at thelnstitute of Fundamen­
tal Studies, Kandy, in July. 
Entomologist 
PLANT PATHOLOGY DIVISION 
Acting Head - A. Balasuriya 
1. General 
A. Balasuriya continued bis Ph.D studies at Peradeniya University. Mr 
T.S. Gunasekara did not return after completing post graduate studies in the 
U.K. Staffing was at only 50% of the establishment throughout the year. 
An undergraduate trainee, Ms V. Krishnapillai from the Faculty of 
Agriculture, University of Jaffna, completed a project entitled, 'Two wood-rot 
causing fungi in Tea (Camellia sinensis) and some of their biological aspects", 
spending a little over six months, starting in January. 
N D T t ra inees , Ms C.R. Nakandala (NDT, Kul iyapi t iya) , 
Mr D. Weeratunge, Ms S. Priyalakshie, Ms K.H.A.D. Kumari and Ms R. 
Krishnawathany (NDT, Ampara) each completed a four-month training period 
in the division during the year. Ms H.W. Prabha Kumari and Ms D.G.G. Janakie 
(NDT, Kuliyapitiya), commenced their training in December. 
2. Project: D/PLPA - Divisional Activities 
Project Leader - A. Balasuriya 
2.1. Leaf Diseases 
2.1.1. Blister Blight 
2.1.1.1. P/BB1/97 - Collaborative studies with advisory staff on the control of 
the disease. 
Hantana, Passara and Deniyaya sub-stations were earmarked for this study. 
In Hantana, the plots were marked and waited for the blister to set in. Since 
the blisters were not found until early December, this study had to be postponed. 
2.1.1.2. P/BB2/97 - Fungicide screening trial, Field No.7, St. Coombs. 
Altogether, 9 rounds of spraying and 18 Blister Blight assessments were 
undertaken in this trial, from end July to end November, 1997. The assessments 
were based on infected third leaf counts of 100 shoots (three leaves and a bud) 
in each plot. The first four counts did not produce consistent results due to 
erratic weather patterns. This behavior was continued upto 12th August, one 
week after spraying the first round. The results of subsequent 15 rounds are 
presented in Table 1. In this, 14 assessments gave 50% or more control of 
blisters with all the treatments. All the products compared well with standard 
Baycor. Both Bumper and RH 7592 at double the concentration gave better 
control. But during the season since the aim was to maintain blisters below 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 85 
35% infection level, the lower rates should be sufficient. This will also ensure 
minimum residue levels in the made tea which is of prime importance. 
Treatments; 
l.Baycor (BC) 5 ml/101 of water / 85 ml/1701 of water ha"1 
2.Calixin (CX) 7 ml/101 of water / 120 ml/1701 of water h a 1 
3.Bumper (BM) 6 ml/101 of water / 100 ml/1701 of water ha"1 
4.Bumper (BM) 12 ml/101 of water / 200 ml/1701 of water ha"1 
5.RH 7592 6 ml/101 of water / 100 ml/1701 of water ha"1 
6.RH 7592 12 ml/101 of water / 200 ml/1701 of water ha"1 
In addition, unsprayed plants from the adjoining area were assessed and 
appear as the control below. 
TABLE 1 .Percent shoots with infected third leaf, after treatment with different 
systemic fungicides in comparison with unsprayed control 
Date 12/8 22/8 27/8 03/9 10/9 17/9 24/9 01/10 
Week a.s. 1 2 1 2 3* 1 2 1 
Baycor 5ml 89.5 48.3 36.7 53.5 33.5 29.5 8.3 18.5 
Calixin 7ml 92.2 39.8 49.0 23.8 32.5 31.3 7.3 10.8 
Bumper 6ml 85.5 40.0 28.5 33.0 30.8 28.8 9.5 16.3 
Bumper 12ml 70.1 18.3 24.0 14.8 31.1 27.5 6.0 5.5 
RH 7592 6ml 88.7 24.5 46.8 33.3 24.5 29.5 8.5 17.9 
RH 7592 12ml 88.2 18.3 42.1 32.3 18.2 16.5 4.8 11.9 
Control 97.0 87.0 94.0 89.0 83.5 69.5 40.0 34.0 
Date 08/10 15/10 22/10 29/10 05/11 12/11 19/11 
Week a.s. 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 
Baycor 5ml 14.5 18.2 12.2 19.0 14.0 18.8 18.8 
Calixin 7ml 29.0 31.5 21,3 25.8 15.5 24.8 27.0 
Bumper 6ml 22.0 14.8 22.5 16.3 17.7 12.0 11.3 
Bumper 12ml 24.3 11.2 7.8 7.8 13.3 11.8 10.5 
RH 7592 6ml 18.5 15.0 8.8 34.0 13.8 11.5 13.5 
RH 7592 12ml 11.8 16.0 8.5 27.8 10.5 13.0 13.3 
Control 59.5 66.8 87.5 50.0 57.0 57.5 75.0 
3* weeks after spraying, extended to the 3rd week due to sun-shine 
Angular Transformed data of the values in Table 1 were used to find the 
statistical significance of the results of individual treatments (Table 2). 
Considering Baycor at (85ml/1701) as the standard, both Bumper and RH 7592 
at 12 ml/101 of water performed significantly better. By successful control of 
the disease i.e. maintaining the infections below 35%, it should be possible to 
achieve a similar level of control by using Calixin at 7 ml, Bumper at 6 ml and 
RH 7592 at 6 ml per 101 of water, because, these were not significantly different 
from the standard Baycor. 
86 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 2. Comparison of two new systemic fungicides with Baycor and 
Calixin in the control of Blister Blight (Angular Transformed data) 
(selected dates only) 
Date 12/8 20/8 10/9 22/10 19/11 
Weeks a.s. 1 2 3* 2 2 
Baycor 5ml 75.1 43.6 32.8 20.5 25.2 
Calixin 7ml 75.0 38.7 33.8 27.0 33.5 
Bumper 6ml 68.0 38.9 31.6 28.2 18.9 
Bumper 12ml 53.8 25.0 31.6 16.0 18.8 
RH 7592 6ml 71.5 29.4 32.7 17.0 21.3 
RH 7592 12ml 70.6 25.1 23.7 16.7 20.5 
SE(mean) (15) 13.2 26.6 13.3 16.8 23.6 
LSD, P<0.05 11.2 11.0 5.1 4.3 6.7 
* - 3 weeks after spraying, extended to the 3rd week due to sun-shine 
A. Balasuriya, D. Pallemulla, N. Karunatillake, and A. Ratnayake 
2.1.1.2. P/BB3/97 - Re-evaluation of Cu fungicide dosage rates for the control 
of Blisters in tea nursery (StCoombs). 
This study was undertaken from September to November in order to re­
evaluate the dosage rates of Cu fungicides, used in the control of blisters in the 
nursery. 
Three groups of the fungicide were used, namely; Oxide, Oxychloride 
and Hydroxide. The rates were based on current recommendations and the 
expected solubility of the chemical group. Each group was tested at three 
appropriate concentrations (Tables 3), on two different clones; TRI 3025 and 
TRI 4050. 
This study revealed that all the treatments provided excellent control of 
the disease when sprayed at weekly intervals. When the infection level in the 
controls (non-sprayed) was 69%, the maximum recorded in any of the treatments 
was 8% while the minimum control achieved was 2% (Table 3). 
Along the three products, CuO (oxide) ranked the best closely followed 
by Cu(OH) (hydroxide) and CuOCl (oxychloride). Considering different 
concentrations, CuO at 140g, CuOCl at 90g and Cu(OH) at 80g performed 
best within each group. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 87 
TABLE 3 - Percent infection of plants with blister treated with different 
concentrations of three copperfungicides, diluted in 451 of water 
Treatment level of % plants infected 
infection (transformed date)* 
Control 0.69 0.66 g 
CuOlOOg 0.08 0.62 b 
CuO120g 0.06 0.60 b 
QiO140g 0.02 0.55 cd 
CuOCl 90g 0.04 0.67 a 
CuOCl HOg 0.05 0.54 a 
CuOCl 130g 0.05 0.40 f 
Cu(OH) 2 80g 0.03 0.51 e 
Cu(OH) 2 lOOg 0.03 0.56 c 
Cu(OH) 2 120g 0.05 0.004 
In the second column, data followed by same letter are not significantly 
different at P<0.01, by DMRT. 
A. Balasuriya and N.K.Karunatillake 
P/BB4 - Control of Blister Blight using house-hold salt, NaCl 
(St. Coombs - Field 9); 
Objective: There is speculation that the ordinary salt (NaCl) can be used to 
control Blister Blight with some success. This is being already practiced by 
some growers. Our aim was to establish this, and quantify same. 
NaCl, at three concentrations (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0%) were tested along with 
the standard copper (Perenox). This trial was concluded in 1996 and the percent 
infection levels with different treatments were discussed in the 1996 Annual 
Report. It was observed that, NaCl at 5% level, resulted in comparable control 
of Blister Blight infections similar to Perenox (CuO). 
The analysis of leaf and soil for residual Na indicated that up to seven 
rounds of weekly spraying with NaCl (not shown in the Table 4), there was no 
significant difference among any of the treatments. However, from the 8th 
round onwards, significant differences were found specially at 2.5 and 5% 
concentrations of NaCl applications. What is of most significance is the higher 
levels of Na recorded on mature leaf and soil. Though there are no critical 
levels of Na established for these parameters, one has to be cautious in resorting 
to continuous use of NaCl. Since this would allow one to use NaCl up to about 
seven rounds per season there seem to be some promise in this, as an option to 
the standard fungicide sprays. 
gg ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 4 - Levels ofNa in leaf(%) and in soil (ppm) after 8, 9 and 10 rounds 
of spraying (% transformed data) 
Treatment 14th October 21st October 28th October 
Flush M.leaf Flush M.leaf Flush M.leaf Soil 
Perenox 0.262 0.275 0.314 0.254 0.255 0.249 76.3 
NaCl 1.0% 0.298 0.310 0.281 0.273 0.281 0.293 82.3 
NaCl 2.5% 0.315 0.338 0.299 0.303 0.308 0.365 81.7 
NaCl 5.0% 0.352 0.445 0.309 0.315 0.252 0.394 91.0 
Mean 0.307 0.342 0.301 0.286 0.274 0.325 82.8 
Signific. * NS NS * * ** * 
LSD P=0.05 0.048 0.038 0.039 0.032 7.0 
CV% 7.9 6.7 7.1 5.0 4.2 
A. Balasuriya, N.K. Karunatillake and G.P. Gunarathne 
Efficacy of NaCl (household salt) in the control of Blister spore germination, 
in-vitro. 
For a more detailed examination of the mechanism of control by NaCl as 
treatments, same concentrations of NaCl treatments were used on PDA agar 
plates to germinate Blister Blight spores. The same four treatments as above 
were mixed with PDA agar prior to pouring them. Freshly formed blisters 
were suspended above these plates under a bell-jar. The spore count and the 
number of spores germinated were recorded respectively 24 and 48 hours after 
setting up of the experiment. 
Compared with the control (plain PDA medium), there was only a marginal 
decrease in the percentage germination of blister spores at 1% NaCl, 
concentration. NaCl at 2.5 and 5% and Perenox equivalent to standard rates, 
completely inhibited spore germination (Table 5). This further supports the 
potential of NaCl to control Blister Blight disease. 
Table 5 - Spore count and the percent germination of blister spores on the 
culture plates in response to NaCl. and Perenox 
Treatment Spore count No. germinated Germination' 
Control 168 161 96.7 
(76-308) (75-308) (92.6-100) 
NaCl @ 1.0% 496 453 91.1 
(235-833) (219-789) (88.1-96.3) 
NaCl @ 2.5% 338 0 -
(204-581) 
NaCl @ 5.0% 335 0 
-
(182-510) 
Perenox (Cu) 300 0 
-
@ 0.3% (106-519) 
A. Balasuriya and N.K. Karunatillake 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 89 
Stem Diseases - Wood Rot 
Hypoxylon Wood Rot : 
P/WRH4 (Nuwara Eliya Estate - Oliphant Division) - Observational experiment 
on training of the bush frame; 
Objective: To discourage any shoots arising at or near ground level of the 
bush, by periodic removel of same, when they are still tender. The aim is to 
maintain a clearance from ground to the branching off point (neck effect), so 
that in the event of future infection by Hypoxylon, the total infection could be 
removed from the bush through what is known as rejuvenation pruning. 
This is on-going. Several visits were made during the year in order to 
remove any new basal shoots emerging at the collar region. 
Connected activities; 
Ms V. Krishnapillai studied the growth characteristics of Nemania diffusa 
and Tunstallia aculeata with different C source in the growing medium, with 
different C:N, C:P, C:K, C:Ca and C:Mg ratios of the medium, at different pH 
of the medium, at different T of the environment. Biochemical tests were 
undertaken to assay the kind of enzymes produced by these two fungi. 
Several samples of live specimens were sent to Washington State 
University (on personal basis) for the confirmation of the causal organism. 
This was identified to be Nemania diffusa (Synonym - Hypoxylon vestitum) 
Some fungal cultures isolated from wood-rot association were identified 
at the IMI of UK. They were; Fusarium oxysporium, F solani, Gliocladium 
roseum, Pestalotiopsis guepinii, Myrothecium roridum, Hymenomycetes sp. 
Dissemination of disease in the field; 
This study was undetaken in Diyagama West and Nuwara Eliya Estates 
with a view to establishing the possibility of spreading the disease through 
pruning knives in the form of contaminants. The fungus was isolated on PDA 
medium by using smears (cotton swabs) from the blade of pruning knife. The 
number of colonies were counted in the Diyagama West estate are presented in 
Table 6. This showed that the fungus can actually be transmitted through the 
blade of pruning knives. There were 17 Hypoxylon positive isolates from a 
total of 18 colonie obtained. 
90 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Table 6 - Results of pruning knife contamination experiment, with Hypoxylon 
Treatment Total no. of No. of positive 
Colonies Hypoxoylon colonies 
Control 3 1 
Plate 1 3 3 
Plate 2 3 2 
Plate 3 3 3 
Plate 4 3 3 
Plate 5 3 4 
Plate 6 3 2 
Effect of wood extractives on the growth of N. diffusa and T. aculeata; 
Repeated the experiment with extractives using four different clones; 
HS 10, Walaha Yellow (resistant) and PK 2, K 145 (susceptible). They were 
incorporated to the PDA medium at 50, 100 and 150 ppm for testing growth 
response of Hypoxylon. The fungus responded with significant differences in 
response to different treatment combinations. However, no particular trend 
was seen on account of resistant and susceptible clones. Therefore, it is likely 
that the biochemical extractives of respective clones are not influencing the 
susceptibility/resistance of them to Hypoxylon wood rot disease. 
A. Balasuriya and A. Ratnayake 
Biological control of Nemania diffusa; 
Aspergillus niger and a bacterium (contaminant) found to effectively 
suppress the growth of this fungus very strongly. 
Presented an abstract paper and a poster at the annual research sessions 
of the Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya and at the annual reseach 
sessions of the University of Peradeniya respectively on the latest findings 
about Hypoxylon wood rot. 
General Wood rot 
P/WRG2 (UH) - Chemical control of Wood Rot Using Systemic Fungicides 
and Protective Paints, at two levels of 'K' fertilizer. 
Objective; 'K ? is known to help, in tissue build up of woody plants. This 
phenomenon is tested here to control the General Wood Rot condition, in 
combination with systemic fungicides and protective paints. 
This trial was discontinued after the final assessment of wood rot in 
January 1997. The following treatments were imposed in this study; 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 91 
M l M2 
1994 1996 % Diff. 1994 1996 %Diff. s.e.* 
SI 347 363 16 463 536 73 22.6 
S2 377 330 (47) 359 369 9 
S3 333 342 9 349 382 33 • 
S4 291 377 86 384 439 56 
S5 372 472 100 339 401 62 
s.e.* 35.3 50.1 
* the standard errors indicated are only those of the changes in rotted areas 
from 1994 to 1996. 
A. Balasuriya, D. Pallemulla and A. Ratnayake 
The data of this experiment were analysed by coveriance analysis 
procedure, using 1994 (initial) values as the coveriate. Individual treatments 
or their interactions did not show any significant effect (Table 7). Since, we 
had taken extra precaution in cleaning up all the rotted meterial from all 
individual bushes, one could argue that the through cleaning alone could help 
in containing general-wood-rot situations when they are in an advanced stage. 
This field had been planted with seedlings in the year 1922 and therefore, 
approximately 75 years old. As a result we had to depend on highly variable 
wood rotted patches as they occurred naturally. This invariably resulted in 
high CV values (44.0 -51.1%). This may have obscured some treatment effects. 
However, according to the third column (Table 7) the highest percent increase 
(46.5%) in the area due to wood rot was with MlxS4 and the least (1.6%) with 
MlxS3. When the individual treatments were considered the best performance 
(an actual reduction) was seen with S2 (Cyproconazole spray) closely followed 
by S3 (RRI protective paint.) 
Main Plots 
M l - Standard rate of 'K' 
M2 - Double the standard rate of 'K' 
Sub Plots 
51 - Tebuconazole (Folicur) spray 
52 - Cyproconazole (Atemi) spray 
53 - RPJ protective paint 
54 - Baycor 3PA protective paint 
55 - Control (no spraying, no protective painting) 
Table - 7 Area of wood rot (cm2) patche and their increse (decrease) from 
1994 to 1996, under different treatments 
92 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
A protective paint such as Baycor 3PA, has better lasting properties. 
Therefore, when partially cleaned wounds are painted with a similar paint there 
is a possibility that some of the microorganisms responsible too get protected 
within the infected woody material. Well-protected from outside agencies such 
organisms may be able to do more damage. Therefore the highest amount of 
damage was observed with Baycor 3Pa treatment. On the other hand a paint 
like RRI-bitumen mixture which does not last equally well, must be only 
protecting the wound initially from the elements of environment. With passage 
of time they develop cracks which would not help in securing a profitable 
ecological niche for the proliferation of the microbial activity. While this is 
happening the individual bushes too support the healing process with their 
inherent capacities to callus over and repair (as seen in this experiment) some 
of the damage. Arguably, Cyproconazole spraying could be effective in 
containing general wood rot to some extent. 
Low Country Stem Canker 
P/CANK1/97 (St. Joachim) - Screening line for resistance in lowcountry stem 
canker in the plant breeding trials. 
This series of evaluations were done on 584 lines in 1113 replicates. 
The number of plants in each replicate was variable being 5, 7 and 10. The 
following key was used in assessing the degree of severity of canker in each 
individual clone; 
0 - No sign of cankers 
1 - One or two small cankers 
2 - Several small cankers 
3 - Few large cankers 
4 - Cankers spreading to the base of plant 
5 - Dead due to canker 
The values obtained, were adjusted for the following considerations. 
a. For the healing capability of canker wounds; 
(Scores of 1, 2, 3 & 4 multiply by 0.6, 0.7,0.8 & 0.9 respectively) 
b. For the number of plants per plot; 
(Score multiply by 5 (ininimum plot size/actual no. of plants per plot) 
c. For the number of replicates per line/clone; 
(For replicate number 1,2, 3, & 4 multiply by 1.0, 0.9, 0.8 & 0.7 
respectively) 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 93 
Table 8 - Ranking and their respective numbers of lines / clones for the resistance 
/ susceptibility to low country stem canker. 
Series No. of No. of No. of lines in each rank 
Identification plots lines 1 2 3 4 5 
LVP-61 
Parambe, 11-12 21 12 - - - 2 3^  7 
Parambe, J1-J2 20 12 - 5 7 - -
LVP - 62 
St. Joachim, F1-F2 34 17 - - 3 9 5 
St. Joachim, H1-H2 14 7 - 1 - 2 4 
St. Joachim, XI-X2 14 7 - -• 3 3 1 
Non-replicated 7 7 - 1 - 6 
Balance 29 29 2 2 17 6 2 
LVP - 63 
Pettigala, A3-A4 110 55 1 6 14 19 15 
Pettigala, B1-B2 26 13 - 4 6 1 2 
Pettigala, E1-E2 106 53 - - 1 11 41 
L V P - 6 6 161 83 - - 20 39 24 
LVP - 67 209 105 - 4 • 28 32 41 
LVP - 68 149 76 - - 19 32 26 
LVP - 71 89 45 3 17 23 2 -
L V P - 7 2 124 62 5 16 28 6 7 
Total 1113 584 11 55 172 165 181 
Percentage 2% 9% 30% 28% 3 1 % 
A. Balasuriya, D. Pallemulla and A. Ratnayake 
Based on above adjusted averages (final disease scores) individual lines/clones 
were ranked for their resistance/susceptibility to canker disease as follows, 
Disease score of: 0 - 0 . 9 9 - Extremely resistant 
1-1.99 - Resistant. 
2 - 2 99 - Moderately susceptible 
3 - 3.99 - Susceptible 
4 and above - Extremely susceptible 
Accordingly, out of 584 lines examined (in 1113 plots), there were 11 
(2%) of them showing very good resistance anf 55 (9%) showing moderate 
susceptibility to low country stem canker disease (Table 8). 
94 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
P/CANK2/97 (St Joachim) - Use of systemic fungicide sprays for the control 
of low-country-stem-canker. 
This trial was started in St. Joachim estate, using a clonal multiplication 
^ area. Two TRI clones. 4047 and 4049 and two systemic fungicides, Baycor 
and Calixin at the rate of 0. . 1 % solution were used as treatments. After an 
initial assessment on the intensity of canker, two applications of fungicides 
were effected at two monthly intervals. Final assessment is due after two more 
applications of same fungicides.. 
SHB • Ambrosia control studies 
P/AMB3 (Passara sub station) - Efficacy of systemic fungicides as an indirect 
measure of controlling SHB damage 
Treatment& consisted of three rounds of spraying/drenching, followed by 
population counts through destructive sampling. The treatments were all 
combinations of: 
fungicide : Folicur vs Contaf 
Rates : 0. .05%, 0. .5% vs 5. 0% 
Method of application : foliar spray vs root drenching plus a control 
Design: Randomized Complete Block (RCBD),. two replicates, five plants per 
plot. ; 
This trial was completed in the first quarter and the results are given in 
Table 9. Similar to previous assessments there were significant effects on the 
recoverey of Ambrosia fungus on culture plate. Contaf (Hexaconazole) at 5.0% 
as a root drench being superior to the rest of the treatments. However this was 
not followed by any of the SHB counts.. A similar experiment with more number 
of fungicide applications was repeated at Hantana sub station on the request of 
IPM task force for the control of SHB. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 95 
TABLE 9 - Response or the Ambrosia fungus on the culture mediumand 
the SHB beetles to different systemic fungicide 
Treatments Ambrosia score SHB beetle counts Total 
No. galleries 
Original sqrt young new live 
1 9 3.01 11 12 18 12 
2 14 3.74 14 14 22 41 
3 6 2.41 6 7 12 10 
4 3 1.87 27 27 39 13 
5 14 3.81 14 13 23 12 
6 7 2.64 1 1 4 8 
7 5 2.21 10 9 15 12 
8 11 3.27 13 17 26 10 
9 9 2.90 11 10 17 8 
10 5 2.23 17 16 22 10 
11 10 3.16 19 13 27 3 
12 4 2.07 11 9 18 9 
13 0 0.71 19 11 26 13 
Mean - 7 2.62 14 12 20 13 
Signif.. * ns ns ns ns 
LSD (P=.05) 1.38 
CV% 24.3 
* transformed data square root (x+.5) 
Die-back in K 1 4 5 
A repeat study to confirm previous findings was initiated towards the 
end of the Year 
Biological control of cooch grass 
Identified a fungus causing a smut disease in. Panicum repens, to be 
Ustilago digitariae. Steps were taken to investigate the possibility of using 
this phenomenon to control this problem weed in future.. 
Mycorrhiza 
Written two articles for the Sri Lanka Journal of Tea Science with the 
data collected from recently concluded two trials. They are. EFFECT OF 
APPLICATION OF NPK FERTILIZERS ON THE NATURAL INCIDENCE 
OF VESICULAR ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA IN THE RfflZIOSHEREE 
SOILS AND FEEDER ROOTS OF TEA (CAMELLIA) SINENSIS)' and 
INFLUENCE OF MYCORRHIZA, SYSTEMIC FUNGICIDE 
(TEBUCONAZOLE) AND ADDED E' ON PHOSPOROUS UTILIZATION 
BY TEA (CAMELLIA SINENSIS)'. 
96 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
High Forest Problem 
Dr. Mike Deadrman of Reading University , during his visit shared our 
view of an involvement of a bacterium as a possible cause for the problem. A 
confirmation on this is awaited. 
This same problem was observed for the first time on Frotoft estate, 
Pussellawa on clone TRI 2025, about the same age. 
New Problems 
In Pedro Estate, a new problem of stem galling was found to be associated 
with the debilitated old seedling bushes. Sample were sent to UK, through 
courtesy, Dr Milk Deadman who was shown this problem. Preliminary 
investigations revealed it to be an ascomy fungus. Further identification is 
awaited. 
Leaf variegations on young, old and recovering bushes were reported 
from various parts of Up Country and Uva Estates. In Pedro estate it was 
possible to monitor this situation for period of time, and was found to disappear 
with the rains. This condition is normally associated with dry weather and 
therefore suspected to be influenced by high (UV) radiation. 
TRI Update 
Published two communications in the TRI Update. First of this was 
'WOOD ROTS - THORNY STEM BLIGHT OR HYPOXYLON ?," drawing 
attention of the estates concerned to the latest findings of this division and the 
second on 'WHY, RING-BARK SHADE TREES?' highlighting the salient 
features of this very useful operation.. 
Collaborative Research 
Corresponded with several estates on proposed collaborative research 
activities to be undertaken shortly. A selection experiment for the formation of 
callus was already started in Hapugastemme Estate, Maskeliya. With Frotoft 
Estate,, preliminary discussions were held and a proposal prepared for the 
Superintendent's comments. 
Discussions , 
Had a useful discussion on Blister Blight disease of tea with Dr E. Hamaya 
of Japan, when he visited Hantana. Mr Balasuriya also took part in a discussion 
with the CEO's of the Plantation Management Companies in Colombo by 
invitation. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 97 
Seminars / Lectures 
Mr Balasuriya addressed the RSC-IV,, Kandy, seminar on 'Pruning in 
relation to Wood Rot and Blister Blight, and RSC-I,. on the 'Control and 
Management of Blister Blight Disease', at the TRI auditorium. Mr Balasuriya 
also participated in RSC-I seminar on tea manufacture.. 
Participated in a seminar , conducted by Messrs Hiran Weerasekara 
(Harrisons), Upali Gangoda ((Heychem)) and Keerthi Liyanage (Finchem) on 
the safe handling of pesticides. 
Mr Balasuriya addressed the 6th Plant pathologists work group meeting 
of the Department o f Agriculture, held at Mahaillupplama 
All the staff of the division attended a series of lectures organised by the 
TRI. on ISO 9000 
Visitors 
Dr Mike Deadman of Reading University, UK, visited the division 
followed by a visit to the fields in High Forest and Pedro estates. 
The second year students of the Faculty of Agriculture (Peradeniya) 
visited the division on two days in four batches A group of 38, B. Sc Agriculture 
undergraduates from the Sabaragamuawa University and also a group of 
students from Agriculture school in Pelwehera visited the division. 
Capt. Migara Zoysa of Agalawatte Plantations spent a day to refresh his 
knowledge on tea disease control. Dr Kohler of Bayer, accompanied by 
Mr. Upali Gangoda of Heychem visited the division. 
Five trainee Assistant Superintendents underwent training on the 
diagnosis and the controlling of important tea diseases 
The following advisory visits were undertaken on the request of respective 
advisory officers in those regions: 
Dickwella and St. James estates in Hali Ela. on death of pruned bushes 
Several small holders in Kottawa, on Horse hair blight disease. Loinorn estate, 
on death of OST bushes due to Thorny Stem Blight Pedro estate on stem galls 
and leaf variegation problems. Wattegoda estate on a fairly heavy Phomopsis 
canker incidence. Small holder in Passara on Phomopsis canker disease. 
Campion estate on Hypoxylon wood rot incidence. Mountjean estate on a bad 
attack of Poria-root disease. Hapugastenne in Maskellya to start selecting from 
OST for Blister Blight resistance. Wewessa, Rookwood and Gonakelle 
estates, on non recovery of bushes and bush debilitation. Frotoft estate on a 
98 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
large area of non recovering tea bushes after pruning which was apparently a 
physiological problem, Two small holder properties in Sooriyagoda, on poor 
performance of certain clones (TRI 2023 ) and on Phomopsis canker. 
Acknowledgements 
The co-operation and the ready assistance extended to us by all estates 
during our numerous visits to their properties and particularly where the 
divisional experiments and detailed studies were undertaken, is gratefully 
acknowledged. 
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY DIVISION 
Acting Head - A.Anandacoomaraswamy 
1. General 
Ms.D.M.S.Navaratne completed the B.Sc examination conducted by 
the University of Peradeniya. Ms J.Mohotti returned to Rothamstead 
Experimental Station (UK) in July to complete the Ph.D.program.The 
following students from Faculty of Agriculture, of theUniversity of Peradeniya 
completed their final year projects in the division: Ms Shammalie Hewasinghe, 
Mr.D.K.C.Perera, Ms. P.Tennakoon, Ms L.Priyantha and Ms. Anjalika 
Balasingham. 
2. Studies on Photosynthesis and Dry Matter Partitioning 
2.1. Partitioning of assimilates in relation to aging of clonal tea in a 
pruning cycle, St Coombs Estate - (1992) 
The annual yield of clones TRI 2025 and DTI with age is presented in Table 1. 
TABLE 1 - Effect of age on yield(kg ha1) 
Clone 
Year from Prune 
2 
3 
4 
7 
LSD(P=0.05) 
CV % 15 8 
The seventh year yield was from January to April. There were no 1st 
year plants in the current year. Yield difference from the 2nd to the 4th year 
was not significant in both clones. 
V.Sithakaran 
TRI 2025 DTI 
2435 2488 
2823 2367 
2722 2175 
542 382 
440 201 
2.2. Effect of resting before pruning on root starch, TRI 2023 New 
Peacock Estate - (1995) 
The yield for the different treatments are presented in Table 2. 
TABLE 2 - Yield(kg ha1) 
Treatments 
One month resting 
Two month resting 
Yieldfkg ha1) 
2006 
2061 
100 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
There was no susbstantial difference in yield between the treatments probably 
due to the adequate root starch levels at the time of pruning. 
A.Anandacoomaraswamy and D.M.S.Navaratne 
2.4. Resting before pruning and root starch accumulation in tea (K145), 
Mattakelle Estate(Observation Trial) 
The plots were brought into plucking in Octber 96. The yield data for 
the first year is presented in Table 3. 
TABLE 3 - Tieldfkg ha1) 
Treatments Yield(kg ha1) 
One month resting 2364 
Two month resting 2348 
Yield marginally improved due to resting 
A.Anandacoomaraswamy and D.M.S.Navaratne 
2.5. Effect of levels of nitrogen on partitioning of assimilates in nursery 
plants (TRI 2025). 
Three levels of nitrogen (0, 52.5 and 105ppm) in Hewitt solution were 
tried. The Pmax, light use efficency and assimilates partitioning were 
determined. The critical level of leaf nitrogen was 2.9%. 
P.Tennekoon 
2.6. C 1 4 Studies 
Scintillation counter was repaired only in August. However, there were 
no studies conducted under this project. 
V.Shanmugarajah 
3 . Tea Physiology and Potassium Nutrition 
3 .1 . Effect of potassium on recovery from pruning, St Coombs Estate -
(1993) 
This experiment is in the final year of the current cycle. The yield is 
given in table 4. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 101 
TABLE 4 - Yield(kg ha') 
Main Treatments Sub treatments Yield 
(a) Pre - prune - 2:1 2404 
1:1 2460 
1:2 2598 
1:3 2911 
(b) Post - prune 2:1 2592 
1:1 2746. 
1:2 2461 
1:3 2590 
(c) Pre and Post-prune 2:1 2448 
1:1 2472 
1:2 2612 
1:3 2729 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 
CV % 9 
There was no significant difference in yield between the time of fertilzer 
application and different N:K ratios. 
V.Sithakaran 
3.2. Potassium nutrition on physiology of young tea (TRI 2025, DTI) 
Both clones had completed 12 months in the nursery. Photosynthesis and growth 
measurements were taken. Growth measurements are presented in Table 5. 
TABLE 5 - Growth measurements 
Treatments Height No of side Leaf 
shoots Area 
(cm) (cm) 
Clone TRI 2025 
1. Control(No potassium) 41.2 5 486 
2. Recommended level of K 42.0 4 587 
3. l/4th of recommended level of K 31.6 3 610 
4. 1/2 the recommended level of K 41.3 5 628 
5. Double the recommended level of K 44.8 5 507 
6. Treble the recommended level of K 46.8 6 . 769 
Treatments Height No of side Leaf 
shoots Area 
(cm) (cm) 
Clone DTI 
1. Control(No potassium) 38.6 4 343 
2. Recommended level of K 46.1 3 495 
3. l/4th of recommended level of K 43.9 5 385 
4. 1/2 the recommended level of K 50.2 5 431 
5. Double the recommended level of K 43.4 5 434 
6. Treble the recommended level of K 48.2 6 508 
102 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Clone TRI 2025 
Clone TRI 2025 showed better growth with respect to height, number 
of leaves produced, total leaf area and number of shoots produced at the 
highest level of potassium. 
Clone DTI 
Except for the height, plants of clone DTI also showed better growth 
at the highest level of potassium. 
V.Shanmugarajah 
4. Drought Mitigtion 
4 .1 . Drought mitigation in mature tea, (TRI 2025)- St Coombs Estate, 
(1995). 
The effect of spraying 'Green Miracle' - an antitranspirant on yield 
was evaluated in the mature tea plants. The yield is presented in Table 6. 
TABLE 6 - Yield(kg ha') 
Treatments Yield 
1. Control(Water spray) 5417 
2. Green MiracleQ %) 5555 
3. Green Miracle(l %) + 
Potassium chloride (1%) 
+ U r e a ( l % ) 5063 
4. Potassium chloride (1%) 
+ U r e a ( l % ) 4986 
LSD(P=0.05) 463 
CV% 5 
The effect of 'Green miracle' on yield was not pronounced probabaly due to 
the mild drought experienced during the early part of the year. The results 
also indicate that incorporation of potassium chloride in the spray solution 
reduced the yield. 
A.Anandacoomaraswamy and V.Sithakaran 
5. Effect of Retention of Crow's Feet (Mudichchis) on Yield of Tea 
(TRI 2025)- St Coombs Estate 
This experiment was repeated during the current year and the yield for 
the period from July - December is given in Table 7. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 103 
TABLE 7 - Yield(kg nor') 
Treatments Yield 
1. Retention of Crow's feet 1158 
2. Removal of Crow's feet 1168 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 
CV(%) 16. 
There was no significant difference in yield between the treatments indicating 
the removal of crow's feet does not improve the yield. 
A.Anandacoomaraswamy, A.Kathiravetpillai and V.Sithakaran 
6. Modeling Tea yield from Weather Data 
Intensive weather measurements using automatic weather sensors 
continued at St Coombs Estate, Court Lodge Estate and Uva High lands 
Estate. A tea model was built using MACROS at the Institute for Meteorology 
and Physics, University of Agricultural Sciences BOKU, Austria. 
A.Anandacoomarasamy, Josef EITZINGER and D.M.S.Navaratne 
7. Effect of Canopy Height on yield of Tea TRI 2025 - St Coombs 
Estate 
An experiment was initiated to investigate the effect of increasing 
canopy height on the yield of tea in mature plants. These plants were in the 
fourthjear of the current cycle. An average height difference of 18 cm was 
maintained between the two canopies. 
The yield is presented in Table 8. 
TABLE 8. Yield (kg/ha) 
Treatments Yield 
1 .Canopy height of 135 cm 2606 
2.Canopy height of 153 cm 2247 
LSD (P= 0.05) 303 
CV% 12 
A.Anandacoomaraswamy and V.Sithakaran 
8. Physiological and Morphological parameters associated with yield 
improvement in clonal tea in Up-country 
A study was undertaken to identify the important physiological and 
morphological parameters related to the yield improvement of up-country tea 
104 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
clones originated at different times. Clones used in this study were DTI , B 
275 (1950's), TRI 2025 (1960's), TRI3013 (1970's) and TRI4052 (1980's). 
Physiological parameters- Pmax (Maximum net assimilation rate), 
Efficiency of Photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and water use efficency showed positive 
correlation with the yield. Morphological parameters - specific leaf weight 
and internode length also showed similar correlation with the yield. The 
results suggest that these traits could be used in the nursery stage to screen 
the clones for yield improvement. 
A.Anandacoomaraswamy, S.P.Nissanka and D.K.C. Perera 
9. Seminars/Lectures 
1. A. Anandacoomaraswamy presented a paper on the 'Spacing of 
wind belts in tea plantations' at the E & E forum held on 23rd 
January 1997 
2. A. Anandacoomarasamy presented a review paper on 'Water use in 
Tea Plantations' at a workshop organised by Atomic Energy 
Authority held on September 5th in Colombo. 
10. Publications 
Eitzinger J and A.Anandacoomaraswamy (1997). Modelling the growth 
and Yield of Tea In the proceedings ofthe Second International Symposium 
on Mathematical modelling and Simulation in Agricultural and Bio-
Industries(Edited by Prof. I.Farkas) organised by Department of Physics and 
Process Control Godollo University of Agricultural Science, Budapest, 
Hungary. 
P L A N T PROPAGATION A N D P L A N T 
B R E E D I N G DIVISION 
Officer-in-charge - V.Shahmugarajah 
1. General 
Mr P.D. Upali was transferred back to Hantane with effect from February 
1. 
Ms S.K. Sathyapala resumed duties after successfully completing her Ph.D. 
programme at the Miyazaki University, Japan on March 31. 
Mr M. Ratnayake was awarded a Netherlands fellowship and followed 
the 27th International Course on Applied Plant Breeding from March 10 to 
June 21 . 
Mr H. Jayaweera, Experimental Officer of the Biochemistry Division was 
transferred to the Tissue Culture Unit of this Division and he assumed duties at 
the Tissue Culture Unit at Hantane with effect from May 2. 
Mrs M.T.K. Gunasekara resumed duties after successfully completing 
her Ph.D. programme at Southampton University, UK on December 22. 
Miss T. Kathiresampillai, a postgraduate student from the Botany 
Department of the University of Colombo carried out her project work on 
anther culture. Mr R. Paskarathevan, a graduate trainee continued his work on 
micropropagation. Miss S. Dhason, an undergraduate student from the Botany 
Department, had her vacation training. Three NDT students from the 
Kuliyapitiya Technical College completed their training and one from Hardy 
Senior Technical Institute commenced his training in this Division. 
2. Project A/CLON - The Development of New Clones 
Project leader - V.Shanmugarajah 
2.1. Polyclonal/Biclonal seed 
2.1.1. VP 52 - Evaluation of polyclonal seed from the seed gardens at 
Karandupona and Urumiwella - Field No.9 St. Coombs Estate, 
Talawakele- (1990) 
and 
VP 58 - Evaluation of polyclonal seed - Field No. 9, StCoombs Estate, 
Talawakele -(1991) 
Refer 4.2.13 and 4.2.14 under Phase I. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 106 
2.1.2. VP 64 -
2.1.3. VP 65 -
2.1AVP66 -
2.1.5. VP 78 -
Evaluation of polyclonal seed - Venture Estate Norwood (1992) 
Bushes are plucked by the estate* and due for selection in 1998. 
Evaluation of polyclonal seed - Carolina Estate, Watawala -
(1992) 
Cuttings from 117 selected bushes have been propagated in 
the TRI nursery for further evaluation. 
Evaluat ion of polyclonal seed. Luckyland Es ta te , 
Udapussellawa - (1992) 
Bushes have been pruned. 
Evaluation of Biclonal and polyclonal seed from El-Teb, Halpe 
and StCoombs Estates in Field No. 12, St. Coombs Estate, 
Talawakele (1996) 
Most of the seedlings planted died during the drought and the 
vacancies have been filled with clone TRI 3072. 
V. Shanmugarajah, M. Ratnayake, S.W. Gunadasa and 
B.A. Rathnaoda 
2.1.6. LVP 49 - Evaluation of polyclonal seed from Karandupona and 
Urumiwella seed gardens. St. Joachim Estate, Ratnapura -
(1991) 
Refer 4.1.15 and 4.2.15 under Phase I. 
2.1.7. LVP 53 - Evaluation of polyclonal seed on Hapugastenne estate - (1991) 
Bushes are plucked by the estate. 
2.1.8 LVP 69 - Evaluation of polyclonal seed from Karandupona and 
Urumiwela seed gardens in field No. 2A, St. Joachim Estate, 
Ratnapura-(1994) 
and 
Biclonal (DN x 2025) seeds from Hugoland seed garden in 
field No. 2A, St. Joachim Estate, Ratnapura - (1994) 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 107 
Parentage Yield 
K 2023 (polyclonal) 2701 
K DG 39 (polyclonal) 1706 
K 2016 (polyclonal) 1590 
2025 x D N 1517 
K 2021 (polyclonal) 1470 
2025 x DN 1412 
K DN (polyclonal) 1376 
K 2025 (polyclonal) 1253 
A.K.M. Jayasena, J.H.N. Piyasundara, M. Ratnayake, 
S.W. Gunadasa and V. Shanmugarajah 
2.1.9. VP 74 - Evaluation of biclonal seed from El-teb seed garden in Uva 
(DN x 2025) and polyclonal seed from Sapumalkande seed 
garden in Field No. 14, St. Coombs Estate, Talawakele - (1995) 
Plants have been allowed to grow freely. 
M. Ratnayake, S.W. Gunadasa, B.A. Rathnagoda, S. Umah 
and V. Shanmugarajah 
3. Controlled Hybridisation Experiments 
1. Crosses of 1980/1981 (see VP 39) 
2. Crosses of 1982/1983 (see VP 43) 
3. Crosses of 1984 (see VP 44) 
4. Crosses of 1985/1986 (see VP 45) 
3.1. VP 39 - Evaluation of seedlings obtained from the crosses of 1980/1981 
See VP 67, VP 70, VP 71, LVP 66 and LVP 72 (4.2.6,4.2.8,4.2.9,4.1.10 
and 4.1.14 respectively under Phase I) 
3.2. VP 43 - Evaluation of seedlings obtained from the crosses of 1982/1983 
See VP 72 and LVP 67 (4.2.10 and 4.1.11 respectively under Phase I) 
3.3. VP 44 - Evaluation of seedlings obtained from the crosses of 1984 
See VP 73 and LVP 68 (4.2.11 and 4.1.12 respectively under Phase I) 
3.4. VP 45 - Evaluation of seedlings from the crosses of 1985 
See VP 75 (4.2.12 under Phase I)
 : 
Yields of the seedling progenies of different sources, planted separately in 
blocks, are given in Table 1. 
TABLE 1 - Yields of the seedling progenies (kg ha~' an 1 ) 
108 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
General 
Interspecific crosses between Camellia sasanqua (seedlings) and diploids 
and triploids of Camellia sinensis were carried out. The number of flowers of 
C. sasanqua crossed with pollen from clones of C. sinensis and the percent 
fruit set are given below: 
C.Sasanqua fruit set per cent 
TRI 777 48 0.0 
D T I 29 10.3 
HS 10A (triploid) 160 7.5 
TRI 2025 32 15.6 
When Camellia sasanqua was used as the male parent and crossed with 
230 flowers of clone HS 10A (triploid), the fruit set was only 0.86 %. 
Self Pollination 
To obtain pure lines of some popular clones the flowers were bagged 
and allowed to self-pollinate naturally, but no fruits were obtained. The clones 
and the number of flowers allowed to self are given below: 
Clone No. of flowers 
TRI2024 103 
TRI 2025 10 
TRI777 50 
TRI 2043 50 
DT 95 75 
TRI 2142 10 
ASM 4/10 20 
S. Urhah, B.A. Rathnagoda and V. Shanmugarajah 
4. Testing of clonal progenies (Phase 1) 
4.1. Low country 
4.1.1. LVP 55 (LVP30/LC/I)-Evaluation of clones from Aislaby and Hugoland 
seed (LVP 30, Deniyaya - 1983) on Handford Estate, Deniyaya - (1991) 
Refer 5.2.3.under Phase U. 
4.1.2. LVP 56 (VP 37/LC/l)- Evaluation of clones from VP 37 (St. Coombs) 
in Field No. 5, St. Joachim Estate, Ratnapura (1992) 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 109 
4.1.3. LVP 57 (LVP 42/LC/l) - Evaluation of clones from polyclonal seed 
established on Parambe (LVP 42), in Field No. 5 St. Joachim Estate, 
Ratnapura (1992) 
4.1.4. LVP 58 (LVP 28/LC/I)- Evaluation of clones from Aislaby seed (LVP 
28,1983 StJoachim Estate) in Field No. 5, St. Joachim Estate, Ratnapura 
(1992) 
4.1.5. LVP 59 -Evaluation of clones developed from biclonal seed (2026 x 
DN) established on Pettigala Estate in Field No. 5, St. Joachim Estate, 
Ratnapura (1992) 
Promising clones of LVP 56,57,58 and 59 were propagated and a Phase 
JJ trial established (Refer 5.2.4. under Phase H). 
A.K.M. Jayasena, J.H.N. Piyasundara, S.W. Gunadasa, 
M. Ratnayake and V. Shanmugarajah 
4.1.6. LVP 61 (LVP42/LC/I)- Evaluation of clones from polyclonal seed 
established on Parambe (LVP 42), in Fields No. 2A & 5N St. Joachim 
Estate, Ratnapura (1993) 
The yields of the 20 highest yielding clones along with control clone TRI 
2023 are given in Table 2. The number of clones tested were 50. 
TABLE 2 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 ari-1) 
Clone Yield 
186 7514 
160 6624 
243 5951 
253 5883 
281 5864 
285 5585 
375 5464 
342 5320 
171 5226 
168 5213 
289 5080 
298 5003 
109 4996 
119 4858 
322 4786 
10 4752 
173 4614 
169 4556 
110 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
107 
66 
4481 
4446 
4437 
1202 
3330 
2023 (control) 
SE (1 mean) 
LSD (P=0.05) 
C V % 29.7 
4.1.7. LVP 62 (LVP 45 & LVP46/LC/I)- Evaluation of clones from polyclonal 
seed established on StJoachim Estate (LVP 45,1989 & LVP 46,1990), 
in Field No. 2A and 5N St. Joachim Estate, Ratnapura (1993) 
Of the 72 clones tested, seventeen clones yielded more than the control 
clone TRI 2023 and the yields are given in Table 3. 
TABLE 3 - Yield of clones (Kg MTha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
63 5516 
11 4426 
59 4349 
47 4090 
12 3855 
2025 (control) 3715 
13 3692 
64 3629 
23 3624 
49 3607 
52 3565 
54 3416 
51 3294 
55 3153 
72 3037 
36 2945 
2027 (control) 2715 
58 2703 
10 2668 
2023 (control) 2330 
67 2169 
70 2147 
53 1934 
30 1386 
SE(mean) 1102 
LSD (P=0.05) 3053 
c v % 40.3 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 111 
4.1.8 LVP 63 - Evaluation of clones developed from biclonal seed (2026 x 
DN) established on Pettigala Estate in Field No. 2A & 5N, St. Joachim 
Estate, Ratnapura (1993) 
The highest yielding clones along with the controls are given in Table 4. 
The number of clones tested were 52. 
TABLE 4 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
19/12 10397 
4/2 9106 
21/23 8744 
2023 (control) 6836 
8/9 6293 
30/7 6012 
19/1 5926 
1/2 5756 
8/8 5654 
2025 (control) 5545 
14/17 5477 
29/22 5409 
31/1 5409 
11/11 5387 
25/36 5193 
23/16 5174 
23/22 5173 
15/18 5131 
14/19 5097 
2027 (control) 4883 
SE (mean) 1213 
LSD (P=0.05) 3556 
c v % 32.4 
4.1.9. LVP 64 (ASM.INT.88/LC/I) - Evaluation of clones from ASM 1988 
Introduction seed in Field No. 2A, St. Joachim Estate, Ratnapura (1993) 
The yields of the 8 clones tested, along with control clones over 33 plucks 
are given in Table 5. 
112 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 5 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
11 
5 
5074 
4521 
4313 
4200 
4193 
3899 
3228 
2877 
2533 
2344 
1336 
333 
1049 
2023 (control) 
10 
12 
2025 (control) 
6 
19 
18 
16 
2027 (control) 
SE (mean) 
LSD (P=0.05) 
C V % 9.82 
4.1.10. LVP 66 (VP 39/LC/I)- Evaluation of clones from VP 39 in Field 
No.2A, StJoachim Estate - (1994) 
Yields of the seven highest yielding clones out of 78 tested, along with 
those of the controls are given in Table 6. 
TABLE 6 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
2026 (control) 6478 
2023 (control) 6016 
113 5665 
267 5115 
95 4847 
129 4665 
33 4431 
38 4292 
222 4123 
2027 (control) 4100 
SE (mean) 1005 
LSD (P=0.05) 2786 
CV % 33.0 
4.1.11. LVP 67 (VP 43/LC/I)- Evaluation of clones from VP 43 in Field No. 
2A, StJoachim Estate, Ratnapura (1994) 
Of the 106 clones tested, yields of thirty one high yielding clones along 
with the control clones are given in Table 7. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 113 
TABLE 7 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
814 7301 
2023 (control) 6003 
710 710 5032 
571 4539 
759 4480 
655 4440 
708 4399 
2025 (control) 4367 
679 4363 
626 4254 
757 4095 
709 3996 
554 3959 
628 3943 
840 3935 
769 3932 
685 3896 
627 3828 
621 3787 
661 3749 
612 3728 
657 3706 
624 3683 
588 3624 
770 3588 
768 3520 
504 3463 
763 3434 
557 3368 
745 3348 
702 3339 
735 3262 
744 3255 
2027 (control) 3239 
SE (mean) 1447 
LSD (P=0.05) 4009 
C V % 46.3 
4.1.12. LVP 68 (LVP 44/LC/D- Evaluation of clones from VP 44 in Field 
No.2A, StJoachim Estate (1994) 
Yields of the eleven highest yielding clones along with the control clones 
are given in Table 8. The number of clones tested were 74. 
114 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 8 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
1021 5323 
917 4639 
2026 (control) 4331 
930 4213 
1034 3959 
970 3958 
959 3919 
950 3878 
935 3753 
2023 (control) 3660 
2025 (control) 3599 
1037 3516 
912 3331 
952 3236 
2027 (control) 3082 
SE (mean) 499 
LSD (P=0.05) 1381 
C V % 18.8 
4.1.13. LVP 71 (LVP 45 and LVP 46/LC/I) - Evaluation of clones from 
polyclonal seed LVP 45 and LVP 46, in Fields Nos. 2A & 5N, St. 
Joachim Estate, Ratnapura (1994) 
Yields of the fifteen highest yielding clones out of 45 tested, along with 
those of control clones, are given in Table 9. 
TABLE 9 - Yield of clones (Kg ha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
3/12 6011 
6/28 5619 
11/46 5605 
4/40 5518 
15/40 5379 
4/16 5270 
14/52 5181 
5/38 5025 
1/9 4964 
6/38 4962 
14/51 4790 
5/35 4651 
6/2 4610 
7/33 4593 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 115 
2/13 4549 
2026 (control) 4514 
6/23 4486 
13/30 4423 
4/4 4371 
15/51 4354 
4/21 4334 
6/24 4281 
5/34 4270 
3/38 4196 
6/13 4092 
3/11 4018 
6/14 3932 
3/15 3774 
5/21 3731 
6/36 3721 
15/48 3706 
6/29 3666 
8/75 3567 
3/2 3556 
2/4 3375 
6/32 3172 
2027 (control) 3053 
SE (mean) 746 
LSD (P=0.05) 2066 
C V % 20.1 
4.1.14. LVP 72 (VP 39/LCfl)- Evaluation of clones from VP 39 in Field No.2A, 
StJoachim Estate, Ratnapura - (1994) 
Yields of fourteen high yielding clones along with the controls are given 
in Table 10. The number of clones tested were 62. 
TABLE 10 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
232 . 3712 
122 3448 
34 3321 
52 3285 
44 3244 
2023 (control) 3076 
76 2900 
20 2843 
112 2814 
57 2776 
181 2517 
116 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
2025 (control) 2403 
261 2387 
273 2306 
113 2283 
188 2217 
2027 (control) 2172 
V. Shanmugarajah, A.K.M. Jayasena, J.N. Piyasundara, 
M. Ratnayake, S. Umah and S.W. Gunadasa 
4.1.15. LVP 73 (LVP 49/LC/I) - Evaluation of clonal selections from 
Urumiwela and Karandupona (LVP 49) in Field No. 1, St Joachim 
Estate, Ratnapura (1996) 
The plants were centred twice at 30 and 40 cm (12 and 16 inches) in June 
and August and the fresh weight of the shoots removed were recorded. 
A.K.M. Jayasena and J.H.N. Piyasundara 
4.2. Upcountry 
4.2.1. VP 49 (VP 37/UC/I)- Evaluation of clones from VP 37 (St. Coombs) in 
Lamiliere Division, StCoombs (1990) 
Refer 5.1.3 under Phase n. 
4.2.2. VP 55 and VP 56 (VP 38/UC/I) - Evaluation of clonal selections from 
Aislaby, Hugoland and Hantane seed (VP38) in Field No.9, St. Coombs 
Estate, Talawakele (1991) 
Cuttings of 30 promising selections have been propagated in the nursery 
for a Phase II trial. 
4.2.3. VP 60 (VP 37/UC/I) - Evaluation of clones from VP 37 in Field No. 10 
St. Coombs (1992) 
Bushes have been pruned for propagation. 
4.2.4. VP 61 (ASM.INT.88/UC.1/D - Evaluation of clones from ASM 1988 
Introduced Seed. Field No. 10. St. Coombs Estate, Talawakele (1992) 
Bushes have been pruned for propagation. 
4.2.5. VP 63 (VP 37/UC-2.NOR/I) - Evaluation of clones developed from VP 
37 and from Aislaby seed. Venture estate, Norwood (1992) 
The bushes were pruned, weight of prunings recorded and cuttings have 
been propagated in the TRI and Norwood estate nurseries. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 117 
4.2.6. VP 67 (VP 39/UC.l/I) - Evaluation of clones from VP 39 in Field No. 
10, StCoombs Estate, Talawakele (1993) 
Of the 149 clones tested, the yields of the forty-two clones which yielded 
more than the control clone TRI 2025 are given in Table 11. 
TABLE 11 - Yield of clones (Kg ha"1 an 1 ) 
Clone Yield 
245 3892 
295 3631 
258 3487 
265 3473 
97 3456 
254 3337 
238 3302 
332 3271 
159 3192 
267 3165 
286 3088 
322 3061 
268 3045 
48 2993 
281 2986 
273 2964 
224 2950 
325 2902 
178 2887 
252 2878 
197 2857 
271 2840 
316 2819 
128 2815 
261 2809 
121 2778 
130 2749 
292 2743 
39 2716 
233 2703 
288 2679 
275 2653 
338 2648 
278 2648 
28 2634 
219 2628 
263 2608 
20 2606 
118 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
250 
165 
318 
277 
2601 
2587 
2569 
2558 
2528 2025 (control) 
4.2.1. VP 69 (ASM.INT.88/UC.2/I) - Evaluation of clones developed from 
ASM 1988 introduction seed in Field No. 10, St.Coombs Estate, 
Talawakele (1993) 
The yields of the clones along with the controls are given in Table 12. 
TABLE 12 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
23 3111 
24 3035 
Control 1 2723 
Control 2 2608 
5 2475 
34 2449 
14 2377 
Control 3 2335 
SE 395 
LSD (P=0.05) 1183 
c v % 29.6 
4.2.8. VP 70 (VP 39/UC.NOR/D- Evaluation of clones from VP 39 in Venture 
Estate, Norwood - (1993) 
The yields of the seven highest yielding clones out of the 50 tested, along 
with the controls, are given in Table 13. 
TABLE 13. - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 an-1) 
Clone Yield 
299 3121 
295 2805 
2025 (control) 2604 
278 2547 
46 2506 
38 2492 
303 2407 
49 2348 
N2 (control) 2365 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 119 
4.2.9. VP 71 (VP 39/UC.2/I) - Evaluation of clones from VP 39 in Field 
No. 14, StCoombs Estate, Talawakele (1994) 
Bushes have been brought into plucking. 
4.2.10. VP 72 (VP 43/UC/I) - Evaluation of clones from VP 43 in Field No. 
14, StCoombs Estate, Talawakele (1994) 
Bushes have been brought into plucking. 
4.2.11. VP 73 (VP 44/UC/I)- Evaluation of clones from VP 44 in Field No. 14, 
StCoombs Estate, Talawakele (1994) 
Bushes have been brought into plucking. 
4.2.12. VP 75 (VP 45/UC/I) - Evluation of clones from VP 45 in Field No. 14, 
St. Coombs Estate, Talawakele (1995) 
The plants were given a cut at 35 cm (14 inches). 
4.2.13. VP 76 (VP 52/UC/I) - Evaluation of clonal selections from polyclonal 
seed from the seed gardens at Karandupona and Urumiwella (VP 52) 
in Field No. 14, St. Coombs Estate, Talawakele (1995) 
The plants were centred in October and infilling was done. 
4.2.14. VP 77 (VP 58/UC/I) - Evaluation of clones from polyclonal seed from 
the seed gardens at Karandupona and Urumiwella (VP 58) in Field No. 
12, St. Coombs Estate, Talawakele (1996) 
The plants were centred in October and infilling carried out. 
4.2.15. VP 79 (LVP 49/UC/I) - Evaluation of clones from polyclonal seed 
from the seed gardens at Karandupona and Urumiwella (LVP 49) in 
Field No. 12, St. Coombs Estate, Talawakele (1996) 
The plants were centred in October and infilling carried out. 
4.3. Uva 
4.3.1. UVP 8 - Evaluation of clones from ASM 1988 Introduction seed from 
St. Coombs Estate, at TRI Uva station, Passara (1993) 
120 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Clone Yield 
2023 (control) 9433 
4042 9074 
4083 8096 
4014 7756 
2025 (control) 7088 
4075 7056 
4080 6862 
4046 6834 
4076 6669 
4015 5703 
SE (mean) 1011 
LSD (P=0.05) 3235 
C V % 21.9 
5. Clonal Trials (Phase II) 
5.1. Up country 
5.1.1. VP 41 and VP 42 - Testing 60 clones at St. Coombs Estate, Talawakele 
(1984) 
Shoots harvested from these plots were issued to Estates and 
Smallholders for establishing '4000' series multiplication plots. 
5.1.2. VP 62 - Testing ten 4000 series clones at S t Coombs Estate, Talawakele 
Plucking was discontinued and the bushes were pruned. 
5.1.3. VP 80 (VP 37/UC/n) - Evaluation of clones from VP 37 (St. Coombs) 
in Lamiliere Division, St. Coombs Estate, Estate, Talawakele (1996) 
The plants were centred in October and infilling was done. 
V. Shanmugarajah, M. Ratnayake, S.W. Gunadasa, 
B.A. Rathnagoda and S. Umah 
5.2. Low country 
5.2.1. LVP 43 - Testing 42 clones on Diyadawa Estate, Deniyaya (1990) 
5.2.2. LVP 60 - Testing eight clones at Golinda estate, Kegalle 
Yields of the clones along with the controls are given in Table 14. 
TABLE 14 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha-1 an-1) 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 121 
5.2.3. LVP 74 (LVP 307LC/TD - Evaluation of clones from LVP 55 in Handford 
Estate, Deniyaya at TRI Deniyaya station (1997) 
Promising clones from LVP 55 trial were propagated and planted in 
August. 
Number of clones - 35 
Number of plants - 24 (per replicate) 
Number of replicates - 02 
Control clone - TRI 2026 
M. Ratnayake, S.W. Gunadasa, V. Shanmugarajah, B.A. Rathnagoda, 
S.L.D. Amarathunga and J.A.S.K.V. Jayasinghe 
5.2.4. LVP 75 (LVP 56, 57, 58, 59/LC/II) - Evaluation of clones from LVP 
56, 57, 58 and 59 of Field No.5, St. Joachim Estate in Field No. 1 of St 
Joachim Estate, Ratnapura (1997) 
Promising clones from LVP 56, 57, 58 and 59 were propagated and 
planted in the field in July for further evaluation. 
Number of clones - 40 
Number of plants - 25 (per replicate) 
Number of replicates - 2 
Control clones - TRI 2023,2026,2027 
A.K.M. Jayasena, J.H.N. Piyasundara, M. Ratnayake, 
S.W. Gunadasa and V. Shanmugarajah 
5.3. Uva 
5.3.1. UVP 7 - Testing 38 clones at TRI Uva station, Passara (Pelagahatenne) 
Shoots harvested from these plots were issued to Estates and smallholders 
for establishing '4000' series multiplication plots. 
M.B.A. Perera and V. Shanmugarajah 
6. Evaluation of '3000' and '4000' series clones (Phase III trial) 
6.1. Up country 
6.1.1. VP 50 - St. Coombs Estate, LamUiere Division (1990) 
Shoots harvested from these plots were issued to estates and small holders. 
S.W. Gunadasa and V. Shanmugarajah 
122 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
6.1.2. Stockholm Estate, Nissanka Uyana (1991) 
The yields of the clones along with control clones are given in Table 15. 
TABLE 15 - Yield of clones (Kg MT h a 1 an 1 ) 
Clone Yield 
3020 5711 
3048 5360 
3016 5184 
3069 4607 
2025 (control) 4414 
DN (control) 3980 
3019 3826 
3017 3211 
3015 3098 
3013 3079 
3018 3024 
K145 (control) 3010 
3014 2907 
SE (1 mean) 1195 
LSD (P=0.05) 3683 
C V % 34.9 
6.1.3. Gordon Estate, Udapussellawa - (1991) 
The yields of the clones along with controls are given in Table 16. 
TABLE 16 - Yield of clones (Kg MT ha"1 an 1 ) 
Clone Yield 
3015 4061 . 
2025 (control) 3760 
PK2 (control) 3628 
3017 2865 
DT 1 (control) 2694 
3018 2613 
3016 2448 
6.1.4. VP 59 - St. Coombs Estate, Field No. 10 - (1992) 
Bushes were pruned to be used as mother bushes. 
6.1.5. Venture Estate, Norwood. Field No. 6A - (1993) 
Yields of the clones along with the control are given in Table 17. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 123 
TABLE 17 - Yield of clones (Kg MT h a 1 an 1 ) 
Clone Yield 
4071 3662 
2025 (control) 3285 
3069 3197 
3016 3139 
3073 2981 
4052 2551 
3019 2509 
4063 2459 
3072 2266 
4053 2032 
3020 1775 
3015 1753 
3018 1312 
3017 719 
6.1.7. Sheen Group, Pundaluoya. Field No.3 NC 5A - (1992) 
The yields of the clones along with the control are given in Table 18. 
TABLE 18 - Yield of clones (Kg MT h a 1 an 1 ) 
Clone Yield 
4078 6223 
4053 5676 
4083 5538 
4075 4940 
2025 (control) 4730 
3069 4606 
4079 4016 
4076 3477 
4071 3247 
4053 2682 
S.W. Gunadasa, M. Ratnayake, B.A. Rathnagoda, S. Umah 
and V. Shanmugarajah 
6.2. Uva 
6.2.1. Verellapatana Estate - Doomo Division - 1988 
The bushes are being plucked by the estate. 
6.2.2. Small Holdings in Bandarawela, Haliela and Boralanda (1992) 
Plucking was discontinued, the bushes were pruned and weight of 
prunings recorded. 
124 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
6.2.3. TSHDA - Hali-Ela (1992) 
Bushes were brought into plucking and plucking was continued by the 
TSHDA. 
M. Ratnayake, S.W. Gunadasa and B.A. Rathnaagoda 
6.3. Mid country wet zone 
6.3.1. Hantane Estate - (1991) 
6.3.2. Small-holdings in Ukuwela, Danture, Teldeniya, Dodanwela and 
TSHDA nuisery Muruthalawa. 
The yield of the clones at the TSHDA, Muruthalawa are given in Table 19. 
TABLE 19 - Yield of clones (Kg MT h a 1 an 1 ) 
Clone Yield 
4046 7366 
3018 6343 
4006 6468 
2025 (control) 5731 
3015 5615 
4042 5276 
3013 5147 
3020 4952 
3014 4742 
4053 4404 
3019 4159 
4047 3029 
SE 672 
LSD (P=0.05) 1890 
c v % 25.5 
V. Shanmugarajah, M. Ratnayake, S.W.Gunadasa, S. Umah, 
B.A. Rathnagoda and H.M.S.S.K. Herath 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 125 
6.4. Low country 
6.4.1. LVP 38 - Watapotha Estate (1988) 
The yields of the clones along with controls are given in Table 20. 
TABLE 20 - Yield of clones (Kg MT h a 1 an 1 ) 
Clone Yield 
4056 5315 
3020 4425 
4059 5278 
4054 5974 
DG 39 (control) 6602 
4055 6958 
4047 6453 
KEN 16/3 (control) 5935 
SE (mean) 418 
LSD (P=0.05) 1338 
CV % 17.5 
The bushes were pruned, weight of prunings recorded and the plots were 
handed over to the estate. 
V. Shanmugarajah, A.K.M. Jayasena, J.H.N. Piyasundara, 
M. Ratnayake, S.W. Gunadasa, B.A. Rathnagoda and S. Umah 
6.4.2. Smallholding at Dehiowita 
Yields of the eleven clones along with the controls are given in Table 21. 
TABLE 21 - Yield of clones (Kg MT h a 1 an 1 ) 
Clone Yield 
4006 7864 
4053 L 7530 
2023 (control) 7493 
4061 7234 
4033 6857 
2027 (control) 6845 
4055 6720 
2025 (control) 6581 
4059 6218 
4004 6082 
4049 5960 
4054 5676 
4048 4319 
4024 3748 
126 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
6 .43 . LVP 65 - StJoachim Estate, Ratnapura - Multiplication rows of 4000 
series and estate clones. 
Cuttings from these plots were issued to estates and smallholders. 
A.K.M. Jayasena, J.H.N. Piyasundara and V. Shanmugarajah 
7. Supply of clonal cuttings 
Cuttings of 3000 and 4000 series clones were supplied to estates and 
small holdings in the up-country, Uva, mid-country wet zone, and low-country 
for the purpose of establishing mother bushes and evaluation trials. The estates 
to which the cuttings were issued, the clones, and approximate numbers of 
cuttings issued are given below. 
7.1. Up country 
Estate Clones Shoots 
Attampitiya 3013, 3014, 3016, 
Ettampitiya 3019, 3020, 3035, 
4043,4044,4052 50 each 
4006,4070,4079 100 each 
4047 125 
4042,4046,4053, 150 each 
4071 200 
TSHDA 3020, 3047, 300 each 
Bandarawela 4006 200 
3049, 3052 150 each 
4071 800 
3072, 3073,4052 
4053,4079 500 each 
Frotoft 3046, 3048,4006 75 each 
Ramboda 3020, 3047, 3049, 
3072, 3073,4067, 
4071,4078,4079 100 each 
Liddesdale 3031, 3039, 3041, 
Nanuoya 4045 50 each 
3014, 3025,4042, 
4046,4070 150 each 
4040,4047 100 each 
4006 200 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Radella 3013,3014,3015, 
Nanuoya 3016, 3017, 3018, 
3019, 3048, 3052, 
3069, 3072, 3073 50 each 
3020 100 
4052,4053 ."• 200 each 
Mountjean 3013, 3014, 3020, 
Watawala 3069, 3072, 3073 50 each 
4006,4052,4053, 
4063,4071,4078 75 each 
Rappahannock 3015, 3016, 3017, 
Udapussellawa 3018, 3019, 3020, 
3025, 3069,4042, 
4043,4046,4070 50 each 
3072, 3073 100 each 
4063 150 
3013, 3047, 3069, 
3073,4052,4067, 
4079 200 each 
3014,4053,4071, 300 each 
Hope 4006,4042 50 each 
Hewaheta 4046,4047,4052, 
4070 100 each 
4071,4078 150 each 
4053 200 
Mooloya 4024 50 
Hewaheta 3049, 3072, 3073 100 each 
4006,4063,4067 200 each 
3046 250 
3013,3069,4053 300 each 
4052,4071 550 each 
~ 30T4T TWO 
4078,4079 650 each 
Robgill 3014, 3019,3020, 
Bogawantalawa 3046,3047,3048, 
4052,4071,4078 50 each 
4079 25 
3072, 3073 350 each 
128 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Binoya 'B ' 3013, 3014, 3015, 
Rozella 3016, 3017, 3018, 
Watawala 3019, 3020,4006, 
4083 50 each 
3069, 3072, 3073, 
4052,4078,4079 175 each 
3047,3049 75 each 
4053,4071 125 each 
4063 225 
Norwood 3048 400 
Norwood 3046,3069, 200 each 
3047,3072, 3073, 
4006,4063 300 each 
4052, 4053, 500 each 
4079 800 
Rockwood 3046,3048,3069 100 each 
Norwood 3047,4006 200 each 
4079 500 
New valley 3049,4079 200 each 
3052,4052 300 each 
Kelliewatta 4006,4052,4053, 
Parana 4067,4071 100 each 
4083,4085 25 each 
4063 50 
4078,4079 200 each 
Delta 3025 50 
Pupuressa 4006,4043,4046, 
4047,4052,4053, 
4071,4078 250 each 
3013, 3014, 3016, 
3017, 3018, 3019, 
3020,3072,3073 300 each 
Troup 4006,4052,4053, 
Talawakele 4063,4067,4071, 
4078,4079,4083, 
4085 100 each 
Helbodde 3013, 3014, 3015, 
Katukitula 3016, 3018, 3019, 
3020 200 each 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
4006,4042,4046, 
4047,4053,4071, 
250 each 
Downside 3013,3016,3017, 
Welimada 3018,3019,3031, 
3039,4042,4043 - 50 each 
4046,4052,4053, 
4079 ; 100 each 
4071.4078 225 each 
TSHDA 3020,4071 300 each 
Gampola 4006 200 
3049 150 
3052 100 
Ireby 3072,3073 500 each 
Norwood 
Diyanilakelle 4052 150 
Lindula 3072, 3073,4053, 
4071,4078,4079 100 each 
3016, 3017, 3019, 
4083,4085 50 each 
Morawakka Ella 4052 200 
4049,4054 50 each 
Prof. Sam Casie 3014, 3016, 3017, 
Chetty 3025,3049,3069, 
Hatton 4006,4042,4046, 
4052,4053,4071, 
4078.4079 50 each 
7.2. Low country 
Estates 
Aigburth 3014, 3041, 3052, 
Bulutota 3055, 3060,4014, 
4046,4047,4053, 
4055,4059,4061 50 each 
Kelani 3041,3046,3047, 
Yatiyantota 3055,3058,4014, 
4042,4046,4047, 
, 4 0 5 3 , 4 0 5 5 , 4 0 6 1 50 each 
130 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Geekiyanakanda 
Neboda 
Pelawatta 
Pelawatta 
Yataderiya 
Undugoda 
Keeragala 
Kuruwita 
Mohamadi 
Agalawatta 
Vogan 
Mattugama 
Pambegama 
Godagampola 
Hemingford 
Parakaduwa 
Katandola 
Elpitiya 
Hopton 
Sapumalkanda 
Deraniyagala 
3014, 
3055 
3041, 3046, 3047, 
3055, 3058,4002, 
4014,4047,4059, 
4061 
4004,4043,4052, 
4053,4054,4055, 
4061 
4042,4044,4046 
2027 
3046, 3055,4047, 
4053,4059 
2025, 3014, 3041, 
4049, 4061 
2027 
3055, 3060,4047, 
4049,4055,4059 
4048,4061,4062 
4014,4042,4044, 
4046,4047,4048, 
4056,4059,4061 
4062 
3014, 3025, 3041, 
3046, 3055,4047, 
4049,4059,4061, 
4062 
3041,4044,4046, 
4047,4053,4059, 
4061 
2027 
3025 
3047, 3055,4059, 
4061 
3025,4042,4043 
200 
25 
50 each 
50 each 
75 each 
500 
50 each 
100 each 
200 
50 each 
100 each 
50 each 
50 each 
50 each 
600 
100 
50 each 
100 each 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Smallholders 
TSHDA 3041, 3046, 3055, 
Kegalle 4061 200 each 
3014,4055 300 each 
3047,4049 50 each 
2025 1000 
2027, 3046 100 each 
3014,4061 100 each 
3025, 3052, 3058, 
4002,4042,4046 50 each 
Samitha Attigala 3014,3046 100 each 
3055 400 
Hewawitharana 2025,2027 200 each 
Pelmadulla 3047,3055,3060 50 each 
3014 100 
K.Suriyarachchi 2025 500 
Nugegoda, Ratnapura 
TSHDA, Matugama 3041,3055,4061 100 each 
3025, 3046, 3047 
4047,4049,4053 50 each 
LJ.Liyanage 2025 200 
Batuhena 3046 . 50 
W.Somasiru 3046, 3047, 3055 
Pelmadulla 4061 50 each 
3014,3025,3041 100 each 
Greenrock 2027,4059,4061 50 each 
Dehiowita 
D.Perera 2027 200 
Matugama 3014,3025 100 each 
K.B.Premathilaka 2025,2027 100 each 
Kuruwita 
Chaminda 
Kumaranayake 
Hidellana 
2025 500 
132 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Rajapaksha 
Ratnapura 
2027 
4042,4049 
500 
50 each 
Mahinda Liyanage 2027 
2025 
400 
100 
73. Mid - country 
7.4. Uva 
8. Seed Gardens 
Seed gardens in St Coombs and at Hantane station were used for 
controlled hybridisation. 
9. Divisional Activities 
Observation trial 
An observation trial was carried out to see the effect of different sizes of 
bags on the growth of the plants in the nursery. Along with standard size (9" x 
5" lay flat) bags of 4 1/2" x 5" (lay flat) were used. Better plant growth with 
respect to plant height, number of leaves produced and dry weight was observed 
with plants grown in smaller bags. Use of smaller bags helped save on soil and 
labour. 
Germplasm Bank 
Action was initiated to establish germplasm banks at the TRI stations at 
Ratnapura, Hantane, Passara and Talgampola. Bushes in the germplasm bank 
at the Head Office were pruned to supply cuttings to the above stations. 
At the low country station Ratnapura a germplasm bank was commenced 
by planting 50 clones (of the 2000, 3000 and 4000 series) initially. 
Canker Assessment 
With the help of Pathology Division staff canker assessment was carried 
out in all Phase I trials at the low country station, Ratnapura. 
Quality Assessment 
Flush was collected from some of the 3000 and 4000 series clones and 
supplied to the Biochemistry and Technology Divisions for assessment of quality 
of the made tea. The following are the estates and the clones used for the 
above assessment: 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 133 
Sheen Group, Pundaluoya - TRI 4052,4071,4078,4079 
Venture Estate, Norwood - TRI 3016, 3018, 3072, 3073, 
4052,4053,4063 
Stockholm Estate, Upcot - TRI 3015, 3016, 3018, 3019, 
3020,3048 
Large scale planting 
At Norwood estate 3900 and 2800 plants of clones TRI 3073 and 4006 
respectively were planted in August for evaluation. 
9. Project B/TC Tissue Culture 
Project Leader S.K. Sathyapala 
9.1. Development of homozygous plants through anther and pollen culture 
of tea. 
A project was initiated in collaboration with the JFS to investigate the 
crucial factors for production of haploid plants from anther and pollen cultures 
in tea and other Camellia species. 
Under this project the following aspects are being investigated: 
9.1.1. Effect of pre-treatments of anthers such as pre-treatment with colchicine 
lmg-lOmg, sugar starvation by dipping anthers in 0.3M-0.1Mmanitol 
solution, and exposure of anthers to 32-35EC heat for 3-5 days. 
9.1.2. Studies on the effect of different culture media (MS, B5 and N6) and 
plant growth regulators (2,4-D, IAA, Zeatin and BAP) on embryogenesis 
and callus induction in pollens. 
9.1.3. Effect of the genotype variations on induction of embryogenesis in anther 
cultures. Anthers of clones TRI 2025 and DG 7 and that of C. japonica 
are being used. 
These experiments are in progress. 
S.K. Sathyapala, H. Jayaweera, K. Sarathchandra, 
and M. Iqbal 
9.2. Induction of callus in different organs of tea, C.sasanqua and C. japonica 
and development of cell suspension systems for in vitro selection, 
isolation of protoplasts and somatic hybridization. 
It is well known that cell suspensions are ideal for isolation of protoplasts, 
in vitro mutant selection and genetic transformations. Further embryogenic 
134 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
callus and cell suspensions could be used for selection of stress-tolerant cell 
lines and subsequent production of drought and salt tolerant tea plants. To 
initiate embryogenic cell suspension the following experiments were 
commenced: 
9.2.1. Effect of the origin of callus on growth of the cell suspensions. 
Treatments: 
1. Stem callus 
2. Leaf callus 
3. Cotyledon callus 
4. Hypocotyl callus 
From each callus O.Sg was cultured in the liquid medium supplemented 
with 2,4-D and Kinetin. Every 10 days the cell suspensions are being 
subcultured and the following records were collected: 
Packed cell volume 
Mitotic index 
A similar experiment is being carried out with the C. sasanqua and 
C. japonica explants. 
9.2.2. Effect of different growth regulators on growth of the suspension cultures 
of TRI 2025 and C. sasanqua 
Treatments: 
1. 2,4-D lmg/1 and 10% coconut water 
2. 2,4-D 2mg/l and 10% coconut water 
3. 2,4-D lmg/1 and 0.5 kinetin 
4. 2,4-D 2mg/l and lmg/1 kinetin 
5. 2,4-D lmg/1 and 0.5 mg/1 IAA 
6. Kinetin lmg/1 and 0.5 mg/1 IAA 
The cell growth was measured by -
1. Packed cell volume 
2. Mitotic index 
These experiments are in progress. 
S.K. Sathyapala, T.M. Sarathchandra, P.D. Upali 
and H. Jayaweera 
9.3. Identification of contaminants in in vitro cultures of tea. 
A systematic study on the bacterial contaminants of tea tissue cultures may 
facilitate identification of the major systemic contaminants and their subsequent 
elimination. With this in mind, the following experiment has been initiated: 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 135 
9.3.1. Isolation and identification of major contaminants present in the initial 
stage of the different in vitro cultures of tea. 
The rate of bacterial contamination in different explants of tea grown 
under in vitro conditions is given in Table 1. 
TABLE 1 - Percent bacterial contamination 
Treatment No. of percent 
explants B.contamination 
Anthers 152 9.21 
Nodal explants 205 60.48 
Cotyledon 75 12.00 
Embryo 75 4.00 
Among four different in vitro cultures- anther, nodal explant, cotyledon 
callus and embryo, the highest rate of contamination was found in nodal 
explants. The other three cultures had significantly low rate of contamination. 
The isolation and identification of the contaminants and antibiotic sensitivity 
tests are in progress. 
S.K. Sathyapala and T.M. Sarathchandra 
9.4. Improvement of direct and indirect embryogenesis in different explants 
of tea and C. sasanqua 
Somatic embryogenesis is considered to be the most efficient means for 
clonal multiplication, somaclonal variation, artificial seed production and 
cryopreservation for the establishment of gene banks. A study was commenced 
to improve the rate of somatic embryo formation in different organs of tea and 
their development in to plantlets. 
9.4.1. Somatic embryogenesis in cotyledon and hypocotyl explants of tea and 
C. sasanqua 
The somatic embryos developed from cotyledon and hypocotyl explants 
of tea and C. sasanqua in MS medium supplemented with BAP and IAA have 
been transferred to the hormone-free MS half strength medium for further 
growth. Morphological characteristics of the somatic embryos in the 
germination medium are being investigated. 
9.4.2. Somatic embryogenesis in leaf explants of tea 
Leaf callus has been cultured in solid and in agitated liquid medium to 
induce the embryogenesis. The callus fragments in the liquid medium showed 
136 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
high potential for embryogenesis. The effect of plant growth regulators on 
direct embryogenesis is being investigated. 
Treatments: 
1. BAPlmg/1 
2. BAP lmg/1, IB A 0.1 mg/1 and Zeatin 0.2mg/l 
3. BAP 3mg/l,IBA0.lmg/1 and Zeatin 0.4 mg/1 
4. Zeatin lmg/1 and IBA0.1 mg/1 
Observations on embryo formation and organogenesis are in progress. 
9 . 43 . Somatic embryo formation in stem explants 
Pre-embryo formation was found in stem callus of clones TRI 2025 and 
TRI 4006 cultured in MS solid medium supplemented with BAP and NAA. 
However, most of the stem callus has shown a tendency to organogenesis. 
Further investigations to improve the embryo formation using different growth 
regulators are in progress. 
S.K. Sathyapala, P.D. Upali and T.M. Sarathchandra. 
9.5. A study on die-back of TRI 2025 at High forest Estate 
This study was initiated in collaboration with IPS to ascertain the cause 
for die-back of TRI 2025 plants in High forest Estate. 
9.5.1. About 300 plantlets of TRI 2025 were grown under in vitro conditions 
to be used in bioassay experiments on xylem sap of the affected plants. 
Treatments: 
1. Control - Inoculation of distilled water to in vitro grown TRI 2025 
2. Inoculation of xylem sap of the affected plants to in vitro plantlets 
3. Inoculation of xylem sap of healthy TRI 2025 to in vitro plantlets 
This experiment is in progress. 
N. Iddagoda, P.D. Upali and S.K. Sathyapala 
9.6. Implementation of embryo culture and micro propagation in the 
conventional breeding program. 
The selection and production of new clones by conventional breeding 
method takes about 15-20 years. From seed to mother bushes in the observation 
plots takes 6-7 years, but this may be reduced to 3-5 years by using methods 
of embryo culture and micro propagation. However, absence of selection criteria 
for in vitro cultures has hindered the application of this technique. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 137 
9.6.1. Development of selection criteria for in vitro growing plants 
A new study has been initiated to investigate the growth and performance 
of in vitro grown seedlings and their micropropagated plants to determine the 
selection criteria potential for use in the breeding program. 
Seeds of Poonagala estate seed bearers were planted in vitro and in sand 
beds to obtain seedlings. The following growth assessments were monitored 
for embryo cultures: 
Length of the shoot 
Length of roots 
Plant height 
Number of leaves per plant 
Number and length of internodes 
Plant vigour 
Except for the length of the roots, the other growth assessments will be 
monitored for the seedlings raised in sand beds. 
9.6.2. Application of embryo culture to wide hybridization of tea and other 
Camellia species for selection. 
To obtain seeds for embryo cultures, controlled hybridization was carried 
out between china jat plants and TRI 2025. Embryos of seeds from crosses of 
C. sasanqua and C. sinensis were cultured in vitro and morphological attributes 
of these embryos are being investigated. 
These experiments are in progress. 
S.K. Sathyapala and P.D. Upali 
9.7. Studies on the field performance of tissue cultured plants, 
9.7.1. Micropropagation of clones for field evaluation 
Clones TRI 2025,4006,4053 and DG7, are being micropropagated for 
comparison of their performance with the vegetatively propagated plants of 
the same clones in the field. 
This study is in progress. 
T.M. Sarathchandra, P.D. Upali, H. Jayaweera 
and K. Sarathchandra 
138 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
9.7.2. Somaclonal variation among the field planted tissue cultured tea plants 
at Hantana and StCoombs Estate 
Periodic growth assessments of in vitro grown clone TRI 3031 are being 
carried out to determine somaclonal variation among tissue cultured plants. 
The growth parameters such as yield, shoot growth, fresh and dry weight are 
being monitored. 
This experiment is in progress. 
S.K. Sathyapala and P.D. Upali 
9.7.3. Micropropagation of other trees found in tea plantations 
After acclimatization in the green house, 15 in vitro grown Eucalyptus 
plants were planted in the field at Hantana substation. This experiment was 
terminated with effect from November 20 after perfecting a method for micro 
propagation of Eucalyptus. The original Eucalyptus plants were a gift from 
Australia in 1993. 
S. K. Sathyapala and P.D. Upali 
11. Visitors 
Dr P. Huxley, Director, ICRAF, Nairobi visited the lab, seed bearer area, 
original bushes of the 2000 series clones and the nursery 28th May. 
Capt. Migara de Zoysa, Direcor, Chilaw Plantations Ltd. visited the 
Division and had discussions on various aspects of development of clones and 
on the clones suited for different regions on 4th June. 
Prof Dennis A. Baker, Head, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Wye College, 
University of London visited the lab November 24. 
Students from Peradeniyajiastem and Sabragamuwa Universities visited 
the Division and the nursery. 
Six Assistant Superintendents from various estates were in this division 
on a familiarisation programme. 
12. Seminars/ Training Programmes/ Meetings 
Mr V. Shanmugarajah was a member of the team that participated in 
discussions with the following: 
CEO's of the Plantation Management Companies held at the CFC 
auditorium, Colombo (March 8th). 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 139 
Members of the RSC I, Nuwra Eliya on "Clones for Nuwara Eliya" 
(May 5th). 
TSHDA Officials (July 7th). 
Executives of Agrapatna and Kotagala Plantations (August 8th) 
Dr. S.K. Sathyapala attended a seminar on "Application of Molecular 
biology in Sri Lanka" organized by SLAAS at SLAAS Auditorium on 
September 15th. 
Dr. S. K. Sathyapala attended a seminar on "Genetic conservation of 
traditional plants" organized by ARTI, at the National library on December 
5th. 
Mr S.W. Gunadasa was a member of the team that had discussions with 
the members of the RSC I, Nuwara Eliya on "Clones for Nuwara Eliya" (May 
5th). 
Messrs T.M. Sarathchandra and P.D. Upali participated in Plant 
Biotechnology Working Group meetings held at the Institute of Fundamental 
Studies (March 27th) and at the Rubber Research Institute (June 6th). 
Attendance at International Conference 
Along with the Director, Mr V. Shanmugarajah attended the Second Asia 
International Tea Conference held at the Hilton International, Singapore from 
September 24th to 26th and presented a paper on "Clonal developments in Sri 
Lankan tea and their potential for the trade". 
14. Publications 
Modder, W.W.D, Shanmugarajah, V. and Sivaram, B . "Clonal 
developments in Sri Lankan tea and their potential for the trade." Proceedings 
of the Second Asia International Tea conference, September 24-26. 
Sathyapala, S.K. and Adachi, T. "Plant Regeneration from embryogenic 
cell suspensions of tea" SABRAO Journal 28(2) 57-65. 
140 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Acknowledgement 
We are grateful to the following for their cooperation in carrying out our 
trials in their fields: 
Plantation Management Companies 
Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents of 
Golinda Estate, Kegalle 
Gordon Estate, Udapussellawa 
Sheen Estate, Pundaluoya 
Stockholm Estate, Nissanka Uyana (Upcot) 
Venture Estate, Norwood 
Watapotha Estate, Watapotha 
Mr A.Somaratne, Deputy General Manager, TSHDA and 
Mr H.M.S.S.K.Herath of the TSHDA Muruthalawa 
Smallholders in different areas. 
SOILS A N D P L A N T N U T R I T I O N DIVISION 
Acting Heaid - L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
1. General 
Mr A.K.N.Zoysa, Research Assistant continued his post graduate studies 
at Massey University, New Zealand. 
Mr H.A.P.Warnasiri, Technical Assistant, was awarded the B.Sc degree 
by the University of Peradeniya with effect from 26th October, 1996. 
Mr W.M.S.Wijethunge, Experimental Officer, commenced his Masters 
degree in Analytical Chemistry at the Post Graduate Institute of Science, 
Peradeniya with effect from 04th July 1997. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi continued to serve as a member of me Working 
Group on Fertilizer to the Sri Lanka Standards Institution. He served as a 
member of the Executive Committee of the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka. 
The overall research objective of this division is to improve soil fertility 
of tea lands in Sri Lanka by efficient use and/or control of both organic and 
inorganic fertilizers to maximize the productivity. 
Field experiments have been carried out and reported under B/FERT 
whereas the laboratory and glasshouse experiments carried out have been under 
D/AGCH. Developments in relation to soil and plant chemical aspects, and 
soil, plant and fertilizer analyses carried out have been reported under C/ANAL. 
2. Project B/FERT - Improvement and maintenance of fertility and 
productivity of tea soils. 
Project Leader - L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.1. Soil and Fertilizer Nitrogen Studies 
2.1.1. Application of different proportions of sulphate of ammonia and urea 
on soil/plant sulphur status and yield of tea, St.Coombs Estate, 
Talawakele - Clone TRI 2025 (1980). 
The yield obtained in the 1st year of the 5th cycle is given in Table 1. 
In the 1st year, no significant differences in yield were found between 
240 and 360 kg of N ha"1 y r 1 applications. However, application of N at 360 kg 
ha - 1 y r 1 yielded more than the 240 kg h a 1 y r 1 . Also, no significant differences 
in yield were observed between any of the treatment combinations. 
142 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 1 - Effect of different proportions ofSA/urea on yield 
(made tea kg ha'1 yr1) of mature tea 
Levels ofN Proportions (%)of Yield 
(kg ha' yr')SA (N) Urea (N)(made tea kg fur' yr') 
240 100 0 1047 
75 25 1090 
50 50 1105 
25 75 1098 
0 100 1078 
360 100 0 1255 
75 25 1159 
50 50 1178 
25 75 1133 
0 100 1113 
LSD (P = 0.05) NS 
CV% 10 
The effect of application of SA/urea on soil pH and sulphate sulphur 
levels (0-15 & 15-30 cm) are given in Table 2 and 3 respectively. 
TABLE 2 - Effect of application of different proportions of SA/urea on soil 
pH levels at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths 
Proportions(%) of SoilpH 
SA(N) Urea(N) 0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
100 0 4.60 4.30 
75 25 4.28 4.30 
50 50 4.37 4.40 
25 75 4.60 4.63 
0 100 4.70 4.72 
LSD (P = 0.05) 0.298 0.305 
CV % 5 5 
Sub Level ofN 
(kg ha' yr') 
240 4.54 4.61 
360 4.48 4.33 
LSD (P = 0.05) NS 0.193 
In general, soil pH levels at both depths decreased with increased 
proportions of SA in SA/urea combinations, except at 0-15cm depth with 100:0 
SA:urea combination, even after application of dolomitic limestone at 1000 kg 
ha"1 after pruning. However, no significant differences in pH were found between 
25:75 and 0:100 SA:urea applications. Although, no significant difference in 
soil pH levels between 240 and 360 kg of N h a 1 y r 1 was observed at 0-15cm 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 143 
depth, at 15-30cm depth significant difference exist. This is probably due to 
dolomitic limestone application. 
TABLE 3 - Effect of application of different proportions ofSA/urea on soil 
sulphate sulphur levels at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths 
Proportions(%) of S042-S (mgkg1) 
SA(N) Urea (N) 0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
100 0 133 179 
75 25 137 163 
50 50 143 164 
25 75 112 128 
0 100 80 93 
LSD (P = 0.05) 51.0 47.6 
CV % 32 25 
Sub Level ofN 
(kg ha'1 yr') 
240 123 159 
360 119 132 
LSD (P = 0.05) NS NS 
No significant differences in soil sulphate sulphur levels were found 
between two N levels, at both depths. However, significant increases in sulphate 
sulphur levels were found between 100:0,75:25 and 50:50 SA:urea applications 
and 0:100 SA:urea application, at both depths. 
S.Ananthacumaraswamy and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.1.2. Application of very high levels of urea and sulphate of ammonia on soil/ 
plant nutrient status and yield of tea, StCoombs Estate, Talawakele -
Clone TRI 2025 (1980). 
This is an observation trial established in 1990 to study the ill effects of 
high levels of nitrogen. The yield obtained for the period July 1996 to June 
1997 i.e. 1st year of the 2nd cycle is given in Table 4. 
TABLE 4 - Effect of application of very high levels of SA and urea on 
yield of tea 
Nitrogen Yield 
(kg ha' yr') (made tea kg ha'yr') 
Urea SA 
0 772 773 
300 819 775 
600 766 812 
900 1001 923 
1200 906 894 
1500 860 1052 
144 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
During the 1st year after pruning, in general, consistent trends in yield 
were not observed with the increasing rates of N and two different forms. This 
experiment is in progress. 
G.P.Gunaratne and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.1.3. Improvement of soil organic matter status and efficiency of uptake of 
inorganic fertilizer nutrients by incorporation of different sources of 
organic-manure, Bearwell Estate, Talawakele - Clone TRI 2025 (1990). 
The yield obtained in the 2nd year of the 2nd cycle and soil pH levels at 
0-15cm depth are presented in Table 5 and 6 respectively. 
TABLE 5 - Effect of levels and sources of organic manure at 0 and 240 kg N 
ha1 yr' on the yield (made tea kg ha'' yr') of tea 
Level of organic manure 
CMtha'yr') 10 
Level ofN (kg ha' yr') 0 240 0 . 240 
Compost 2281 2622 2235 2463 
Cow dung 2344 2340 2277 2496 
Mana 2342 2570 ,2269 2459 
Gautemala 2320 2248, ' 2316 2478 
LSD(P=0.05) 281 
C V % 7 
Type of 
Organic manure Compost Cow dung Mana Gautema 
2400 2364 2410 2341 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 
Level of organic manure 
CMtha' yr') 
LSD(P=0.05) 
Level of N (kg ha' yr') 
LSD(P=0.05) 
* Mt-Metric tons 
5 
2383 
0 
2298 
NS 
99.5 
10 
2374 
240 
2460 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 145 
TABLE 6 - Effect of levels and sources of organic manure at 0 and 240 kg N 
ha' yr' on the soil pH levels at 0-15 cm depth, 
Level of organic manure 
CMtha'yr') 5 10 
Level ofN (kg ha' yr') 0 240 0 240 
Compost 4.69 4.52 4.48 4.41 
Cow dung 4.53 4.30 4.64 4.12 
Mana 4.60 4.26 4.49 4.24 
Gautemala 4.66 4.18 4.74 4.33 
LSD(P=0.05) 0.359 
C V % 5 
Type of 
Organic manure Compost Cow dung Mana Gauti 
4.52 4.40 4.40 4.48 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 
Level of organic manure 
CMtha'yr') 5 10 
4.47 4.43 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 
Level of N(kgha'yr') 0 240 
4.60 4.29 
LSD(P=0.05) 0.127 
* Mt-Metric tons 
Significant differences in yield were not found either between source 
and level of organic manure both at 0 and 240 kg of N ha - 1 y r ' levels, or due to 
sources and levels of organic manure alone. However, yields were significantly 
increased due to application of N at 240 kg h a 1 y r 1 when compared to zero. 
Also, as far as soil pH levels are concerned, no significant effects were found 
due to sources and levels of organic manure. However, pH levels dropped 
significantly due to application of N at 240 kg ha"1 y r 1 . This experiment is in 
progress. 
S.M.Dissanayake, A.K.N.Zoysa and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.1.4. Effect of different levels of nitrogen (0-720 kg h a 1 y r ' N at 120 kg N 
increment) with and without (0 and 51 ha - 1 y r 1 ) compost manure on soil/ 
plant - N status and yield of tea, St.Coombs Estate, Talawakele - Clone 
DTI (1992). 
The yield obtained in the 5th year of the 1st cycle is given in Table 7. 
146 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 7 - Effect of different levels of nitrogen with and without compost 
on yield 
Treatments Yield (made tea kg ha1 yr') 
N level 
0 1909 
120 2391 
240 2335 
360 2395 
480 2537 
600 2350 
720 2385 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
C V % 6 
Sub 
No compost 2372 
51 ha"1 y r 1 compost 2289 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
Significant differences in yield were not observed due to incorporation 
of compost. Although no consistent significant increases in yield were observed 
with the increasing rates of N, trend exist up to 480 kg ha - 1 y r 1 N, and thereafter 
drop. This experiment is in progress. 
R.G.A.Wijayawardhana and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.2. Soil and Fertilizer Potassium Studies 
2.2.1. Split application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer in mature tea in 
relation to N/K antagonism, StCoombs Estate, Talawakele - Clone TRI 
2025 (1990). 
The yield obtained in the 1st year of the 2nd cycle i.e. July 1996 to June 
1997 is presented in Table 8. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 147 
TABLE 8 - Effect of split application of potassium on yieldfmade tea kg 
ha' yr') of tea 
Yield 
Kfertilizer applied (%) K- Fertilizer (kg K20 her' yr1) 
Initially 6 weeks after 120 240 
100 0 864 839 
80 20 905 913 
60 40 849 925 
40 60 875 840 
20 80 936 824 
0 100 874 838 
LSD(P=0.05) 78 
C V % 6 
Significant differences in yield were not observed either due to split 
applications or due to different K fertilizer rates, although differences between 
some mean yields were greater than the LSD value. This experiment is in 
progress. 
G.P.Gunaratne and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.2.2. Effect of application of increasing levels of potash (60-360 kg ha - 1 y r 1 ) 
at 60 increments with N (240 and 360 kg ha - 1 y r 1 ) on soil/plant K and 
Mg status and yield of tea, Halgolla Estate, Yatiyantota - Clone TRI 
2025 (1984). 
After the completion of 3rd pruning cycle and assessments of data, 
investigations have been concluded. A part of data was presented to the 195th 
E & E forum, and the overall results will be published as scientific findings 
from a paper. 
G.P.Gunaratne and L.S.K.Hettiarachcbi 
2.23. The effect of application of potash (48 to 480 kg h a 1 y r 1 KjO) with and 
without Mg (0 and 60 kg h a 1 y r 1 MgO) fertilizer, on soil/plant K/Mg 
status and yield of tea, Glenanore Estate, Haputale - TRI 2025 (1991). 
The yield obtained in the 2nd year of the 2nd cycle is given in Table 9. 
148 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 9 - Effect of different N:K20 ratios and MgO on yield of tea 
Level (kg ha' yr') 
N K20 MgO N:K20 Yield 
(made tea kg ha'yr') 
240 48 0 5:1 2672 
240 48 60 5:1 2609 
240 60 0 4:1 2718 
240 60 60 4:1 2655 
240 80 0 3:1 2711 
240 80 60 3:1 2659 
240 120 0 2:1 2636 
240 120 60 2:1 2655 
240 240 0 1:1 2735 
240 240 60 1:1 2628 
240 360 0 2:3 2675 
240 360 60 2:3 2703 
240 480 0 1:2 2626 
240 480 60 1:2 2701 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
CV% 4 
Sub treatments 
MgO (kg fur'yr') 
0 2682 
60 2659 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 
Significant differences in yield were not observed due to different N ^ O ratios, 
or increased potash rates or due to application of MgO at 60 kg ha 1 yr'. 
The effect of N:KjO ratios and of MgO on soil K and Mg status are given in 
Tables 10 and 11 respectively. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 149 
TABLE 10 - Effect of different N:K20 ratios and MgO on soil K status at two 
soil depths 
Level (kg ha' yr') Soil K (mg kg') 
N K20 MgO N:K20 0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
240 48 0 5:1 130 122 
240 48 60 5:1 120 110 
240 60 0 4:1 150 154 
240 60 60 4:1 125 117 
240 80 0 3:1 157 142 
240 80 60 3:1 222 162 
240 120 0 2:1 207 175 
240 120 60 2:1 140 132 
240 240 0 1:1 212 195 
240 240 60 1:1 162 150 
240 360 0 2:3 220 230 
240 360 60 2:3 207 190 
240 480 0 1:2 232 207 
240 480 60 1:2 240 212 
LSD (P=0.05) 84 70 
c v % 37 34 
Sub treatments 
MgO (kgha' yr') 
0 187 175 
60 174 153 
LSD(P=0.05) NS NS 
Generally, soil K levels increased with increasing rates of ground K 
fertilizer application at both depths. In this year, significant effect in soil K 
level was not found due to Mg fertilizer application at 60 MgO ha - 1 y r 1 , at both 
depths. 
150 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 11 - Effect of different N:K20 ratios and MgO on soil Mg status at 
two soil depths 
Level (kg ha1 yr1) Soil Mg (mg kg1) 
N K2OMgO N:K20 0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
240 48 0 5:1 165 120 
240 48 60 5:1 210 160 
240 60 0 4:1 182 187 
240 60 60 4:1 202 183 
240 80 0 3:1 254 172 
240 80 60_ 3:1 220 214 
240 120 . 0 2:1 185 171 
240 . 120 60 , 2:1 217 - 171 
240 240 0 1:1 213 160 
240 240 60 1:1 193 199 
240 360 0 . 2:3 198 141 
240 360 60 .2:3 218 213 
240 480 0 1:2 196 199 
240 480 60 1:2 190 212 
LSD (P=0.05) NS NS 
c v % 39 40 
Sub treatments 
MgO (kg ha1 yr1) 
0 199 164 
60 207 193 
LSD(P=0.05) NS NS 
Significant differences in soil Mg levels were not observed either due to 
ground Mg fertilizer application at 60 kg h a 1 y r ! or due to increased potash 
rates, at both depths, although differences exist with and with out Mg application. 
The effect of NiKf) ratios and MgO on leaf Mg and K is given in Table 12. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 151 
TABLE 12 - Effect of different N:K20 ratios and MgO on leafMg and K 
Level (kg ha1 yr1) Leaf nutrient (%) 
N K20 (MgO) N:K20 K Mg 
240 48 0 5:1 1.39 0.28 
240 48 60 5:1 1.43 0.28 
240 60 0 4:1 1.23 0.30 
240 60 60 4:1 1.28 0.31 
240 80 0 3:1 1.24 • 0.32 
240 80 60 3:1 1.20 0.30 
240 120 0 2:1 1.21 0.30 
240 120 60 2:1 1.14 0.34 
240 240 0 1:1 1.28 0.28 
240 240 60 1:1 1.33 0.30 
240 360 0 2:3 1.42 0.27 
240 360 60 2:3 1.47 0.31 
240 480 0 1:2 1.44 0.27 
240 480 60 1:2. 1.28. 0.32 
LSD (P=0.05) 0.202 0.036 
c v % 12 10 
Sub treatments 
MgO (kg ha -'yr') 
0 1.32 0.29 
60 1.31 0.31 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 0.012 
Magnesium concentration in the foliage significantly increased with the 
ground Mg fertilizer application at the rate of 60 kg ha - 1 y r 1 . However, 
significant increases in leaf K concentrations were not observed with the 
increasing rates of potash. This experiment is in progress. 
R.G.A.Wijayawardhana, G.P.Gunaratne and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.2.5. The effect of increasing levels of potash (in 100 increments) with N (in 
100 increments) fertilizer, on soil/plant N/K status and yield of tea, 
StJames Estate, Hali e la-Clone TRI 2025 (1990). 
The yield obtained in the 2nd year of the 2nd cycle is given in Table 13. 
152 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 13 - Effect of increasing levels of potash with N on yield of tea 
Level (kg ha1 yr1) Yield 
N K20 N:K20 ratio (made tea kg ha1 yr1) 
100 100 1:1 2178 
200 100 2:1 2165 
300 100 3:1 2289 
400 100 4:1 2299 
500 100 5:1 2363 
100 300 1:3 2319 
200 300 2:3 2265 
300 300 3:3 2363 
400 300 4:3 2347 
500 300 5:3 2344 
100 500 1:5 2284 
200 500 2:5 2363 
300 500 3:5 2220 
400 500 4:5 2385 
500 500 5:5 2216 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
CV % 11 
Level of N (kg ha1 yr1) 
100 2261 
200 2264 
300 2291 
400 2344 
500 2308 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
LevelofK20(kgha1yr1) 
100 2259 
300 2328 
500 2294 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
Significant differences in yield were not observed between ground-
application of N and K fertilizers with different N ^ O ratios. Further, there 
were no significant yield increases with the increasing rates of either N or K 
fertilizer, although the trends exist. 
The effects of N and potash ground applications on soil K status, and 
leaf N and K are given in Tables 14, and 15 respectively. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 153 
TABLE 14 - Effect of increasing levels of potash with Non soil K status at two 
depths 
Level of N (kg ha'yr') SoilK(mgkg') 
0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
100 214 210 
200 213 193 
300 173 163 
400 167 162 
500 163 148 
LSD (P=0.05) 34 31 
c v % 27 27 
LevelofK20(kgha'yr') 
100 124 113 
300 181 173 
500 254 240 
LSD (P=0.05) 26 24 
c v % 27 27 
TABLE 15 - Effect of increasing levels of potash with N on leafN and K status 
Level of N (kg ha'yr' Leaf nutrient (%) 
N K 
100 3.27 1.58 
200 3.26 1.49 
300 3.48 1.50 
400 3.45 1.49 
500 3.52 1.46 
LSD (P=0.05) 0.175 0.094 
CV % 8 9 
LevelofK20(kgha'yr') 
100 - 3.38 1.41 
300 3.40 1.53 
500 3.41 1.57 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 0.073 
In general, soil K levels decreased with the increasing rates of N at both 
depths, and increased with the increasing rates of potash. Leaf N concentration 
gradually increased with the increasing rates of N while leaf K concentration 
decreased. LeafN concentration remained unaffected with the increasing rates 
of potash, while leaf K concentration increased. This experiment is in progress. 
R.G.A.Wijayawardhana, G.P.Gunaratne and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
154 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
2 3 . Soil and Fertilizer Phosphorus Studies. 
2 3 . 1 . Application of increasing levels of phosphate (0-120 kg PjOjha 1 y r 1 at 
20 kg increments) fertilizer on soil/plant P status and yield of tea, 
StCoombs Estate, Talawakele - Clone TRI 2025 (1989). 
The yield obtained in the 3rd year of the 2nd cycle and soil P levels are 
given in Tables 16 and 17 respectively. 
TABLE 16 - Effect of increasing levels of phosphate fertilizer on yield 
Level of P fertilizer Yield 
(kg har'yr'P205) (made tea kg ha' yr1) 
0 2388 
20 2384 
40 2448 
60 2432 
80 2430 
100 2387 
120 2431 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 
C V % 7 
Significant increases in yield were not observed with the increasing rates 
of Eppawala rock phosphate(ERP). 
TABLE 17 - Effect of increasing levels of phosphate fertilizer on soil P 
Level of Pfertilizer Soil P (mg kg') 
(kgha'yr'P205) 0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
0 23.3 24.7 
20 15.2 9.2 
40 26.7 33.4 
60 34.3 20.8 
80 55.0 44.4 
100 43.2 28.5 
120 51.6 38.4 
LSD (P=0.05) 27.86 25.06 
c v % 60 68 
In general, soil P levels at 0-15 cm depth, extracted using borax solution 
(pH= 1.5) increased with the increasing rates of ERR However, no overall pattern 
of increase was observed at 15-30 cm depth. This experiment is in progress. 
H.A.P.Warhasiri, A.K.N.Zoysa and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 155 
23.2. Application of increasing levels of phosphate fertilizer with two methods 
of application (Broadcast and Incorporated) on soil/plant P status and 
yield of tea, Walahanduwa Estate, Galle - Clone TRI 2025 (1994). 
The yield obtained in the 3rd year of the 1st cycle is given in Table 18. . 
TABLE 18 - Effect of increasing levels of surface applied and soil incorporated 
ERP on yield 
Levels of P fertilizer Yield 
(kg ha1 yr] P2Os) (made tea kg ha1 yr') 
Surface Incorporated 
0 5414 5510 
20 5231 5101 
40 6112 5128 
60 5424 5374 
80 5642 5050 
100 4834 5408 
120 5953 5443 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 
C V % 12 
Significant differences in yield were not observed due to either the rates 
of P or mode of application i.e. surface applied or incorporated. This experiment 
is in progress. 
H.A.P.Warnasiri, A.K.N.Zoysa and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
233. Effect of foliar application of phosphorus (0, 1, 2, 3 arid 4% DAP and 
TSP) on plant P status, quality and yield of tea, St.Coombs Estate, 
Talawakele - Clones DT 1 and CY9 (1992). 
The yield obtained in the 4th year of the 1st cycle (i.e. from December 
1996 to November 1997) is presented in Table 19. 
156 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 19 - Effect of foliar application of phosphate on yield 
Treatments YieW (made tea kg ha' 'yr') 
Clone 
CY9 DTI 
Control 2602 2310 
1 % TSP 2678 2466 
2 % " 2937 2373 
3 % " 2681 2341 
4 % " 2805 2358 
1 % DAP 2586 2304 
2 % " 2780 2572 
3 % " 2581 2338 
4 % " 2538 2328 
LSD (P=0.05) NS NS 
c v % 7 3 
Significant differences in yield were not observed due to foliar application 
of P in either form(i.e. TSP or DAP), compared to control. After modifying, 
foliar phosphorus concentrations in September 1995, at different times, flush 
samples were subjected to miniature manufacture and assessed for P 
concentrations and biochemical parameters of made teas, and as well as for P 
concentrations of leaves. Data interpretation and the other day-to-day operations 
are in progress. 
R.G.A.Wijayawardhana and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.4. Soil and Fertilizer Magnesium Studies 
2.4.1. Application of increasing levels of kieserite on soil/plant nutrient status 
and yield of tea, StCoombs Estate, Talawakele - Clone TRI 2025 (1990). 
The yield obtained in the 1st year of the 2nd cycle is given in Table 20. 
TABLE 20 - Effect of increasing levels of kieserite application on yield 
Level of kieserite Yield 
(kg ha' yr' MgO) (made tea kg ha'1 yr') 
0 2485 
15 2455 
30 2440 
45 2434 
60 2315 
75 2263 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
CV % 9 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 157 
Significant differences in yield were not observed due to application of 
different rates of kieserite. 
The effect of kieserite on soil pH levels is given in Table 21. 
TABLE 21 - Effect of increasing levels of kieserite on soil pH at two soil depths 
Level of kieserite SoilpH 
r ha1 yr' MgO) 0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
0 4.83 4.75 
15 4.53 4.61 
30 4.66 4.78 
45 4.57 4.62 
60 4.61 4.54 
75 4.51 4.56 
LSD (P=0.05) 0.284 NS 
c v % 4 5 
Significant differences were not observed in soil pH levels at both depths, 
due to different rates of kieserite. This experiment is in progress. 
H.A.P.Warnasiri and L.S.K.Hertiarachchi 
2.4.2. Application of increasing levels of dolomite fertilizer at three frequencies 
(Cycle, Mid & yearly basis) on soil/plant nutrient status and yield of tea, 
Field No.4, StCoombs Estate, Talawakele - Clone TC 9 (1989). 
The yield obtained in the 2nd year of the 2nd cycle is given in Table 22. 
TABLE 22 -Effect of increasing levels of dolomite application on yield 
Level of dolomite Yield (made tea kg ha >yr') 
Frequency of dolomite application 
(kg ha1) Cycle Mid-cycle Yearly 
Control 3102 3102 3102 
1250 3087 3057 3193 
2500 3000 3149 3214 
5000 2889 2936 2950 
10000 2743 2897 • • • 
LSD (P=0.05) 304 
c v % 8 
158 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Lower yield was recorded from plots that received dolomite at the rate 
of 10,000 kg ha - 1 pnining-cycle 1, at cycle frequency when compared to control. 
This experiment is in progress. 
H.A.P.Warnasiri and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.43. Application of increasing levels of dolomite fertilizer at three frequencies 
(Cycle, Mid & Yearly basis) on soil/plant nutrient status and yield of 
tea, Field No.2, Morogolla Estate, Imaduwa - Clone TRI 2025 (1990). 
The yield obtained in the 1st year of the 3rd cycle is shown in Table 23. 
TABLE 23 - Effect of increasing levels of dolomite application on yield 
Level of dolomite Yield (made tea kg ha1 yr') 
Frequency of dolomite application 
(kg ha') Cycle Mid-cycle Yearly 
Control 1965 1965 1965 
1000 2484 2388 2304 
3000 2379 2153 2306 
5000 2164 2075 2392 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
c v % 11 
Significant differences in yield were not observed either due to level or 
frequency of dolomitic limestone application. However, lower yield was 
observed from the control plots where no dolomite was applied over a period 
of 7 years. This experiment is in progress. 
H.A.P.Warnasiri and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.4.4. Effect of different particle sizes of applied dolomite fertilizer on soil 
pH, soil/plant Mg status and yield of tea, Mattakelle Estate, Talawakele 
- Clone TRI 2023 (1991). 
The plants in these plots were pruned in April 1996, and have recovered 
after a long period of time due to blister blight attacks. Hence, plants were 
harvested only for a period of 2 months in the 1st year of the 2nd cycle. 
Therefore, computation of statistics in relation to yield data was not carried 
out. The soil Mg levels are presented in Table 24. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 159 
TABLE 24 - Effect of different sizes of dolomite particle on soil Mg levels 
Particle size combinations of dolomite 
Passing through: 30 BS 100 100 100* 100 100 
Passing through: 100 BS 100 75 50 25 0 
Depth (cm) Soil Mg (mg kg1) 
0-15 44.5 42.8 43.5 37.0 35.5 
15-30 50.8 48.3 47.5 38.3 50.3 
LSD (P=0.05) 0-15 cm NS 
CV % 32 
LSD (P=0.05) 15-30 cm NS 
CV % 32 
* Presently recommended particle size of dolomite fertilizer 
In general, significant differences in soil Mg levels were not found due 
to application of dolomitic limestone with different particle size combinations 
tested, at both depths. This experiment is in progress. 
H.A.P.Warnasiri and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.4.5. Effect of different particle sizes of applied dolomite fertilizer on soil 
pH, soil/plant Mg status and yield of tea, Talangaha Estate, Nakiyadeniya 
-CloneTRI2025 (1991). 
The yield obtained in the 3rd year of the 2nd cycle and the soil Mg 
levels are presented in Tables 25 and 26 respectively. 
TABLE 25 - Effect of different sizes of dolomite particles on yield 
Particle size combinations of dolomite 
Passing through: 30 BS 100 100 100* 100 100 
Passing through: 100 BS 100 75 50 25 0 
Yield (made tea, kg ha'1 yr1) 
3092 3183 3216 3212 3234 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
CV % 9 
* Presently recommended particle size of dolomite fertilizer 
At this site, significant differences in yield were not observed due to 
application of dolomitic limestone with different particle size combinations. 
160 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 26 - Effect of different sizes of dolomite particle on soil Mg levels 
Particle size combinations of dolomite 
Passing through: 30 BS 100 100 100* 100 100 
Passing through: 100 BS 100 75 50 25 0 
SoilMg(mgkg') 
0-15 104.3 67.3 93.8 92.8 104.3 
15-30 81.8 52.5 81.8 50.8 61.5 
LSD (P=0.05) 0-15 cm NS 
CV % 32 
LSD (P=0.05) 15-30/cm 25.8 
C V % 30 
* Presently recommended particle size of dolomite fertilizer 
In general, significant differences in soil Mg levels at 0-15 cm depth 
were not found due to application of dolomitic limestone with different particle 
size combinations, although at 15-30 cm depth, some differences were greater 
than the LSD value. This experiment is in progress. 
H.A.P.Warnasiri and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.4.6. Effects of application of potassium and/or magnesium from Sul-Po-Mag 
and kieserite at 2 levels of N on soil/plant nutrient status and yield of 
tea, Kiruwanaganga Estate, Galle - Clone TRI 2025 (1993). 
The yield obtained in the 1 st year of the 2nd cycle and the soil Mg levels 
are presented in Tables 27 and 28 respectively. 
TABLE 27 - Effect of application of K and/or Mg from kieserite and 
Sul-Po-Mag on yield 
Treatments . Yield (made te.a kg ha' yr') 
Level of Nitrogen (kg ha'yr') 
240 360 
U 7 0 9 (Urea) 2457 2558 
U 709 + Kieserite 2576 2458 
U 750 Sul-Po-Mag 2471 2362 
UT Mix. (Urea & SA) 2613 2340 
T 1130 (SA) 2693 2737 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
c v % 10 
Significant yield differences were not found either due to application of 
different fertilizer mixtures or between 2 N levels. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 161 
TABLE 28 - Effect of application of potassium and/or magnesium from 
kieserite and Sul-Po-Mag on soil Mg at 0-15 and 15-30cm 
depths 
Treatments Soil Mg (mg kg') 
N level 
(kg ha1 yr') 0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
U 7 0 9 (Urea) 240 54.3 39.2 
U 709 + Kieserite 240 65.1 61.4 
U 750 Sul-Po-Mag 240 58.6 36.1 
UT Mix.(Urea & SA) 240 44.6 23.9 
T 1130 (SA) 240 23.7 16.3 
U 7 0 9 (Urea) 360 50.2 43.0 
U 709 + Kieserite 360 81.8 58.5 
U 750 Sul-Po-Mag 360 52.6 58.7 
UT Mix. (Urea & SA) 360 34.4 19.0 
T 1130 (SA) 360 28.5 23.7 
LSD (P=0.05) 34.8 52.69 
c v % 49 96 
In this year, although significant differences in soil Mg levels at both 
depths were not observed due to addition of Mg enriched NPK fertilizer mixtures 
at both levels of N, considerably lower levels were found particularly from the 
plots that received T i l 3 0 mixture, which is probably due to lower soil pH 
values, even after dolomitic limestone application at the time of pruning. This 
experiment is in progress. 
S.M.Dissanayake and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.4.7. Effects of application of potassium and/or magnesium from Sul-Po-Mag 
and kieserite with and without dolomite on soil/plant nutrient status and 
yield of tea, Hopton Estate, Passara - Clone TRI 2025 (1993). 
The yield obtained in the 4th year of the 1st cycle is presented in Table 29. 
TABLE 29 - Effect of application of potassium and/or magnesium from 
kieserite and Sul-Po-Mag on yield 
Treatments Yield (made tea kg ha1 yr') 
Without dolomite With dolomite 
U 7 0 9 (Urea) 1698 1637 
U 709 + Kieserite 1691 1667 
U 750 Sul-Po-Mag 1780 1630 
UT Mix. (Urea & S A ) 1725 1657 
T1130 (SA) 1665 1730 
LSD (P=0.05) NS 
C V % 6 
162 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Significant differences in yield were not observed either due to any of 
these fertilizer-treatments or to with and without dolomite applications. This 
experiment is in progress. 
S.M.Dissanayake and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
2.4.8. Effect of application of potassium and/or magnesium (U 709, U 709+Kie, 
U 750, UT Mix & Tl 130 & 2 levels of N - 240 & 360 kg ha"' y r 1 ) from 
Sul-Po-Mag and kieserite on soil/plant nutrient status and yield of tea, 
Waltrim Estate, Lindula - Clone TRI 2025 (1994). 
The yield obtained in the 3rd year of the 1st cycle and the soil Mg levels are 
presented in Tables 30 and 31 respectively. 
TABLE 30 - Effect of application of potassium and/or magnesium from kieserite 
and Sul-Po-Mag on yield 
Treatments Yield (made tea kg ha'yr1) 
Levels of Nitrogen (kg ha1 yr1) 
240 360 
U 7 0 9 (Urea) 3249 3265 
U 709 + Kieserite 2925 3438 
U 750 Sul-Po-Mag 3090 3522 
UT Mix. (Urea & SA) 3168 3199 
T1130 (SA) 3303 3438 
LSD(P=0.05) NS 
C V % 6 
Yield (made tea kg ha1 yr1) 
Levels ofN (kg ha'1 yr1) 
240 3147 
360 3372 
LSD (P=0.05) 149 
So far, significant effect in yield was not found between these fertilizer-
treatment and N levels. Also, significant yield differences were not found due 
to application of different fertilizer mixtures alone. However in this year, yield 
significantly increased due to application ofN at 360 kg ha"1 y r 1 when compared 
to application of N at 240 kg ha"1 y r 1 . 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 163 
TABLE 31 - Effect ofapplication of potassium and/or magnesiumfrom kieserite 
and Sul-Po-Mag on soil Mg at 0-15cm depth 
Treatments Soil Mg (mg kg1) 
N Level 
(kg ha;1 yr1) 0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
U 7 0 9 (Urea) 240 15.7 21.5 
U 709 + Kieserite 240 24.6 27.9 
U 750 Sul-Po-Mag 240 32.2 37.2 
UT Mix. (Urea & SA) 240 15.4 23.1 
T 1130 (SA) 240 10.7 12.5 
U 709 (Urea) 360 14.5 17.5 
U 709 + Kieserite 360 29.6 30.6 
U 750 Sul-Po-Mag 360 36.3 41.3 
UT Mix. (Urea & SA) 360 11.6 10.0 
T 1130 (SA) 360 14.7 16.9 
LSD (P=0.05) NS NS 
c v % 35 42 
SoilMgfmgkg1) 
0-15 cm 15-30 cm 
U 7 0 9 (Urea) 15.1 19.5 
U 709 + Kieserite 27.1 29.3 
U 750 Sul-Po-Mag 34.2 39.3 
UT Mix. (Urea & SA) 13.5 16.6 
T 1130 (SA) 12.7 14.7 
LSD (P=0.05) 8.68 12.15 
So far, significant effect in soil Mg levels was not found between these 
fertilizer rnixtures and N levels. Also, no significant differences in soil Mg 
levels were found between 2 levels of N. In this year, soil Mg levels significantly 
increased due to application of Mg enriched NPK mixtures such as U709 + 
kieserite and U750(Sul-Po-Mag) compared to NPK mixtures, yet the levels in 
general, are marginal. This experiment is in progress. 
S.M.Dissanayake and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
164 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
3. Project D/AGCH - Divisional activities 
3.1. Characterization of soils in tea growing areas in Sri Lanka 
This project commenced in early July 1995 in collaboration with the 
Land Use Division of the Irrigation Department. Altogether, 12 soil pits were 
cut from the Ratnapura district from the identified soil types in different regions. 
A draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) is prepared and yet to be 
finalized, in order to carry out the work program. 
Another project was initiated in 1996 to study the land use planing options 
for development of marginal tea lands in mid country. Soil survey commenced 
in November 1996 in order to prepare detailed soil distribution maps through 
GIS software from 5 selected Estates, to incorporate soil information. The 
soils of West Hall, Hantane, Craighead, Galphelle and Ratwatte Estates were 
surveyed and samples are being analyzed for physico chemical parameters. 
Preparation of maps are in progress. The operations in this project have been 
carried out in collaboration with a soil surveyor from the Environment and 
Forest Conservation Division of the Mahaweli Authority in Kandy, Agricultural 
Economics unit of the TRI and with a trained assistant cartographer. This project 
is partially funded by the Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP). 
W.M.S.Wrjethunge, G.P.Gunaratne, L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
and J.A.A,M.Jayakody 
3.2. Adaptive fertilizer trials - TRI & TSHDA coUaboration 
The objectives of this study, are to evaluate the performance of U709 
and T l 130 fertiliser mixtures under tea small holders' situation with a view to 
disseminating technologies and convincing the small holder the advantages of 
U709 mixture. 
Soil pH levels prior to commencement of trials and after dolomitic 
limestone applications along with rates, obtained from 17 sites at tea small 
holders' lands, are presented in Table 32. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 165 
TABLE 32 - Soil pH levels prior to commencement of trials, after dolomitic 
limestone applications along with rates from 17 tea small holders' 
lands 
Soil pH at 0-15 cm depth Dolomite 
rate 
Prior to After dolomite (kg ha1) 
commencement application 
Block Block 
Location T1130 U709 T1130 1 U709 
Boralanda 4.20 4.90 4.70 5.00 1500 
Pitamaruwa 4.70 4.70 4.90 5.10 1000 
Kandagolla 4.70 4.80 4.80 4.90 1000 
Balangoda 3.50 3.50 3.70 3.80 2000 
Kalawana 3.70 3.65 4.20 4.30 2000 
Deraniyagala 3.80 3.90 4.50 4.30 2000 
Ingiriya 4.55 4.50 4.50 5.20 2000 
Badureliya 3.40 4.00 3.80 4.00 2000 
Kadugannawa 4.10 4.10 4.30 4.40 1500 
Rangama 4.20 4.30 4.50 4.50 1500 
Hiniduma 3.70 3.60 4.40 4.40 2000 
Elpitiya 4.10 4.40 4.70 5.00 2000 
Akuressa 3.80 3.80 4.10 4.00 2000 
Urubokka 4.10 4.20 4.50 5.10 2000 
Deniyaya 3.60 3.80 4.80 5.50 2000 
Tispane 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.30 1500 
Nortonbridge 4.50 4.60 4.50 4.50 1000 
In general, pH levels were found to be below 4.5 and in some plots it 
was below 4.0, prior to commencement. The levels were determined after 4 to 
6 months period. After dolomite applications, pH levels improved except at 
few sites. This is probably due to site specific characters such as slope, type of 
soil etc. 
The trial established at Rikillagaskada was abandoned due to unavoidable 
circumstances and instead another trial was established in the same area recently. 
The field operations such as fertilizer applications etc. are in progress. These 
trials are carried out in collaboration with the staff members of both the TRI's 
Advisory and Extension stations and Tea Small Holdings Development 
Authority, in those respective regions. 
H.A.P.Warnasiri, S.M.Dissanayake, W.M.S.Wijethunge, G.P.Gunaratne, 
L.S.K.Hetu'arachchi, and M.B.A.Perera, S.L.D.Amarathunge, 
P.B.Ekanayake, S.T.Yatawatte, K.D.Dahanayake, 
J.A.S.K.V.Jayasinghe, S.Sithakaran and C.C.Rajasingham 
166 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
3.3. High Forest Estate Problem Clone TRI 2025 - Die back of shoots 
The details of the problem were given in the Annual Report for 1994. 
As per the proposals made at High Forest Task Force meetings, two 
micro plots (each consisting of 20 plants) were demarcated from the affected 
patch, in order to apply both ground and foliar fertilizers. Previously marked 
plot (consisting of 20 plants) from the unaffected patch was used as the control. 
During 1997,06 applications of both ground (N, P, K, Mg & S) and foliar (N, 
P, K, Mg, S, B, Mo, Cu & Fe) fertilizer were given together. Henceforth, 
improvement in relation to general growth was observed. Experiments are in 
progress as per proposals. 
S.Anahthacumaraswamy and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
3.4. Soil and Plant Sulphur Survey 
The work in relation to this study was completed, and will be published. 
S.Ananthacumaraswamy and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
3.5. Dolomite cum fertilizer applicator 
The objective of this study is to see whether presently available motorized 
and/or hand-operated fertilizer/granule applicators can be modified in order to 
broadcast dolomite and/other fertilizer mixtures for tea plantations. 
A motorized applicator available in the market was tested at StCoombs ' 
with dolomite and fertilizer mixtures for its suitability, and found that this type 
of applicators, were not suitable to broadcast either dolomite or fertilizer 
mixtures. 
The particle size distributions of a range of fertilizer mixtures that are 
used in the tea sector were obtained, in order to prepare specifications and 
requirements to purchase a power-operated applicator for testing. The 
specifications were prepared and forwarded to local agricultural machinery 
agencies for the submission of suitable applicators from the manufacturers. 
This is in progress. 
S.M.Hulangamuwa and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
3.6 IPM/SHB Experiments 
As per the proposals made by SHB Task Force, two nursery experiments 
commenced at Hantane station and Attampitiya Estate, to test the effects of 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 167 
high potash (KjCOlevels on SHB infestation. The plants raised were removed 
at different time intervals, and soil and leaf samples are being analyzed for 
possible growth, and soil and plant nutrient parameters. Thereafter, treated 
plants that remained on nurseries after the completion of respective periods, 
were transplanted in the field, in order to investigate the effects on immature 
plants, as per designed trials. These experiments are in progress. 
H.A.P.Warnasiri, S.M. Dissanayake, W.M.S.Wijethunge, 
G.P.Gunaratne and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
4. Project C/ANAL - Central Analytical Services 
The number of fertilizer, soil and leaf samples analyzed for advisory 
purposes during 1997 are given below: 
Element . Fertilizer Soil Leaf Total 
Nitrogen 860 412 22 1354 
Phosphorus 753 913 327 1993 
Potassium 825 1228 327 2380 
Magnesium 560 1108 327 1995 
Calcium 02 08 04 14 
Sodium - 08 - 08 
Zinc 42 44 411 497 
Copper - - 08 23 31 
Iron - 08 04 12 
Manganese - 08 04 12 
Biuret 03 - - 03 
E.C - 02 - 02 
pH - 2504 - 2504 
O.C% - 2524 - 2524 
Mesh size 370 - - 370 
Total 3415 8835 1449 13,699 
G.P.Gunaratne, S.Ananthacumaraswamy, R.G.A.Wijayawardhana, 
W.M.S.Wijethunge, H.A.P.Warnasiri, S.M.Dissanayake 
and L.S.K.Hettiarachchi 
5. Meetings and Seminars 
Dr L.S.K. Hettiarachchi, Mrs S. Ananthacumaraswamy, Mr R. G. A. 
Wijayawardhana attended a workshop on "Safe Handling of Pesticides" 
organized by Sri Lanka Crop Protection Association, held at TRI Auditorium 
on 22nd January. 
168 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi and Mrs S.Ananthacumaraswamy attended the 
194th meeting of the Experiments and Extension forum held at TRI Auditorium 
on 24th January. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi attended a Technical Committee on Tea meeting 
at Sri Lanka Standards Institution, in order to discuss matters in relation to 
forthcoming 17th ISO Technical Committee on Tea meeting to be held in 
Colombo, during 17th - 19th February, on 31st January. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi attended a seminar on Land Degradation in Sri 
Lanka, organized by MPI/ACAIR held at TRI Hantane station on 11th February. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi attended the 17th ISO Technical Committee on 
Tea meeting held at Trans Asia Hotel in Colombo from 17th to 19th February. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi attended the RSC (Nuwara Eliya) meeting held 
at TRI Auditorium on 27th February. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi participated at the seminar organized by Lanka 
Phosphate Ltd, in the promotion of ERP in tea small holding sector, held at the 
HARTI in Colombo on 31st March and addressed on the "Present 
recommendations on the use of ERP in tea and their significance" as well. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi addressed the members of the Planters 
Association Sub district meeting on "Management of Tea Soil Fertility in 
Nuwara Eliya sub-district" at Planters Club, Talawakele on 6th May. 
Mrs S. Ananthacumaraswamy addressed the members of RSC III in Uva 
on "Use of Fertilizer to Increase the Land Productivity in Uva Region" at 
Bandarawela Tennis Club, Bandarawela on 13th June. 
Dr L.S.K. Hettiarachchi joined the Director, TRI in a discussion with 
Messrs. M.J. Albrecht and A. Munasinghe from IMC Global Operations Inc, 
U.S.A. and Aristons Pvt. Ltd., Colombo respectively, to discuss the progress 
in relation to Sul-Po-Mag trials on 24th June. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi addressed the members of the 195th E & E forum 
on "Experimental Evidence: Towards Revised Fertilizer Recommendations" 
at TRI Auditorium, Talawakele on 27th June. The Executive staff members of 
the division also attended the forum. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi attended a symposium on "Upper Mahaweli 
Catchment Conservation - Status & Trends", jointly organized by the 
Environment & Forest Conservation Division of the Mahaweli Authority and 
Section B of SLAAS, held at SLAAS auditorium, Colombo on 04th July. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 169 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi participated at the International Seminar, 
organized by the Sri Lanka Tea Board on 'Tea and Health", held at BMICH in 
Colombo from 14th to 15th August. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi participated at the discussion, held between TRI 
Scientists and Executives of Kotagala, and Agrapatana Plantations Company 
Ltd, at TRI Auditorium, Talawakele on 29th August. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi addressed the members of the RSC-I in up-
country region on "General nutrient management in tea" on 04th September at 
TRI Auditorium, Talawakele. 
Dr L.S.K. Hettiarachchi participated in a panel discussion of a RSC 
seminar in Kandy on 18th September. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi participated at a meeting organized by Dr. 
A.N.Jayakody, Senior Supervisor of Mr G.P.Gunaratne's postgraduate studies, 
attached to Soil Science Department, University of Peradeniya in order to 
discuss the progress so far made by the candidate, with a view towards the 
completion, on 18th September. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi along with DGM (Extension), TSHDA attended 
the 1st set of progress meetings arranged between TRI and TSHDA officials, 
in order to discuss problems and constraints in relation to monitoring 18 
collaborative fertilizer trials established at tea small holders' lands and thereby 
to improve monitoring. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi attended the Annual General Meeting of the Soil 
Science Society of Sri Lanka at SLAAS Auditorium on 10th October and joined 
the field visit to Horton plains on 11th October. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi along with Dr S.M.Hulangamuwa visited Farm 
Machinery Research Centre at Maha-Illupallama and Farm Machinery Training 
Centre at Anuradhapura, in order to see. some applicators available at these 
centers; discuss the possibilities of fabricating a hand-operated applicator; 
explain the requirements under tea crop situation and to meet the Agricultural 
Engineers and thereby to familiarize him self with calibration procedures etc. 
from 16th to 19th October 
Dr L.S.K. Hettiarachchi participated at a discussion organized by the 
senior officials of the Pussellawa Plantations Ltd, at the Hellbodde Estate, in 
order to prepare it's fertilizer policy for 1998, on 11th November. 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi attended the 9th Annual. Congress of the Post 
Graduate Institute of Agriculture at PGRC Auditorium in Peradeniya from 
21st to 22nd November. 
170 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Dr L.S.K.Hettiarachchi participated at the panel discussion of a RSC 
seminar in Kandy on 11 December. 
6. Workshops and Training programs 
Mr K.A.E.P.Fernando, NCA trainee from Technical Col lege , 
Kuliyapitiya, completed his 04 months training program on soil, plant and 
fertilizer analyses, by January 1997. 
Mr J.M.A.R.Hemachandana, NCA trainee from Technical College, 
Kuliyapitiya, completed his 06 months training program on soil, plant and 
fertilizer analyses, from January to July 1997. 
Mr N.S.Athapattu and Mr W.C.Wickramarachchi, NDT trainees from 
Hardy Advanced Technical Institute, Ampara completed their 04 months 
training program on soil, plant and fertilizer analyses, from April to July 1997. 
Miss D.Liyanage NDT trainee from Hardy Advanced Technical Institute, 
Ampara and Mr C.Wickramasinghe NDT trainee from Technical Collage, 
Kuliyapitiya completed their 04 months training program on soil, plant 
and fertilizer analyses from August to November 1997. 
7. Visitors 
Dr P.Owour, Senior Principal Research Officer/Head Chemist, Tea 
Research Foundation, Kenya, visited SPND in order to discuss tea soils and 
plant nutrient aspects in Sri Lanka, with Dr L.S.K. Hettiarachchi on 24th 
February. 
The managers from Glasgow and Balmoral Estates visited SPND in order 
to discuss general fertilizer related aspects, on 24th March. 
Three Group Managers from Agrapatana Plantations Limited visited 
SPND in order to discuss fertilizer related aspects with Dr L.S.K. Hettiarachchi 
on 23rd April. 
A group of students from Eastern University visited SPND in order to 
discuss and familiarize soil, plant and fertilizer related aspects, on 7th May. 
Mr M.CBostock, Executive Chairman, Rajawela Holdings Pvt. Ltd., 
visited SPND in order to discuss fertilizer related aspects with Dr L.S.K. 
Hettiarachchi, on 7th May. 
Four Assistant Superintendents from Plantations Management 
Companies visited SPND in order to discuss fertilizer related aspects and to 
familiarize soil, plant and fertilizer analytical work, on 16th and 19th May. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 171 
Mr M.de Zoysa from Chilaw Plantations Ltd., visited SPND in order to 
discuss fertilizer related aspects with Dr L.S.K. Hettiarachchi on 4th June. 
A group of agricultural students from Sabaragamuwa University visited 
SPND in order to discuss and familiarize soil, plant and fertilizer related aspects, 
on 16th July. 
Dr S.M.Hulangamuwa, Consultant Engineer, Department of Agriculture, 
Peradeniya visited SPND in order to discuss about dolomite and/or fertilizer 
applicator work and as well as to test one of the applicators available in the 
market on 7th August. 
Two Assistant Superintendents from Agalawatte Plantations Ltd, visited 
SPND in order to discuss fertilizer related aspects and to familiarize soil, plant 
and fertilizer analytical work, on 01st and 02nd September. 
Two groups of agricultural students from University of Peradeniya visited 
SPND in order to discuss and familiarize soil, plant and fertilizer related aspects, 
on 10th and 17th September. 
Messrs F.R.Amarasinghe and T.T.Christy from Maskeliya Plantations 
Ltd visited SPND to discuss modalities to lay down a collaborative fertilizer-
related trial at Brunswick Estate, on 06th October. 
Dr A.N. Jayakody, a senior lecturer at the Soil Science dept: of the Faculty 
of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya visited SPND with a view to discuss 
a research component for a post graduate student with Dr L.S.K. Hettiarachchi 
and lay down necessary collaborative experiments, on 07th November. 
8. Publications 
HETTIARACHCHI , L.S.K. AND GUNARATNE, G.P.(1997). 
Identification of magnesium deficiency symptoms: Leaf analysis as a guide in 
tea crop nutrition. TRI Up Date 2(1), 4. 
ZOYSA, A.K.N., LOGANATHAN, P. AND HEDLEY, M.J. (1997). A 
technique for studying rhizosphere processes in tree crops: soil phosphorus 
depletion around camellia (Camellia japonica L.) roots. Plant and Soil, 190: 
253-265. 
HETTIARACHCHI, L.S.K., (1997). Thea Vagave Sadhaha Pohora In 
Phohara Veladunta Athvelak, published by National Fertilizer Secretariat, 
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 19-30. 
HETTIARACHCHI, L.S.K., BALASINGHAM, A., ANANTHA 
CUMRASWAMY, S., GUNARATNE, G.P. AND WARNASIR1, H.A.P. (1997). 
Mineral composition in relation to leaf maturity from 2000, 3000 and 4000 
clonal series: Leaf analysis as a guide in tea crop nutrition. S.L.J. Tea Sci, 65 
(1/2). In press. 
T E C H N O L O G Y DIVISION 
Head -M.T. Ziyad Mohamed 
1. General 
Mr. Robin Fundinger an engineer from IMKO, MICRO 
MODULTECHNIK, Germany spent one week from 1st April and tested a 
modified moisture meter to measure the moisture content in the withered leaf. 
Mr W.S. Botheju visited India from 22nd July to 31 st December to attend 
a training program on Tea Tasting and Quality Control at Kothari Agriculture 
Management Center in India. This visit was funded by the Technical Co­
operation Scheme of Colombo Plan. 
Mr. P.B. Chandradasa Experimental Officer, was transferred to 
Biochemistry Division with effect from 22nd September. 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed served as a member of the Technical 
Committee appointed by Chairman Sri Lanka Tea Board to advice on Tea 
Factory Development Subsidy Scheme for orthodox factories. 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed continued to serve as a member of the panel 
of Professional Examination in Tea Manufacture and Factory Practices by the 
Chairman, National Institute of Plantation Management (NTPM). 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed was appointed to panel of Teachers/Examiners 
of the Post Graduate Institute of Science (PGIS) University of Peradeniya with 
effect from 4th July. 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed was appointed to serve as the Chairman of 
the Technical Committee on Tea by the Sri Lanka Standard Institute. 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed was appointed as a member of the Academic 
Committee of NTPM. 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed was a member of the Sri Lankan delegation 
for the 17th Technical Committee on Tea Meeting of International Organization 
for Standards (ISO/TC34/SC8) held in Colombo in February. 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed served as a member of the committee 
appointed by the Ministry of Plantation Industries on " Quality, Standards and 
Grades of tea produced and exported by Sri Lanka." 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed continued to function as convenor/secretary 
of the Consultative Committee on Research, a Sub Committee of the Tea 
Research Board. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 173 
2. Project B/CPCO - Continuous process 
A continuous preconditioning system was designed by a University 
trainee in consultation with the divisional staff at Talawakele. The samples of 
material to fabricate the unit/system have been ordered. 
3. Project B/EDRY - Reduction of the cost of tea drying 
3.1 Performance of stepwise FBD 3 compared with FBD 4 
Few trials were carried out from early May to compare the performance 
of FBD3. The objective is to optimize weir heights in three sections to increase 
the efficiency of the drier. This drier was designed in such a way that the weir 
heights in each section could be changed individually. Trials were restarted 
with presetting of weir heights at 4" as suggested earlier. 
TABLE 1 - Moisture content of tea in different sections and output of drier 
W/dhool Sections % Moisture Temperature(C) Average 
% Moisture 1st 2nd 3rd Inlet Weir end Output (Kg) 
(1) 53.5 31.5 6.0 2.4 129 112 194 
52.8 31.0 7.7 2.2 129 112 
52.9 33.1 10.1 3.1 117 107 
52.5 36.0 9.2 3.2 116 104 
(2) 55.5 31.0, ,8.2 2.8 112 104 197 
54.9 38.6, 18.2 4.6 115 91 
55.8 44.9.' S25.2 4.6 123 94 
The results revealed that the average output was about 195 kg on both 
occasions. The moisture contents of the samples drawn from each section were 
analyzed. The moisture content of dhool in each section is dependent on the 
initial moisture content of the fermented dhool, feeding rate as well as the inlet 
and exhaust temperatures of the dryer. This work is in progress. 
M. T. Ziyad Mohamed, W. S. Botheju, L. Jayasinghe 
3 . 2 Trials with 'Economizers ' 
Although the economizer was installed with necessary ducting, the 
amount of air sucked through economizer was not sufficient. Further 
modifications will be carried out and trials will continue. 
174 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
3.3 Solar Tea Drying Project 
The objective of this project is to test the feasibility of using solar energy 
for withering and drying. As an initial step two prototype solar flat plate 
collectors were designed and fabricated, and their performance tested at St 
Joachim Estate. The initial results showed that the air could be heated from 
about 32°C to 92°C using solar energy. To produce 1kg of tea, as much as 22 
MJ of thermal energy is spent, according to energy audits carried out. 
The approach was to preheat the air which enters the heat exchanger to 
around 50 - 60°C using solar energy and to raise the temperatures to operational 
conditions (95°C) using firewood or oil. The technology using solar energy 
for thermal energy applications is well established. However, the importance 
of working out the economics would be looked into. 
Current Status: 
Fabrication of all 200 solar collectors was completed. The fabrication 
of ductings was also completed. The structure to fix the solar collectors has 
been decided and construction started with prestressed concrete columns and 
beams, in consultation with Dr. Kulasinghe, consultant for the project appointed 
by NARESA. 
S. Koneswaramoorthy, and M. T. Ziyad Mohamed 
3.4 Dehumidified air technique for withering 
The objective is to check the effect of dehumidifying the air used for 
drying with a view to 
1. Reduce the cost of drying by reducing the temperature of the drying air. 
2. Check the improvement in tea character ( i f any). 
The miniature drier at the Technology Division was tested to find the 
initial condition for drying teas. 
Silica was packed in wire mesh and fixed to the drier to dehumidify the 
air used for drying. However the dehumidifying capacity of the silica packing 
was not satisfactory. The design of the silica packing was modified and this 
packing will be used in future tests. 
K. Raveendran, and M. T. Ziyad Mohamed 
In the meantime a cost effective prototype dehumidifying unit is being 
developed by Dr. Attalage of University of Moratuwa, for the specific purpose 
of using it for withering tea leaves. Once the unit is developed the Technology 
staff will get involved in testing the same, studying the effect of such a system 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 175 
Wood losses in sawing / splitting 5 - 6% 
Labour for sawing (man-hrs/ cu.yd) 1 . 5 - 2 
Labour for chopping (man-hrs/ cu.yd) 6 - 1 0 
Power consumption in sawing (Kwh/ cu.yd) 4 - 5 . 6 
P.B.Chandradasa, G. L. C. Galahitiyawa, M. T. Ziyad Mohamed 
4. Project B/ENGY - Reduction of Cost of Energy 
4.1 Modifications to the trough with a view to reduce the cost of electri­
cal energy 
This is a collaborative project between TRI and Energy Conservation 
Fund ( a statutory body under Ministry of Power and Energy) and it is funded 
by Energy Conservation Fund (ECF). 
Electrical energy is required for the unit operations of Withering, Rolling, 
Roll breaking and Drying. Electrical Energy consumption in sorting and packing 
on quality of made tea. This is a collaborative project with TRI, University of 
Moratuwa and Energy Conservation Fund (ECF). The project is funded by 
ECF. 
K. Raveendran, G. L. C. Galabitiyawa, M. T. Ziyad Mohamed 
3.5 Generation of thermal energy using a local gasifier (NERD) for dry­
ing tea. 
The NERD gasifier was dismantled and a new one was fabricated with 
a thicker gauge B. I. sheet with modification to the burner unit at NERD work­
shop and installed during 4th quarter of 1996. The new unit was funded/paid 
by the Energy Conservation Fund. 
Trials were carried out for several days. Difficulties were encountered 
in raising the inlet temperature up to 200°F. On certain days it was possible to 
maintain an inlet temperature of around 200° F. This temperature although 
adequate but not the ideal for Low Country type of manufacture. Since the 
firewood has to be cut into small pieces to feed this gasifier, data on cost of 
splitting were also recorded. 
However, field trials would continue at least for another 6 months or so 
to make any recommendations. 
Wood-fuel losses and labour/power costs in splitting and chopping of fire­
wood 
Trials were carried out during the period under review and data col­
lected indicate the following. 
176 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
operation is rather small. The actual energy consumption in typical High/ Mid 
and Low country factories observed by analysis of historical data and by actual 
measurements during energy audits is given in Table 2. 
TABLE 2 - Electrical Energy Consumption in Tea Processing Unit 
Operation wise. 
Mid/High Country Low Country 
kWh/kgMT % kWh/KgMT % 
Withering 0.46 48.9 0.46 61.3 
Rolling 0.20 21.3 0.10 13.3 
Drying 0.07 7.4 0.07 9.3 
Sorting & Packing 0.09 9.6 0.07 9.3 
Ancillaries 
(including domestic use) 0.12 12.8 0.05 6.7 
Total 0.94 100 0.75 100 
(Ref W. C. A. De Silva,Planters Energy Network 1993) 
Bulk of electricity consumption takes place in the unit operation of 
withering and as the following analysis shows considerable energy savings 
could be effected by R + D relating to withering operations. 
In withering, electricity is consumed entirely by the fan motors operating 
continuously for about 12 hours in the case of Up/Mid country factories and 
about 18 hours in the case of Low country factories. 
For trough withering units the following design features are considered 
appropriate. 
Rate of spreading 30 Kg/m 2 
Air flow requirement 0.6 m 3 /min/kg GL 
Required pressure head trough 15mm wg 
Estimated pressure loss in fan housing 5mm wg 
Fan head 20mm wg 
Assumed fan motor efficiency 80% 
Safety factor for motor capacity 25% 
Assumed fan efficiency 80% 
Based on the above, electrical energy requirements of a trough of 1,000 
kg (GL) capacity is 4 kW and the corresponding specific electrical energy 
consumption (based on an outturn of 22.2% MT/GL is only 0. 22 kWh/kg MT 
for withers lasting 12 hrs and 0.32 kWh/kg MT for withers lasting 18 hrs, as 
against observed specific consumption of 0.46 kWh/kg MT. 
This clearly illustrates that the electricity consumption of trough fans is 
too high in relation to design figures. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 177 
Contributory factors often are incorrect fan duction design, lack of airflow 
distribution measures, use of oversize fans ( capacity being adjusted by fan 
blade angle), air leaks and the use of oversize motors. 
The extent of using oversize motors could be assessed by comparing the 
usually installed motor capacities (Samaraweera 1986) with those calculated 
to confirm to the design features given above. The details are given in Table 3. 
Usually installed motor capacities compared with design calculations based 
on an air requirement of 0.6m Vmin/kg GL for troughs of varying capacities 
TABLE 3 - Motor ratings for various trough sizes 
Trough (ft) 60 72 84 100 120 
(mi 18,3 21.9 25.6 30.5 36.6 
Capacity (kg) 988 1183 1382 1647 1976 
Air flow required (mVmin) 593 710 829 988 1186 
Air power @ 20mm total 
Pressure (kW) 1.93 2.31 2.70 3.22 3.86 
Calculated fan motor 
Capacity (kW) 3.0 3.6 4.2 5.0 5.9 
Calculated motor rating (kW)* 3.7 4.4 5.2 6.2 7.4 
Usual motor rating 3.7 5.5 7.4 11 11 
Oversize (%) 0 25 42 77 49 
*(at an assumed motor efficiency of 65%, providing for a safety factor of 25%) 
By improving designs of troughs it should be possible to reduce electricity 
consumption in withering by 30% to 50% i.e. from 0.46 kWh to 0 3 2 kWh per 
kg of made tea. At a national level this represents a saving of about 28 GWh 
per annum. 
Methodology 
(1) To access the present energy consumption pattern and to identify the energy 
saving potential, the following study methodology has been adopted. 
(2) Measure all the critical parameters to estimate the specific energy 
consumption of existing withering operation without making any 
operational changes. 
(3) Measure all the critical parameters while maintaining these parameters at 
desired range of withering in order to estimate the specific energy 
consumption. 
(4) Identify operational changes required for improvement of energy 
efficiency. 
(5) Carry out trials in the prototype withering trough to establish desired 
parameters to achieve optimum energy efficiency. 
178 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Test Procedure 
Fresh green tea leaf was spread evenly on the trough at (2.5-3.2 kg/ft2). 
Spreading was done as quickly as possible and the trough fan started. 
Temperature measurements were taken at the following points. 
Air outlet over the leaf bed, 
Air inlet temperature, 
Ambient air position for hot air inlet duct and, 
Plenum chamber 
Temperature 
Wet bulb & Dry bulb temperature were monitored at four points using 
thermocouple wires of K type and a data logger and were continuously recorded 
at 15 minute intervals for the entire withering process. 
Weight 
Weight losses of green leaves during withering were measured by taking 
samples of 3.5kg green tea leaves contained in basket made out of wire mesh 
and placed on the same trough. The weights of these samples were recorded at 
one hour time intervals. Two samples of leaves were collected at the beginning 
and end of the withering process for measurement of moisture content. The 
total green leaf weight and the withered leaf weight (once the wither is ready) 
were also recorded. 
Static pressure 
Static pressure in the plenum chamber was also measured at 5 points 
along the length of the trough. 
Air flow 
Air velocity at inlet position was measured. In order to reduce the air 
flow rate through the bed the small door at the rear side of the trough (gable 
end door) was kept open from 4.00 a.m and air velocity through this back door 
was also measured. The leaf bed was turned twice during the process (11.30 
p.m & 4.00 a.m). 
Observations and recommendations:-
Table 4 gives the summary of the results of the field trials carried out at St 
Joachim Estate, Ratnapura. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 179 
TABLE - 4 Electrical Energy consumption during withering 
easel case2 case3 case4 caseS* design 
condition 
Weight Distribution (kg/ft2) 2.5 2.5 3.14 2.5. 3.2 2.8 
Withering Time (h.min) 16.30 13.10 15.15 11.35 12.15 12 
Specific Energy Consumption 0.316 0.316 0.256 0.241 0.201 0.222 
(kWh/Tonne of MT) 
Initial Moisture Content % 74.01 77.7 80 75.7 80 
Final Moisture Content % 65.00 65.0 65 61.2 60 
* Controlled operation 
Moisture Loss 
Fig 1 shows the weight loss of leaves during the process. It was observed 
that more than 50% of the moisture removal has taken place during the first 
four hours of the withering process. 
Wet bulb/ Dry bulb Temperature Difference 
The withering process of the green leaves is ruled by the difference in 
wet and dry bulb temperature of the ambient air. The difference should be 
2.2°C as an absolute minimum and the average around 3-4°C. 
During the wet days and in the evening the difference may be too small 
for withering to take place and in this case hot air from the drier is mixed with 
ambient air to achieve the required 'wet bulb depressions'. This is normally 
checked with dry and wet bulb thermometer in the trough. There is no meter 
to measure the moisture content in the leaf within a short period. It is common 
practice that the wither percentage is checked by squeezing the leaf by hand 
with the experience of the factory officer. During the measurements a 
continuous temperature recording unit was used with thermocouple wiring 
indicating the wet/dry bulb temperature of air entering and leaving air of the 
trough. Fig 2 shows the variation of wet & dry bulb temperature difference 
under normal operation and Fig 3 shows the wet/dry bulb temperature difference 
under controlled conditions. 
The specific energy consumption at the persent operational mode is about 
0.316kWh/KgofMT. This value was reduced to 0.241 at moderately controlled 
conditions. 
Based on the above findings it could be concluded that energy 
consumption for withering could be reduced at least by 20% with proper control 
of Wet/Dry bulb temperatures. 
180 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
To carry out further trials a prototype trough (20'X6') with all the 
necessary ducting, was constructed at the Mechanical Workshop and the fan 
and motor were coupled/ installed to the same unit. Based on the above findings 
a speed controller will be installed to control the airflow with time of withering 
M.T. Ziyad Mohamed, G. L. C. Galahitiyawa and ECF Officials 
& Project D/TECH - Divisional activities 
6.1 Testing new moisture meter to measure the moisture content in 
withered leaf 
TRTME-GM (Time domain Reflectometry with Intelligent microelements 
for Gravimetric Water content measuring) based on the TDR- technique was 
tested during the year 1996. 
A modified ins t rument brought by an Engineer from IMKO, 
MICROMODULTECHNIK, Germany was tested with withered leaf samples 
with varying moisture content during the year 1997. 
Graph A, TRTME Mass% (instrument reading) vs Reference value in 
Mass% (result from standard laboratory test) was obtained by the Engineer 
from the test results. 
The test was done using withered leaves consisting of, 
1) Mixed leaves (tender leaves + coarse leaves) 
2) Tender leaves 
In the graph it can be seen that the points are scattered. Further to this 
the meter was tested by the officers attached to Technology division on several 
occasions and similar graphs were obtained. 
Based on these test results the following conclusions were made. 
a) The results are encouraging for samples with moisture levels below 60% 
b) The results are not reliable when, 
(i) The moisture content in the sample is above 60% 
(ii) There is more moisture in the stem compared to leaves during 
rainy days. It is difficult to remove the excess moisture and the 
moisture content of the withered leaf varies. 
(iii) The leaf standard is poor 
(iv) There is presence of sand 
This is a collaborative project with Post Harvest Technology Department, 
University of Hohenheim, Germany. 
M. T. Ziyad Mohamed, K. Raveendran, S. H. Priyanthi, L. Jayasinghe 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 181 
6.2 Optimization of grade mix - No3 mesh for the Roll Breaker 
The objective of this study is to check the merits and demerits of using 
No 3 mesh instead of No 4 mesh in the roll breaker for low country type of 
manufacture. Since the perforation is larger in No 3 mesh higher dhool 
percentages were expected. 
550 kg of withered leaf was charged initially to two rollers with 4x20 
minutes rolling. The dool percentages are presented below. 
Mesh No. 4 (%) 
(single roll breaking) 
2.20 
5.00 
22.30 (double roll breaking) 
24.20 (No . 2 mesh single roll breaking) 
46.20 
s (%) 
B0P1(33) 8.8 
BOP(40) 5.8 
OP1 5.2 
OP 13.1 
FBOP 7.3 
FBOPF1 4.3 
FBOPF 3.1 
F PEKOE 1.8 
OPA(25) 12.6 
OPA(30) 5.0 
FFsp 1.2 
OFF GRADES 24.1 
Labour requirement for roll breaking : 5 nos' 
From the above it could be seen that the dhool percentages with No. 4 
mesh were less and big bulk percentage was high. As such it was decided to do 
double roll breaking in the case of No. 4 roll breaker. This is a common practice 
in most of the Low Country factories. 
The 1 s t 2"d and 3 r d dhools were extracted by roll breaking the bulk twice 
(double roll breaking) in the case of control using No 4 mesh. In the case of 
treatment using No 3 mesh, the 1 s t 2 n d and 3 r d dhools were extracted by roll 
breaking the rolled leaf once. 
The 4* dhool was extracted using a No 2 roll breaker mesh in each case. Three 
replicates were completed during the period under review and the results are 
summarized below 
1st dhool 
2nd dhool 
3rd dhool 
4th dhool 
Big Bulk 
182 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
TABLE 5 - Dhool percentages using No. 3 mesh verses No. 4 mesh in the 
roll breaker 
mesh no.3 mesh no.4 
(single roll breaking) (double roll brea] 
1 s t dhool 
/O 
8.48 
/o 
7.50 
2 n d dhool 13.84 16.53 
3 r d dhool 21.60 21.21 
4 t h dhool 32.11 26.24 
Big Bulk 23.91 28.50 
Grades (%) (%) 
B0P1(33) 9.0 9.8 
BOP1(40) 7.1 7.0 
OP1 12.3 11.0 
OP 11.6 11.4 
FBOP 8.2 8.6 
FBOPF1 3.5 4.3 
FBOPF 4.2 3.1 
F PEKOE 2.9 2.5 
PEKOE 12.0 10.0 
OPA(25) 8.0 7.8 
OPA(30) 4.1 6.0 
FFsp 1.8 1.9 
OFF GRADES 15.6 16.6 
Labour requirement for roll breaking: 
5 no.s' 10 no.s' 
Preliminary results indicate that the dhool percentages and grade 
percentages are comparable, in spite of employing single roll breaking with 
No. 3 mesh against double roll breaking with No. 4 mesh. However, the samples 
were also sent to professional tasters for their evaluation. If the valuation is 
comparable or better in the case of treatment using No. 3 mesh, this would 
result in substantial reduction in deployment of labour in the rolling room as 
mentioned above i.e. 5 labourers against 10. This is in progress. 
G.L.C. Galahitiyawa, P.B. Chandradasa, N. Vidanapathirana, 
M.T. Ziyad Mohamed 
6.3 Net Outturn - made tea to green leaf . 
Net'outturn achievable under low country conditions had been the subject 
of debate for some time. This is an important factor for the leaf suppliers, 
mainly small holders as well as factory owners since the price paid for the 
green leaf is based on this outturn! 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 183 
Trials were carried out under commercial conditions at St Joachim 
Factory, Ratnapura, where more than 90% of the production is from bought 
leaf. Several batches of green leaf were selected, and manufacturing was 
carried out under normal (commercial) conditions. The teas were graded and 
the net outturn determined for each batch. 
The results from 18 replicates are summarized in Table 6. 
TABLE 6 - Gross and net outturn percentages in made tea when the good 
leaf percentage is over 60 
Rep. Moisture Good leaf Gross Refuse tea Net 
No. content(%) (%) outturn( %) (%) outturn(%) 
1 79.06 83.00 22.18 2.22 19.65 
2 79.11 80.50 21.31 2.68 20.25 
3 76.19 73.50 23.82 3.09 22.80 
4 77.83 86.70 21.39 1.98 20.41 
5 80.84 84.60 19.75 0.57 19.47 
6 79.42 77.50 19.67 1.18 19.08 
7 74.73 85.27 24.86 1.60 24.55 
8 77.00 73.60 22.60 3.68 . 22.21 
9 78.00 62.00 21.65 5.73 20.99 
10 77.18 66.20 22.30 3.96 22.46 
11 76.23 72.80 23.65 1.80 23.22 
12 74.50 70.00 24.88 2.72 23.97 
13 77.56 70.27 22.75 4.28 22.17 
14 79.90 71.65 20.27 4.13 18.30 
15 76.80 71.83 23.28 5.13 22.48 
16 77.80 72.55 22.38 5.24 21.08 
17 74.60 71.40 24.80 : 4.84 22.69 
18 79.00 49.00 21.47 . 4.98 19.41 
1) The regression for Net Outturn X Moisture Content of green leaf 
Predictor coef St dev t-ratio Probability 
Constant 91.833 7.135 12.87 0.000 
MC -0.90833 0.09199 -9.87 0.000 *** 
S = 0.6979 R2 = 85.9% Readjusted) = 85.0% 
* * * Highly significant - 85 % of the variation of Net outturn is explained by 
Moisture content of green leaf. 
The regression equation is NO = 91 .8-0 .908MC ..(1) 
NO - Net outturn, MC - Moisture content of green leaf. 
184 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
2) The regression for Net outturn X Good leaf % gave 
NO = 21.2 + 0.0024 GL (2) 
Predictor Coef St dev t-ratio Probability 
Constant 21.227 3.660 5.80 0.000 
goodleaf 0.00235 0.04947 0.05 0.963 **** 
s = 1.859 R - S Q = 0.0% R - SQ(ADJ) = 0.0% 
**** Not significant - Net outturn has no relationship with Good Leaf% 
This implies that the nett outturn does not depend on good leaf percentage 
3) The regression for Net outturn, moisture content & good leaf (GL) 
NO = 91.2 - 0912 MC + 0.0128 GL (3) 
Predictor Coef St dev t-ratio Probability 
Constant 91.172 7.325 12.45 0.000 
mc -0.91191 0.09375 -9.73 0.000*** 
gl 0.01278 0.01893 0.68 0.510 NS 
s = 0.7101 R-sq = 86.3% R-sq(adj) = 84.5% 
This again confirms that the nett outturn doesnot depend on good leaf 
peercentage 
4) The regression for refuse tea% X onGoodleaf% 
RT = 12 .4-0 .124 GL (4) 
RT - refuse tea% GL - good leaf % 
Predictor coef stdev t-ratio Probability 
Constant 12.401 2.182 5.68 0.000 
Goodleaf -0.12357 0.02949 - 4.19 0.001 *** 
s = 1.108 R - S Q = 52.3% R-SQ(ADJ) = 49.3% 
*** Highly significant - 49.3% of the variation of refuse tea% is explained 
by Good leaf % 
The results indicate that the Net outturn mainly depends on the moisture 
content of the green leaf, rather than the leaf standard. Using the above 
correlation (equation 1) if the moisture content in green leaf is known, the nett 
outturn could be predicted. 
It was also decided to collect samples of green leaf received at St. Joachim 
factory almost everyday for about one year and determine the moisture content 
to work out the net outturn achievable using the above equation and predict a 
possible average figure for the whole year. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 185 
TABLE - 07 Moisture Determination of green leaf samples received at 
St Joachim Factory 
Date Estate leaf Bought leaf 
MC% Surface moisture MC% Surface m 
97/07/09 81.0 yes 79.9 yes 
10 81.9 yes 82.5 yes 
11 80.4 yes 81.4 yes 
14 80.6 yes 78.7 yes 
15 79.7 yes 79.1 yes 
29 75.6 no 77.5 yes 
30 75.6 no 79.6 yes 
31 74.6 no 78.3 no 
97/08/01 76.3 no 79.2 yes 
04 75.8 no 77.8 yes 
05 76.1 no 76.9 no 
97/10/13 - - 78.9 yes 
97/11/04 79.5 yes 79.3 yes 
05 80.2 yes 81.4 yes 
06 80.4 yes 80.9 yes 
07 79.6 yes 79.2 yes 
18 79.8 yes 80.1 yes 
19 77.7 no 77.0 no 
97/12/03 78.5 yes 80.6 yes 
04 79.1 yes 80.6 yes 
05 76.0 no 78.6 no 
06 77.1 no 77.3 no 
08 76.2 no 76.8 no 
09 78.8 yes 79.6 yes 
10 77.6 yes 77.3 yes 
11 79.5 yes 80.3 yes 
12 78.2 yes 77.6 yes 
15 79.2 yes 80.3 yes 
16 80.3 yes 80.1 yes 
17 77.6 .yes 77.5 yes 
18 77.7 no 79.1 yes 
19 78.9 yes 79.0 yes 
G.L.C. Galahitiyawa, and N. Vidanapathirana 
6.5 Monitoring the standard of leaf at S t Coombs Factory 
Monitoring of the standard of leaf coming to St. Coombs factory was 
continued at least two days a week. The bought leaf coming from St. Coombs 
estate, Lamilliere and Diyanillakelle estates (bought leaf) were taken to monitor 
the standard of leaf brought to St. Coombs factory. 
186 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Standard leaf Sub Standard leaf 
Bud itself Bud + three or more leaves 
Bud + one leaf and leaf with hard stem 
Bud + two leaves Coarse banji 
Bud + three leaves (if 3rd is tender) Coarse single leaves 
Tender single leaf Any damaged leaves 
Tender banji 
Several samples of leaf were taken after spreading on the troughs for 
each division separately. The respective samples were bulked and about 250 
gm from each sample was taken to monitor the leaf standard. They were then 
divided into Standard leaf and Sub Standard, the percentages being shown 
below. 
The acceptable standard of leaf should be about 65% good leaf 
(minimum) for good manufacture. 
TABLE 8 - Standard of leaf brought to St. Coombs factory in three different 
places 
Months St. Coombs Lamillier Diyanillakele 
Count% Weight% Count % Weight% Count% Weight% 
January 53 48 55 49 58 54 
February 62 55 63 58 57 54 
March 57 49 58 55 60 53 
April 63 53 55 45 57 48 
may 49 42 58 48 51 40 
June 53 54 61 51 65 55 
July 59 45 62 51 64 46 
August 58 43 63 51 59 50 
September 65 52 61 51 70 59 
October 61 63 68 55 69 59 
November 59 42 61 48 69 46 
December 58 46 57 46 65 52 
S. H. Priyanthi, L. Jayasinghe 
6.6 ISO 9000 
ISO 9000 series certification has become and international standard for 
quality management. Many companies across the globe had obtained this 
certification and many more are in the process of obtaining the same. 
Although at present, the tea importing countries are not demanding ISO 
9000 certification for the tea processed at a particular factory, by the turn of 
the century there is the possibility, it might become a prerequisite to have this 
certification for selling tea produced from each factory. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 187 
To achieve certification, a company must demonstrate its commitment 
to quality. To make it a success the total involvement of everyone in the company 
in the operation of the quality system is utmost important. There are three 
standards under this series. 
ISO 9001 design/development, production, Installation and customer 
service 
ISO 9002 production, Installation and customer service 
ISO 9003 final inspection and test 
What is relevant/appropriate to the industry at present is ISO 9002. The 
system requires documentation and demonstration. In other words, one must 
say what he does & do what he says. 
There are three manuals to be perpared, 
1. Quality manual 
2. Quality procedures manual 
3. Work instructions 
With the intention of leading the way for other factories to follow, action 
was initiated first to obtain ISO 9002 certification for processing at St. Coombs 
factory. In this regard the assistance received from M/S Gihan Talgodapitiya 
Associates (Pvt) Ltd, Colombo 07, in preparing all three manuals is appreciated. 
The institute has appointed M/S Technoconsult (Pvt) Ltd., Colombo 06 
as consultants to implement the system and obtain certification. As an initial 
step the consultants conducted several training programs on ISO 9000 for the 
benefit of the staff (Executive grade & Intermediate grade). It is anticipated to 
obtain ISO 9002 certification by mid 1998. 
M. T. Ziyad Mohamed, K. Raveendran 
6.7 Packing Trials with New Type of Paper Sacks 
When the tea is packed in tea chest the cost of packing is the largest 
component in tea processing. As a result new packing materials are tested 
from time to time for their suitability for packing tea. 
In this study two types of tea bags (sacks), one with the inner ply having 
two joints of Aluminum/LDPE/Kraft paper and the other with matallized 
polyester/LDPE/Kraft paper were tested. The normal paper sack with the same 
dimension, but with inner ply having one joint was used as the control. 
The following information were recorded from each type of bag. 
1. Sack dimensions 
2. Grammage/ thickness 
3. Tensile strength measured by the "drop test" 
188 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
52 kgs of BOP grade tea was packed in each sack (6 numbers from each 
type) and stored in the Division and the humidity in the room was also recorded. 
Initial moisture content of the tea was also recorded. At the the end of each 
month duplicate samples of teas were drawn from each bag and the moisture 
content and the chemical parameters such as TF, TR, total colour etc were 
analyzed. 
The samples were also evaluated by tasting (sensory evaluation) and 
also sent to three professional tasters for their evaluation. The results after 2 
months of the trial are summarized below. 
Dimensions of Tea Sacks 
Empty sacks Gay flat) dimensions 
Control New tea bag New tea bag 
Safe tea sack Metalized Al Kraft Papeer 
Sack length(mm) 1078-1080 1055-65 1060 
Sack width (mm) 700 703-705 705 
Width of 
bottom(mm) 212-215 200-204 205-207 
Grammage (gsm) 
New tea bag New tea bag 
Metalized Al Kraft paper 
LDPF 20 20 
Aluminium 20 21 
Kraft Paper 65 65 
Filled sack dimension 
Sack length(mm) 
Sack width (mm) 
Width of bottom (mm) 
Control 
Safe tea sack 
1110 
535 
270 
New Tea bag 
Metalized 
1100 
540 
272 
New tea bag 
Al Kraft Paper 
1080 
520 
315 
TF% TR% Colour Moisture 
Initial bulk Tea 0.8308 14.04 3.40 3.7 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 189 
After one month, 
Sacks T F % T R % Colour Moisture 
STS 1 0.9281 14.36 3.83 3.95 
STS 2 0.8359 14.58 3.77 3.7 
NTB(M) 1 0.8313 14.43 3.73 3.85 
NTB(M) 2 0.7639 14.35 3.83 3.75 
NTB(AL) 1 0.8224 15.17 3.94 3.6 
NTB(Al) 2 0.8314 14.76 3.99 \ 3.8 
After Two Months 
Sacks T F % T R % Colour Moisture 
STS 1 0.8392 14.35 4.00 3.0 
STS 2 0. 8100 15.45 3.89 3.7 
STS 3 0.8932 13.78 4.00 3.8 
STS 4 0.9070 14.10 3.74 3.7 
NTB(M) 1 0.8452 14.36 3.90 3.9 
NTB(M) 2 0.8674 14.77 4.02 3.8 
NTB(M) 3 0.7800 14.85 3.97 3.9 
NTB(M) 4 0. 8320 14.87 3.88 3.7 
NTB(AL)1 0.8336 12.88 3.81 3.7 
NTB(AL)2 0. 8885 14.14 4.12 3.9 
NTB(AL)3 0. 8460 14.59 3.39 3.9 
NTB(AL)4 0. 8430 15.40 3.93 3.8 
These trials are expected to continue till end of February next year. 
M. T. Ziyad Mohamed, K. Raveendran, S. H. Priyanthi, L. Jayasinghe 
7. Seminars/ Lectures 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed 
Presented a paper titled " Keeping quality of Teas" at a seminar organized 
by John Keels Ltd at TRI, Auditorium, Talawakelle on 3rd January. 
Presented a seminar titled "CTC Manufacture in Kenya" based on the 
information gathered during his visit to Kenya in October/November 1996, at 
TRI, Auditorium on 22nd January. 
Addressed RSC I seminar for Superintendents/ Asst. Superintendents at 
TRI, Auditorium on 27th February. 
Addressed RSC I seminar for Factory Officers at TRI, Auditorium on 
10th March. 
190 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Addressed RSC VJJ seminar at Hotel Reef Comber, Hikkaduwa on 14th 
March. 
Addressed a seminar organized by District Planters' Association at 
Talawakelle Club on 21 st July. 
Attended a seminar and exhibition titled ' Tea and Health' in Colombo 
on 14th and 15th August. 
Delivered a lecture on ' Tea Manufacture' for the students following 
Plantations Evaluation Course at Faculty of Agriculture at University of 
Peradeniya on 06th September. 
Addressed the staff of Watawala Plantation Ltd on ' Finer points in tea 
Manufacture' at Waltrim Factory on 29th September. 
Addressed a seminar on ' Tea Manufacture' for Superintendents and 
Factory Officers at Maskeliya Club on 1st October. 
Addressed the participants on ' Finer points in tea manufacture' at Mid 
Country RSC IV seminar held at Hantana on 11th December. 
8. Training Programs/Paper presentation 
Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed served as a resource person for the following factory 
officer training programme (skill development in tea manufacture), at NTPM 
Bogawantalawa on the following dates; 
27 th and 28th April 
04 th 06th May 
06 - 09th July 
14 - 17th September 
11th- 12th November 
12 - 14th December 
Dr. M.T. Ziyad Mohamed conducted Factory Officer training programe on ' 
Tea Manufacture' for Factory officers attached to Kahawatte Plantations Ltd 
on 2nd May. 
Factory Officer training programe on ' Tea Manufacture' for Agrapathana 
Plantation Ltd on 19th May, at Agras Club. 
Training programe on ' Tea Manufacture' for Superintendents and Assistant 
Superintendents on 20th May at Agras Club. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 191 
Dr. M.T. Ziyad Mohamed served as a resource person for National Certificate 
Examination in Tea Manufacture for factory officers on 12th June, 17th July 
and 25th September. 
Dr. M.T. Ziyad Mohamed presented a paper on Solar Energy Project at a seminar 
held at NARESA on 29th October. 
Mr. G. C. Galahitiyawa served as a resourse person for factory officer training 
programes on " Tea Manufacture" on the following dates at NIPM 
Bogawantalawa. 
17th, 19th and 20th July 
28th, 30th and 31 st August 
15th September 
25th, 27th and 28th September 
10th November 
Training programes on " Tea Manufacture" for Assistant Superintendents at 
NIPM on 12th June. 
9. Visitors 
The number of visitors during the above period to the Technology Division 
was 12. 
10. Advisory Reports 
During the period under review, 29 advisory visits to factories were 
made by the members of the Technology Division, including low country, on 
various aspects of tea manufacture and factory development. This excludes 
seminars and NIPM factory officer training programmes. 
The number of samples received from estates for determination of 
moisture content percentage was 1009. These were reported with advice for 
correction of defects wherever necessary. 
S T A T I S T I C S 
T.S.N. Senaratne 
General 
Ms. N Senaratne continued to assist various research disciplines of the 
Institute in statistical analyses of their experimental data. She served as Assistant 
Coordinator for Information for Agricultural Research Managers (INFORM). 
She also completed Part I & Part U of the ACS (Australian Computer Society) 
examination. 
In 1997 the following standard analyses of experimental data were carried 
out, mainly using the SAS statistical program: 
Completely Randomised design 10 
Randomized Complete Blocks 195 
Of these, 21 had factorial treatment structure and 6 involved covariance 
analysis. 
On the administrative side, a program was developed in Visual Basic for 
presentation of St Coombs workers' salaries. 
Split-Plot 
Split-split-Plot 
Incomplete Blocks 
64 
7 
27 
Correlation/Regression analysis 15 
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS UNIT 
Officer -in -Charge J.A.A.M. Jayakody 
1. General 
Mr. B. Sivaram left the TRI in October after completing a three and a 
half years consultancy period in the unit. 
Mr Dilkalum Pallihakkara, NDT trainee from the NAB, completed his 
4-month training programme in March. Miss H.W. Shyamali started working 
as a temporary Research Officer w.e.f April, for the CADMAR research 
prioritization programme under the financial assistance of the GTZ- CARP 
research management project. Miss.M.H. Attanayake joined the unit in June 
as a graduate trainee of the Ministry of Youth Affairs. Mr R. Ravishankar, 
final year student from the Department of Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, 
Peradeniya completed a 3-month research programme in October on 
"Ergonomics of Tea Plucking". 
2. Divisional Activities: 
2.1. Research Prioritization. 
The Composite Approach to Decision Making in Agricultural Research 
(CADMAR) approach is continued and co-ordinated by the AEU with the 
technical assistance of the GTZ-CARP research Management project. In this 
approach 25 applied research thrusts with 82 projects covering most aspects of 
the problems/constraints of the tea sector were identified for prioritization. 
There are 8 steps in the process of implementation of CADMAR, namely 
(i) Identification of the problems and constraints limiting productivity and/or 
the profitability of the industry, (ii) Classification of them according to 
researchability, (iii) Formulation of research thrusts, (iv) Assesment of the 
profitability of success of and the time needed for completion of the Research 
Thrusts, (v) Estimation of the costs of the research Thrusts, (vi) Estimation of 
the Aditional Benefits of the Innovations resulting from the Thrusts, (vii) 
Tabulation and presentation of the data which permits the comparision of 
Research Thrusts, and the setting of Research Priority and finally (viii) 
Prioritization of the Research Thrusts. 
Step (vi) is now almost complete and the next two steps could be 
completed within the first quarter of the next year. In order to balance the 
current and future research information requirements of the Institute a basic 
research programme has also been identified including fifty two basic research 
projects. 
J.A.A.M. Jayakody and H.W. Shyamali 
194 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
22. Economic Studies 
The following studies were completed during the year 1997. 
22.1. Financial Viability of Replanting in Estates and Smallholdings 
An analysis of financial returns of replanting was undertaken, separately 
for the estate and smallholder sectors based on the position prevailing at the 
end of year 1996. The results obtained are given in the table below. It shows 
the improved financial viability of replanting in all segments of the tea industry 
following recent market changes. 
NPV @ 15% interest rate 
Elevation Average NSA for Estates Smallholdings 
year 1996 (Rs/kg) 
Low 114.35 17608 211477 
Medium 89.70 -4560 35796 
Up 93.38 138151 54706 
B. Sivaram and G. Ganewatte 
2.2.2. Economics of Shade Management 
A cost-benefit analysis of shade establishment and management was 
done using replacement cost approach with the view of highlighting the 
importance of shade in tea. The following table summarises the overall 
annualised cost and benefits of shade management for one hectare of tea land. 
TABLE - Overall Cost and Benefits of Shade Management in Up and Mid 
Elevation(Rs/ha/year) 
Cost Rs Benefit Rs 
Quantifiable 
Establishment cost 
Shade Management 
Fertilizer Uptake 
Gain 
Total 
Non - Quantifiable 
Blister - Blight Occurance Pest and Disease Control 
Quality Improvement 
Less Soil Erosion 
Build Up of Soil Organic Matter 
Increased Water Holding Capacity 
338.87 Addition of Organic Matter 7688.00 
996.50 Fuel Wood Value 3600.00 
950.00 
9002.63 
11288.00 11288.00 
B. Sivaram and G. Ganewatte 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 195 
2.23. Domestic Resource Cost of Tea Production 
An analysis was done to examine the comparative advantage of tea 
production using the Domestic Resource Cost approach. 
B. Sivaram 
2.2.4. Economic Evaluation of Bag Plants vis-a-vis Bed Plants 
An analysis was done to examine the economic significance of bag plants 
compared to bed plants using all quantifiable costs and benefits of the practices. 
Results showed a very small financial advantage in using bag plants compared 
to the bed plants. It is now important to convince tea producers of the the non 
quantifiable benefits that can be obtained by using bag plants compared to bed 
plants through the TRI extension programmes. 
G. Ganewatte and J.C.K. Rajasinghe 
2.2.5. Financial Analysis of Replanting with and without Rehabilitation 
A preliminary analysis was done using data obtained from a tea field of 
the Waltrim Estate to compare the financial viability of two approaches to 
replanting old seedling tea fields. Direct replanting with SALT shows very 
high financial attractiveness compared to the conventional method. The result 
obtained is location specific and therefore it is not possible to reach a general 
conclusion at this stage. Since the long term impact of the SALT system is not 
properly assessed and the agronomic feasibility of the technique is not fully 
explored, the applicability of this result is very limited. 
G. Ganewatte 
2.2.6 Optimum Pruning Cycle Length 
Preliminary results obtained from an analysis of field data from several 
estates in different locations indicated that more estates would need to be 
sampled, as results were very location specific. The object of this work was to 
determine the optimum pruning cycle length for tea fields in different locations. 
Data analysis is in progress for Concordia Estate, Nuwara Eliya. Further 
analysis is required to confirm the results. 
J.A.A.M. Jayakody , G. Ganewatte and M.H. Attanayake 
2.2.7 Cost of Tea cultivation 
An analysis on the annual cost of tea cultivation in different locations 
was initiated with the objective of developing financial guidelines for decision 
making in tea cultivation. Cost estimation of establishing and mainatining a 
tea nursery, replanting and maintaining young and mature VP fields, 
maintenance of high and low yielding seedling fields in four different elevation 
categories were initiated. 
J.A.A.M. Jayakody and M.H. Attanayake 
196 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
23. Development Planning 
2 3 . 1 . Nuwara Eliya District Development Plan 
A complete report covering various aspects of estates and smallholdings 
of the district was prepared. 
B. Sivaram 
2.4 Geographic Information System studies in Tea Sector 
2.4.1. Development of a Tea Information System 
A collaborative project to study the potential use of GIS for Land Use 
Planning in tea estates continued between the Tea Research Institute and the 
Environment and Forest Conservation Division of the Mahaweli Development 
Authority. As it was decided to build up the GIS capabilities within the Institute 
by having basic software and hardware, PC Arc/Info and Arc View 3 software 
programs were purchased. An order has been placed to purchase a computer 
with the necessary technical specifications, in order to develop an Information 
System for the Plantation sector. A questionnaire was developed and is ready 
to be distributed to tea estates to collect estate information. 
J.A.A.M. Jayakody 
2.4.2. GIS application for Tea Estate Planning 
Results of the GIS study carried out in five tea estates in Nuwara Eliya 
District managed by the Kelani Valley Plantation Ltd, for the purpose of 
selecting suitable lands for forestry programmes were presented at the 3rd 
Annual Forestry Symposium held on 12th and 13th December 1997 organised 
by Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri 
Jayawardenapura. 
J.A.A.M. Jayakody and R.M.S.S. Rajapakse 
2.4.3 Land Use Planning for Development of Marginal Tea Lands 
A contract research project funded by CARP No 12/302/235 - "Land 
use planning for development of marginal tea land with multiple objectives in 
the mid-country" was completed. At the review of the project it was decided 
to include the soil information also in digital form. Therefore soil surveys 
were initiated in November 1996 in five out of the six estates where the land 
use study was carried out. The soil survey was completed in Westhall, Craig 
head, Galphelle and Hantane Estates, and is still in progress at Rattwatte estate. 
The soil surveys were carried out in collaboration with the SPND of TRI and 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 197 
the ENDEV project of the Mahaweli Authority, Polgolla. Work at Westhall 
estate was carried out as a case study to train TRI staff in Aerial Photo 
Interpretation for identifiction of land forms for soil sampling and to describe 
soil profiles. 
J.A.A.M. Jayakody , R.M.S.S. Rajapakse and Manoj Jayawardena 
2.4.4. GIS application for the smallholder sector 
A GIS application on the tea smallholder sector, to study the desirability 
of this technology being used in the sector, continued. The report presenting 
the final outcome is to be written jointly by the TRI, TSHDA and the EFCD of 
the Mahaweli Authority. 
J.A.A.M. Jayakody 
2.5 Socio-economics Studies 
A survey was initiated to study the labour scarcity problem prevailing 
in the Low Country tea estates due to labour migration away from tea sector. 
The first questionnaire of a set of three was prepared and pre-tested in the 
Deniyaya area to collect information from the mamagement point of view. 
Development of the other two questionnaires to collect data from the workers' 
point of view is in progress. 
J.A.A.M. Jayakody, G. Ganewatte , J.C.K. Rajasinghe and 
J.A.S.K.V. Jayasinghe 
2.6 Miscellaneous Activities 
Mrs. J.A.A.M. Jayakody and Gaminda Ganewatte continued to 
participate in the monthly group meeting of Socio-economist and Policy Analyst 
in the National Agricultural System, organised by the CARP from 21 August 
1997. 
3. Publications and Presentations 
3.1. Nuwara Eliya District Development Plan 
A Monograph covering almost all aspects of development of estate and 
smallholdings in Nuwara Eliya District was published. 
3.2. "Tea Bulletin" 
Two articles titled "Replanting Reassessed" and "Economics of Shade 
Management in Tea Estate" were submitted for publecations in the next "Tea 
Bulletin". 
198 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
3.3. TRI Update 
AEU contributed during the year by providing an article on "Bag Plants 
vis-a-vis Bed Plant - an Economics Overview". 
3.4 "Ranpath" 
AEU contributed to the "Ranpath" Sinhala magazine published by 
TSHDA, providing an article on financial gains from replanting. 
3.5 Other 
"Land Use Planning for Agro-Forestry Programmes in Tea Estates" was 
submitted to the proceedings of the third annual forestry symposium of the 
University of Sri Jayawardenapura. 
3.6. Seminars and Meetings 
The following meetings and seminars were attended by the divisional staff: 
i) Presentation on "Economics Aspects of Nitrogen Fertiliser" by Mrs. J. A 
A.M. Jayakody at 194th E & E meeting on Revised Fertiliser 
Recommendation in June. 
ii) Presentation on "Worker motivation" at the seminar by Mr. Sivaram 
organised by PHSWT in Ratnapura in July. 
iii) Presentation on "Productivity and Quality Improvement in Tea" by Mr. 
Sivaram at a PMC seminar. 
iv) Presentation on "Land Use Planning for Agro-Forestry Programmes in 
Tea Estates" by Mrs. J.A.A.M. Jayakody at the 3rd Annual Forestry 
Symposium held on 12th and 13th December 1997 organised by 
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri 
Jayawardenapura. 
4. Overseas Visit 
Mrs. J.A.A.M. Jayakody participated the Second Indian Annual ESRI/ 
ERDAS User Conference held in New Delhi on 2nd and 3rd December 1997. 
St Coombs / Lamiliere Estate 
1. General 
Mr. M. W. Newman Superintendent of Ouvakelle Estate was over looking this 
property upto 10th May 
Mr. Hiran Dunuwille was appointed as Superintendent on St. Coombs/St. 
Joachim Estates with effect from 10th May 
Mr. D. H.Wickremasooriya was appointed as Visiting Agent to St. Coombs 
and St. Joachim Estate from July 1997. 
Mr. P. Periyannen - Chief Clerk was transferred to St. Joachim Estate with 
effect from 01st June and Mr. A. R. William the Senior Assistant Clerk is 
acting for the Chief Clerk. 
Mrs. K. Asalinona who was appointed as Medical Assistant on casual basis 
retired in June. 
Mr. H. M. R. Kuladasa was appointed as Junior Assistant Factory Officer with 
effect from 1st June. 
Mr. S. Fernando was appointed as Estate Medical Assistant with effect from 
23rd June. 
Mr. K. Selvaraj was appointed as driver with effect from 01st September. 
Mrs. K. G. S. Sriyani was appointed as Midwife with effect from 1st August. 
Mr. S. M. Sunil Shantha was transferred to St. Coombs Estate from St. Joachim 
Estate with effect from 01st December. 
2. Weather and Rainfall: 
A rainfall of2395.9 mm has been recorded over 199 wet days as against 
2199.2 mm over 199 days in 1996. 
3. Hectarage Statement 
The revenue extent of St. Coombs and Lamiliere were 98 Ha. and 48 
Ha. respectively, totalling 146 Ha. 
200 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
4. Crop and Yield 
1997 1996 
Crop Yield Crop Yield 
St. Coombs 
Lamiliere 
188,515 
91,203 
1,923 183,395 
1,898 78,767 
1,877 
1,624 
Total 
Bought Leaf 
Grand Total 
279,718 
104,319 
384,037 
1,915 262,162 
113,432 
1,915 375,594 
1,793 
1,793 
5. Tea Prices 
Apart from topping the Western market on several occasion, St. Coombs 
recorded an all time highest price of Rs. 204/- per kilo for B.O.P. grade in 
March 97 and Rs. 176/- for Dust No. 1 in June. 
6. Working Results 
Made a profit of Rs. 7,922,124.19 
7. Nursery 
A total of 38,900 plants of clone TRI 2025 and from TRI 3000 and 4000 
series were raised in the Nursery for planting and infilling. 
8. Labour 
Labour on St. Coombs and Lamiliere has been quiet and the health of 
labour was satisfactory. Wiring (electricity) of labour cottages is in progress, 
A loan from TRI was granted for this purpose, and to be recovered from labour 
on installment basis. 
TABLE 1 Working account of St. Coombs/Lamiliere for the year 1997 compared to previous years. 
Year Total crop Bought Yield Nett sale 
kg(MT) leaf (Kg) (kg MT/ Average 
Ha) Rs. cts 
1993 246,267 102,211 1696 87.02 
1994 467,687 91,434 1,845 89.60 
1995 292,530 107,765 2,001 93.52 
1996 262,162 113,432 1,793 106.52 
1997 . 279,718 104,319 1,915 120.30 
MT - Made Tea 
Cost of Production Gross Actual 
Rs/kg Profit + Profit + 
Estimated Actual Loss - Loss -
Rs Rs 
74.36 88.43 -463,497.40 -463,497.40 
84.36 85.01 ... 1,828,191.13 1,828,191.13 
83.03 82.56 2,965,830.76 2,965,830.76 
83.09 92.69 5,194,465.00 5,194,465.00 
85.79 99.49 7,922124.19 7,922,124.19 
202 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Table 2 Monthly Yield (kg/ha), Rain fall and average 'N ' applied from 
1993 to 1997 - St. Coombs Estate 
Months 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 
January 109 172 206 148 161 
February 57 153 168 102 86 
March 90 140 136 74 58 
April 178 199 184 93 69 
May 125 199 276 424 413 
June 236 146 172 105 140 
July 119 112 119 150 203 
August 92 105 190 140 115 
September 155 163 132 93 109 
October 146 173 205 164 190 
November 192 164 184 198 196 
December 196 170 178 186 193 
Total 1695 1896 2150 1877 1923 
Rain fall (mm) 2918.7 2356.1 2291.9 2199.2 2395.9 
No. of wet days 220 220 188 210 199 
Average N (kg ha - 1 y r 1 ) 222 220 234 258 226 
Table 3 Monthly yield (kg/ha) of fields with amounts of "N" applied -
St. Coombs (1997) 
Field Ext­ Total Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 
No. ent "N" 
Ha 
1 7.1 200 149 64 75 85 471 181 189 166 126 172 200 181 2059 
2 2.6 165 66 119 80 83 480 211 232 146 120 254 305 180 2276 
3A 7 230 292 119 65 63 566 171 247 197 86 255 232 280 2573 
3B 6.7 230 274 87 88 81 544 195 304 128 180 308 299 350 2838 
4 9.1 200 178 118 66 83 481 212 298 155 140 239 231 186 2387 
5 7.4 195 120 123 80 138 377 266 247 190 165 342 291 323 2662 
6A 3 95 101 24 23 14 246 P 14 69 184 676 
6B 2.9 95 112 42 31 37 113 P 53 16 404 
7 4.7 230 149 142 44 68 520 136 203 125 158 183 203 130 2061 
8 5.2 200 98 77 49 66 . 402 93 345 137 119 220 213 181 2000 
9A 3 150 268 123 68 82 292 235 170 210 238 326 377 291 2680 
9B 4.8 150 213 91 47 85 574 144 260 120 158 235 222 238 2387 
10 0.5 165 594 246 176 88 334 324 346 108 206 138 192 272 3024 
10B 2 165 159 73 77 49 320 176 274 122 145 249 297 198 2139 
11A 2 230 266 125 73 179 428 110 157 80 188 442 221 343 2612 
11B 4 190 128 98 56 48 264 129 156 76 63 99 136 223 1476 
12A 1.2 230 272 144 84 71 564 186 222 128 130 115 163 261 2340 
12B 7.1 90 94 57 50 29 301 71 173 75 48 108 112 93 1211 
13 10.4 40 68 25 24 16 234 9 4 5 4 3 28 32 452 
14 7.3 200 129 49 43 72 466 103 259 90 101 177 186 168 1843 
98 161 86 58 69 413 140 203 115 109 190 196 193 1923 
P - Pruned 
8. Cultural Operation 
Field No.l Seeding V.P 
Tea (Ha) (Ha) 
1 Nil 7.1 
2 Nil 2.6 
3 0.4 13.3 
4 Nil 9.1 
5 Nil 7.4 
6 Nil 5.9 
7 Nil 4.7 
8 \ ' Nil 5.2 
Clones Last 
Pruned 
TRI 777 Aug 
2016-2023 1994 
2025 & DN 
TRI 2143 Aug 
2142-2025 1996 
DT 1 &DT95 
TRI 2027 July 
2043, 2025 1993 
WT26 
TRI 62/9 Oct 
2025,3016 1995 
DN,N2 CY9 
TRI2142 May 
2023,2025 1996 
TC9.DT95 & N2 
TRI 2025 June 
DN & N2 1997 
TRI2024 April 
2025,62/9 1996 
D T 1 & D T 9 5 
TRI2024, June 
2025 & DT 1 1994 
Planting 
Year 
Yield per Yield per Shade 
Hect 1996 Hect 1997 
1953-1959 
1993 
1964 
1965-1966 
1967-1968 
1970 
1985-1986 
1962-1964 
1962-1964 
2791 2059 Dadaps & 
Grevillea 
1091 2276 - Do -
2878 2705 Dadaps 
Grevilliea 
& Calliandra 
1862 2387 Dadaps & 
Grevillea 
999 2662 - Do -
1619 542 Grevillea 
2213 2061 Dadaps & 
Grevillea 
1932 2000 Grevillea 
Field No.l Seeding 
Tea (Ha) 
V.PTea 
(Ha) 
Clones Last 
Pruned 
Planting 
Year 
Yield/Ha 
1996 
Yield/Ha 
1997 
Shade 
9 4.8 3 TRI 3000 
TRI 2025 
Decern 
1995 
S 1935 
VP 1986 
1472 2500 Grevillea/ 
Dadaps 
10 0.5 2 SALT area July 
1992 
S 1935 
VP 1991 
1993 
2730 2320 
Grevillea/ 
Calliandra 
11 4 2 TRI 2025 
62/9, N2 
July 
1993 
S 1935 
VP 1988 
1676 1857 Gravillea/ 
Dadaps 
12 7.1 1.2 TRI 2025 
K145 
June 
1994 
S 1935 
VP 1985 
1128 1376 Gravillea/ 
Calliandra 
13 9.1 1.3 TRI 2025 
7/27 & DN 
July 
1997 
S 1935 
VP 1986 
1379 452 Do 
14 1 6.3 TRI 777, 
2024 & N2 
June 
1994 
1961 2247 1843 Do 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 205 
Table 4 Monthly Yield (kg ha-'), and average N applied from 1993 to 1997 
- Lamiliere Devision 
Months 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 
January 105 167 184 120 149 
February 86 129 161 98 76 
March 111 149 114 63 58 
April 202 143 171 153 76 
May 174 172 196 287 311 
June 189 134 146 113 186 
July 108 107 60 118 196 
August 79 112 134 123 111 
September 158 192 93 82 142 
October 125 115 161 133 191 
November 185 158 141 176 209 
December 176 161 144 158 193 
1698 1737 1705 1624 1898 
Average N 
kg ha"1 y r 1 222 220 217 215 213 
Table 5 Monthly yield (kgha 1 ) of fields and amounts of "N" applied -
Lamiliere Division (1997) 
Field Ext­ Total Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 
No. ent "N" 
4 5.1 150 138 90 55 151 184 226 224 130 175 215 262 208 2058 
4B 1.9 200. 258 89 57 51 508 194 285 131 211 197 247 151 2379 
5 1.5 80 52 61 41 27 168 87 81 43 55 72 59 51 797 
6 2 40 55 24. 18 13 201 76 101 51 77 63 89 62 830 
6B 3 110 68 20 22 15 167 79 115 75 18 P 3 582 
7 4.5 165 223 104 110 80 386 261 258 96 161 252 243 216 2390 
8A 5 230 195 118 85 123 386 248 252 186 201 263 237 330 2624 
8B 4 110 121 48 40 70 225 195 147 123 159 186 257 138 1709 
9A 4 250 11 P 39 50 267 147 258 120 221 202 256 217 1788 
9B 4 100 168 79 58 56 298 P 28 93 179 236 1195 
10 6.6 200 194 97 56 69 388 240 213 126 134 224 239 197 2177 
11 6.4 200 172 94 60 86 389 239 254 135 155 255 207 223 2269 
48 213 149 76 58 16 211 186 196 HI 142 191 209 193 1898 
10. Report on Lamiliere Division 
11. Cultural Operation 
Field No. Seeding VP Tea Clones Last Planting 
Tea Pruned Year 
4A 5.1 TRI 2025 June 1984 
1996 
4B 1.9 TRI 2025 May 1986 
1993 
5 1.5 June 1935 
1993 
6A 2 June 1935 
1993 
6B 3 DT 1-WT26 August 1990 and 
and TRI clones 1997 1991 
7 TRI 2025 July 1983 
1993 
8A > 5 TRI 2025 May 1987/1983 
1995 
8B 4 . TRI 2025 June 1989/1990 
DN N2 CY9 1996 
W T 2 6 & 
9A 4 TRI 2025 August 1979 
1996 
9B 4 TRI 2025 May 1980 
DN & CY 9 1997 
10 6.6 DN and TRI 2025 May 1994 1967/1969 
11 6.4 DN and TRI 2025 July 1995 1970/1971 
ST. JOACHIM ESTATE 
1. General 
Mr.S. G. Ekanayake functioned as Assistant Superintendent of StJoachim 
Estate and Mr.H. L.Dunuwila,Superintendent of St.Coombs Estate was 
appointed to overlook StJoachim. Mr.D.Hemanth Wickramasooriya of Kelani 
Valley Plantations Limited was appointed as Visiting Agent for StJoachim 
and he made his first visit to the property on the 6th September 1997.Estate 
Affairs Commit tee Meet ings were conducted regular ly with the 
Chairman.Director and other officials and matters pertaining to StJoachim 
were fully discussed and remedial actions were taken.Messrs.Bartleet and Co., 
Ltd.,and Messrs.De Silva, Abeywardena & Peiris continued as Brokers for 
StJoachim during 1997.The brokers requested us to desist from using the word 
"Clonal" as concern was expressed by consuming countries since of late as the 
word "Clone" has become synonymous with genetically manipulated 
material.As such the selling mark "StJoachim Clonal" was changed as "New 
StJoachim" with effect from November, 1997. 
This year too the factory functioned without the Head Factory Officer 
and a case is pending before the Labour Tribunal at Ratnapura.The Junior 
Assistant Factory Officer Mr.S.M. Sunil Shantha was transferred to StCoombs 
Estate with effect from 1st December , 1997.The Field Officer 
Mr.D.J.W.Ranawake did not work on the estate during this year too as he was 
mobilised for Army Voluntary Service. 
2. Hectarage as at 31st December,1997. 
ha 
Mature VP. tea 
Land under rehabilitation 
Estate Nursery 
Timber Clearing 
Abandoned tea 
Crop Diversification-Coconut 
Land under Rubber 
Land under Paddy 
Intercropping -Tea/Rubber 
54.07 
27.75 
1.50 
3.34 
0.65 
0.93 
12.30 
8.74 
7.59 116.87 
Other lands 
Acquisition by Government, 
buildings,roads,ravines and jungle 25.11 
Total extent 141.98 
208 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
3. Crop (made tea kg) 
The production on St.Joachim Estate in 1997 compared to the previous year 
was as follows :-
Year Esate crop Bought crop 
1996 63,330 1,094,941 
1997 66,847 996,106 
The production on the estate showed an increase of 3,517 in comparison to the 
previous year.This represents an increase of 5.55%. 
3.1 Bought Leaf 
The bought leaf manufactured at St. Joachim Factory showed a decrease 
of 98,835kg in comparison to last year. This represents a decrease of 9%.This 
decrease is mainly attributed to few more private factories being opened in the 
district and very wet weather prevailed through out the year. 
4. Prices 
All teas produced at St.Joachim Factory were sold at the Colombo 
Auctions in the Main Low Grown catalogue.Messrs.Bartleet and Co. Ltd. and 
Messrs. De Silva,Abeywardena & Peiris sold our teas in equal proportions. 
The tea produced during the year was sold at a Nett Sale Average price 
of Rs. 125/71.The Nett Low Grown Average for the year was Rs.l29/47,thus 
the factory Nett Sale Average was Rs.3/76 below Low Grown Average.The 
average price paid for bought leaf during the year under review was Rs.19/ 
29.5 per kg as against an average of Rs. 17/31.9 paid in the previous year.The 
working of StJoachim Estate resulted in a profit of Rs. 22,302,584/-. (Table 1) 
5. Nursery 
The supply of planting materials to Small Holders in the district continued 
this year too.Sale of planting materials as compared to the previous year was 
as follows.(The distribution of plants was done through the Tea Small Holding 
Develp. Authority.) 
Year Shoots Income Plants Income 
supplied (Rs.) supplied (Rs.) 
1996 
1997 
8,750 
182,948 
26,250 
548,844 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 209 
TABLE 1 
WORKING ACCOUNT OF ST. JOACHIM ESTATE FOR THE YEAR 1997 
IN COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS 
Year Total crop Yield/ha Nett Sale Estimated Actual +Profit 
sold(Made (Made Average 
tea kg) tea kg) (Rs/Kg) 
cost of Pro­
duction Rs. 
.-Loss 
Rs. 
1991 *726,162 
75,190 
1992 *338,205 
31,463 
1993 *690,355 
55,775 
1994 *865,691 
57,487 
1995 *887,732 
55,643 
1996 * 1,094,941 
63,330 
1,162 55/96 
693 70/00 
1997 *996,106 1,236 
66,847 
1,014 74/70 
1,045 69/49 
1,097 78/89 
1,248 113/81 
129/90 
65/17.16 60/09.21 -2,653,503/= 
64/10.00 72/60.08 -2,999,959/= 
71/65.59 72/37.69 +1,734,553/= 
66/13.84 69/53.08 -35,914/= 
68/80.25 75/88.38 +2,827,076/= 
87/06.38 102/30.88 +17,978,620/= 
98/24.30 114/03 +22,302,584/= 
* Bought crop 
1997 Production - 137,186 kg of made tea unsold as at 31/12/97 
6. Cultural Operations 
Field No.l 
V.P.Tea 
Clones 
Last pruned 
Yield per hectare 1996 
Yield per hectare 1997 
Shade 
Experiments 
5.85 ha 
T.R.I. 2023,2025,2026,2027 & S106 
July,1996 
372 kg 
497 kg 
Albizia and Gliricidia 
Plucking experiment has been carried out 
by TRI in machine plucking and as well 
as manual plucking. 
Routine upkeep of the tea was done during the year. 1600 V.P. plants of TRI 
2025,2027 clones were used for infilling vacancies. 
210 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Field No.lA 
V.P.tea ... 1.20 ha 
Clones ... T.R.I. 2025,2027,S/106 & KEN 
Last Pruned ... May, 1995 
Yield per hectare 1996 . . .2 ,124 kg 
Yield per hectare 1997 ... 2,555 kg 
Shade ... Albizia and Gliricidia 
Experiments ... nil 
Upkeep of mana grass was undertaken during the year. Routine upkeep of the 
tea was done 
Field No.2 
V.P tea 
Clones 
Yield per hectare 1996 
Yield per hectare 1997 
Shade 
4.12 ha 
T.R.I. 2025,2026,2027 & S106 
562 kg 
790 kg 
Albizia and Gliricidia 
This field is under the supervision of the T.R.I. and is used for clonal proving 
trials. 
Field No.2A 
V.P.tea .... 0.93 ha 
Clones ... T.R.I.2025,S106 
Yield per hectare 1996 ... 2,988 kg 
Yield per hectare 1997 ... 3,649 kg 
Last pruned ... June 1995 
Shade ... Albizia and Gliricidia 
Intercropping area.Planted coconut in tea.Routine upkeep of tea and coconut 
was done during the year. 
Field No.2F 
6.78 ha 
T.R.I. 2025,2026,2027 & S106 
May 1996 
788 kg 
1,641 kg 
Albizia and Gliricidia 
Machine plucking has been carried out by 
TRI Low Country Staff. 
Routine upkeep of the tea was done during the year 
V.P. tea 
Clones 
Last pruned 
Yield per hectare 1996 
Yield per hectare 1997 
Shade 
Experiments 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 211 
Field No.3 
V.P. tea 
Clones 
Last pruned 
Yield per hectare 1996 
Yield per hectare 1997 
Shade 
Experiments 
. 8.40 ha 
. T.R.I. 2023,2025 
. July, 1997 
. 1,452 kg 
... 788 kg 
. Albizia and Gliricidia 
. Nil 
Routine upkeep of tea was undertaken during the year. 
Field No.3 Rubber Area 
The rubber in this area was tapped and the latex was given to Rubber 
Manufactur ing and Export ing Corporat ion of Sri Lanka Ltd. , at 
Kuruwita.Routine maintenance was carried out during the year. 
Field No.10 Rubber Area 
This field too was tapped and the latex was given to Rubber 
Manufactur ing and Expor t ing Corporat ion of Sri Lanka Limited 
Kuruwita.Routine maintenance was carried out during the year. 
Field No.10 Rubber Area (Part) 
This was planted in 1990.The extent is 3.60 ha.Tapping was undertaken 
during this year.Latex was given to the Rubber Manufacturing and Exporting 
Corporation of Sri Lanka Ltd.,Kuruwita. 
Field No. 4 
V.P. tea 
Clones 
Last pruned 
Yield per hectare 1996 
Yield per hectare 1997 
Shade 
Experiments 
5.85 ha 
T.R.I.2023,2025,2026,2027,H50/1,S106 
June 1994 
1,030 kg 
1,180 kg 
Albizia and Gliricidia 
Machine plucking has been carried out by 
TRI Low Country Staff. 
Routine upkeep was done during the year. 
212 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Field No.5 
V.P.tea 
Clones 
Last pruned 
Yield per hectare 1996 
Yield per hectare 1997 
Shade 
Experiments 
8.20 ha 
T.R.I. 2023,2025,2027,H50/1 
May 1995 
771 kg 
1,996 kg 
Albizia and Gliricidia 
Weedicide and cover crop experiments 
were carried out 
Routine upkeep was done during the year.6475 v.p.plants of TRI 2025, 2027 
were used for infilling vacancies. 
Field No.6 
V.P. tea 
Clones 
Last pruned 
Yield per hectare 1996 
Yield per hectare 1997 
Shade 
Experiments 
1.50 ha 
T.R.I.2025,2026 & 2027 
June 1995 
2,943 kg 
3,121 kg 
Albizia and Gliricidia 
Nil 
Routine maintenance was undertaken during the year in tea area as well as the 
area under mana grass. 
Field N0.8B 
V.P.tea 4.30 ha 
This area which was excluded from tea-in-bearing hectarage in 1996 and was 
shown under abandoned tea.Now it is under mana grass. 
Field N0.8A 
VP.tea 
Clones 
Last pruned 
Yield per hectare 1996 
Yield per hectare 1997 
Shade 
Experiments 
6.00 ha 
T.R.I.2025,2026,2027, KEN,S106 and 
3063 
July 1997 
2,396 kg 
1,782 kg 
Albizia and Gliricidia 
Nil 
Routine upkeep was done during the year 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 213 
Field N0.8C 
. 1.90 ha 
: T.R.I.2025,2027,KEN,S106 & 3063 
. July, 1997 
. 2,540 kg 
. 1,538 kg 
. Albizia and Gliricidia 
. Nil 
Routine upkeep of tea was undertaken during the year. 
The following New Clearing work was undertaken during the year. 
Field N0.8D - 2.83 ha - Area under rehabilitation 
Upkeep of Mana,lopping and weeding were done during the year. 
Field No.l - 4.80 ha - Area under rehabilitation 
Upkeep of Mana,lopping and weeding were done during the year. 
Field N0.6 - 6.08 ha - Area under rehabilitation 
Upkeep of Mana,lopping and weeding were done during the year. 
Field No.5 - 5.60 ha - Area under rehabilitation 
Upkeep of Mana,lopping,and weeding were done during the year. 
Field No.4 - 4.14 ha - Area under rehabilitation 
Upkeep of Mana,lopping and weeding were done during the year 
Field N0.8C - 4.30 ha - Area under rehabilitation 
Upkeep of Mana,lopping and weeding were done during the year 
Field N0.8B - 2.02 ha 
Replanting was undertaken in this field using Clones TRI 2025 2027 and 3061, 
31150. The routine upkeep after the planting was done during the year V.P. 
plants were used. 
7. Factory 
Routine upkeep of factory building and machinery was done during the 
year.Painting the factory roof and doors and windows was done.A 300 KVA 
new genarator was installed in the factory since the existing 200 KVA genarator 
was inadequate to supply electricity to the factory as well as to all the 
bungalows.Re-siting of machinery has to be undertaken because of the 
installation of a new drier. Tarring the factory road was undertaken. 
V.P. tea 
Clones 
Last pruned 
Yield per hectare 1996 
Yield per hectare 1997 
Shade 
Experiments 
214 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
8. Buildings 
All buildings on the estate were well maintained during the year. 
Renovation of 1 set of cottage type building near V.P. nursery to provide 
accommodation to 2 Jnr.Asst.Factory officers was undertaken 
9. Labour 
Health condition of the population was satisfactory.There were no strikes 
or major disputes.The estate was unaffected by any form of violance or 
disturbances during the year. 
The monthly yield of StJoachim Estate for 1997 in comparison with the 
yields obtained from 1992 to 1996 is given in Table 2 while die monthly yield 
of each field is given in Table 3. 
TABLE 2 
Monthly yield (kg ha-l),rainfall and average of N Applied 
from 1992 to 1997 - StJoachim Estate. 
Month 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 
January 89 71 102 94 82 112 
February 24 34 94 68 86 42 
March 05 52 99 77 83 61 
April 12 90 109 96 90 118 
May 60 82 66 97 96 111 
June 44 96 88 99 75 147 
July 61 108 66 102 119 113 
August 82 79 79 101 112 95 
September 68 88 75 101 108 99 
October 70 98 87 89 125 90 
November 85 106 89 104 126 122 
December 93 110 91 69 146 126 
693 1014 1045 1097 1248 1236 
3993.7 4589.3 3679.0 4216.2 3655.0 4552.3 
185 226 217 208 188 199 
160 154 133 165 119 143 
Total rainfall 
(mm) 
No.of wet days 
Average N 
(kg-1 ha-1 
yr-1) 
Monthly yieldfKg ha-1) of fields with fertilizer mixture used and 
amounts ofN applied of St. Joachim Estate 
M O N T H S 
Fid Exte. Total Fertilizer J F M A M J J A S O N D 
No . (ha) Mixture 
used 
1 5.85 160 U/235 24 07 24 37 31 44 39 51 61 45 64 70 497 
1A 1.20 160 U/235 219 104 175 309 178 222 215 188 238 222 233 252 2555 
2 4.12 TRI EXP.BLOCK. 48 17 33 64 78 82 83 63 81 77 83 81 790 
2A 0.93 160 U/235 125 52 79 228 254 371 459 348 351 468 435 478 3648 
2F 6.78 160 U/235 128 76 63 144 139 144 133 138 178 156 166 176 1641 
3 8.40 140 U/235,U/300 105 27 42 106 118 127 53 06 26 11 84 83 788 
4 5.85 140 U/235.U/300 96 23 46 84 95 120 107 118 127 112 134 118 1180 
5 6.80 160 U/235 75 35 44 66 93 94 103 104 110 97 117 84 1022 
5J 1.40 160 U/235 63 11 32 . 25 89 144 79 96 75 130 102 128 974 
6 1.50 160 U/235 248 147 210 210 154 338 290 226 310 265 379 344 3121 
8A 6.00 160 U/235.U/300 231 60 105 266 201 296 171 170 21 36 88 137 1782 
8C 1.90 160 U/235 221 65 99 160 130 277 202 - 35 22 144 183 1538 
3A 3.34 160 T/750 73 41 68 73 38 106 67 51 101 90 88 97 893 
54.07 112 42 61 118 111 147 113 95 99 90 122 126 1236 
Advisory and Extension Services Division 
Actg. Head S. Wimaladharma 
General: 
Mr. S. Wimaladharma was appointed as Actg. Head of the Advisory & Extension 
Services Division with effect from 20 t h January 1997. 
Mr. B.A.D. Samansiri, Advisory officer returned to the island on 8 t h December 
1997 to begin the local research component of his M.Sc. programme. 
Mr. J.C.K. Rajasinghe, Advisory officer was transferred to the Mid Country 
Station to cover up the functions of Mid Country Advisory Officer who was on 
a study tour in India 
Mr. M.K.S.L.D. Amarathunga Extension Officer has completed his post graduate 
M.Sc. programme part 1 on 21 November and commenced his research project 
on "Impact of variation of the weather parameters on crop environment and 
productivity of tea land in Sri Lanka." 
Mr. M.K.S.L.D.Amarathunga was transferred back to Ratnapura after covering 
up the duties of OIC Deniyaya who was on study leave for a period of nine 
months 
Mr. H. J.M. De Silva was transferred back to Hantana in July from Low Country 
Station after covering up the duties of Mr. M.K.S.L.D.Amarathunga. 
Mr. J. A. S. K.V. Jayasinghe returned to Deniyaya Station on 1 s t July after 
completing his post graduate Dioploma Course at Kothari, India. 
Mr. S.T. Yatawatte followed a Course on Plantation Management at Kothari 
Agriculture Management Centre, Coonoor, Tamilnadu State, India from 10* 
July to 31 s t September. 
The activities of Advisory and Extension service centres of Ratnapura, Passara, 
Talawakelle, Hantana, Kottawa, Deniyaya are as follows. 
Special Events 
1. Tea Research Board has already identified low country as the area that 
contributes most to the total production of tea in the country. Consequently 
it has decided to establish a Central Advisory Service at TRI Ratnapura to 
enhance the Advisory and Extension service in the area with effect from 20 t h 
January. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 217 
2. Experiment and Extension Forum for the Small Holding Sector. 
An E & E Forum for the Small Holding Sector was held for the first time in 
Sinhala medium at TRI Low Country Station, Ratnapura on 5 t h December 1997. 
Activities conducted by the Advisory and Extension Division, 
Low Country Station Ratnapura 
S. Wimaladharma Senior Advisory Officer / Actg. Head 
1. Advisory Correspondences 
626 Advisory correspondences have been sent on routine advisory 
matters, preparation of development plans and on statistical information. 
250 on call requests pertaining to the advisory matters were received 
over the phone and necessary advices given. 
2. Advisory & Extension Visits 
a. Advisory Visits 
45 Advisory Visits to the Company Estates and 39 visits to the 
smallholding / private sector were made by the Advisory Staff on the following 
subject areas. 
1. Yield declining studies and productivity assessment. 
2. Preparation of pruning programmes. 
3. Monitoring of shade trees and wind belts. 
4. Preparation of manuring programmes. 
5. Problems related to the nursery failures. 
b. Extension Visits 
Extension visits were made to estate and small holding sector to; evaluate 
and monitor the TRI 3000 & 4000 series colonal blocks; carry out a preliminary 
survey on bag plants Vs bed plants; and inspect and monitor the fertilizer trials. 
3. Visitors to the Station 
432 visitors of whom 103 Estate Management Personnel, 120 small and 
60 private estate holders and 79 others visited the station seeking advise in 
relation to the problems such as nursery failure, Canker and wood rot drought 
casualties, termite and shot hole damage, labour shortage; productivity decline 
of the lands etc. 70 Universitys Diploma students and 70 others also visited 
the station for educational purposes. 
218 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
4. Advisory & Extension programmes conducted 
The following Advisory and Extension programmes were conducted by 
the Advisory Staff in collaboration with research staff. 
a. Advisory Officers Meeting 
Advisory Officers Forum meeting was held on October 03, at the Center, 
which was presided by the Director TRI Advisory and Extension Officers and 
Officers in charge of TRI stations attended. 
b. E & E and RSC Meetings 
1. An E & E Forum was held for the first time in Sinhala medium at TRI 
Low Country Station, Ratnapura on 5* December 1997 for the Small Holding 
Sector. 
2. Senior Advisory Officer attended three RSC meetings conducted in Galle, 
Talawakelle and Kandy and addressed the executive staff of Plantation 
companies on Nursery Management and Pruning Practices. 
3. Five Field days/seminar and four NTPM programmes for estate sector 
and three programmes for Small holder sector were held on pruning practices, 
fertilizer recommendation, harvesting and shear plucking pest and disease 
management, weed management and mitigation of drought hazards. 
4. Eleven group/panel discussions for estate sector and twelve for small 
holding sector were held to exchange knowledge and experience on cultural 
practices and to draw up manuring and pruning programmes and development 
plans for their tea lands. 
5. Ten skill development training programmes for the field staff of the 
estate sector and three for the small holding sector were held to develop practical 
know-how on nursery management and pruning techniques.(see plate -1) 
Plate - 1 . Skill development nursery training programme conducted for small 
holders at Waralla Estate. 
Plate-2.Field demonstration on correct mixing of straight fertilizer at a small 
holding site in Balangoda. 
6. Eight field demonstrations were conducted at the adaptive fertilizer trials 
sites at Deraniyagala, Kalawana, Balangoda, Palawatta, Horana and Ingiriya, 
to disseminate knowledge on correct mixing and application of straight 
fertilizers, and on the precautionary measures to be adopted to mitigate drought 
effect (see plate No. 2). 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 219 
A new adaptive fertilizer trial was established in Horana to conduct the 
community participatory agriculture demonstration for small holders in 
collaboration with Soil and Plant Nutrition Division / TRI and TSHDA -
Regional centre - Kalutara. 
7. Twenty three training programmes were conducted for University 
Students, Diploma students and G.C.E(0/L &A/L) Students in tea growing 
areas on " Advantages of the adaptation of eco-friendly economically viable 
agriculture practices for sustainable productivity of tea land" 
8. A meeting was held with TSHDA officials to discuss the programme of 
work of TRI/TSHDA adaptive trial in Kegalle, Kalutara and Ratnapura areas. 
9. "Mass Media" approaches to disseminate knowledge. 
a. Lak - handa Radio programme 
Senior Advisory Officer attended the radio programme conducted live 
by Lak - handa Radio unit on the industry and its benificial effects. 
b. Video Programme 
Preliminary work on production of a documentary video programme 
titled 'Tea Industry in Sabaragamuwa Province" commenced in December to 
telecast at the 50th Anniversary Independence Exhibition to be held at the 
BMICH in 1998 (S.L.D.Amarathunga). 
c. Documentary Report 
The documentary report titled "Significance of the TRI Low Country 
Station on the tea industry in Sabaragamuwa province" was prepared by the 
Advisory Division and submitted to the Sabaragamuwa Province Exhibition 
Committee to be included in the documentary report "50 years progress in 
Sabaragamuwa Province," for the 50 t h Anniversary Independence Exhibition 
to be held at the BMICH in 1998 (S.L.D.Amarathunga). 
d. Participation at exhibitions 
1. Sri Lanka Tea Exhibition and International seminar - at BMICH, 
l S - i e * August, 1997. 
2. Mahapola Exhibition at Baddegama. 
3. 5 3 r d Annual session - of SLAAS at University of Ruhuna from 
8 to 12 December,1997. 
4. Preparation for the 50 t h Anniversary Exhibition at BMICH commenced. 
9. Research and Development 
a. A detailed survey commenced to collect information on the regionale profile 
on the extent, owner-ship pattern & distribution, productivity, weather pattern, 
soil status, manuring & pruning programme, factory information to prepare, 
computer data base on Low Country Tea Planting District. (SW/SLD) 
220 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
b. A nursery survey commenced to collect information on the performance of 
the bag plant vis-a-vis bed plant (SW) 
c. Socio economic information was collected from the Community Participatory 
Training Programme and the demonstrations conducted at six sites where 
fertilizer adaptive trials are carried out. (SLD) 
d. Updated the display panel at the Museum of Low Country Advisory Division. 
(SLD) 
e. Preliminary arrangements have been made to prepare the model of a tea 
garden to display the cultural practices to be adapted to mitigate adverse effect 
of El - Nino at 50 t h Anniversary Exhibition at BMICH. (SW/SLD) 
10. Soil pH analysis 
569 Soil Samples were tested for soil pH and nursery suitability. 
11. Advisory Publications Distributed 
1. Advisory Leaflets (issued free) 1020 
2. Publications Sold 32 
12. Special Problems 
Tea growers were advised on the precautionary measures to be 
implemented to mitigate adverse effect of the consequences of El - Nino which 
is expected in early part of 1998 by conducting informal discussions, field 
visits, demonstrations and distribution of leaflets and other publications. 
Activities conducted by the Advisory and Extension Division, 
TRI, Talawakelle. 
Officer in Charge C.C.Rajasingham 
1. Advisory Correspondences 
515 Advisory correspondences were sent on routine Advisory matters. 
2. Advisory & Extension Visits 
a. Advisory Visits 
105 Advisory visits to the Company Estates and 21 visits to the small 
holding sector were made by the Advisory Staff. 
3. Visitors to the Station 
950 visitors including Estate Management Personnel, small and private estate 
holders and 2249 University Students / Diploma students and other students 
visited the station. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 221 
4. Advisory and Extension Programes 
The following Advisory and Extension programmes were conducted by 
the Advisory Staff in collaboration with research staff. 
1 RSC Seminar 
The following four RSC seminars were organized by the Nuwara Eliya 
District Planters Association (NEDPA) at TRI Talawakelle. 
a. Seminar on "Tea Manufac ture" for Super in tendents and Asst . 
Superintendents. 
b. Seminar on "Qulity Tea Manufacture for Western Quality season" for the 
Factory Officers on 10* March. 
c. Seminar for Superintendents and Asst. Superintendents on 29* The following 
subject, matters were discussed and "Management of Blister Blight" 'Tea 
Nursery Technology", and "Harvesting practices to obtain better prices" 85 
planters and 25 TRI officers participated. 
d. Seminar for Superintendents and Asst. Superintendents was held on 4* 
September on the subject of "Integrated Soil Management", and "Proposal for 
Development Plan for Nuwara Eliya District" 87 Superintendents, 19 Asst. 
Superintendents and TRI officers participated. 
e. Four group discussions were conducted for Asst. Managers and Field Officers 
of estates managed by Maskeliya, Bogawantalawa and Madulsima Plantation 
Companies at the TRI. The subjects covered were "Dry weather pests", "SALT 
and cover crops in tea" and "Effects of drought in tea field". 13 participants 
attended the discussion. Short lectures were conducted by senior scientists on 
relevent subjects which were followed by open discussions. 
2. Workshops on plucking and interrelated activities were conducted for 
field staff and workers attached to 13 estates managed by 4 plantation companies 
and some private estates. A total of 520 field staff and workers participated in 
these workshops which were held at TRI Talawakelle. In addition, another 
workshop was conducted on "Nursery Techniques" to ensure success in the 
nursery and identify common error in the nursery. 
3. Seven nursery training programmes were conducted for the following 
estates: Concordia, Annfield, Ferham, Edinburgh, Ingestre, Pedro, Glassaugh 
and Diyagama. 
4. Seventy one plucking seminars were conducted for estate field staff, 
Kanganies and pluckers. 
222 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
5. Extension programme for small holder sector 
Three workshops on nursery practices, two seminars on plucking and 
replanting were held for small holders in the Nuwara Eliya District. 
6. Six lectures and demonstrations were conducted for under graduate 
students of Affiliated Universities and diploma students of Aquinas, Gampaha 
Polytechnic College, Puliyankulama and Kundasale Technical Colleges. 
5. Preparation of Extension Teaching Materials 
a. Video Programme 
Video filming of earthworm project at Kotmale and on shear plucking 
Craig Estate Bandarawela (J.C.K.Rajasinghe) at completed Preparation of video 
film on "Replanting" is nearing completion (J.C.K.Rajasinghe and Bandula 
Perera) 
b. Advisory booklet on "Chemical control of tea peste" has been prepared 
(V.S.Sidhakran). 
c. Preparation of 150 slides in various field operations has been completed 
(V.S.Sidhakaran). 
d. Preparation of an advisory leaflet on "Field planting of tea" is in progress 
(J.C.K.Rajasinghe with staff from Agronomy Division). 
6. Research and Development 
Information on general profile of upcountry tea lands was collected and 
processed to formulate a development plan for tea in the Nuwara Eliya District. 
This information includes the general distribution of tea lands and their 
productivity and resilient agricultural problems faced by the estate and small 
holders and the recommendations to improve the agricultural aspects in the 
distr ict . This has since been publ ished by TRI in December 1997 
(C.C.Rajasingham and V.S.Sidhakran). 
A preliminary study on possibility of extending length of pruning cycle 
was ini t iated by gather ing information from estates in Upcot 
area(J.C.K.Rajasinghe and V.S.Sidhakran). 
Publication on 'Tea nursery survey" conducted in the up country estates 
in 1995 has been updated and forwarded for publication. 
(VS. Sidhakaran, C.C. Rajasingham) 
Exhibitions participated: 
Staff attended the following exhibitions 
Agricultural, Animal husbandary and Environmental exhibition at Nuwara 
Eliya. 
Mahapola Exhibition at Baddegama (with TRI Kottawa) and Kuliyapitiya 
(with TRI-Kandy) and Tea & Health Exhibition at BMICH-(with TRI- Ratnapura). 
Industrial exhibition at Ruhunu University in collaboration with TRI Ratnapura. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 223 
Activities conducted by the Advisory And Extension Division, 
Mid Country, Station Kandy. 
Advisory Officer : S.T. Yatawatta. 
1. Advisory Correspondences 
295 Advisory correspondences were sent on routine Advisory matters. 
2. Advisory & Extension Visits 
a. Advisory Visits 
101 Advisory visits to the Company Estates and the small holding sector 
were made by the Advisory Staff. 
3. Visitors to the Station 
557 visitors including Estate Management Personnel, small and private 
estate holders and 111 University Students, Diploma students and other students 
have visited the station seeking advise on tea cultivation and related problems. 
4. Advisory and Extension Programes conducted 
1. RSC Seminar 
Five RSC seminars were held for the Superitendents and Assst. 
Superintendents. Subjects covered were pruning, nursery management and 
drought management 
2. Ten Field day sand seminars were conducted for field staff of estate to 
impart practical know-how on areas such as drought management, nursery 
management and other cultural practices. 
3. A tea manufacturing seminar was held for the Factory Officers. 
4. A seminar was held to disseminate recent research findings to the Tea 
Inspectors and Extension Officers. 
5. Ten Field days/Seminars were conducted for the tea small holding sector. 
6. Four practical training programmes were conducted for the Diploma 
holders of Anuradapura, Akmeemana, Kundasale and Vavunia Technical 
Colleges. 
7. Senior Advisory Officer conducted lectures and demonstrations for field 
officers at NIPM, Bogawanthalawa on 23 November. 
8. A meeting was held with TSHDA officials to discuss the co-ordination 
of TRI7TSHDA adaptive trial in Kandy. 
9. Exhibition participated 
Staff participated at Mahapola Exhibition held at Kuliyapitiya from 5 t h 
Jan. to 04 t h Feb. and at Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya, Kandy. 
224 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
10. Soil sample analysis 
1629- Soil samples were anlysed for pH value. 
11. Research and Development activities. 
a. Advisory Officer attended to the Sinhala translation of the TRI Field Guide 
book 
b. Updated the regional statistical information on the tea growing areas in Kandy. 
Activities conducted by the Uva Advisory And 
Extension Centre, Passara 
Officer in Charge : M.B.A.Perera 
1. Advisory Correspondences 
294 Advisory correspondences were sent on routine Advisory matters 
and other problems. 
2. Advisory & Extension Visits 
74 Advisory visits to the Company Estates and the small holding sector 
were made by the Advisory Officer. 
3. Visitors to the Station 
304 visitors including Estate Management Personnel small and private 
estate holdings, University students, Diploma students and other students visited 
the station. 
4. Advisory and Extension programmes conducted 
1. Advisory Officers Forum 
Advisory Officers Forum meeting was held on February 24* at the Center. 
Dr. G.D. Wimaladasa Deputy Director Research (Production) also participated 
with the Advisory and Extension Officers and Officers in charge of TRI regional 
centres. 
2. RSC Meetings 
a. Two Regional Scientific Committee meetings were held at TRI Uva Centre 
on 9 t h January and 17* March. 
b. Advisory Officer in charge attended the RSC Kandy seminar held at 
Gannoruwa, on 5 t h March and Southern RSC seminar held at Hikkaduwa on 
14 t h March. 
c. RSC- seminar was held at Bandarawela on 13 t h June on the subject 
"Productivity improvement in Uva tea lands". 
d. RSC group discussion was held at Uva Centre on 24* June for planters from 
Passara, Lunugala, Madulsima and Namunukula sub regions. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 225 
e. Three Group discussions were held at Hali Ela and Bandarawela for Asst 
Superintendent of Agarapatana Plantation Ltd. 
3. A field day was held on "Shear Plucking" at S t James Estate, Hali Ela for the 
staff of Malwatta Valley Plantation Ltd. on 10* January. 
4. Special field day was held at Malwatta Valley to study extent affected by the 
weed Pasali by a team of scientists from TRI and University of Pearadeniya on 
25* January. 
5. Advisory Officer in charge participated at a seminar on "Pesticide Safety" at 
TRI Talawakelle on 22 January. 
6. Ten Seminars for small holders were held at Medawelagama, Attampitiya, 
Welgolla, Welimada, Lunugala, Kandahena, Bandarawela, Agratenna and 
Boralanda. 
7. Two field days were held at Verellapatana and Conogolla estate on dry weather 
pests. 
8. Advisory Officer in charge served as a resource person for two training 
programme conducted by NTPM, for field officers. 
9. Advisory Officer in charge participated as a resource person for training 
programme conducted by TRI Kandy, for field officers. 
10. A meeting was held with TSHDA officials to discuss the co-ordination of TRI/ 
TSHDA adaptive trial in Uva. 
11. Exhibition participated 
a. Sri Lanka Tea Exhibition and international seminar at BMIOH, 13-16* August 
b. Mahapola Exhibition at Baddegama in September. 
c. 50* Anniversary Exhibition at BMICH. 
5. Research and Development 
a. Out door filming to produce a video film on "Land selection and preparation of 
land for Replanting tea" is hearing completion (J.K.C.Rajasinghe and 
M.B.A.Perera). 
b. Advisory Officer attended to the Sinhala translation of the TRI Field Guide 
book. 
c. Preparation of a leaflet on "Tea Industry in Sri lanka" for the 50* Anniversary of 
Independence Exhibition(M.B .A.Perera). 
226 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
6. Soil analysis 
1629- Soil samples were anlysed for pH value. 
400- Soil samples were tested for Organic Carbon %. 
7. Special Problem encountered 
Terminal die back on Clone TRI 2023 and poor recovery after pruning 
was observed in some estates in Uva region. Variegated foliage and toxicity 
symptoms were also observed in young tea fields and field recovering from 
pruning. 
Activities conducted by the Advisory and 
Extension Centre, Kottawa 
Advisory Officer / OIC: K. D. Dahanayake 
1. Advisory Correspondences 
114 Advisory correspondences were sent on routine Advisory matters 
and other problems. 
2. Advisory & Extension Visits 
81 Advisory visits to the Company Estates and the small holding sector 
were made by the Advisory Officer. 
3. Visitors to the Station 
171 visitors including Estate Management Personnel, small and private 
estate holdings University and Diploma students and other students visited the 
station. 
4. Advisory and Extension programmes conducted 
1. Advisory Officers Forum 
Advisory Officers Forum meeting was held on 26 May at the Center. 
DDR(T) participated with the Advisory and Extension Officers and Officers 
in charge of TRI regional centres. 
2. RSC - Seminars 
Organised two seminars for estate executives and officers from TSHDA 
and Tea Commissioner's Division. The Director, Actg. Head Advisory and 
Extension Services, Chairman, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of 
Planter's Association also participated. The subjects discussed were Plucking, 
Pnining, Fertilizer, Weed management, Nursery and Pest and Diseases. 
3. Seminars for the estate executive staff 
20 seminars were held to estate executive staff attached to Watawala, 
Namunukula, Elpitiya and Hayleys plantations Ltd. and John Keels on Plucking, 
Pruning, Fertilizer, Weed management, Nursery, Shear plucking, Shade 
management and Pest and Diseases. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 227 
4. Training Programme for Small Holding Sector 
59 Groups of small holders were trained at Kottawa Centre and also at 
Galle, Matara, Baddegama, Elpitiya, Hiniduma and Udugama areas. The topics 
covered were on Plucking, Pruning, Fertilizer use, Chemical weeding, Nursery 
and Shade. The usual problems encountered by them were raised and 
satisfactory solutions given. 
5. Fifteen small holder group discussions were conducted at the Centre on 
the following topics: Cultural operations, shear harvesting, Fertilizer appUcation, 
Dolomite application and pH testing. 
6. Four other training programmes for officials of Government Department, 
Fertilizer companies, Teachers and School children on all cultural operations 
and effects of El - Nino were conducted. 
7. Four "Sramabimana" Training Programmes were conducted for rural 
youth pluckers including small holders of the area with the assistance of TSHDA 
officials at Kottawa Centre. 
8. Officer in Charge participated at District Co- ordination Committee 
meeting held at Town Hall, which was presided by the Hon. Minister of 
Education and Higher Education. 
9. Advisory officer assisted the monitoring of adaptive research trials (TRI/ 
TSHDA) at Akuressa, Hiniduma & Elpitiya. 
10. Exhibition attended 
Staff participated at Mahapola Exhibition at Wanduramba Central College 
in September. 
11. 'Tea Shakthi" programme 
Officer in Charge participated at the 'Tea Shakthi" programme conducted 
by TSHDA at Deniyaya, Kananke and Wandumraba. 
Activities conducted by the Deniyaya Advisory and 
Extension Centre, Diyadawa 
Extension Officer/Actg. OIC: J. A. S. K. VJayasinghe 
1. Advisory Correspondences 
310 Advisory correspondences were sent on routine Advisory matters 
and other problems. 
2. Advisory & Extension Visits 
Advisory Visits 
34 Advisory Visits to the Company Estates and the small holding sector 
were made by the Advisory staff. 
Extension Visits 
51 inspection visits were made to experimental plots & sites where 
adaptive fertilizer trials are on. 
228 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
3. Visitors to the Station 
578 visitors including Estate Management Personnel from small and 
private estate holdings University and Diploma students and other students 
visited the station. 
4. Advisory and Extension Programmes Conducted 
Advisory Officers forum 
Officer in charge attended the Advisory Officers' forum meetings held at 
Passara, Kottawa and Ratnapura. 
1. RSC - Seminar 
Regional Scientific Committee (VII) organised two seminars in 
collaboration with TRI Kottawa for estate executives and officers of TSHDA 
and Tea Commissioner's Division. The Director, Actg. Head Advisory and 
Extension Services, Chairman, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of PA 
attended. The subjects discussed were Plucking, Pruning, Fertilizer, Weed 
management, Nursery and Pest and Diseases. 
2. Two field days were held for small holders on Nursery management, 
Pnining, & Infilling. 
3. Five programmes were conducted for estate executive staff, one on 
Nursery management and four on all agricultural practices. 
Two student programmes on all agricultural practices. 
One worker programme on plucking. 
Two programmes for University students on all agricultural practices. 
4. Seminars 
Ten seminars were held for small holders covering all agricultural practices 
Two seminars were held on nursery practices. 
One panel discussion was held on pruning. 
5. Demonstration 
2 field demonstrations were held for small holders and estate staff on 
pnining. 
6. Informal discussions 
Seven programmes were conducted for estate staff on agricultural 
practices, pruning and machine harvesting. 
Three programmes were conducted on Plucking, Nusery management, 
Soil sampling and Agricultural practices. 
Three programmes were conducted for Tea Inspectors on agricultural 
practices and adaptive extension trials. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 229 
7. Video programmes 
35 Video films were shown to planters, small holders and students on 
Plucking, Nursery management, Soil fertility and Mites. 
8. Field Trials 
a). Shear plucking Vs manual harvesting 
A trial commenced at this station to study the effect of different methods 
of plucking (TRI shear, Indian shear & hand plucking) on yield of tea, 
in collaboration with Agronomy division, 
b). The staff attached to the station also helped the research division on the 
following projects carried out in the region: 
1. Effect of earth worm on yield of tea (Anninkanda Estate) . 
2. The effect of application of Potassium and / or Magnesium from Sul Po-
Mag and Kieserite at 2 levels of N on Soil / Plant nutrient status and yield of 
tea (Kiruwanganga Estate). This experiment is in progress. 
3. Me Br- 06 To test alternatives to MeBr to eradicate Eelworm in tea 
fields(Handford Estate). This experiment is in progress. 
4. Experiments to investigate effective time and type of pruning 
(Kiruwanganga Estate). This experiment is in progress. 
5. Effective combination of shade / fuel wood tress for diversification 
(Kiruwanganga Estate). This experiment is in progress. 
6. Adaptive fertilizer trials at Pasgoda & Deniyaya were conducted by the 
TRI in collaboration with TSHDA Matara region. 
7. LVP - 43 Siduwa Estate plucking continued from January 1997 and 
yield records were maintained. 
The summary of activities carried out by the Advisory & Extension Service 
of TRI 
Subject Ratnapura Deniyaya Talawakelle Passara Hantana Talg; 
Adv. 
Correspondence 626 310 515 294 295 114 
Adv. Visit 137 34 105 74 101 81 
pHTests 569 87 - 939 1629 171 
Visitors 432 578 3199 304 .. '. 742 
Training Prog 28 33 '- .: • 7 ' 19 10 104 
RSC Meetings 4 i 2 . - 5 6 
NIPM Prog 4 - - - 2 -
Group Discussion 38 17 10 - • 15 71 
TRI/TDHDA 4 3 - . - 1 -
Video Prog. 2 35 - . - - -
Exhibition 4 : - . 5 - 2 -
Org. C % Tesrts - - - 400 - • -
Free Leaflets 1020 - - -
Priced Pub. 32 - - - - -
LOW COUNTRY STATION, RATNAPURA. 
Officer-in-Charge - Sushila I. Vitarana 
1.0 General 
S. I. Vitarana assumed duties as the Officer'-in-Charge of the 
station with effect from 20th February in addition to her normal duties 
in the capacity of Head of Entomology Division, with S. Wimaladharma 
relinquishing his services as the OIC. 
As per recommendation by the Director, the Tea Research Board 
decided to station the Head of Advisory and Extension Division at this 
station from this year in view of the fact that the tea lands in the low 
country contribute the most towards production and earnings from tea. 
The Tea Research Board accepted a recommendation by the 
Director to expand the services rendered by the station to the low 
country tea sector and accommodate the higher demand for research, 
extension and other services by the sector in keeping with the contribu­
tion it makes towards the total production and earnings from tea in the 
country. Plans were underway for this expansion. 
1.1 Appoinments, Transfers and Retirements 
D. A. Lional, driver, was transferred from Head Office with effect 
from 20th January. 
K. Gunawardana was appointed as work Supervisor of the station 
with effect from 03rd February. 
D. V. Jemis, Plumber Mechanic retired from the services of the 
institute with effect from 07th June, after continuous service of 35 years 
at the station. 
S. L. D. Amarathunga, Extension Officer who acted for J. A. S. K. 
V. Jayasinghe in the capacity of officer-in charge at the TRI Advisory 
and Extension Centre at Deniyaya was transferred back to the Station in 
July and Mr. H. J. M. De Silva, Extension officer who acted for Mr. Amaratunga 
at the station returned to TRI Mid Country Station simultaneously. 
Ms. B. S. Vithana, Technical Assistant was transferred from Head 
office with effect from 1st March. 
T. S. Lokuhetti, Clerk/Typist was transferred from Head Office with 
effect from 26th December, to work in place of Mr. R. Nadarajah who 
was transferred back to Head office. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 231 
P. B. Chandradasa, Technical Assistant was transferred to Biochem­
istry Division, TRI Talawakelle with effect from 27th November. 
1.2 Human Resources Development - Local and Overseas : 
Local 
S. L. D. Amarathunga completed the academic part of an MSc 
programme in November and commenced the project component which is 
an agro-ecological survey : "Impect of Variation of the Weather param­
eters on Crop Environment and Productivity of tea lands in Sri Lanka". 
S. Koneshwaramoorthy, Mechanical Engineer, continued on the 
practical project on utilization of Solar Energy in tea factories as part 
fulfillment of requirements for a PhD. 
H. S. N. Pieris, Experimental Officer continued his research work 
as part fulfillment of the requirments for MPhil degree. 
S. M. Samarasinghe, Experimental officer continued with her 
research work on allomones (kairomones and allelomones) of tea and 
other plants with reference to Low Country Live Wood termites of tea, 
as part fulfillment of the requirements for MPhil degree. 
Overseas 
G. Galahitiyawa, Research Officer participated at an international 
workshop on "Renewable Energy Application to Plantation and other 
Industries" in India, in April. 
H. S. N. Peiris, Experimental officer followed a trining course on 
'Tea Plantation Management" from July to October, in India. 
2.0 Advisory and Extension Services 
Staff combination of one advisory officer and one extension officer 
in the Advisory and Extension Division continued in this year too. The 
Regional Scientific Committee of the region (RSC TV) remained inactive 
for want of reappointment of the committee and thereby, the scheduled 
programme of extension services could not be completed. The work 
output is summarized as follows: 
Advisory correspondence 626* 
Advisory visits made by the staff 139* + 16** 
a. Estates 45 
b. Small holders 39 
c. • Others (Extension works) 53 
Testing of soil samples for pH 569 
232 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Extension Programs : 
Type of Programme Estate Small Diploma/ Other 
Sector Holder Student 
Sector 
a. 
b. 
c. 
d. 
e. 
f. 
g-
h. 
J-
k. 
RSC 3 1 
Seminars/Field Days 5 
NTPM Programs 4+6** 
Skill-trainning in 
nursery management 10 
Other trainning Programs 
Group discussions 11 
Informal discussions 4 
Demonstrations using 
Community Participatory 
Adaptive Research trials 
(Pluckmg/manufacturing 
weeding, etc) 
TRI/TSHDA interaction meetings -
Educational Programs -
Meetings attended by the 
staff on advisory matters 
3 
-20 
12 
11 
8 
4 
15 
Total number of extension programs conducted = 112 
1. Publications distributed in the low country : 
a. Advisory leaflets 560 
b. Advisory Circulars 460 
c. Handbook on Tea 06 
d. Field Guide Book 20 
e. TRI Monographs 06 
m. Visitors to the station : 
a. Estate management personnel 
b. 
c. 
d. 
Small holders 
Students 
Others 
103 
180 
70 
79 
The number of activities conducted by staff of Advisory and 
Extension Division 
The number conducted by staff of Technology Division 
S. Wimaladharma, S. Koneshwaramoorthy, G. Galahitiyawa, 
S. L. D. Amarathunga and research staff of other divisions. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 233 
3.0 Research Activities 
Research activities of the following projects were on-going in the 
low country and were serviced by the staff resident at the station except 
in the case of pathology studies: 
Agronomy Division 
Entomology Division 
Plant Breeding Division 
Technology Division 
Pathology Division 
Projects B/TNCR and D/AGRY 
Projects B/TERM, D/ENTO and 
MeBr 
Project B/CLON 
Project D/TECH, ENGY 
Project D/PLPA 
Progress of work under the above research projects are being recorded in 
this report elsewhere. 
4.0 Issue of Clonel Material for Establishment of 
Mother-bushes 
A total of 6500 clonal shoots were supplied to the estates for 
establishment of their mother bush blocks. The clones included: 
4002, 4004, 4014, 4042, 4043, 4044, 4046, 4047,4049, 4052, 
4054, 4053, 4059, 4061, 4062;, 3041, 3046, 3047, (immune to low-
country live-wood termites but, highly prone to stem canker caused by 
Macrophoma theicola) 3052, 3055, 3058, 3060, 2025 and 2027. 
The above issues varied from one clone to twelve clones per 
recipient, supplying material for nursery plants varying from 125 to 3000 
plants per clone, the higher number being of old clones. It is useful to 
record the identity of the recipients of the above clonal material for 
future reference. They a re : 
Estate Sector: Aigburth Estate, Bulutota; Kelani Estate, Yatiyantota; 
Gekiyanakanda Estate, Neboda; Pelawatta Estate, Pelawatte; Yatideriya 
Estate, Undugoda; Vogan Estate, Matugama; Pambegama Estate, Debiowita; 
Small Holder Sector : D. Perera, Mathugama; K. B. Prematilaka, Kuruwita; 
Chaminda Kumaranayake, Hidellana; Rajapakse, Ratnapura and Mahinda 
Liyanage, Ratnapua. 
A. K. M. Jayasena and N. Piyasundera 
5.0 Meteorological Station: 
Recording of meteorological data and despatch of monthly data to 
the Meteorological Department continued. The summary of weather records 
for the current year is being reported elsewhere in this report, 
234 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
6.0 Station Administration 
A proposal to expand research, advisory and extension services 
capacity at the Low Country Station and engagement of Sri Lanka State 
Engineering Corporation (SEC) for consultation purposes were approved 
by the Tea Research Board. Planning commenced in April. It has been 
proposed to increase the Staff Cadre from 38 to 74 with a staff structure 
as given below: 
Grade 1 - 0 9 (research staff only) 
Grade H - 12 
Grade III - 01 
Grade IV - 23 
Grade V - 16 
Grade VI - 13 
Surveying and preparation of the preliminary architectural drawings 
of the Entomology lab, Library, Plant Breeding lab, Stores and the 
Auditorium were completed in October. A total of Rs. 161,791,500/= has 
been estimated for the whole project inclusive of staff residential facili­
ties. 
A project proposal was submitted to Asian Development Bank 
(ADB) to request for funding for construction work and procurement of 
facilities. The proposal was accepted in principle by the bank for funding 
under the Second Small Holder Development Project scheduled to be 
undertaken in 1998. 
7.0 Special Events: 
The first ever Experiments and Extension (E & E) Forum to be 
conducted in Sinhalese for the benefit of Sinhalese speaking majority 
particularly of the small holder sector, was held at the TRI Low Country 
Station on 5th December. Mr. Rohana Illangaratne, the Chairman of the 
TSHDA was the Guest-of-Honour. 
Sushila I. Vitarana 
MID COUNTRY RESEARCH, ADVISORY & 
EXTENSION CENTRE KANDY 
1. General: 
Mr.A.W.M.L.S.Abeysinghe, Experimental Officer, was transferred from 
Talawakele to the Entomology Unit in September. 
Ms.U.Sritharan, Experimental Officer, was transferred from Talawakele 
to the Tissue Culture Unit in December. 
Mr.S.T. Yatawatte, Advisory Officer had undergone 3 month training in 
Tea Plantation Management in the Kothari Agricultural Management Centre, 
India from July to September. 
Mr.P.B.Ekanayake, Officer-in-Charge & Agronomist participated and 
read the Country paper at the Study Meeting on "Sustainable Farming 
Systems in Upland Areas" held in Japan from 27th October to 2nd November 
2. Advisory & Extension Service: 
305 Letters were written to estates and small holders 
119 Advisory visits were made during the year 
233 local and foreign visi tors and 324 small holders vis i ted the 
Station. 
1629 Soil samples were tested for pH 
04 RSC Seminars were held for Superintendents & Assistant Superintend­
ents in the region. 
09 Field days were held for Estate Field staff at the Station and in several 
estates in the Mid Country. 
07 Seminars /demonst ra t ions were held for small holders in the 
region 
3. Hectarage as at 31st December, 1997 
Type of land use ha 
Seedling tea 3.60 
VP tea (mature) 7.00 
VP (young) 0.40 
Mother bush 3.00 
Nursery (tea) 0.20 
Fruit trees 0.40 
Coconut 0.81 
Forestry 1.21 
Marshy land 0.62 
Buildings, gardens, paths & roads 5.77 
Total 23.00 
236 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
4. CROP 
Green leaf harvested (kg) 
Month Crop Crop sold Rate paid/kg Total 
harvested Rs.cts Rs.cts 
January 3855 3854 11.40 43,935.60 
February 2608 2604 12.92 33,643.68 
March 1492 1486 12.81 18,099.48 
April 4583 4496 12.63 56,784.48 
May 4017 3992 16.29 62,504.73 
June 2580 2715 16.80 45,612.00 
July 2548 2540 14.70 37,338.00 
August 3576 3565 15.43 55,007.95 
September 3271 3241 16.08 52,115.28 
October 4535 4461 17.30 77,175.30 
November 4429 4418 18.70 82,616.60 
December 3759 3746 18.50 69,301.00 
Total 41,118 634,134.41 
5. Income 
No:of cuttings sold 6,86,125 
Income from sale of cuttings Rs. 1,37,225.00 
No:of VP plants sold 96,121 
Income from sale of plants Rs.3,26,811.40 
Total crop harvested (kg) 41,118 
Income from sale of green leaf Rs.6,34,134.41 
Guest House occupation charges Rs. 21,275.00 
Electricity charges Rs. 2,940.10 
Soil testing (pH) charges Rs. 48,870.00 
Miscellaneous Rs. 39,492.50 
Total income Rs.1,210,748.41 
6. Special Scientific Visitors 
1. Mr. James Tupper, NTPM, Colombo in January 
2. Mr. D.M.K.Bandara NTPM, Colombo in January 
3. Mr. Athauda Jayawardena, CIC (Colombo) Ltd.in April 
4. Dr. K.P.Premaratna, Faculty of Agriculture University of Peradeniya in 
April 
5. Ms. R.D.Chitranayana, NRMC, Department of Agriculture, Peradeniya 
in May 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 237 
6. Mr. Saman Premalal, Monsanto in June 
7. Mr. Gordon Tissera, Kahawatte Plantations Ltd. in June 
8. Dr. Palitha Randeniya, University of Peradeniya in August 
9. Dr. S.Kodomari, Shizuoka, Japan in August 
10. Dr. M.Omori, Otsuma Wou University, Tokyo, Japan in August 
11. Mr. Sarath Wimalaratna, Visiting Agent, SPC/JEDB in October 
12. Mr. M.B.Ratnayake, Director, JEDB in October 
13. Dr. L.Maniwel, Plant Physiologist, India in November 
14. Dr. G.P.Shetty, Multiplex Fertilizer Ltd. India in November 
15. Dr. (Mrs) Rohini Ekanayake, Entomologist, ORDI, Gannoruwa in 
December 
DENIYAYA ADVISORY AND EXTENSION CENTRE DIYADAWA 
Actg: Officer-in-Charge: J.A.S.K.V. Jayasinghe 
General 
Mr. J.A.S.K.V. Jayasinghe returned to the Deniyaya Station on 01st July 1997 
after completing his Post Graduate Diploma Course in India. 
Mr. H.K.S.L.D. Amarathunga was transferred back to Ratnapura Station with 
effect from 05 th July 1997. 
Staff Position as at 31st December 1997 
Mr. J.A.S.K.V. Jayasingha Extension Officer/Actg:OIC Grade IV BSc(Agri) 
Mr. C.W. Jayawardana Station Assistant V 
Mr. R.W. Suwaris Field Supervisor VI 
Mr. P. Ranaweera Driver VI 
Mr. A. Sinnathamby GH Keeper VI 
Adviory & Extension Services 
310 letters were written on Advisory matters 
34 Advisory visits were made 
51 Inspection visite (Experimental & Demonstration trials) 
Nil Commercial nursery inspections 
578 Visitors including small holders visited the station 
2 Field days (Small holders) 
18 Training programmes (15-Planters, 8-Small holders, 2-Students, 
1-Labourers & 2-Campus students) 
13 Seminars (10-Small holders, 3-RSC) 
2 Field demonstrations (1-Small holders, 1-Planters) 
17 Informal discussionss (7-Planters, 7-Small holders, 3-Tea inspectors) 
35 Vedio programmes 
Nil Exhibitions etc. partLcipatted 
87 Soil samples tested for pH 
Hectarage 
Area under tea 6.41 Ha. 
Area under Coconut 0.13 
Area under Pepper 0.05 
Building 1.44 
Nursery 0.70 
Encroachment 1.12 
1.45 
Jungle (Rock area) 1.92 
Total 13.22 Ha 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 239 
Crop Green leaf harvested 
Month Harvested (Kgs) Rate paid/kg Total payment 
(WithA/CLON) Rs. Cts. Rs. Cts. 
January 1617 17/773 27,121.94 
February 980 16/398 16,070.04 
March 1643 17/14 28,161.02 
April 1876 18/20 34,143.20 
May 2194 19/148 42,010.71 
June 1774 20/554 36,462.80 
July 2368 19/788 46,857.95 
August 2016 20/84 42,013.44 
September 2390 21/178 50,615.42 
October 1951 21/218 
757 21/00 56,873.32 
November 2901 20/107 58,330.41 
December 2826 20/81 58,800.06 
Total 25273 497,469.34 
Income 
No of cuttings sold 131,100 
Income from sale of cuttings Rs. 26,220 
No of VP plants sold 22,450 
Income from sale of plants Rs. 77,332.50 
(with loading plants) 
Amount of crop harvested (Kgs) 25,273 
Income from sale of crop Rs. 497,469.34 
Average price fetched per kg Rs. 19,684 
Miscellaneous income Rs. 27,022.09 
Total income Rs. 628,043.93 
Experiments which are being conducted at the station 
LVP-74 (30) LC - Phase II 
This trial commenced at the station in August '97. 
Project MeBr - MeBR • 18 
The experiment to determine the efficacy of soil solarization as a means of 
eradicating nematodes in nursery soil, at the TRI-Deniyaya station commenced 
in December '97. 
Project MeBR - MeBR - 1 9 
Sedimentetion process for nematodes infected water. This experiment was 
started during December 1997 at Deniyaya station. 
240 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
Shear plucking Vs Hand plucking 
A trial was commenced to study the effect of differnet methods of plucking 
(TRI shear, Indian shear & hand plucking) on yield of tea. 
This experiment is in progress. 
The experiments which are in progress out side the station under different 
projects with the assistance of TRI-Deniyaya station 
1. Effect of Earthwarm on yield of tea (Anningkanda Estate) 
2. The effect of application of Potassium and/or Magnesium from 
Sul-Po-Mag and Kieserite at 2 levels of N on Soil/Plant nutrient status 
and yield of tea (Kiruwananga Estate). This experiment is in progress. 
3. MeBR-06 - To test alternatives to erradication of mematodes in tea fields. 
(Handford Estate). This experiment is in progress. 
4. Effective time and types of pruning in reducing SHB (E-284). 
(Kiruwanaganga Estate). This experiment is in progress. 
5. Effective combination of shade trees for diversification purposes 
(E-287) (Kiruwanaganga Estate). This experiment is in progress. 
6. Demonstrative Fertilizer Trials - Pasgoda & Deniyaya 
This experiments has been carried out by TRI in collaboration with 
TSHDA (Matara region). This experiment is in progress. 
7. LVP - 43 Diyadawa Estate 
Plucking continued from January 1997 and the yield records are 
maintained. 
UVA ADVISORY AND EXTENSION CENTRE - PASSARA 
Officer in Charge: M.B.A. Perera 
1. Advisory and Extension Services. 
294 Advisory letters were written 
74 Advisory visits were made to Estates 
19 Seminars/Field Days were held for Estates/Smallholders 
6 Regional Seminars were held in collaboration with Uva RSC 
304 Visitors including Planters/Smallholders visited the Centre 
936 Soil samples were tested for pH. 
400' Soil samples were analyzed for their organic carbon content 
2. Hectarage as at 31st December 1997 (approximate) 
Mature tea in plucking - 5.30 
Mother Bushes - 1.15 
Under Rehabilitation - 0.50 
Buildings/Roads - 0.50 
Forest/Scrub/Grass/area - 6.85 
Total 14.30 
3. Crop 
Green leaf harvested and sold (kg) - 1997 
Month Harvested. Sold Price/Kg Income 
January 3068 3074 11.50 35,351.00 
February 2579 2578 12.22 31,503.16 
March 2458 2455 12.45 30,564.75 
April 3898 3898 12.65 49,309.70 
May 5302 5303 14.34 76,045.02 
June 2864 2862 14.57 41,699.34 
July 3362 3363 13.83 46,510.29 
August 1922 1920 15.06 28,915.20 
September 2278 2277 16.74 38,116.98 
October 3674 3676 18.66 68,594.16 
November 3912 3930 19.06 74,905.80 
December 2597 2598 18.95 49,232.10 
Total 37914 37934 570,747.50 
The average yield obtained, including the seeding area, was 1575 kg MT ha 1 . 
The Estimated Yield for the year was 1413 kg MT ha 1 . The average price 
obtained for green leaf during the year was Rs.15.05 per Kg. Green leaf prices 
rose markedly during the last quarter of the year. 
242 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 
4. Income 
No. of VP Cuttings sold 
Income from sale of VP Cuttings 
No. of VP plants sold 
Income from sale of VP plants 
Amount Kg of crop harvested 
Income from green leaf sold 
Average price fetched per Kg green leaf 
Soil analytical charges 
75,850 
Rs. 18,962.50 
60 
Rs. 225.00 
37,934 
Rs.570,747.50 
Rs. 15.04 
Rs. 72,080.00 
Other Income 
Guest House occupation, 
Sale of publications etc. Rs. 31,381.00 
Rs.693,171.00 Total 
The nursery was maintained only to raise a limited number of TRI 3000/ 
4000 series clonal plants. These plants were issued for clonal trials in plantations 
and selected smallholdings. A batch of seedlings are maintained in the nursery 
raised from selected seeds obtained from Poonagala seed garden. These 
seedlings will be planted at the Centre for selection by Plant Breeding/ 
Propagation Division. 
5. Labour Force 
No of permanent check-roll labour 26 
Outturn (Women) 74% 
Outturn (Men) 48% 
The very poor outturn of men labour hindered scheduled field operations. 
6. Field Trials 
6.1 Clonal observation trials UVP 8 and UVP 9 are in progress at the Centre. 
These trials are carried out and monitored by the Plant Breeding/Propagation 
Division. 
6.2 An observation trial on the use of shears for harvesting tea is carried out 
at the Centre. 
63 Demonstration trials on the use of fertilizer mixtures T-1130 and U-709 for 
mature tea under small holder cultivation conditions are carried out in three different 
locations in the region in selected smallholder properties. These trials are conducted 
by the Soils/Plant Nutrient Division in collaboration with TSHDA. 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 243 
7. Special Uva problems 
7.1 Tenninal die-back of VP bushes of about 25 years old (especially clone 
TRI 2023) is becoming a common problem in Uva. 
7.2 Poor recovery after pruning was also reported by many plantations. This 
condition was mainly due to inadequate starch reserves at the time of pruning. 
Resting of fields due for pruning is not a standard practice in many Uva 
plantations. 
7 3 Formation of variegated foliage on young tea bushes and on bushes 
recovering from pruning was a "New Problem" reported by many plantations, 
and some small holders as well. Investigations are in train to establish the 
reasons for this condition. 
7.4 Weeds known as "Passali" (Talinum paniculatum) and "Passali kodi" 
(Andredera basseloides) are becoming serious problems in Uva. Special 
investigations by our Agronomy Division in collaboration with the University 
of Peradeniya are in progress regarding this problem. 
ADVISORY AND EXTENSION CENTRE 
KOTTAWA, TALGAMPOLA 
1. General 
Mr. K.D. Dahanayake continued as Officer-in-Charge. 
2. Improvements to the centare 
2nd coat of tarring for the old approach road to the centre was carried 
out. 
3. Labour force 
Number on check roll - 60 
Outturn - 50 average 
4. Crop 
Green leaf harvesting -1997 
Month Harvested Sold Rate paid/kg Total Income 
kg kg Rs. cts. Rs. cts. 
January 7340 7340 17/88.6 131283.24 
February 4772 4772 18/30.9 87370.55 
March 4779 4779 18/10.4 86519.02 
April 5042 5042 19/37.7 97698.83 
May 6731 6731 20/83 140206.73 
June 4722 4722 21/84.5 103152.09 
July 6548 6548 20/73.5 135772.78 
August 6583 6583 21/87.2 143983.38 
September 8009 8009 22/00 176198.00 
October 7783 7783 22/53.4 175382.12 
November 6649 6649 22/00 146278.00 
December 7060 7060 22/50approx. 158850.00 a 
76018 76018 1,582,694.74 
Total rainfall _ 2805.1 mm 
No. of wet days - 165 
5. Commercial nursery 
Income from supply of VP plants - Rs. 125982.50 
Income from supply of VP shoots - Rs. 12350.00 
6. Miscellaneous income - Rs. 18060.00 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997 245 
7. Total Income 
Income from sale of green leaf 
Income from sale of VP plants 
Income from sale of VP shoots 
Miscellaneous income 
Rs. 1582694.74 
Rs. 125982.50 
Rs. 12350.00 
Rs. 18060.00 
1,739,087.24 
8. Extension services 
(I) Smallholders - Number who visited the station 
personally seeking advice and 
collecting VP plants and VP shoots 742 
The number who requested for visits, 
small holdings visited - 81 
Correspondence -114 
(H.) Training programme - Superintendents, Assistant 
Superintendents, Field Staff and 
small holders - 59 
Seminars/Field days - Objective - Advice on all aspects 
including demonstration relating to 
nursery work, plucking, pruning, 
pests & diseases as applicable to 
Low Country - 45 
9. No. of soil samples tested for pH - 171; 
10. No. of VP plants issued - 35995 
11. No. of VP cuttings sold - 61750 
12. Experiments & Observations 
01 . Chopping prunings 
02. Shear plucking observations ' 
03. Hedge planting observation block 
04. 4000 Series clones observation block 
05. Bud grafting experiment 
06. Caliandra plants block 
07. Intercropping coffee, pepper planted in existing tea 
08. 200 Plants Cinnamon in boundaries (intercropping) 
09. Biclonal experiment 
10. MuM Vs single cutting planting observations 
11. Gravilia robusta provanances shade trees 
12.. Adaptive Research Trials at Hiniduma, Akuressa & Elpitiya 
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS - 1997 
TRI - St Coombs, Talawakele (Lat 6° 55' N, Long. 80° 40'E, 1382 m amsl) 
ON 
Month 
Mean Temperature (°C) 
Min Max 
Soil at 20 cm 
under grass 
depth 
8.30h 15.30h 8.30h 
Relative Humidity 
' (%) 
15.30h 
Wind Mean Total Wet Total 
Travelled Sunshine Rainfall Days Evaporation 
(miles) (h.day 1) (mm) (mm) 
January 9.3 25.7 21.4 22.5 90.5 80.9 2401.13 8.6 0.0 0 104.04 
February 9.6 26.5 22.0 23.3 91.7 92.2 - 1984.20 8.1 8.5 3 85.70 
March 10.2 27.4 22.6 23.8 90.5 92.9 2473.00 7.4 42.1 6 100.90 
April 13.8 .26.3 22.0 22.7 91.9 94.2 1761.00 6.1 337.0 18 47.63 
May . 15.1 .25.4 22.1 22.7 94.0 94.5 1856.00 6.1 218.0 21 75.90 
June 14.2 24.4 22.4 23.0 93.4 93.2 1943.00 6.6 154.5 14 73.70 
July 16.4 22.9 21.8 22.2 96.7 94.7 2364.00 2.7 203.3 23 56.00 
August 15.0 23.1 21.7 22.2 95.6 93.4 2787.00 5.6 137.4 19 68.70 
September , 14.8 23.6 21.8 22.3 92.9 95.1 6420.00 5.4 298.0 20 69.30 
October 14.6 25,1 21.9 22.3 92.1 95.1 1759.00 5.8 425.5 24 88.40 
November 14.6 24.8 22.1 22.5 93.3 94.4 1807.00 5.4 298.0 22 61.50 
December 14.6 24.5 21.7 21.7 22.2 93.8 2319.00 5.2 164.4 13 59.50 
SO 
3 
MID-COUNTRY, RESEARCH, ADVISORY AND 
EXTENSION STATION, KANDY 
(Elevation 762 m amsl) 
Month Mean temp. Relative Humidity Mean No. of Cum. 
(°C) (%) sunshine Rainfall wet days Evaporation 
Min. Max. 08.30 h 15.30 h (h. day 1 ) (mm) (mm) 
January 18.06 26.79 86.73 78.06 8.76 0 0 111.70 
February 18.59 29.52 78.55 64.28 7.25 16.80 3 119.80 
March 19.61 30.34 82.72 58.79 9.02 85.10 4 121.70 
April 20.02 29.85 85.91 82.27 6.76 326.00 19 108.30 
May 21.00 28.83 87.24 85.51 6.77 173.40 16 74.90 
June 20.67 29.26 85.30 79.06 6.73 72.91 11 105.90 
July 20.98 26.65 88.41 84.47 4.29 112.55 16 65.80 
August 20.66 26.45 88.83 81.86 6.62 .86.00 11 108.70 
September 19.85 27.74 86.35 84.44 5.43 317.90 21 74.50 
October 19.66 27.76 92.71 92.03 5.05 503.00 19 85.90 
November 19.88 27.83 95.41 90.52 4.65 391.10 23 47.60 
December 19.44 27.60 95.93 91.11 5.43 211.70 14 9.50 
LOW COUNTRY STATION, RESEARCH,ADVISORY & EXTENTION CENTRE.RATNAPURA • 1997 
(Lat 6° 41 N Long 80°E • 40°E, 29m amsl) 
to 
00 
Mean Temperature Relative Humidity 
(%) Mean Total Difference Wet Difference Evaporat 
Sunshine Rainfall from days from (mm/da; 
Max. Min. 9.00h 16.00h (h day 1) (mm) 30yrs 30yrs 
Month Dry. Dry. 
January 23.4 34.4 84 59 7.5 9.0 - 102.9 02 -07 4.39 
February 24.3 35.1 82 53 6.9 47.2 -89.8 04 -05 4.65 
March 24.6 35.2 84 57 6.5 164.0 -48.2 09 -05 5.00 
April 24.4 34.8 84 68 6.0 401.8 + 62.9 19 -01 3.47 
May 24.8 33.4 84 79 4.6 574.2 + 98.3 20 No difference 2.44 
June 25.2 33.1 82 72 5.8 331.8 -80.4 12 -09 3.50 
July 24.3 31.4 87 73 3.2 601.2 + 308.4 24 + 04 2.39 
August 24.9 31.8 84 71 5.4 182.0 - 122.1 17 -03 3.39 
September 23.6 32.1 86 75 3.4 721.3 + 299.9 19 -01 2.34 
October 23.7 33.2 86 82 3.7 569.1 + 132.3 27 + 06 2.68 
November 23.7 32.7 86 79 4.1 591.4 + 220.0 21 + 03 2.27 
December 23.2 32.9 87 77 4.0 384.6 + 149.3 20 + 06 2.43 
Total _ _ . _ - 4577.6 - - - -
Mean 24.2 33.3 85 70 5.1 - - - - 3.24 
c 
> 
H 
Tl 
o 
70 
VO 
-a 
DENIYAYA ADVISORY AND EXTENSION CENTRE 
(Elevation 250 m amsl) 
Mean Temperature (°C) Soil at 
Mini Dry Max Dry 0830 h 
Month 
January . 17.7 27.7 27.7 
February 20.4 32.5 27.5 
March 26.5 33.9 28.9 
April 22.0 32.6 28.5 
May 23.3 31.1 28.0 
June 23.0 31.6 29.0 
July 23.8 30.1 27.9 
August 24.4 30.0 27.8 
September 23.1 30.3 27.6 
October 22.0 31.5 28.2 
November 20.7 31.7 27.0 
December 20.8 30.8 27.4 
Total • - -
Mean 22.31 31.15 27,96 
10 cm Relative Humidity l. Jo Total Total 
1530 h 0830 h 1530 h Rainfall wind 
(mm) (km) 
27.8 66.22 53.23 29.9 783 
28.0 77.48 60.71 200.8 700 
29.4 79.23 62.70 89.7 838 
29.2 79.23 72.46 498.0 695 
29.1 82.0 60.64 528.5 1043 
29.2 79.74 67.81 155.1 1274 
28.2 79.82 73.29 392.0 2087 
28.7 78.77 70.19 193.6 2519 
27.2 83.0 77.82 567.0 1226 
28.5 82.9 84.00 403.4 751 
27.6 81.7 80.1 723.9 491 
28.3 80.7 69.5 563.7 961 
. _ _ 
.3907.4 13168 
28.40 80.69 70.21 - -
Sun shine* Total 
Evaporation 
* Sunshine recorder had been stolen 
UVA ADVISORY AND EXTENSION CENTRE - PASSARA -1997 
(Lat. 6°56' N, Long 18°07'E, 1120 m amsl) 
Mean Temperature (°C) Relative Humidity Mean Total Total Total 
Min. Dry Max Dry (%) 1530 hrs Sunshine Wind Rainfall Evaporation 
Month 0830 hrs h. day 1 (km) (mm) (mm) 
January 15.0 24.5 83 78 6.90 1630 222.5 42.6 
February 15.0 25.9 78 75 6.70 1192 58.32 73.8 
March 16.6 23.4 78 68 7.20 540 29.5 91.7 
April 18.1 27.4 92 82 5.70 295 245.8 136.7 
May 20.3 27.0 87 79 5.10 273 328.1 35.15 § June 19.0 26.5 84 85 5.00 425 108.9 33.3 i 
July 17.0 27.0 80 80 5.20 700 74.5 39.08 
August 19.0 29.0 82 82 7.10 810 40.0 58.92 g 
September 18.2 26.0 82 80 3.90 448 309.6 30.4 
October 17.0 25.0 83 86 3.52 470 574.2 40.62 
November 17.8 24.6 89 87 4.30 577 499.36 10.7 
December 16.8 23.1 85 82 3.54 1268 374.5 40.02 
Total 8628 2865.2 632.95 
Mean 17.48 25.78 83 80 5.34 
Rainfall (mm) Total for Month Evaporation (mm) Total for Month Min. Dry (C ) Average for Month 
Max. Dry (C ) Average for Month Wind (Km) Total for Month 
SOUTHERN PROVINCE EXTENSION CENTRE, TALGAMPOLA - KOTTAWA 
(Elevation 30 m amsl) 
Month 
Mean Temperature (°C) 
Max. Dry Min. Dry 
Relative 
Humidity (%) 
0830 hrs 
Mean 
Sunshine 
(h day 1) 
Total 
Rainfall 
(mm) 
Rainfall 
Difference 
(from 20 years) 
Wet Days Difference 
from 20 years 
January 32.0 20.3 85 8.8 4.0 - 108.8 02 - > 
February 32.4 20.5 90 7.6 88.1 - 10.7 03 - I 
March 33.3 21.3 85 8.5 74.0 -.63.5 05 -
April 32.0 22.4 87 6.8 309.2 + 46.0 11 -
May 31.1 23.9 90 4.6 260.1 -112.4 15 - s 
June 31.2 23.4 91 5.8 183.3 -117.5 15 - H 
July 30.2 23.4 87 2.7 299.6 + 115.8 23 -
August 30.4 23.6 92 6.6 172.7 -35.8 18 - VO 
—j 
September 30.3 23.2 91 4.7 434.1 + 158.0 20 -
October 31.4 22.8 90 4.7 426.0 + 72.7 20 -
November 30.6 22.7 90 3.5 408.3 + 90.1 20 -
December 32.2 22.4 86 5.0 145.7 -25.8 13 -
Total 
Mean 31.4 22.5 89 5.8 
2805.1 165 
K 
Telephone 
6 9 1 1 5 1 
6 9 7 4 5 1 eggigtr a ^ B U H ^ Qaaigfai 7, fiamcDB 
srsigj @eo. 
My No. 
AUDITOR-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT 
INDEPENDENCE SQUARE, COLOMBO 7, SRI LANKA 
PWVTRB/97/171 
? 2 d o /$agl/Date: 17 November 1998 S)e3eftfac5 I 
Your No. J 
The Chairman, 
Tea Research Board. 
Report of the Auditor General in terms of Section 13 (7) (a) of the Finance 
Act No. 38 of 1971 on the accounts of the 
Tea Research Board for the year ended 31 December 1997 
The above mentioned report is sent herewith. 
2. In this connection your attention is drawn to Section 13 (8) of the Finance Act 
reproduced in the note below. 
(J.D.R. Jayalath) 
Assistant Auditor General 
for Auditor General. 
Copies : 1. Secretary - Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs and 
Note: 
Section 13 (8) of the Finance Act 
"The reports referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Sub-section (7) shall be consid­
ered by the governing body of a Public Corporation and after such consideration that 
body shall inform the Auditor General of the steps that they propose to take with 
regard to the matters pointed out in the audit reports within three months of the sub­
mission of the reports to the Corporation." 
Plantation Industries. 
2. Secretary - Ministry of Finance and Planning. 
PI/H/TRB/97/171 17 November, 1998 
The Chairman, 
Tea Research Board. 
Report of the Auditor General in terms of Section 
13 (7) (a) of the Finance Act No. 38 of 1971 on the accounts of the 
Tea Research Board for the year ended 31 December 1997 
The audit of accounts of the Tea Research Board for the year ended 31 December 
1997 was carried out under my direction in pursuance of provisions in Article 154 (1) 
of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka read in 
conjunction with Section 13 (1) of the Finance Act No. 38 of 1971. My report in terms 
of Section 13 (7) (a) of the Finance Act appears below. 
12. Scope of the Audit 
Audit comments and findings in this report are based on a review of the financial 
statements presented to audit and substantive tests of samples of transactions. 
The scope and extent of such review and tests were such as to enable as wide an 
audit coverage as possible within the limitations of staff, other resources and 
time available to me. The audit was planned and carried out in accordance with 
generally accepted auditing standards, methods and practices to obtain 
reasonable assurance as to whether the financial statements are free of material 
misstatements. The audit included examination of evidence supporting the 
amounts and disclosures in financial statements and assessment of accounting 
principles and significant estimates and judgements made in the preparation of 
financial statements, evaluation of their overall presentation and determining 
whether accounting policies adopted were appropriate, consistently applied and 
adequately disclosed. Subscriptions (3) and (4) of Section 13 of the Finance Act 
No. 38 of 1971 give discretionary powers to the Auditor General to determine 
scope and extent of the Audit. 
2. Accounts 
2.1. Financial Results 
According to the accounts presented, the working of the Tea Research Board for 
the year ended 31 December 1997 had resulted in a surplus of Rs. 35,309,603 
compared with the surplus of Rs. 36,392,435 in the previous year. The following 
statement gives a summary of the financial results for the year under review and 
the preceding year 
255 
Year ended 31 December 
1997 19% 
Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. 
Income 
Cess and grants 94,433,902 86,027,473 
Income from plantation and 
other commercial activities 33,910,940 27,118,483 
Miscellaneous income 4,279,304 2,612,752 
Interest on investments 3,226,181 135,850,327 3,603,803 119,362,511 
Less: Expenditure 
Personnel emoluments 31,120,839 25,654,070 
Travelling expenses 4,285,504 2,902,200 
Supplies and requisites 9,476,067 8,924,263 
Repairsand maintenance of 
capital assets 13,012,056 8,805,953 
Depreciation 8,300,297 8,896,950 
Transportation, communication, 
utility and other services 15,746,117 13,159,130 
Losses and write-offs 29,238 4,976 
Media, advertising, publicity 
symposia and gifts 474,130 437,180 
Contributions, grants and 
subsidies 1,431,020 1,191,515 
Pensions and retirement benefits 3,312,759 2,673,829 
Provision for Gratuity 4,827,854 1,018,949 
Cultivivation and experiments 4,328,305 4,050,270 
Miscellaneous 4,196,538 100,540,724 5,250,791 82,970,076 
Surplus for the year 35,309,603 36,392,435 
Prior Period Items (112,493) (1,311,017) 
Transferred to Tea Research Fund 35,197,110 35,081,418 
2.2. Financial Structure 
According to the accounts presented, the financial structure of the Board as at 31 
December 1997 compared with that as at end of the preceding year is given 
below. 
256 
As at 31 December 
Resources 
Government Grant 
Capital Reserve 
Long Term Liabilities 
- Land Reform Commission 
- Provision for Gratuity 
Tea Research Fund 
Utilization 
Fixed Assets at written down value 
Capital work-in-progress 
Development Projects 
Net Current Assets 
1997 
Rs. 
1,175,000 
40,196,431 
754,670 
17,117,790 
213,441,710 
272,685,601 
113,507,235 
6,747,175 
8,795,003 
143,636,188 
272,685,601 
1996 
Rs. 
1,175,000 
38,324,941 
754,670 
11,327,641 
178,244,600 
229,826,852 
105,376,827 
1,022,786 
8,795,003 
114,632,236 
229,826,852 
Less: Gratuity paid 
Cash generated from 
Operating activities 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Interest on Investments 3,226,181 
Purchase of fixed assets (19,488,631) 
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 2,026,440 
(Increase)/Decrease in capital 
work-in-progress (5,724,389) 
Cash used in investing activities 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Grants received from ARP 561,491 
NORAD 1,310,000 
NARESA 
ACITR 
IWEM 
Purchase consideration of Lamilier Estate 
19,496,512 
Cash generated from finance activities 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
of the year 
Cash and Cash equivalents at end 
of the year 
1,871,491 
1,407,604 
44,434,130 
45,841,734 
1,407,604 
691,205 
(19,960,399) 
2,733,084 
7,200 
175,000 
6,150 
1,504,670 
695,393 
21,485,343 
3,603,803 
(12,573,600) 
(8,278,592) 
4,426,104 
17,632,855 
26,801,275 
44,434,130 
17,632,855 
257 
23 Cash Flow 
According to the accounts presented, the cash flow of the Board during the year 
under review and the preceding year is given below. 
Year ended 31 December 
1997 1996 
Rs* Rs* Rs* Rs* 
Cadi flows from operating activities 
Surplus for the year excluding 
interest on investments 
Adjustments for items not 
involving movement of cash 
Depreciation 
Provision for gratuity 
Less: Income from sale 
of fixed assets 
10,434,117 
5,790,149 
16,224,266 
1,102,334 
Less: Prior period items 
Operating surplus before changes 
in items of working capital 
Changes in items of working 
capital 
Stocks - (Increase)/Decrease (1,881,220) 
Debtors and other balances -
crease) (26,090,999) 
Deposits, prepayments and 
purchase advances - (Increase) (1,332,526) 
Loans and Advances to staff & 
employees - (Increase)/Decrease (2,330,741) 
Other current assets - (Increase) (5,000) 
Identified losses - (Increase) (156,507) 
Suspense - (Increase) (10,677) 
Excesses and shortages - Decrease 4,394 
Creditors and provisions -
Increase 
32,083,421 32,788,632 
12,131,932 
1,018,949 
13,150,881 
15,121,932 
47,205,353 
112,493 
47,092,860 
13,150,881 
45,939,513 
1,311,017 
44,628,496 
180,291 
(23,080,795) 
(4,146,320) 
104,031 
(109,331) 
(135,410) 
438 
4,206,928 (27,596,348) 4,739,338 (22,447,758) 
19,496,512 22,180,738 
258 
Format - 1 
Methods and Formulae used in Estimating Physical Quantities of Materials 
Description of 
Materials 
Green leaf 
Whether 
receipts/ 
issues of 
inventory 
Receipts 
Description of 
formulae or 
method 
Whether Whether 
the basis there was a 
is realistic change in the 
basis 
Factory weight of green Realistic 
leaf is ascertained after 
deducting 3% of the field 
weight for moisture 
Items in accounts based on Estimates and Provisional Valuation 
No. 
Format - 2 
Description of item Value Basis of estimating or 
in the accounts Rs. provisional valuation 
(a) Provision for payments 119,774 Actual payment made in 
subsequent year 
(b) Provision for Audit Fees 215,000 - d o -
(c) Provision for bad debts 98,953 - do -
(d) Provision for Goods in transit 156,124 - do -
(e) Provision for Uniforms & 
Protective Clothings 250,000 - do -
(f) Provision for Holiday pay & Total earnings for the Year x 
Incentive Bonus 233,378 Entitled days 
Total days worked for the 
year (per employee) 
(g) Provision for Gratuity 17,117,790 Half month salary x No. of years 
of services. 
Basis of costing Receipts and Issues of Materials 
Type of material Whether receipts/issues 
(i) Stocks 
(ii) Green (Tea) Leaf 
(iii) Tea Chests 
(iv) Fire wood 
Receipts/Issues 
- d o -
- d o -
- do -
Format - 3 
Basis adopted 
First in First out 
- d o -
- d o -
- d o -
259 
Format - 6 
1997 7996 
(i) Buildings Straight line method 2% 2% 
(ii) Motor vehicles - d o - 20% 20% 
(iii) Laboratory equipment - d o - 20% 20% 
(iv) Library books - d o - 10% 10% 
(v) Water Supply - d o - 10% 10% 
(vi) Furniture - d o - 10% 10% 
(vii) Office equipment & computer - d o - 10% 10% 
(viii) Electrical installations - d o - 10% 10% 
(ix) Work Shop Equipment - d o - 10% 10% 
(x) Telephones - d o - 10% 10% 
(xi) Capital replanting - d o - 3% 3% 
Note: Depreciation is provided for the year of purchase and no depreciation is 
provided in the year of disposed 
Format - 9 
Accounting Deficiencies 
Description of item Type of Description of deficiency 
in the accounts deficiency 
affected 
(a) Work in progress Inappropriate Disclosure The work had to be carried 
out under several research 
projects which had been 
abandoned subsequently are 
continuously shown under 
the work-in-progress account 
for over 7 years. 
The details of the projects are 
given below 
Rs. 
NERD L/C Technology 190,369 
Instant tea Project 4,652,830 
LTP Project 4,142,173 
Water Tank H/O 192,855 
Water storage St. Joachim 104,014 
9,282,241 
260 
Fixed Assets - Depreciation Rates 
Type of Asset Method of depreciation Rate per annum 
(b) Fixed Assets Errors in Capital and 
revenue recognition 
Description 
of the asset 
(a) Supplying & 
Installation of Auto 
Air Condition 
System to the Pajero 
No. 32 - 5991 
(b) Supply of 03 Nos. 
Termite Detectors 
(c) Stock of fuel in 
vehicles Overstatement 
(d) Fixed Assets Understatements/ 
Depreciation Overstatement 
Nature of 
Assets Division 
Machinery St. Joachim estate 
Machinery - do -
Following fixed assets pur­
chased by the Board had 
been written off without con­
sidering their capital nature. 
Name of Value 
the account 
charged 
Rs. 
"Repairs and 
maintenance 
of capital assets 
account". 35,000 
"Supplies & 
Requisites account". 45,000 
Fuel stock valued at 
Rs. 18,950 as at 01.01.97 of 
the vehicle fleet of TRB had 
not been deducted to reach 
the balance stock as at the 
end of the year. Balance 
stock, therefore, shown as 
Rs. 41,773 as at31.12.97 had 
been overstated by 
Rs. 18,950 as well. 
Following understatement/ 
overstatement of deprecia­
tion of fixed assets had been 
revealed in the accounts due 
to calculation errors. 
Overstatement/ 
Understatement 
Rs. 246,786 (Overstatement) 
Rs. 154,786 (UndaSatement) 
261 
(e) Fixed Assets Errors in Capital and 
revenue allocation Following expenditure had 
been capitalised under 
various fixed assets items 
without considering their 
recurrent nature. 
description 
Cost of binding 
of journals 
Annual subscription 
fees of "Economics" 
(f) 7 day call deposits Omission 
Amount Account debited 
Rs. 
19,650 Library books 
6,240 Other fixed assets 
Accrued interest for 1997 
valued at Rs. 172,623 on 7 
day call deposits had not 
been accounted for. 
(g) Rental Omission 
(h) Bonds Outstanding Omission 
Name of officers 
T. S. Gunasekara 
Nalin L. Herath 
W. A. D. P. Wanigasundara 
D. K. Nawarathna 
A sum of Rs. 90,000, being 
rent receivable from the 
Electricity Board, had not 
been shown in the accounts 
and no provision had also 
been made thereon. 
Eventhough following 
officers had not resumed for 
duties at the Board after 
completion of their post 
graduate degrees at foreign 
countries, the value of bonds 
aggregating Rs. 4,132,501 
had not been brought to 
account 
Value of bonds 
outstanding 
Rs. 
2,382,496 
260,157 
891,000 
598,848 
4,132,501 
262 
(n) Provision for Inappropriate 
gratuity disclosure 
(o) Tea Sales Overstatement 
(p) Work-in-progress Inappropriate disclosure 
(q) Electrification Labour Lines -
St. Coombs Estate Classification error 
Provision for holiday pay 
amounted to Rs. 332,885 and 
Rs. 1,103,268 in respect of 
St. Joachim and St. Coombs 
Estates respectively, had 
been shown together with 
provision for gratuity under 
long term liability instead of 
being shown as current 
liability. 
Sales invoice No. 330 dated 
30,12,1997 valued 
Rs. 123,624 had been 
accounted twice and thereby 
sales have been overstated by 
the same account. 
Advances amounting to 
Rs. 100,000 paid for the 
purpose of carrying out of a 
research Project had been 
shown under work in 
progress account the heading 
called "Collaboration 
Project". 
An estimated sum of 
Rs. 295,000 had been 
provided in the accounts and 
debited to the work in 
progress account for 
construction of labour lines 
at St. Joachim estate, 
without ascertaining the 
quantity of work completed 
at the end of the year under 
review. 
Deposit amounting to 
Rs. 145,600 made for the 
electrification of labour lines 
at St. Coomb's estate had 
been shown under the 
receivable from the staff in 
the accounts for the year 
under review. 
263 
Format -10 
Verification of Physical Assets 
Class of Asset Percentage Shortages Excesses Value of assets Whether Treatment q 
verified observed observed not based on variations variations 
during the physical have been in 
year or at the verification investigated account 
TRB - Head Office 
end of year Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. 
(i) Stationery stocks 100% 1,117 2,891 NU No -
(ii) Motor spares 100% NU NU NU No -
(iii) Scientific Stocks 100% 197,540 80,241 NU No -
(iv) Drugs 100% 263 768 NU No -
(v) Electrical Stocks 100% . Nil NU NU No -
(vi) General Stocks 100% NU 54,400 Nil No -
(vii) Stocks at Ratnapura 
(Low Country 
Stations) 100% 11,064 17,448 NU No -
St Coomb's Estate 
Consumable Stock Verified Schedules had not been 
submitted 1,640,881 
Verification conducted by the Govt. Audit Team 
Auto - Diesel 100% - 1,267 (lit.) No 
Fire - Wood 100% 18.4 (cm) No 
lea 
BOP (kgs) 100% 1,339 PEKOE (Kgs) 100% 6 Investigations 
in Progress 
BOPF (Kgs) 100% 109 
St Joachim Estate 
Consumable stock - Verification Schedules had not been submitted to audit 844,818 -
Format -11 
Confirmation of Assets£<2 once Total No. ofValue of balanceNo. of accounts Percentage 
as per No. of accounts confirmed confirmed of balance 
Type of assets accounts , accounts confirmed as a confirmee 
Rs. percentage in value 
Rs. % Rs. 
TRB - Head Office 
(i) Sundry debtors 1,535,850 109 NU Nil NU NU 
(u) Trade debtors 82,218,312 29 10 58,652,325 34,48 71.34 
(iii) Analytical charges 
due 443,214 173 38 76,390 21.96 17.23 
(iv) Insurance claims 
due - vehicles 103,085 7 NU NU NU NU 
(v) Pre-payments 456.032 5 NU NU NU NU 
(vi) Advance payments 4,762,593 95 1 25,000 1.05 0.52 
(vu) Deposits 867,192 31 NU NU NU NU 
(viii)Bank Balances 9,908,953 3 2 4,035,079 66.67 40.72 
(ix)Petty cash balances 310,089 8 NU NU NU NU 
264 
St Joachim Estate 
(0 Sundry debtors 34,772 26 Nil Nil Nil Nil 
(ii) Cash in hand 33,857 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil 
(iii) Pre payment 221,256 9 Nil Nil Nil Nil 
Confirmation of Liabilities 
Format -12 
Balance Total No. ofValue ofbalancdSo. of accounts Percentage 
as per No. of accounts confirmed confirmed of balances 
Type of liability accounts accounts confirmed as a confirmed 
percentage in value 
Rs. 
Rs. % Rs. 
TRB - Head Office 
(i) Sundry creditors 2,597,753 409 25 551,903 6.11 21.24 
(ii) Tender deposits 
refundable 15,450 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil 
(iii) Security deposits 
refundable 179,378 3 Nil Nil Nil Nil 
(iv) Petrol deposits 
refundable 9,600 53 5 800 9.43 8.33 
(v) Retention money 
payable 5,036 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil 
(vi) Other creditors 4,839,792 9 Nil Nil Nil Nil 
St. Joachim Estate 
Sundry creditors 794,233 27 2 84,708 7.41 10.66 
265 
Format -13 
Account Account of subsidiary subsidiary 
records records 
Rs. Rs. 
TRI - Head Office 
(i) Depreciation 8,300,297 Detailed schedule 9,344,148 1,043,851 
(ii) Electrical stock 866,118 -do- 907,708 41,590 
(iii) Stock at TRI Ratnapura 281,202 -do- 332,032 50,830 
(iv) Stock at TRI Kottawa 17,702 -do- 52,675 34,973 
(v) Stock at TRI Deniyaya 91,473 -do- 56,500 34,973 
(vi) V. P. Plant Stock at Hantana 136,558 -do- 183,248 11,192 
(vii) V. P. Plant Stock at Kottawa 136,558 -do- 145,184 8,626 
(viii) Motor Spare Parts Stocks 1,348,549 -do- 1,240,227.85 110,000 
(ix) Scientific stocks 887,473 -do- 839,856 47,617 
(x) Labour loans - Deniyaya 7,100 -do- 3,900 3,200 
St Jochim Estate 
(i) Depreciation 1,205,898 -do- 1,165,412 40,486 
(ii) Fiexed Assets - Additions 
during the year 1997 5,011,381 Fixed Assets 5,040,511 29,130 
Register 
(iii) Deepavali Festival 
Advance -1997 166,000 Detailed 
Schedule 174,800 8,800 
(iv) New Year Festival Advance-199713,200 -do- 5,200 8,000 
St Coombs Estate 
(i) Account Current 721,887 Estate Balance 1,293,974 572,087 
Sheet 
(ii) Cash advance 25,350 -do- 27.050 1,700 
(iii) Electricity Recovery -
St. Coombs Estate 1,594,938 -do- 1,580,833 14,105 
(iv) Electricity Provision Nil -do- 242,807 242,807 
(v) Lorry 26/9375 Nil - d o - 18,561 18,561 
(vi) Electricity recovery-
Lamilere Division 185,787 - d o - 161,537 24,250 
(vii) Other Income Nil - d o - 821,050 821,050 
(viii) One day Wages A/c 32,375 - d o - 56,625 24,250 
266 
Unreconciled Control Accounts 
Description Control Balance as per Description Balance as per Difference 
Suspense Accounts 
Title of Account 
(i) Suspense Account 
H.0 
Nature of Transaction Balance 
as at 
balance 
sheet date 
Rs. 
(ii) Suspense Account -
St. Coomb's Estate 
Recoverable 
amount from 
store keeper of the 
Board 
Loss of stationery 
items 
Unidentified payments 
by Sundry Creditors 
Reason for 
not clearing 
Not 
explained 
Format -14 
Age analysis 
Over four years 
169,285 
178,791 Not 
explained 
Over three years 
Format -15 
Lack of Documentary Evidence for Audit 
Description of items in the 
accounts affected 
Value shown 
in the accounts 
Rs. 
Documentary evidence 
not available 
(a) Stocks 
(i) 
sheets 
Stock at Estates 
St. Coomb's Estate 
Consumable Stock 1,640,881 
289,140 
844,818 
405,798 
Nursery Stock 
St Joachim Estate 
Consumable Stock 
Nursery stock 
(b) Debtors 
(i) H.O. 
Sundry debtors 1,535,850 
Insurance claims due vehicle 103,085 
Sundry debtors (26,308) 
Recovery A/c 115,609 
(ii) St Coomb's Estate 
Staff salaries 158,074 
Checkroll debtors 129,728 
Sundry debtors 885,095 
Ceylinco Insurance 10,530 
Sub contractors 436,057 
Electrification Labour Lines 1,409,151 
Death donation A/c 12,487 
Detailed schedules and verification 
-do- • 
Detailed schedules and verification sheets 
-do-
Confirmations 
Confirmations 
Age analysis 
-do-
Detailed schedules 
-do-
Detailed schedules, age analysis and 
confirmations 
- do -
-do-
Detailed schedules 
-do-
267 
(c) Deposits, Pre-payment and 
Advances 
(i) H.O. 
Deposits 867,192 
Pre payments 456,032 
(ii) St Joachim Estate 
Pre payment 221,256 
Gas Cylinder deposits 11,700 
Drugs purchase A/c 5,646 
(iii) St Coomb's Estate 
Purchasing advances 
(d) Loans and Advances 
(i) St Coomb's Estate 
Festival loan 216,660 
Special loan 24,950 
Staff loan 898,420 
Labour advance 58,155 
(e) Cash and Bank balances 
(i) H.O. 
Bank of Ceylon - Talawakele 9,056,487 
Petty cash imprest at 
sub stations 167,410 
(ii) St Coomb's Estate 
Cash at Bank 1,555,957 
(f) Creditors, Provisions and Other 
Credit balances 
(i) H.O. 
Retention money payable 
Provision for Payment 
Confirmations 
Confirmations not called for 
Confirmations 
Detailed schedules 
-do-
51,179 Detailed schedules and confirmation. 
5,036 
119,774 
Provision for Goods in transit 156,124 
Tender deposits refundable 15,450 
Security deposits refundable 179,378 
(ii) St Coomb's Estate 
Sundry Creditors 1,660,190 
Check Roll 1,038,720 
Unpaid wages 7,120 
Attendance bonus 595,646 
Refundable deposits 13,598 
Provision for Payment 11,500 
Bought leaf A/c 952,416 
(iii) St Joachim Estate 
T. S. H. D. A. Plants 60,900 
Production bonus 227,279 
Provision for payments 3,954,652 
Detailed schedules 
-do-
-do-
-do-
Confirmations 
-do-
-do-
Schedule & confirmation 
Schedule 
-do-
Confirmations 
-do-
Schedules, age analysis & confirmations 
Schedules 
-do-
-do-
Schedules & Confirmations 
Schedules 
-do-
Schedules 
-do-
- do-
tg) Ratnapura Low Country station 12,312 Bills, Purchasing Order, GRN etc. 
268 
Format -16 
Age Analysis of Debtors 
Class of Amount 0-3 3-6 6-9 
Debtor as at Months Months Months 
Balance 
Sheet 
Date 
Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. 
TUB • H.O 
Sundry 
Debtors 1562,157 911502 83343 38*978 
Suakydeb^(2630^Ageanal>^hadirtbems*i^ 
Trade 
debus 82218312 82201,031 
Analytical 
Charges Due 443214 99,895 61665 9250 
Insurance 
CJaimsDue 51333 
Bonds 
Outstanding 2172,176 
9-12 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 Over 5 
Months Years Years Years Years Years 
Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. 
46355 175,482 10321 117,474 57214 121,488 
- 13,437 3,444 400 
61,690 135334 39340 20,140 12,075 4325 
- 2377 48956 
2172,176 
86,447, 93 83212,428 144,008 48228 108,045 326,631 53,105 137,614 69289 2347345 
StJoachim 
Estate 
Sundry deltas 34,772 (14376) 13270 - 750 23,737 8297 3594 
Format -17 
Age Analysis of Creditors 
Class of Creditor Amount 0-3 3-6 6-9 9-12 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 Over 5 
as at Months Months Months Months Years Years Years Years Years 
Balance 
sheet 
date 
Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. 
TRB-H.0 
Sundry 
Creditors 2,597,753 2,597.753 - -
StJoachim 
Estate 
Sundry Creditors 794,233 791,608 - . . . . 2,625 
269 
Format -19 
Identified Losses 
Particulars of Items Amount 
Rs. 
(a) Petty cash loss 76,436 
(b) Loss of salary 
packets 132,238 
(c) Unpaid travelling 
claims 3,778 
(d) Unpaid medical 
claim 2,221 
(e) Unpaid cash against 
cheques 1,500 
(f) Unpaid vouchers 200 
(g) Loss of items from 
electrical foreman's 
bungalow 109,331 
(h) Missing items from 
Divisions 156,507 
(i) Loss of VP Plant 227,116 
Sales-Deniyaya 
Investigated by 
the Internal 
Auditors 
Reasons for 
loss 
Loss of petty cash at 
cash counter in 1992 
Treatment of loss 
in accounts 
Amounts identified had been 
transferred to the identified 
losses account and shown 
under the current asset. 
Loss of salary packets 
at the cash counter in 
June 1992 
Advance not settled 
over 4 years 
- d o -
A personal cheque 
encashed at the 
counter 
Advances not settled 
Assets removed by 
the officer who had 
occupied the 
bungalow 
Loss of office and lab 
equipment investigated 
by the Internal Auditors 
Reasons for loss had 
not been investigated 
Action had not been taken to 
recover the amount over 5 
years and the amount recov­
erable had been transferred to 
identified losses account. 
•do­
do-
-do -
-do-
Action had not been taken 
to recover the losses over 
two years. 
Action had not been 
taken to recover from 
relevant officer. 
Adjustments had not been 
made in accounts. 
(j) Missing inventory 8,741 
items of Entomology & 
DDR (T)'s office 
investigated by the 
Internal Auditors 
do do-
270 
Cost of Personnel 
Category 
of Personnel No. of Employees Total Cost 
As at As at Normal Pay Overtime 
end of end of 
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 
Rs. Rs. :Rs. Rs. 
Format - 22 
Cost per Employee 
Normal Pay . Overtime 
1997 
Rs. 
1996 
Rs. 
1997 1996 
Rs. Rs. 
Executives. 52 54 5,956224 6,166,789 - . - 114543 114,119 
Nortexecutives 119 112 8,649,626 7527,482 729,048 654,413 72686 67209 6,126 5,843 
Minor Employees 62 58 3224,424 3,021,040 722,028 484,165 52007 52086 11,646 8348 
Format - 25 
Other Slow-moving, Idle and Under-utilised Assets and Idle Labour 
Reason Description of 
item 
Estate Bungalow at 
St. Joachim 
Electrical Stock, 
General Stock H.0 
Period of 
non-use or 
under-utilisation 
Over three years 
Over three years 
Tea Factory at Lamilear Since.1987 
Division - St. Coomb's \ 
Estate 
Vehicles 
Factory Mangers's bunglow at St. 
Joachim Estate had remained idle with 
the furniture for over three years. 
According to the report of the Board 
of survey for 1995 revealed that large 
number of items had remained in the 
stores without being utilised for 
appropriate purposes. 
A Tea Factory with the machineries 
installed for Production of green tea 
had remained idle from the time of 
acquisition of Lamilear Division by the 
Board. 
Following unserviceable vehicles had 
remained in the garage premises for 
long period without action being taken 
to disposed off. 
Registration No. Duration at garage 
23 -7607 Tata-1210 Bus From 1993 
29 - 6584 Isuzu van - d o -
35 -1702 Mitsubishi van - d o -
38 - 8248 Volkswagen van - d o -
14 - 8959 Volvo car - d o -
27 - 4862 Mitsubishi Canter Lorry - d o -
41 - 4802 Mitsubishi Fuso Lorry - d o -
31 - 8906 Mitsubishi Jeep - do -
40 -1990 Datsun Double Cab - d o -
Generator at St. Joachime. One year This generator had been remained idle 
for over one year. 
271 
Uneconomic Transactions 
Class of 
Transactions 
(a) Gasifier and steam 
boiler/radiator system 
for withering and drying 
Project at St. Joachim 
Estate-Ratnapura 
(b) Foreign Scholarships 
Details of 
Transaction 
An Advance amounting 
to Rs. 2,043,750 paid to 
M/s Colombo Commercial 
Company Ltd. for supply 
& installation of gasifier 
Steam boiler at 
St. Joachim Estate -
Ratnapura 
Employees of the Board 
who went on study leave 
abroad had not resume 
duties at the Board as per 
their bonds agreed. The 
value of the bonds to be 
recovered as follows. 
Format - 26 
Nature of deficiency 
Eventhough the advance 
paid, the work had not 
been completed yet. 
Action had not been taken 
by the Board to get 
complete the contract or 
to recover the advance 
paid. 
The Board did not benefited 
efited in turn eventhough 
it had facilitated to the 
employees to enhance 
their technical skills and 
competent 
The bonds outstanding 
valued at Rs. 5,952,477 
remained unrecovered as 
at 31 December 1997. 
Name of the officer 
Athula Ekanayake 
U. K. K. Wickramasinghe 
Sri Ramaratnam 
Asoka Basnayake 
T. Thevadasan 
T. S. Gunasekara 
Nalin L. Herath 
W. A. D. P. Wanigasundara 
D. K. Nawaratna 
Value of the 
bonds outstanding 
Rs. 
317,370 
422,020 
125,325 
104,261 
851,000 
2,382,496 
260,157 
891,000 
598,848 
5,952,477 
(c) Patent Rights 
(d) Insurance claims 
due 
Patent right had been 
registered by the Board in 
connection with the two 
inventions called 
"Development in or relatting 
to the increased stability and 
self life of liquid tea and 
concentrates and carbonated 
non carbonated ready to drink 
beverages" and "An efficient 
method for the commercial 
propergation of tea by Tissue 
culture technique." 
Insurance claims aggregating 
Rs. 51,333 had remained 
outstanding for over 8 years 
Eventhough this patent 
rights had been obtained 
several years ago and being 
renewed yearly income on 
the patent right had not been 
generated so far, thus indi 
eating that no one had been 
used these new inventions 
for their purposes. 
Eventhough these claims 
outstanding over long 
period, action had not been 
taken by the Board to write 
off the amounts. 
272 
Format - 28 
2) Travelling 
Expenses Local 2300,000 30,000 2330,000 3,510,403 1,180,403 (A) 5132 Increase in Subsistence &batta 
rates and more visits 
Overseas 600,000 600,000 767345 167345(A) 27.89 More foreign visits 
3) Supplies and 
Requisites 9,163,000 181,000 9344,000 9,476,067 132.067(A) 1.44 Price increase of the General 
Goods etc. 
4) Repairsand 
Maintenance of 
Capital Assets 8,458,000 57,000 8315,000 13,012,056 4,497,056 (A) 53.17 Repansto\dri<tewhichareover 
10 years old & due to high cost of 
Spare Paris. 
5) Depreciation of 
Fixed Assets 8300,000 8300,000 8300297 (199,703) (F) (235) Over provision 
6) Transportation, 
Communication 
Utility & Other 
Services 13228,000 13228,000 15,746,117 2318.117(A) 19.04 Due to increase inHectricity& 
Telephone charges 
7) Pensions, Retirement 
benefits 3,445,000 3,445,000 3312,759 (132241)(F) (3.84) Vacancies not filled 
8) Gratuity Provision 900,000 900,000 4,827354 3.927.854(A) 436.43 Salary increase not budgeted 
9) Losses & Write-offs 25,000 25,000 29238 4238(A) 1695 Under Provision 
10) Contribution, Grants 
and Subsidies 1,150,000 . 1,150,000 1,431,020 281,020 (A) 24.44 Due to increase in price of Tea 
U) Cultivations and filed 
Trials 3,715,000 3,715,000 4328305 613305(A) 1631 Increase in dafly rates of Labour 
12) Miscellaneous 7220,000 12000 7232,000 4,196338 (3,035,462) (F) (4204) Less Overseas Training 
273 
Major Variations against the Budget 
Class of Item Budget Supplemen- Total Actual (A) Adverse Percentage Reasons given by 
Rs. tary Budget Rs. Rs. (Fj Favourable % the Management 
Rs. Rs. 
(A) Revenue 
a) Sale of 
Green Leaf 2,420,000 2,420,000 3,511,159 1,091,159(F) 45.09 Increase in price of Green Leaf 
b) Miscellaneous 1,827,000 01,827,000 4279304 2,452304 (F) 134.23 Increase in number of analytical 
samples and Disposal of Fixed 
Assets not budgeted, 
(B) Expenditure 
1) Personnel 
Emoluments 30229,000 50,000 30279,000 31,120,839 841.839(A) 278 Increasein daily rate of Labour 
(c) Capital Expenditure 
1) Buildings 2274300 325,000 2599300 33,046 
2) Plant 
Machinery 
&I^Equrment 2577,000 60,000 2,637,000 2,448371 
3) Office 
Equipment 1,781,100 778,000 2559,100 2392,672 
4) Furniture 
Fittings and 
Household 
Equipment 755,100 130,000 885,100 879,101 
5) Road, Water 
Supply, 
Hectricity& 
Telephone 595,000 125,000 720,000 536,133 
6) Motor Vehicle 
and bicycles 3,000,000 
7) Workshop tools 
and Equipment 76500 
3,000,000 3,645,000 
76500 66,970 
8) Other Fixed 
Assets 1,962,000 172,000 2134,000 1300341 
(2566254) (F) (11284) Revoted 
for 1998 
(188,629) (F) (732) Revoted 
for 1998 
(166,428) (A) (934) Replace­
ment of 
Computers 
(5,999) (A) (0.79) Increase 
in price 
of items 
(193,867) (F) (3258) Works 
not 
completed 
645,000 (A) 2150 Under 
(9530) (F) (1246) Purchases 
not made 
(833,659) <F) (4249) Purchases 
not made 
Rates and Percentages 
Description 
According to the accepted elevation 
averages, the refuse tea percentage on 
made tea should be 4% in Nuwara FJiya area. 
Format - 30 
Deficiencies 
However, the refused tea percentage of 
St. Coomb's factory had significantly been 
varied with accepted norms in 1997. 
The table I shows the monthly - wise refuse 
tea percentage in 1997 compared with 1996 
figures. 
Action had not been taken to improve 
plucking practices at St. Coomb's estate in 
orders to obtain lower rates of refuse tea 
percentages. 
274 
Format - 30 
Table I Rates and Percentages.of refuse tea in 1997 as compared with 1996 
Figures - St. Coomb's Factory 
Month Green Leaf Refuse Tea Made Tea Refuse Tea Percentages 
1997 
% 
1996 
% 
January 135,517 2,119 34,960 6.35 5.43 
February 68,169 995 18,677 5.62 5.54 
March 52,072 814 14,261 5.98 5.50 
April 80,454, 906 18,425 5.10 6.13 
May 344,837 5,748 77,255 7.92 11.95 
June 129,450 1,358 30,891 4.39 9.56 
July 176,907 2,065 39,610 5.38 7.90 
August 108,480 1,220 24,164 5.20 6.80 
September 115,531 1,206 25,377 4.89 4.60 
October 158,941 1,880 36,796 5.30 4.90 
November 165,384 2,117 39,761 5,52 6.88 
December 164,582 2,008 40,002 5.18 6.43 
Format - 33 
Delays in Projects 
Description of the Details of delay. s in 
Project completion Reasons for delays 
Funds granted from 
foreign agencies for 
special research Projects 
(a) Field trail on Sul-po-mag 
Out of sum of Rs. 50,000 
granted in May 1991 for 
this Project Rs. 6,381 only 
had been utilised for the 
project. 
(b) Radophol is Projects 
Details are given below. 
Sums granted 
Details are given below. 
Sums granted Rs. 
April 1993 50,000 
Sep: 1994 112,568 
162,568 
Amount spent 47,413 
Amount un-utilised as at 
31 December 1997 115,155 
The trial had been 
abandoned. 
Reasons for delays in 
completion had not been 
explained. 
(c) Orthodox - CTC Project 
A sum of Rs. 2,500,000 Reasons had not been 
received in July 1995 explained, 
remained unutilized upto 
31 December 1997 
275 
Format - 36 
Non-compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations 
Reference to Laws, Rules, 
Regulations, etc 
(a) SLAS-10 
(b) Finance Act No. 38 of 1971 
(i) Section 13 (5) (b) 
(ii) Section 8(1) 
(iii) Section 6 
Non-compliance 
Any event or transaction falling outside the time 
frame of the current financial year which does not 
satisfy are of the following three categories to be 
shown as current year item. 
(a) Gains or losses as a result of a decision or 
determination of persons other than 
management or owners. 
(b) Correction of fundamental error. 
(c) Change in accounting policy. 
Prior period item totalling Rs. 69,672 which did 
not satisfy any of these categories mentioned in 
SLAS -10 had not been treated as current year item. 
A report to be submitted along with the accounts 
in terms of Section 13 (5) (b) of the Finance Act 
No. 38 of 1971 as specified by the Auditor General. 
The report in terms of Section 13 (5) (b) of the 
Finance Act No. 38 of 1971 as specified by the 
Auditor General had not been furnished to audit. 
The Bord shall prepare a budget in respect of 
every financial year and such budget shall be 
approved by the Governing body of the Board not 
later than three months prior to the 
commencement of the financial year. 
The budget for the year under review had been 
approved by the Governing body of the Board on 
20 December 1996. 
The accounts of the Board should be submitted to 
the Auditor General for audit within four maoths 
after the close of that year along with any report 
on the accounts which the Auditor General may 
require to be submitted in the manner specified by 
him. 
(i) Annual accounts of the Board for 1997 had 
been furnished to audit on 16 July 1998. 
(ii) Annual board of survey reports on fixed 
assets and age analysis of debtors and 
creditors were not furnished for audit. 
276 
(c)(i) Department of Inland S t Coombs Estate 
Revenue Circular dated 
24 August 1989 Turnover tax collected amounting to Rs. 60,669 
to be remitted to the Department of Inland 
Revenue within 7 days had not been remitted upto 
the date of audit inspection. 
Rs. 
TRI-H.O 36,265 1997 May - August 
St. Coomb's Estate22,367 1994 
St. Joachim Estae 2,037 1995 
60,669 
(ii) Department of Inland 
Revenue Stamp Duty Act 
No. 43 in 1982 According to the Stamp duty Act No. 43 in 1982, 
the stamp duty amounted to Rs. 7,418 had not been 
remitted to the Inland Revenue Department as 
details given below. 
Amount 
Rs. 
(d) Establishment Code 
(i) Chapter xxiv 
Section 7.5 
Passara sub station 1,166 from 1996 
Deniyaya sub station 4,498 from 1995 
- d o - 1,754 from 1996 
7,418 
Certificate of registration, revenue licence, 
confirmation of payment, etc. had not been 
furnished within two weeks after obtaining the loan 
by the officers mentioned below to confirm the 
utilisation of vehicle loans. 
Name of the officer 
Car loans 
F. Y. M. Maharoof 
K. M. S. M. Kulathunga 
Motor Cycle loans 
S. P. Jinasena 
R. Nadaraj 
R. Jayaraj 
W. P. A. N. Jayasinghe 
V. Shanmuganathan 
P. B. Ekanayake 
H. Jayaweera 
U. A. Wickramasinghe 
Amount granted 
Rs. 
60,000 
39,000 
22,500 
20,700 
22,500 
22,500 
22,500 
22,500 
22,500 
22,500 
277 
(ii) Chapter xxiv 
Section 2 Salary loans should be granted only for the purposes 
as specified under the Section xxiv of the Establish­
ment Code. Mrs. S. M. M. A. Jayakody had been 
granted an interest free special loan amounting to 
Rs. 94,398 in 1992, payable in 157 instalments over 
13 years for her higher studies in U.K. Out standing 
balance as at 31 December 1997 was Rs. 57,121. 
Action had not been taken as yet to recover the loan 
eventhough this matter had been included in 
previous year audit report also. 
(e) Ministry of Finance and 
Planning Circular 
No. MF/6/1/1/96 dated 
on 02 April 1996 
(f) Financial Regulations 
No. 109(1) and the 
Advance amounting to Rs. 152,791 obtained by a 
Deputy Director on foreign visits made to Kenya in 
October 1996 had not been settled until 30 August 
1998. 
Action had not been taken as per the F. R. 109 (i) in 
connection with the write-off of losses valued at 
Rs. 156,507 at the TRB - Head Office. No Board 
approval had also been taken for the write-off as well. 
(g) Employee Provident 
Fund Act No. 15 in 1958 (i) E.P.F. Contributions deducted from holiday pay 
aggregating Rs. 141,930 of St. Coombs Estate in 
February 1997 had been remitted to the Central 
Bank on January 1998. 
(ii) E. P. F. Contributions for February 1997, 
amounting to Rs. 3,067, deducted from the staff 
of Passara Sub-station, had not been remitted to 
the Central Bank as at the date of Audit 
Inspection. 
278 
Format - 38 
Systems and Controls 
Main Functional 
Areas Detailed aspect General comments Detailed comments 
(a) Cheque 
receipts Delay in 
depositing 
at the Bank 
Date of receipt 
of the Cheque 
and Number 
Poor in operation It was observed that long 
delays had been experienced 
in banking of cheques as 
details given below. 
Date 
deposited 
at the Bank 
Value 
of the 
Cheque 
Rs. 
(b) Purchasing 
advances 
97.01.01 
182229 
97.01.01 
101191 
97.01.29 
143154 
96.11.25 
631124 
96.11.18 
631121 
97.1.15 
97.1.15 
97.02.11 
97.01.07 
97.01.07 
It was observed in audit Poor in 
that an unacceptable operation 
practice was experienced in of system 
payment of advances at the 
Low-country Station at 
Ratnapura. Advances were 
paid under temporary 
vouchers certified by the 
fficer in charge of the station. 
They prepare a fresh voucher 
and entered in the cash book 
when settlement of the advance 
and subsequently the 
temporary voucher is destroyed. 
Each and every advance shoud be 
entered into the cash book when 
the advance payment is made. 
20,000.00 
25.025.70 
1,250.00 
1,5000.00 
1,000.00 
The usual practice to 
enter the advance 
payment in the cash 
book when the advance 
payment is effected. It is 
entered in the cash book 
at the time of settlement. 
279 
(c) Bank Reconciliation Non-presented 
cheque do - Non-presented cheques 
for more than six month 
period valued at Rs. 7,581 
had not been taken in to 
the income of St. joachim 
Estate Ratnapura as 
details given below. 
(d) Festival and 
Other 
Advances 
Name 
Sri Lanka Telecom 
L. M. Lional 
TRI Sports Club 
T. Indrani 
Action had not been taken 
to recover or write off the 
balances of festival advance 
remained outstanding during 
last four years. 
Amount Year 
25.00 April 96 
2,934.93 June 96 
980.00 March 97 
3,641.27 - do -
7,581.20 
Poor Actions had not been 
operation taken to recover or write 
in system off the following balance 
of festival advance given 
to the officers of St. 
Joachim estate and St. 
Coomb's estate. 
St Joachim Estate 
Year 
93/94 
94/95 
95/96 
96/97 
Amount 
Rs. 
9,132.19 
980.00 
2,080.00 
1,025.73 
13,217.92 
(e) Stocks 
(i) Auto diesel and 
Fire-wood-St. 
Coombs Estate 
St Coombs Estate 
M.P.C.S. - Nuwareliya 20,000 
V. Sundar 8,445 
- do - There was no proper 
control over the stocks of 
St. Coombs Estate at 
Talawakele. It was 
revealed the following 
shortages and excesses at 
the audit verifications. 
Diesel 
(litre) 
Stock balance as at 1998.09.12 13,004 
Physical verified balance 14,271 
Excess/shortage 1267 
Fire wood 
(CM.) 
146 
127.6 
18.4 
280 
(f) Cheque 
receipt 
No follow up 
action had been 
taken in respect 
of unrealized 
cheques issued 
members. 
Poor operation 
in system 
(g) Cash 
advance 
payment 
Un-authorised cash 
advance payment 
Deviation of 
the system 
A cheque amounting to 
Rs. 26,594.02 - received 
on 9.12.96 from Mr. W. M. 
Premaratna of St Coombs 
Estate, on account of 
settlement of distress 
loan balance had not 
been realized as at 
September 1998. No. 
follow up action had been 
taken in this connection. 
A cash advance of 
Rs. 9,750 had been paid to 
an office peon with out 
requisite authority and 
necessity. 
Amount 
Rs. 
1740 Muthukumar 9,750 
(h) Advances Long delay in 
settlement of 
advances 
Poor 
operation of 
control 
(i) Fuel stock Non-availability of 
measure do-
(j) Tea Stock Non-use of bins -do-
Long delays were observed 
in setteng advances, 
granted to outside parties 
as well as employees for 
the purchases of goods 
and obtain services. The 
details of advances 
granted and delays 
observed are shown in 
Schedule I. 
The fuel stock could not 
be verified due to non­
availability of measure 
(dip - stick) which is a n 
essential part of the 
Cylinder tank located at 
St. Joachim Estate. , 
It was observed in audit 
that made tea had been 
heaped up on the floor of 
the St; Joachim factory 
without using tea bins 
before packing. This 
situation leads to high 
moisture content and 
contamination of the 
made tea. 
281 
Schedule-
Name Date Amount Date 
Rs. 
Insurance Corp. 14.1.97 93,584 22,10.97 
G.P. Udumulla 27.1.97 800 14.2.97 
Kandy offset printers 10.2.97 5,100 14.7.97 
Associated newspapers 
Ceylon Ltd. 7.3.97 1,275 17.5.97 
Brown & Co. Ltd. 24.3.97 4,000 15.5.97 
Lake House Book Shop 7.3.97 5,616 31.12.97 
B. D. G. Premadasa 31.3.97 1,000 16.6.97 
Swedlanka Industries 11.4.97 53,493 18.11.97 
D. K. W. Plastic Industries 5.6.97 28,386 01.10.97 
Seelanatha Kuruppu & 
Sons Ltd. 6.5.97 37,375 17.9.97 
Contractor Supplies 
(Management) Ltd. 4.6.97 3,650 23.9.97 
Hayleys Engineering Ltd. 10.12.96 1,238,118 
7,8.97 
-do- 10.6.97 1,000,000 
East West Information 
Systems Ltd. 16.7.96 181,850 8.8.97 
Neshanya(Pvt)Ltd. 25.3.95 47.500 27.5.97 
St. Anthoney's Industries 
Group (Pvt) Ltd. 27.6.97 21,940 25.8.97 
Brown & Co. Ltd. 30.12.96 3,000 12.6.97 
B. Tilakarathna . 8.8.97 15,000 6.12.97 
Ratnayake Rubber 
Industries 10.9.97 79,400 11,12.97 
Diesel & Motor Eng. Co. 
Ltd. 23.9.97 132,590 18.11.97 
12,250 
Lake House Book Shop 22.2.96 5,616 31.12.97 
Time C/o Bank of Ceylon 20.6.94 1,872 31.12.97 
Delays in settling advance 
Balance Outstan-
Payment Settlement Refund ding 
Amount Date Amount 
Rs. Rs. Rs. 
93,584 
14,280 
2,973,415 
282 
Format - 39 
Vehicle Utilisation 
Certain significant information relating to the performance of the Board's vehicle fleet 
is given below. 
Petrol 
1997 1996 
Total Number of Vehicles as at 31 December 
Motor Cars (include cab vehicle) 
Jeep 
Buses 
Vans 
Lorries 
Motor Cycles 
Tractors 
Land Vehicles: Tractors 
Bulldozers 
Total 
04 
01 
23 
28 
Diesel 
1997 1996 
11 . -
15 
04 
02 
07 
02 
01 
42 ~ 
1997 1996 1997 1996 
Type of Vehicle Type of Vehicle Type of Vehicle Type of Vehicle 
A B C D A B CD A B C D A B C D 
Performance 
No. of vehicles 
utilised during 
the year 
(excluding 
unserviceable 04 01 23 28 11 - 03 - - - -
Distant travelled 
operated Km. 29,930 1531 74,637 - - - - - - 1,029220 154,110 - 4,788 - - .- -
Fuel consumed in 
Hires 3543 386 3,152 117,853 38256 - 3,882 - - - -
Total expenditure 
ontuel Rs. 158,906 19,404 161,621 1,602,646 517,989 - 52430 - - - -
Cost of repairs and 
maintenance 
(including 
insurance 
licence) Rs. 479,860 76,684 100277 
Drivers'salaries, 
Bata and overtirneRs. 
Total cost 
(excluding 
drivers' 
remuneration) Rs. 638,766 96,088 261,898 - - -
** Vide classification below. 
4,496,120 1,882225 - 105256 
6,098,766 2,400214 - 157,686 
•Transport Fleet had not been submitted tor 1996. 
283 
7997 7996 7997 7996 
Type of Vehicle Type of Vehicle Type of Vehicle Type of Vehicle 
A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D 
Performance per Kilometre/Hoar* 
Average perfonnance 
per litre in Knvin 
hours* 8.44 3.97 23.68 - - - - 8.73 4.03 - 123 - - - -
Average expenditure per 
KnVhcur*cmfuelRs. 531 1267 216 136 336 - 10.95 - - - -
Average expendinire per 
knvtour* on repairs 
arimrinterfinceRs. 16,03 50,09 1.34 437 1221 - 21.98 - - - -
Average expenditure per 
knvrjour* on drivers' 
lenmneration Rs. 
Average cost per 
KrMwurtn respect 
of depreciation Rs. 
Overall average 
expenditure per 
Km/hour Rs. 2134 6276 331 5.92 1557 - 3293 - - - -
** Qassification 
Type of Vehicle Basis of Computation 
A. Passenger vehicles (Excluding buses) 
B. Buses and Lorries 
C. Motor Cycles 
D. Land Vehicles * 
Kilometre 
-do-
- d o -
Hour 
J. D. R. Jayalath 
Assistant Auditor General 
for Auditor General 
284 
^SHHSDA Qaiftsw .31/Illlil! rgaBSWiib 
TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SRI LANKA 
@aSJM gee. : | CA/42A 
REFERENCE No. J 
Yr. Ref: PI/H/TRB/96/163 9th March 1998 
The Auditor or General 
Auditor General's Department 
Independence Square, 
Colombo 7. 
Attention: Mr. J. D. R. Jayalath 
Assistant Auditor General 
Dear Sir, 
Report of the Auditor General on the accounts of the 
Tea Research Board for the year ended 31 December 1996 
in terms of Section 14 (2) (c) of the Finance Act No. 38 of 1971 
We refer to your letter dated 25th February 1998 on the above subject and for­
ward herewith our comments on the draft report. 
It is very much appreciated if you could review the report after taking into con­
sideration our comments dated 05th February 1997. 
Yours faithfully, 
Dr. S. D. I. E. Gunawardene 
Chairman 
Tea Research Board 
93.98 
W.B. Herath 
Senior Accountant 
TRI 
93.98 
INDEX 
289 - 299 - Comments submitted on 5th February, 1998 
300 - 303 - Director's and Deputy Director Research's observations 
304 - Additional commentsfor draft report dated 25th February, 1998 
COMMENTS ON THE AUDIT REPORT IN TERMS OF 
SECTION 13 (7) (a) OF THE FINANCE ACT 
NO. 38 OF 1971 ON THE ACCOUNTS OF 
TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 
31ST DECEMBER, 1996 
Format 9 - Accounting Deficiencies 
a) Fixed Assets 
Description of the assets 
a) Nebulizer and rings purchased 
for Analytical Division 
b) Installation of monark burner 
for the factory at St. Joachim 
c) Cost of UPS system for 
St. Joachim Estate 
d) Jem motor for Water Pump 
e) Construction of retaining wall 
at St. Coombs Estate 
b) Fixed Assets 
c) Fixed Assets Depreciation 
d) Fixed Assets 
e) Fixed Assets 
f) Prior year adjustments 
Errors in capital and revenue allocation 
Auditors comment is incorrect. These 
spare parts were purchased for repairs. 
This has been adjusted in 1997 accounts 
This has been adjusted in 1997 accounts 
Auditors comment is incorrect. Jem 
motor for Water Pump had been correctly 
charged to capital account in 1996. 
This has been adjusted in 1997 accounts 
Omission 
The goods received note for the Pressure 
Plate Apparatus Accessaries had been 
sent to CARP and was not available to us 
at the time of preparing the final accounts. 
Understatements/overstatements 
This has been adjusted in 1997 accounts 
This has been adjusted in 1997 accounts 
Errors in capital and revenue allocation 
These are capital nature of expenditure 
and had been correctly charged to 
capital accounts. 
Inappropriate disclosure 
We have been debiting the prior year 
adjustment entries as per SLAS 10 up to 
end of 1994. But Auditors in their report 
for the year ended 1994 highlighted that 
the expenditure of the prior year be 
charged to prior year adjustment account 
as shown in the following extracts of 
Auditors report 1994. 
289 
g) Fixed Assets 
h) Sales Overstatement 
i) Grants Received 
j) Foreign travelling advance 
Expenditure on telephone charges for 
1993 amounting to Rs.. 2006.78 had been 
accounted for as expenditure for the year 
instead of being debited to prior expenses 
account. 
Expenditure on maintenance of colour 
separator during 1993 amounting to 
Rs. 8,000 had been accounted for as 
Expenditure for the year instead of being 
debited prior period items (PI/H/TRI/94/ 
121-07.08.95) 
E. R F. payable during 1993 amounting 
to Rs. 8,609.39 had been debited to labour 
wages instead of being debited to prior 
period items. 
Expenditure on railway bills for 1993 
amounting to Rs. 7465.50 had been 
debited to personnel emoluments instead 
of being debited to prior items. 
In future the expenditure pertinent to prior 
year will be dealt as per SLAS 10. 
Inappropriate disclosure 
Fixed Assets in question are still the 
property of the Tea Research Board 
although they are located at the Sri Lanka 
Tea Board. 
This was the practice adopted by us all 
these years. However action will be taken 
to value the stock at the year end at COP 
or Net realizable value whichever is 
lower. 
Classification error 
Audit comment is correct. However this 
has not affected the final accounts 
presented for the year 1996. The ledger 
has been corrected in 1997. 
Classification error 
Amount advanced to Dr. G. D. 
Wimaladasa equivalent to Rs. 152,791/= 
was treated as a debt due from him as he 
has failed to submit a proper statement 
of expenditure. This classification error 
appearing in 1996 accounts was rectified 
in the books of accounts in the year 1997. 
290 
k) Insurance claim due Omission 
1) Fixed Assets 
m) Bonds outstanding 
n) Sub contractors St. Coombs 
Estate 
The amount stated in the Audit Report 
was not available to us at the time of 
preparing the final accounts. This has 
been accounted for in 1997 accounts. 
Omission 
Internal Auditor's report was not 
available to us at the time of preparing 
the final accounts. Adjusted in 1997 
accounts. 
Omission 
These have been taken in to 1997 
accounts. Legal action is contemplated 
against the officers through the 
Attorney General. 
Calculation error 
There was no overpayment. The credits 
for work completed had not been 
accounted. Accounts had been adjusted 
in 1997 accordingly. No double payment 
have been made. 
Format 10 - Verification of Physical Assets 
Class of Assets: 
TRB - Head Office 
(1) Stationery Stocks 
Shortages Excesses 
Rs. 228 Rs. 674 
(3) Scientific Stocks Rs. 37,982 Rs. 9,576 
(4) Drugs Stock 
(6) General Stocks Rs. 8,596Rs. 15,975 
(7) Stocks at Ratnapura Rs. 750 , Rs. 242 
Format 11 - Confirmation of Assets 
Action will be taken to 
investigate and adjust the 
accounts in 1997. 
Action will be taken to investigate 
and adjust the accounts in 1997. 
Verification schedules had been 
submitted. 
Evaporation of petrol for the last 
10 years. 
Action will be taken to investigate 
and adjust the accounts in 1997. 
In the letter by which a confirmation is invited, we have explicitly stated that in 
the absence of response, it will be concluded that the balance indicated is correct. 
291 
In respect of pre payments and advance payments we do not invite the 
confirmations since the documents from the payees are available which would confirm 
the correctness of the amounts. 
Format 12 - Confirmation of Liabilities 
Same comment as in the 1st para under Format 11 above. 
Format 13 - Unreconciled Control Accounts 
(1) Fixed Assets 
(2) Total Expenditure under solar 
energy power 
(3) General Stock 
(4) Electrical Stock 
(5) Sundry Creditors 
(6) Labour Loans Kottawa 
(7) Labour Loans Passara 
St Coombs Estate 
(1) Festival Advance 
(2) Check Roll Debtors 
St Joachim Estate 
(1) Festival Advance 
Format 14 - Suspense Accounts 
(1) Suspense Accounts H/O. 
Loss of Stationery Items 
Missing Table 
Loss of Petty Cash 
Amount payable to Ex-officer 
Mr. V. Selladurey 
This has been reconciled. 
This has been reconciled. 
This has been reconciled. 
This has been reconciled. 
This had been reconciled and detailed 
schedules had been submitted. 
This has been reconciled. 
This has been reconciled. 
This had been reconciled and the detailed 
schedules had been submitted. 
This had been reconciled and the detailed 
schedules had been submitted. 
The difference is the omission of the 
festival advance balance of Mr. Kamal 
Perera from the detailed schedule. 
Officer responsible had been dismissed 
from the services of the Institute L. T. 
Case is pending. 
This has been adjusted in 1997 accounts 
Officer responsible had been dismissed 
from the services of the Institute. L. T. 
Case is pending. 
Action will be taken to refund the 
balance after recovering for the missing 
items. 
(2) Suspense Account 
St. Coombs Estate 
Unidentified payments 
by sundry creditors 
Action will be taken to 
clear this account in 1997. 
292 
Format 15 - Lack of Documentary evidence for audit 
a) Vehicle mnning expenses : Detailed schedule will be forwarded. 
b) Stocks 
Stocks at Estates 
St. Coombs Estate 
Rice and foodstuff 
General Stock 
Nursery Stock 
St. Joachim Estate 
Consumable Stock This has been sent subsequendy. 
Nursery Stock : This has been sent subsequendy. 
c) Debtors 
St. Coombs Estate 
Sundry Debtors : This has been sent subsequendy. 
d) Deposit, Pre-payments, 
Advance for Purchases 
St. Coombs Estate 
Sub contractores The detailed schedule will be forwarded. 
e) Advances 
St. Coombs Estate 
Special Loan The detailed Schedule will be forwarded. 
Labour Advance The detailed schedule will be forwarded. 
f) Creditors Provisions & Other Credit Balances 
St. Coombs Estate 
Sundry Creditors The detailed schedule has been 
submitted. 
Attendance Bonus The detailed schedule will be forwarded. 
Format 16 - Age analysis of Debots 
a) Sundry Debtors : Mr. S. Sundaralingam former OIC, TRI 
Pelagahatenna has to perfect documents 
and forward same to REPPIA for the 
reimbursement of Rs. 96,840/-. 
The other amounts are dues from ex-TRI 
officers. In respect of these there are L.T. 
cases pending and once the outcome is 
known these will be recovered from the 
amounts due for payments. 
This has been sent subsequendy. 
This has been sent subsequently. 
This has been sent subseauentiv. 
293 
b) Recovery Account 
c) Trade Debtors 
(d) Insurance Claims Due : 
e) Bonds Outstanding : 
h) Analytical Charges Due 
St. Coombs Estate 
St. Joachim 
Format 17 - Age Analysis of Creditors 
TRB - Head Office 
b) Tender Deposit Refundable 
Sundry Creditors 
St. Coombs Estate 
St. Joachim Estate 
Format 19 - Identified Losses 
a-f) Loss of Petty Cash, Salary Packets, 
Medical Claims Travelling Claim, etc.: 
g) Loss of items from Electrical 
Foreman's Bungalow : 
Rs. 1,100/= due from ex-TRI officers 
cannot be recovered seeking approval for 
write-off. 
Rs. 1000/= due from Hopton Group for 
supplying cuttings from Passara TRI 
Centre. OIC Passara will follow action 
to recover the amount. 
Period of claims had been lapsed. Action 
will be taken to investigate and seeking 
approval for write-off. 
Files have been handed over to Attorney 
General Dept. for necessary Legal action. 
Attempts to recover analytical service 
charges from Private small holders have 
failed. Seeking approval for a write-off. 
Action will be taken by the new 
Superintendent for the recoveries. 
Action will be taken by the new 
Superintendent for the recoveries. 
Action will be taken to credit the TRB 
Miscellaneous Income account if not 
claimed. 
Action will be taken to credit the TRB 
Miscellaneous Income account if not 
claimed. 
Action will be taken to credit the TRB 
Miscellaneous Income account if not 
claimed. 
The officer responsible had been 
dismissed from the services of the 
institute after a domestic inquiry. Labour 
Tribunal case is pending. 
The cost of items lost was recovered from 
the former Electrical Foreman, but had 
to be refunded on Assistant 
Commissioner of Labour's directive. 
Seeking approval for a write-off. 
294 
h) Ban Charges 
i-j) Missing "Mettler" balance at Plant 
Physicology Division and loss of lab 
equipments investigated by the 
internal auditors 
All the expenditure of L/C and other 
charges had been debited to Research 
Units. 
This is being investigated by the Lindula 
Police. 
Format 25-Other Slow-,moving Idle and under-utilized Assets and Idle labour 
Estate Bungalow 
St. Joachim Estate 
Electrical Stock and General 
Stock - HO 
Dismantled items at St. Joachim 
Tea Factory at Lameliere Division 
St. Coombs Estate 
Vehicles 
L. T. Case is pending against the Factory 
officer who had been interdicted. Action will 
be taken to gain possession of the house and 
household items. 
These are slow moving items and will be 
used whenever required. 
Action will be taken to dispose the items by 
an Auction. 
The Green Tea Project would not be re-activated 
until the staff in the Technology Division is 
trained. 
Action will be taken to dispose the items by 
an Auction. 
Format 26 - Un economic Transaction 
a) Reimbursement of Medical 
Claim 
b) Patent Rights 
Actions per Medical Fund Rules, 50% of the 
Medical Claim could be reimbursed for the 
officer and his/her family. 
A party who is interested had already 
applied for a BOI project to produce this 
product in commercial scale and 
negotiations/discussions are currently 
underway to finalize the transfer of the patent 
rights. 
c) Gasifier and steam boiler/Radiator: 
system for withering and during 
project of Ratnapura 
d) Foreign Scholarships 
e) Workers' Housing 
Electrification 
M/S Colombo Commercial Co. Ltd. failed to 
deliver the goods under the contract. This 
matter has been brought to the notice of the 
Attorney General's Department to pursue 
legal action. 
Legal action contemplated against the 
officers through the Attorney General. 
Work has been completed in 1997. 
295 
f) Goods in transit 
g) Insurance claims due : 
Format 30 - Rates and Percentages 
a) According to the accepted estate : 
practices the check roll weight 
should be below than factory 
weight 
b) According to the accepted : 
elevation averages, the refuse 
tea percentage on made tea should 
be 4% in Nuwara-Eliya area 
Format 33 - Delays in Projects 
Description of the Project 
a) Field trial on sul-po-mag. 
b) Radopholus Projects 
c) Energy Efficiency Solar 
Energy Project 
d) Ortho-CTC Project 
Goods had already been cleared and the 
entries will be passed in 1997. 
Action will be taken to write-off. 
(l)However, at the end of the year the total 
factory weight is higher than the check 
roll weight. 
St. Coombs Estate was running without a 
permanent Superintendent for the last three 
years. Now a permanent Superintendent has 
been appointed the plucking standard would 
be improved. 
This is an on-going project. The 
expenditure of fertilizer and travelling had 
been inadvertentiy charged to B/FERT and 
D/AGCH. 
This is an on-going project and in progress 
This is an on-going project and is in the final 
stage. 
Action will be taken by the Institute's 
Tender Board as tender limits have been 
enhanced as per new guideline by 
Government on purchasing. 
Format 36 - Non compliance with Laws, Rules, 
Regulation and Management Decision 
Reference to Laws, Rules, Regulation etc. 
a) Finance Act 
(i) Section 8 (1) 
(ii) Section 13 (5) (b) 
The reason for delay was the resignation of 
the Senior Accountant in April 1996 and the 
new Senior Accountant was appointed on 
16/12/1996. However, every attempt will be 
made to get the budget approved three 
months before the year end in future. 
Contents noted. Action will be taken to 
submit the reports of the stock and stores 
from the year 1997 onwards. 
296 
b) Financial Regulations 
F. R. 756 
c) Establishment Code 
(i) Chapter XXIV Section 2 
(ii) Chapter XXIV Section 7.5 
d) Department of Inaland Revenue . 
Circular dated 24 August 1989 
e) Ministry of Finance and Planning 
Circular No. MF/6/1/1/96 dated 
2 April 1996 
f) Tea Research Board Circular 
SO/7/91 dated 13 December 1991 
Format 38 - Systems and Controls 
Petty Cash 
Authorization of Journal Vouchers 
Encashment of Personnel cheques 
Assets were verified continuously from 1994 
to mid 1996. Hence, an annual verification 
was not carried out in 1996. However, from 
1997 action will be taken to verify assets at 
the end of the year. 
This had been inadvertently debited to loan 
account instead of debtors. This facility has 
been provided to Mrs. J.A.A.M. Jayakody 
to gain specialization in agriculture 
economics, a subject matter area a crucial 
importance in evaluating the new 
technologies developed by the Institute. 
Disciplinary action will be taken against the 
officers who had failed to produce the 
certificate of registration, revenue license, 
etc. for the vehicle loans obtained. 
Action will be taken to remit the turnover tax 
collected to the Inland Revenue Department 
early. 
Amount advanced transferred to Debtors 
Account. Action will be taken to recover 
the dues early. 
Ministry of Plantation Industries had called 
quotations for the purchase of vehicles to the 
Ministry and using the same quotations/ 
tenders, with the approval of the Secretary 
of MPI, the Institute purchased vehicles 
considering the exigency/urgency of 
vehicles. 
TRI Sports Club Petty Cash had been taken 
into TRB Petty Cash. 
These Journal entries had now been 
approved. General Stock and Electrical 
Stock issue vouchers were fed into the 
Computer and the sorted print outs were 
treated as Journal Vouchers. These 
vouchers were approved by an Accountant. 
Officers of the Board are entided to encash 
two personal cheques upto Rs. 2,500/- per 
month. If the cheque is returned by the Bank 
with the remark "Refer to drawer" the 
facility enjoyed by the officer would be 
suspended for one year. 
297 
Fixed Assets Register 
Advance 
Salaries 
Fuel Pump 
Surety bonds for Cashiers 
Register of trees 
Control on Transport Section 
Check roll wages 
Check roll wages 
Action has been taken to computerize the 
Fixed Assets Register. 
Interest had been charged at the rate of 30% 
per annum for the delay in settling the 
advances taken by the officers. 
Delay was due to non receipt of invoices and 
goods received notes in time. 
Salary advances are paid to officers within 
the permitted limits. The negative balances 
appearing in the Pay lists are due to 
recoveries made other than the statutory 
deductions. Action had been taken to 
restrict other recoveries from the pay sheets. 
The underground tank is tilted and accurate 
balance cannot be ascertained as a result. 
The Post of Cashier is vacant and is being 
attended temporarily by a senior officer of 
the Institute. 
Action will be taken to maintain registers at 
the Estates for valuable trees. 
(i) The Log Book of vehicle No. 14/8958 
had been submitted subsequently. 
Vehicle No. 14/5011 had been lent to 
TSHDA temporarily. 
Log Book of vehicle No. 14/4675 is 
being maintained. 
(ii) These had been corrected. 
(iii) These vehicles had to be used even 
postponing repairs due to scarcity of 
vehicles to meet Institute's 
commitment. 
It is not possible to obtain the signature/ 
thumb impression of the labourers when the 
payments are being made. The check roll 
cannot be released in advance to get the 
signature due to security reasons. The 
Labourers are not interested to sign after 
receiving the money, hence this is not 
practicable. 
Labourers mentioned in the report are 
working in the Estate. 
298 
Maternity Benefits 
Cash work 
Muster chits and pocket check roll 
abstracts 
Stores Control St. Coombs Estate 
Staff Officers overtime 
St. Coombs Estate 
Advance Salary payment for 
St. Coombs Estate 
Sub-contractors 
EPF Nos. of the following had been 
corrected. 
Sooriyakumarie - 2179 
Thanalectumy -2182 
Cash workers and seasonal workers are 
offered work during the cropping season. 
This is being investigated. 
Goods received notes are issued to all 
purchases. 
This is the practice in the Estate. 
In addition to the normal monthly advance, 
on exceptional circumstance, advances are 
paid to workers on a separate register and 
recovered in the same month. 
(i) Action has been taken to maintain a 
register for contracts. 
(ii) Action has been taken to reconcile. 
(in) Contracts forms had been signed by 
the Contractors. 
(iv) Delay in obtaining raw materials. 
(v) There was no overpayment. 
(vi) Mr. I. D. Gunaratne was the Actg. 
Superintendent. 
299 
AUDITOR GENERAL'S REPORT, 1996 
(pages 16 to 18) 
3:2 Research Projects 
Significant Factors Identified 
(a) Important that yield/ha be increased to levels in other tea-producing countries. 
Response : Agreed. However, yield increases depend on many factors not 
entirely in the control of the Tea Research Board (TRB). The Tea Research 
Institute (TRI) endeavours to produce higher yielding planting material, and 
advises constantly on soil preservation and good agricultural practices. 
(b) Poor calibre of personnel in all segments of tea sector resulting in 
inefficiencies in production. 
Response : Agreed. This is sensu strictu outside the influence of the TRB. 
However, the TRI is collaborating actively, in Asian Development Bank (ADB) 
- funded programmes, with the Ministry of Plantation Industry, the Planters' 
Association (PA), the Tea Small Holders Development Authority (TSHDA) and 
the National Institute of Plantation Management in organising and mounting 
training programmes at all levels and in advising on recruitment procedures. 
(c) Failure of the TRB in assisting policy formulation based on scientific grounds. 
Response : The Chairman of the TRB, and the Director and Deputy Directors 
Research of the TRI, are in point of fact members of the Tea Sector Review 
which meets every month under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Ministry of 
Plantation Industries. The purpose of their membership is to advise and assist in 
policy formulation based on scientific grounds, and this is being done as the 
Minutes and the decisions taken at these meetings will show. 
Researches not serving the pressing needs on the end users. 
Response : While arguably this was the case even in the period covered by the 
1996 Report, in recent months there have been more positive statements and a 
growing appreciation of the new directions the TRI has embarked on, from the 
PA, the TSHDA, company executives and other elements and individuals in the 
tea industry. These new directions, initiated over the last several months, are 
described in the 1998-2002 Corporate Plan of the TRI. The TRI now has a 
modem outlook with a well-defined corporate Mission and goals. 
An independent opinion on the TRI's recent record in serving one important 
sector of the end users, namely the smallholders, is contained in the Progress 
Report on the First Phase of the Smallholder Tea Development Project issued in 
December 1997 by an evaluation team from the Asian Development Bank. The 
Report recognises that the TRI is active both in smallholder extension and in 
new research and advisory programmes designed specifically for smallholders. 
The Report recognises also the usefulness of the recent extension, by the TRI, of 
the Experiments and Extension (E & E) Forum concept, hitherto restricted to the 
plantation sector, to participants from the smallholder sector. (The first TRI 
smallholder E & E was held on 5 December 1997 and was the first E & E ever to 
be held in Sinhala.) 
300 
(d) Lack of a long-term energy policy for the tea processing sector. 
Insufficient research on hydro power, solar energy and energy conservation. 
(e) Inter-/multi-cropping of tea with rubber and other crops not popularised. 
Response: Popularisation depends on a complex of factors outside the influence 
of the TRB. However, data generated by the TRI are in fact available for inter 
cropping tea with rubber, coconut and export agricultural crops, in order to 
increase the profitability of marginal land. For instance, guidelines have been 
issued for intercropping tea with rubber. Similarly, guidelines have been 
prepared for intercropping tea with coconut, and with export crops such as 
coffee and pepper. 
(f) Lack of a mechanical plucking system 
Response: This is not true anymore. The TRI patented a manual shear in 1997. 
It is light and manoeuverable and allows for faster harvesting as well as leaf 
selectivity which serves to ensure quality of the product The TRI has given the 
manual shears to estates and smallholders, at their request, for testing. They 
report excellent results and performance data are now being examined. A Sri 
Lankan company has mass -produced these shears and they are available for sale 
to producers. The use of shears will greatly increase worker productivity, and 
reduce the worker requirement for harvesting by about one half. 
(g) Lack of efficient engineering services to the plantations. 
Observations on Actions proposed by the Board 
(i) Development of high-yielding, elevation-specific clones. 
Response : Evaluations have in fact been done on the TRI 3000 clonal series 
released in 1976 and the TRI 4000 series released in 1990. Depending on soil 
and climate, the TRI 3000 series may yield 2,500 - 3,200 kg mt/ha/year, and 
combine yield potential with drought, and pest and disease, tolerance. The TRI 
4000 series may yield 4,000 kg mt/ha/year and is more drought-tolerant. Thirty 
selections of the TRI 5000 series are presently being evaluated and are giving 
yields of 3,000 - 5,000 kg mt/ha/year. 
Overall national yields from clones are now at about 2,500 kg mt/ha/year at high 
elevations and considerably more at lower elevations, compared to less than 1,000 
kgmt/ha/year from seedling tea. 
Diagnostic survey on fertiliser application. 
Response : Data from the questionnaires are presently being processed and 
evaluated by the appropriate scientists. 
Mass production of clones to meet requests from estates and small holders. 
Response: It is now generally recognised in the tea sector, and presumably also 
by the ADB, that the TRI cannot possibly participate in mass production of any 
sort because this will result in moving limited staff and facilities away from 
research and extension. These are TRI's primary concern. Production of planting 
material in the huge quantities required to satisfy the Sri Lankan requirements 
(40 to 95 million plants per annum) is best done on a commercial scale by 
301 
smallholder societies. Interested estates and entrepreneurs. All the TRI can do is 
to assist in selection of sites, registration, supply of cuttings, and periodic 
inspections of the commercial nurseries and mother bush areas set up. 
(ii) CADMAR shortfall. 
Response : The CADMAR process will be completed in April/May 1998. The 
research thrusts and projects were formulated at a series of multi-disciplinary 
in-house meetings of TRI scientists, and the scientists themselves, under the 
chairmanship of the Director, took the process through the required steps. This is 
the preferred approach. The CADMAR formulation and prioritisation do not 
need the direct involvement of the TRB and its Consultative Committee on 
Research. 
(iii) Technology trials and experiments 
Due to heavy crop during the period under review, the high capacity drier FBD-
4 was operated. 
The FBD-3 which is coupled with the Economizer (at St. Coombs Estate) is a 
low capacity drier and was not operated. 
Therefore the trials on the Economizer could not be carried out. 
Two types of Gasifiers have been installed at St. Joachim Estate. 
1. BECE-KARA 
This gasifier was used for electricity generation on and off especially 
during the days of power crisis. 
2. NERD gasifer 
This gasifier could not be operated due to poor design. NERD engineers 
could not repair it and put it in order. 
(iv) Additional research projects 
Response: Approximately 80 applied research projects have been formulated to 
date in the CADMAR process, in order to address the problems identified both at 
the 199S workshops and in later interactions within and outside the TRI. In 
addition, a long list of basic projects are presendy being prioritised for the 
purpose of understanding and diagnosing the applied problems. 
(v) Progress in tissue culture 
Response: Already the TRI has developed a protocol for the tissue culture of tea 
and lodged an application for a patent. A Memorandum of Understanding has 
been entered into with a Sri Lankan company for using the growth and rooting 
media detailed in the patent protocol for the mass production of plantlets. 
Suspension of research on green tea 
Response : Research into green tea has been suspended, mainly owing to the 
excellent prices being obtained for black tea for which Sri Lanka is well known. 
The present needs of end users do not include research on green tea. It is 
expected that the good market for black tea will persist into the foreseeable 
future. 
302 
No development of machinery for black tea manufacture owing to lack of 
staff. 
Response : Agreed. The TRI has lost experienced and qualified staff over the 
last several years owning to the poor conditions of employment Overtures are 
being made to the authorities by the TRI for the revision of terms and conditions, 
with a view to recruiting and retaining good quality staff in the TRI. 
WWDM 
8 March 1998 
303 
Comments on the Draft Report of the Auditor Genera] on the 
accounts of the Tea Research Board for the year ended 
31 December 1996 in terms of Section 14 (2) (c) of 
the Finance Act No. 38 of 1971 
1.3. Provision in the Tea Research Board Act No. 52 of 1993 
a) Section 15 (5) of the Act 
1) The TRB has initiated action to get the Act amended and the Hon. 
Minister has given his concurrence to be forwarded to the 
Parliament. 
2.5. Comments on Accounts 
2.5.1. Accounting Policies 
b) The expenditure had been disclosed under different headings. 
Action will be taken to disclose the expenditure under respective 
categories according to SLAS No. 10. 
2.5.2. Accounting Deficiencies 
h) An advance amounting to Rs. 152,791 made to an officer in 
connection with the foreign visit to Kenya had been treated as a debt 
due from him as he had failed to submit a proper statement of 
expenditure. 
3.2. Research Projects 
Report from Director, TRI is sent herewith. 
3.8. Uneconomic Transactions 
a) The TRB has decided an upper limit of Rs. 250,000/- for reimbursement of 
Medical Claims which will be intimated to the Trustees of Medical Fund 
in order for implementation. 
3.12 Vehicle Utilization 
a) The log book of vehicle No. 14/8958 had been handed over to the 
Superintendent of Government Audit subsequently. 
304