Effect of Methods and Systems of Plucking on Productivity and Quality of China Hybrid Tea

Abstract

A study was conducted for 5 years during 1988-92 to evaluate the performance of different methods and systems of plucking involving four types of hand plucking (standard plucking, black plucking, fish leaf plucking and mother leaf plucking) and two types of machine plucking (hand shears and one man power operated Japanese machine). The study revealed that in comparison to standard plucking, black plucking and fish plucking resulted in on an average 21 and 14% higher yield, respectively. Hand shears and power operated machine though resulted in 27-28% higher yield but caused reduction (about 50%) in crop quality in terms of its fineness. Average labour requirement with the Japanese machine and hand shears was found to be 17% (range 9-23%) and 59% (range 36-75%), respectively of the standard plucking.