Response of some black tea quality parameters to nitrogen fertiliser rates and plucking frequencies

The effects of the rate of application of nitrogenous fertiliser and frequency of plucking (harvesting) on various black tea quality parameters and yields were compared on done 6/8. High rates of nitrogen application and long plucking intervals reduced the theaflavin content and brightness of black tea liquor. The caffeine content of the black tea increased with increasing rates of nitrogen application but decreased with increase in the plucking interval. The Group I volatile flavour compounds increased with nitrogen application rate and long plucking intervals while the Group II volatile flavour compounds and the flavour index decreased. Tasters preferred teas from shorter plucking intervals and low rates of nitrogen application. Yields increased with increasing rates of nitrogen but were lowered by long harvesting intervals. The rate of nitrogen application did not change the distribution of leaf into different standards.