TTEA RESEARCEA RESEARCHHINSTITUTE OF TANZANIAINSTITUTE OF TANZANIA

ANNUAL REPORT 200ANNUAL REPORT 2008/20098/2009i

TRIT Open Day 2009 – Scientific Conference

TRIT Open Day 2009 – Field Demonstration

CHAI Project – Launching Ceremony

the Prime Minister Hon. Mizengo Pinda (MP)

TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TANZANIA

(TRIT)

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 / 2009

CORRESPONDING ADDRESS :

Professor Bruno J. NdunguruExecutive Director,P.O. Box 2177,Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaPhone: +255 (0) 22 2122033Mobile: +255 784 587581Telefax: +255 (0)22 2113838Website: http://www.trit.or.tz Email: tritndun@trit.or.tz, trit@bol.co.tz ,

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mailto:trit@bol.co.tzmailto:tritndun@trit.or.tzhttp://www.trit.or.tz/

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................... III LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................. VII LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................... IX LIST OF PLATES ................................................................................................... XII BOARD MEMBERSHIP ....................................................................................... XIII ADVISORY PANEL MEMBERSHIP ................................................................. XIII LIST OF STAFF OF THE TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TANZANIA . XIV HEAD OFFICE.....................................................................................................................................XIVMARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION...............................................................................XIVNGWAZI TEA RESEARCH STATION............................................................................................XIVTECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMME.................................................................................XVTRIT EXTENSION SERVICES UNIT AT WAKULIMA TEA COMPANY (WATCO).............XVTRIT EXTENSION UNIT AT NEW MPONDE TEA COMPANY (MTECO).............................XVITRIT EXTENSION UNIT AT KIFANYA WARD (KTL)...............................................................XVITRIT FARM MANAGEMENT UNIT AT KILOCHA SEMINARY TEA FARM......................XVIICOLLABORATORS...........................................................................................................................XVII

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................. XVIII CROP IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME......................................................................................XVIIISOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME.....................................................................XXCROP WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME.........................................................................XXITECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMME...............................................................................XXIICONCLUSIONS.................................................................................................................................XXIV

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................. 1 METEOROLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS ............................................................. 3 NGWAZI TEA RESEARCH STATION...............................................................................................3MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION..................................................................................4KIBENA TEA LIMITED, NJOMBE....................................................................................................5AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE KIFYULILO, MUFINDI........................................7

CROP IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME (CIP) ..................................................... 9 INTRODUCTION:..................................................................................................................................9EXPERIMENTS N17, M 8, RU1 & LU 1: CLONAL ADAPTABILITY TRIAL IN KENYA AND TANZANIA............................................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 10 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 10 SITE DESCRIPTIONS ................................................................................................................... 10 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 11 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 11 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 11 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................ 16

COMPOSITE PLANTS........................................................................................................................17INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 17

EXPERIMENT M6: EVALUATION OF PROVEN/SEMI-PROVEN ROOTSTOCKS...............17OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 17 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 17 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 18 RESULTS: ...................................................................................................................................... 18 CONCLUSION: ............................................................................................................................. 19

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EXPERIMENT M9: FIELD EVALUATION OF TEA PLANTED FROM CONVENTIONAL SINGLE NODE CUTTINGS WITH PLANTS DIRECTLY PLANTED FROM PLASTIC SPEEDLYING TRAYS.................................................................................................................................................................20

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 20 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 20 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 20 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 21 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 21 CONCLUSION: ............................................................................................................................. 22

EXPERIMENT M10 & N19: EVALUATION OF IMPROVED CLONAL AND ROOTSTOCKS FROM THE TRFCA UNDER RAIN-FED AND SUPPLEMENTARY IRRIGATION CONDITIONS IN TANZANIA............................................................................................................................................23

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 23 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 23 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 23 DESIGN ........................................................................................................................................ 24 RESULTS ...................................................................................................................................... 24 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 25

EXPERIMENT K4: PLANT IMPROVEMENT AND CLONAL SELECTION (KIF/CFT/2002/1)..........26OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................................. 26 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 26 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 26 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 26 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 27

EXPERIMENT 21A: EVALUATION OF THE RESPONSE OF CLONE TRFK 6/8 TO NITROGEN FERTILIZER RATES AND HARVESTING INTERVALS IN TANZANIA. ..............................28

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 28 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 28 RESULTS: ...................................................................................................................................... 29 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 30

SOIL FERTILTY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (SFMP) ............................ 31 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................31EXPERIMENT N16: RESPONSES OF CLONAL TEA TO NITROGEN FERTILISERS..........33

OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 33 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 33 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 33 SOIL AND PLANT ANALYSIS RESULTS ..................................................................................... 33 The effect of nitrogen fertilizer on leaf nutrient content of clones and on soil characteristics .................... 33

YIELD RESULTS ........................................................................................................................... 38 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................ 40

EXPERIMENT M4: RESPONSES OF SEEDLING TEA TO TYPES AND AMOUNTS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZERS......................................................................................................................................41

OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 41 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 41 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 41 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 41 CONLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................... 43

EXPERIMENT N20 AND M11: RESPONSES OF CLONAL AND SEEDLING TEA TO A FOLIAR APPLICATION OF NITROGEN FIXING BIO FERTILIZER (TWIN N)....................................45

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 45 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 45 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 45 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 46 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 46 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................... 46

ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR BOMBAY BURMAH TRADING COMPANY ...........................47Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 47 The Current Status of the Estates .................................................................................................. 47 FINDINGS OF THE SITE EVALUATION .................................................................................... 47

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ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR NGWAZI ESTATE-UNILEVER TEA TANZANIA LTD.........49Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 49 THE PROBLEM ............................................................................................................................ 49 Objectives of the appraisal ............................................................................................................ 49 HYPOTHESIS ................................................................................................................................ 49 Methodology .................................................................................................................................. 49 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 49 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................ 50 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 51 Objectives ...................................................................................................................................... 51 Mission .......................................................................................................................................... 51 The Laboratory .............................................................................................................................. 51

CROP WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (CWMP) .............................. 54 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................54EXPERIMENT M5: SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION IN YOUNG TEA.........................55

OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 55 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 55 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 55 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 56 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................ 57

EXPERIMENT NJ1: DRIP IRRIGATION OF TEA........................................................................58OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 58 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................................. 58 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 58 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 61 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 61 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................ 62

EXPERIMENT N18: RESPONSES OF CLONES TO DRIP AND OVERHEAD SPRINKLER IRRIGATION........................................................................................................................................64

BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................ 64 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 64 TREATMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 64 DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................... 65 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................................... 65 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................ 66

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMME (TTP) .......................................... 68 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................68OBJECTIVES........................................................................................................................................68ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED DURING THE YEAR...................................................................68SMALLHOLDER TEA EXTENSION ACTIVITIES IN RUNGWE DITRICT............................70

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 70 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 70 Achievements ................................................................................................................................ 71 Constraints .................................................................................................................................... 76 Conclusion & Recommendation ................................................................................................... 78 Future prospects ............................................................................................................................ 78

EXTENSION SERVICES UNIT AT NEW MPONDE TEA ESTATES.........................................79INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 79 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 79 ACHIEVEMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 79 TRAINING AND MEETINGS ........................................................................................................ 82 FARMERS EXCHANGE VISITS ................................................................................................... 82 DEMONSTRATION PLOTS .......................................................................................................... 82 STAKEHOLDERS FORUM ........................................................................................................... 82 CONSTRAINS ............................................................................................................................... 83 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................. 83 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................................ 83

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SMALLHOLDER TEA EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT MKONGE VILLAGE MUFINDI DIRTICT.. .85INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 85 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 85 ACHIEVEMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 86 Challenges; .................................................................................................................................... 88 FUTURE PLANs ........................................................................................................................... 88

FARMER TRAINING PROGRAMMES...........................................................................................89INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 89 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 89 ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................... 90 Training of extension staff & Collaborators ................................................................................................ 90 On Station Training of farmers ................................................................................................................... 91 On site farmer training in villages ............................................................................................................... 93 Farmer Exchange visits ............................................................................................................................... 94 Cinema shows in villages ............................................................................................................................ 97 Field visits at NTRS .................................................................................................................................... 99 Production and distribution of Printed Extension Materials ........................................................................ 99

FACILITIES ................................................................................................................................... 99 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................ 100

SMALLHOLDER TEA NURSERY SCHEME................................................................................101INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 101 OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................................................. 102 ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................. 102 ACHIEVEMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 103 CHALLENGES AND CONTRAINTS ........................................................................................... 105 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION .............................................................................. 106 FUTURE PLANS ......................................................................................................................... 106

FIELD INVENTORY FOR MUHEZA AND KOROGWE DISTRICTS......................................107Back ground ................................................................................................................................. 107 Methodology ................................................................................................................................ 107 Results .......................................................................................................................................... 107 Constraints; ................................................................................................................................. 107

ON-FARM TRIALS AND DEMONSTRATIONS...........................................................................109CONCEPT ................................................................................................................................... 109 CLONAL MOTHER TEA BUSHES ............................................................................................. 109 CLONAL OBSERVATION AND MOTHER BUSHES IN NJOMBE ........................................... 109

WORKSHOPS, MEETING AND SERMINARS ................................................. 111 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................111REPORT ON THE TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROJECT RAF/5/058 FIRST COORDINATING MEETING HELD AT KARI, KABETE, NAIROBI, KENYA, 30TH MARCH – 3RD APRIL 2009 111THE 9TH SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE AGRICULTURE ECONOMISTS SOCIETY OF TANZANIA (AGREST), VISITORS INN, ZANZIBAR; 5TH – 7TH OCTOBER 2008.................................................................................................................111

PUBLICATIONS ..................................................................................................... 113

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1: EXPERIMENT M6: ANNUAL YIELDS OF MADE TEA (KG MT HA-1) OF TWO EACH UNGRAFTED CLONE 31/8 AND PC 80 AND COMPOSITES PC80 ON PC 87 AND PC80 ON MSF 87, FROM JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009 UNDER RAIN-FED REGIME AT MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION; S.E.D =121.1 KG MT HA-1 (N =4); C.V = 8.8%...................................................................................18FIGURE 2: EXPERIMENT M9: ANNUAL YIELDS OF DRIED TEA (KG MT HA-1) OF THE 5-EACH CLONE RAISED USING CONVERSIONAL VERSUS SPEEDLING TRAYS TECHNIQUES FROM JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009, MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION; S.E.D=163.6 KG MT HA-1; CV (%)=15.7......................................................................................................................22FIGURE 3: EXPERIMENT M10: ANNUAL YIELDS OF MADE TEA (KG MT HA-1) OF 5-ROOTSTOCKS, 8-IMPROVED CLONES (6– FROM THE TRFCA; 2-FROM TANZANIA) COMPARED WITH 6/10 (YIELD) AND CLONE 6/8 (QUALITY) FROM JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009 UNDER RAIN-FED REGIME AT MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION; S.E.D=235.5 KG MT HA-1; CV= 18.8%............24FIGURE 4: CHANGES IN TEA YIELDS (KG MT HA-1PER EIGHT MONTHS) DUE TO SITE OF PRODUCTION AND PLUCKING INTERVALS (DAYS) ON CLONE TRFK 6/8;S.E.D=183.4 KG MT HA-1; CV=9.3%. ................................................30FIGURE 5: EXPERIMENT N16: RESPONSES OF CLONES K35, K7, 282 AND 207 TO RATES OF NITROGEN UNDER UNIFORM IRRIGATION IN 2008/09...39FIGURE 6: EXPERIMENT N16: EIGHT YEAR CUMULATIVE AND MEAN YIELDS OF DRIED TEA AT LOWER NITROGEN RATES 0, 80, 160 AND 240 KG N HA-1 FOR CLONES K35, K7, 282 AND 207. (2001-2009)...................................39FIGURE 7: EXPERIMENT N16: EIGHT YEAR CUMULATIVE AND MEAN YIELDS OF DRIED TEA AT HIGHER NITROGEN RATES 320,400, 480 AND 560 KG N HA-1FOR CLONES K35, K7, 282 AND 207. (2001-2009).........................40FIGURE 8: EXPERIMENT M5: YIELD MEASUREMENTS FROM THE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION EXPERIMENT AT MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION FOR THE YEARS 2007/08 AND 2008/09............................................56FIGURE 9: EXPERIMENT NJ1: LAYOUT OF THE DRIP IRRIGATION TREATMENTS (LABELLED AS SHOWN ABOVE). THE CLONES (C1, …, C4) ARE RANDOMIZED ACROSS EACH BLOCK AS INDICATED IN COLOURED STRIPS, FOR EXAMPLE. THE POSITIONS OF THE PVC SUPPLY PIPE LINE (110/6 MM DIAMETER) FROM THE PUMP STATION AT LIHOGOSA DAM TO THE FILTER CONTROL HOUSE AND MAIN UNDERGROUND PIPE LINE INTO THE CENTRE OF THE EXPERIMENT ARE ALSO SHOWN. THE TWO SUB-MAINS PVC PIPES EACH WITH SIX EQUALLY SPACED AIR PRESSURE CONTROL VALVES ARE CONNECTED PERPENDICULAR TO THE MAIN PIPE AT A DISTANCE OF 125 M FROM EITHER END OF THE EXPERIMENT.60FIGURE 10: YIELD RESPONSES TO DRIP (T1, T5, T7 AND T8) AND OVERHEAD SPRINKLER (T2, T3, T4 AND T6) IRRIGATION TREATMENTS (AS DESCRIBED IN DETAIL IN THE TEXT), JUNE 2008 – MAY 2009. THE STANDARD ERRORS

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OF DIFFERENCES OF MEANS BETWEEN CLONES (S.E.D. (N = 16) = 227.0 KG MADE TEA HA-1 AND COEFFICIENT OF VARIATION OF 24.5%..............66FIGURE 11: GREEN LEAF PRODUCTION TREND BY SMALLHOLDER TEA GROWERS 2001/02 TO 2008/09..............................................................................72FIGURE 12: COMPARISON OF COMBINED GREENLEAF PRODUCTION FOR MPONDE AND BALANGAI SCHEME 2007/08 – 2008/09..................................80FIGURE 13: AVERAGE ANNUAL GREENLEAF YIELD PER HA FOR MKONGE VILLAGE 2000/01 – 2008/09....................................................................................86

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LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AT NGWAZI TEA RESEARCH STATION (8°32'S, 35°10'E, ALTITUDE 1840 M) FOR JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009..............................................................................................................4TABLE 2: SUMMARY OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AT MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION (5º 08’ S, 38º 35’ E, ALTITUDE 970 M) FOR THE YEAR JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009...........................................................5TABLE 3: SUMMARY OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AT ITAMBO ESTATE, KIBENA TEA LIMITED NJOMBE (LATITUDE: 09° 25' S, LONGITUDE: 34° 45' E, ALTITUDE: 1860 M ABOVE SEA LEVEL) FOR THE YEAR JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009..............................................................................................................7TABLE 4: SUMMARY OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AT AGRICULTURE RESEARCH INSTITUTE KIFYULILO, MUFINDI (LATITUDE: 08° 42' S, LONGITUDE: 35° 20' E, ALTITUDE: 2,000 M ABOVE SEA LEVEL) FOR THE YEAR JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009....................................................................8TABLE 5: EXPERIMENT N17: MEAN ANNUAL (JUNE2008-MAY 2009), CUMULATIVE AND MEAN CUM (2006-2009) YIELDS OF MADE TEA (KG MT HA-1) OF 29-TEST CLONES AND 2-LOCAL CHECKS; NGWAZI TEA RESEARCH STATION, MUFINDI DISTRICT. .........................................................................12TABLE 6: EXPERIMENT M8: MEAN ANNUAL (JUNE2008-MAY 2009), CUMULATIVE AND MEAN CUM (2006-2009) YIELDS OF MADE TEA (KG MT HA-1) OF 31-TEST CLONES AND 2-LOCAL CHECKS; MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION, USAMBARA MOUNTAINS. .......................................13TABLE 7: EXPERIMENT RU-1: MEAN ANNUAL (JUNE2008-MAY 2009), CUMULATIVE AND MEAN CUM (2006-2009) YIELDS OF MADE TEA (KG MT HA-1) OF 29-TEST CLONES AND 2-LOCAL CHECKS; ILENGE, RUNGWE DISTRICT. ...............................................................................................................14TABLE 8: EXPERIMENT LU-1: MEAN ANNUAL (JUNE 2008-MAY 2009), CUMULATIVE AND MEAN CUM (2006-2009) YIELDS OF MADE TEA (KG MT HA-1) OF 29-TEST CLONES AND 2-LOCAL CHECKS; DANSLAND DIVISION, NJOMBE DISTRICT. .............................................................................................15TABLE 9: EXPERIMENT M6: MEAN HEIGHT (CM) AND MEAN WEIGHT OF PRUNINGS (KG) FROM 2-EACH OF UNGRAFTED-AND GRAFTED CLONES UNDER RAIN-FED REGIME DURING FIRST PRUNING CYCLE JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009, AT MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION.........................19TABLE 10: EXPERIMENT M9: PLANT HEIGHT, CROP COVER AND GROWTH IN STEM GIRTH OF 5-CLONES RAISED USING CONERTIONAL (SP) VERSUS SPEEDLYING TRAYS FROM JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009 AT MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION. ..........................................................................................22TABLE 11: EXPERIMENT M10: PLANT HEIGHT (CM), CROP GROUND COVER (%) AND GROWTH IN STEM DIAMETER (MM) OF 5-ROOTSTOCKS, 8-PROMISING PROGENIES AND 2-LOCAL CHECKS UNDER RAIN-FED REGIME FROM JUNE 2008 TO MAY 2009 AT MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION ......................................................................................................................................25

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TABLE 12: EXPERIMENT K 4: ANNUAL (2008/09) AND CUMULATIVE (2000/03 TO 2008/09) YIELDS OF MADE TEA (KG MT HA-1) OF 10-CLONAL SELECTIONS AND 3-CONTROL CLONES; AT KIFYULILO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION. ..................................................................................................................27TABLE 13: CHANGES IN YIELDS (KG MT HA-1) DUE TO LOCATION OF PRODUCTION AND RATES OF NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER (KG N HA-1) ON CLONE TRFK 6/8 (OCTOBER 2008 TO MAY 2009)..........................................29TABLE 14: CHANGES IN YIELDS (KG MT HA-1) DUE TO LOCATION OF PRODUCTION AND PLUCKING INTERVALS (DAYS) ON CLONE TRFK 6/8 (OCTOBER 2008 TO MAY 2009 ............................................................................29TABLE 15: CHANGES IN YIELDS (KG MT HA-1) DUE TO RATES OF NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER (KG N HA-1) AND PLUCKING INTERVALS (DAYS) ON CLONE TRFK 6/8 (OCTOBER 2008 TO MAY 2009).....................30TABLE 16: THE ANNUAL NUTRIENTS APPLICATION RATES, THE LEAF NUTRIENT CONTENT OF A THIRD MATURE LEAF WITH AN ACTIVE GROWING SHOOT FROM CLONE 6/8 FOR SELECTED NITROGEN TREATMENTS IN MAY 2009.................................................................................35TABLE 17: EFFECTS NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON PH, ORGANIC MATTER, CEC, POTASSIUM, CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM IN THE TOP SOIL (0-20 CM) UNDER A TEA CROP OF CLONES K7, K35, 207 AND 282 (2001-2009).........37TABLE 18: EXPERIMENT N16: THE EFFECTS OF INCREASING RATES OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON THE ANNUAL YIELDS OF DRIED TEA (KG HA-1) FROM MATURE CLONES K35, K7, 282 AND 207 IN 2008/09 (01 JUNE TO 31 MAY).......................................................................................................................................38TABLE 19: EXPERIMENT M4: EFFECTS COMPOUND (CF) AND STRAIGHT (SF) FERTILIZERS ON PLANT NUTRIENT CONTENT IN THE 3RD MATURE LEAF OF SEEDLING TEA UNDER RAIN FED CONDITIONS OVER A PERIOD OF EIGHT YEARS (2001-2009).....................................................................................42TABLE 20: EFFECTS COMPOUND (CF) AND STRAIGHT (SF) FERTILIZERS ON SOIL CHEMICAL PARAMETERS- PH, TOTAL NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS, ORGANIC MATTER, CEC, CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM IN THE TOP SOIL (0-20 CM) UNDER A SEEDLING TEA CROP. (2001-2009)....................................42TABLE 21: EXPERIMENT M4: YIELD RESPONSES OF SEEDLING TEA TO TYPES AND RATES OF NITROGEN FERTILIZERS IN KG MADE TEA HA-1 DURING 2006/07 (01 JUNE TO 31 MAY)..............................................................43TABLE 22: EXPERIMENT M4: CUMULATIVE AND MEAN YIELDS OF MADE TEA OBTAINED FROM APPLICATION OF COMPOUND (CF) AND STRAIGHT FERTILIZERS (SF) .................................................................................................43TABLE 23: THE EFFECT OF TWIN N FOLIAR BIOFERTILIZER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CLONAL TEAS IN RAINFED AND IRRIGATED CONDITIONS............................................................................................................46TABLE 24: SUMMARY OF NUMBER OF SAMPLES ANALYSED AT TRIT LABORATORY FROM OCTOBER 2007 – JUNE 2009.....................................53

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TABLE 25: EXPERIMENT NJ1: LAYOUT OF THE CLONES IN THE TWO EXPERIMENTAL BLOCKS...................................................................................61TABLE 26: EXPERIMENT NJ1: YIELD OF DRIED TEA RESPONSES TO PREVIOUS DRIP IRRIGATION ANDUNIFORM FERTIGATION APPLIED ON FOUR CLONES BBT207, AHP S15/10, BBK 35 AND TRFCA PC81, JUNE 2008 – MAY 2009...................................................................................................................61......................................................................................................................................66TABLE 27: AMOUNT OF FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTED VS PRICES (TS PER 50 KGS BAG)..................................................................................................................74TABLE 28: SUMMARY OF TRAINING CONDUCTED FOR 2008/2009.........98TABLE 29: ACHIEVEMENTS ON THE SMALLHOLDER TEA NURSERY SCHEME AS AT 31ST JUNE 2009 ......................................................................103TABLE 30: NURSERY PLANTS AND PLANTED IN THE FIELDS BY FARMERS IN ALL TEA GROWING AREAS..............................................................................104TABLE 31: SMALLHOLDERS TEA AREA INVENTORY IN KOROGWE AND MUHEZA DISTRICTS...........................................................................................108TABLE 32: ANNUAL YIELD OF MADE TEA(KG MT HA -1) FOR ELCT AND IWAFI.......................................................................................................................110

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LIST OF PLATES

PLATE 1: THE OFFICIAL INNAUGURATION OF THE TRIT’S SOILS /PLANT AND WATER ANALYTICAL LABORATORY AT NGWAZI BY THE HON. MIZENGO KAYANZA PINDA (MP), THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA. IN ATTENDANCE WAS HIS EXCELLENCE AMBASSADOR TIM CLARKE, HEAD OF DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IN TANZANIA............................................................................................32PLATE 2: SOME OF THE LABORATORY’S STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT BEING USED BY THE TECHNICIANS AT NGWAZI.......................................52PLATE 3: EXTENSION OFFICER ADVISING A FARMER ON PRUNING . 73PLATE 4: EXCHANGE VISIT FROM MWAKALELI TO SEGELA SUB-SCHEME 75PLATE 5 : ONE OF THE IN-HOUSE TRAINING AT KAPUGI VILLAGE...75PLATE 6: DROUGHT AFFECTED TEA BUSHES..............................................76PLATE 7: DRIVERS & FARMERS STRUGGLE TO RESCUE A STUCK TRUCK WITH DETERIORATING GREENLEAF IN IT..................................................77PLATE 8: GREENLEAF TRUCKS BLOCKED BY BANANA AND TIMBER TRUCKS AHEAD. EVENTUALLY ALL TEA GOES RED................................77PLATE 9: SOME SECTIONS OF BAD ROADS USED BY GREENLEAF TRUCKS. 77

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BOARD MEMBERSHIP

1. Mr. A. Mitei - Unilever Tea Tanzania –Chairman2

2. Mr. N. Lindsay-Smith - Mufindi Tea Company – Chairman3

3. Mr. Mohan John - Mohammed Enterprises - Vice Chairman

4. Dr. M. Msabaha - Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

5. VACANT - Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security

6. Mr. M.B. Assenga- Tea Board of Tanzania

7. Mr. P. D. Rowland - Wakulima Tea Company

8. Mr. D. V. Singh - East Usambara Tea Company (EUTCo)

9. Mr. H. Umande - Tanzania Smallholder Tea Development Agency

10. Prof. B.J. Ndunguru - Tea Research Institute of Tanzania

11. Representative - European Union Delegation Tanzania (co-opted)

ADVISORY PANEL MEMBERSHIP

Mr. Chris Flowers - Mufindi Tea & CoffeeCompany

Dr. John Bore - Representative of Tea Research Foundation of Kenya

Prof. N. Y. Mdoe - Representative of Sokoine University of Agriculture

VACANT - Representative of Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Dr. H.E. Nyirenda - Representative of Tea Research Foundation of CentralAfrica

Prof. B.J. Ndunguru - Executive Director - TRIT

2 Since December 20083 The term ended during the year

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LIST OF STAFF OF THE TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TANZANIA

HEAD OFFICE

1. Prof. B.J. Ndunguru - Executive Director BSc (Dar es Salaam)MSc, Ph.D. (Reading)Fellow of the Tanzania Academy of Sciences (FTAS)

2. Dr. E. F. Simbua - Research DirectorB.Sc. (SUA) MSc. (Reading),PhD. (Cranfield)

3. Mr. J. M. Sikira - Executive Secretary

4. Mr. E. Nyinda - Chief Accountant

5. Ms. M. J. Ngowi - Senior Administrative Assistant

6. Ms. J. F. Nyoka - Secretary

MARIKITANDA TEA RESEARCH STATION

1 Ms. R. M. Masha - Technical Officer/Field OfficerDip. Agric. Prodn. (Uyole) Acting Site Manager NTRS

2 Mr. E. E. Mnzava - Field Assistant

3 Mr. M. R. Matafi - Field Assistant

4 Ms. A. A. Hiza - Field Assistant

5 Mr. M. R. Hamisi - Driver/General Assistant

6 Mr. M. J. Musa - Driver/General Assistant

NGWAZI TEA RESEARCH STATION

1. Dr. E. I. Kimambo - Principal Research Officer and LeaderMSc. Ph.D. (Moscow) Soil Fertility Management Programme

Site Manager Ngwazi Tea Research Stn.

2. Dr. J. M. Kigalu - Principal Research Officer, LeaderB.Sc. (Dar es Salaam) Crop Water Management MSc. (SUA), Ph.D. (Cranfield)

3. Mr. S.W. Msomba - Senior Research Officer and LeaderB.Sc. (SUA), MSc.(Birmham) Crop Improvement Programme

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4. Mr. George Kwandu Research OfficerB.Sc. Agric. Eng. (SUA)

5. Mr. Mgaya Mgoda - Technical Officer

6. Mr. B. Nyanzali - Technical Officer/ Mkonge VillageDip. Crop Prodn. (Uyole)

7. Mr. E. Z. Ng’umbi - Field Assistant

8. Mr. C. P. Chelesi - Field Assistant

9. Mr. H. I. Kipangula - Field Assistant

10. Mr. J. R. Myinga - Field Assistant

11. Mr. B. R. Mwagike - Driver/Field Assistant

12. Melton Ng’umbi - Driver/Mechanic

13. Costa Kinwiko - Driver /Mechanic

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMME

1. Mr. D. M. Ndamugoba4 - Principal Research Officer and Leader,B.Sc. (Dar es Salaam) Technology Transfer ProgrammeMSc. (Reading)

2. Mr. Andrew Andalwisye - Smallholder Tea Nursery SchemeBSc. (SUA) Co-ordinator

3. Ms Magreth Katole - EconomistB.Sc. (SUA)

4. Mr. Simon Chatanda5 - Assistant Nursery CoordinatorBSc. (SUA)

TRIT EXTENSION SERVICES UNIT AT WAKULIMA TEA COMPANY (WATCO)

1. Mr. John Mhagama - Extension Services ManagerBSc. (SUA), MSc. (SUA)

2. Mr. Frank Kapinga - Technical OfficerDip. Crop prodn. (Uyole)

3. Ms. A. Urio - Technical OfficerDip. Crop Prodn. (Uyole)

4. Mr. A. Mtakwa - Technical Officer4 Retired During the year5 Joined during the year

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B.Sc. Agric. (SUA)

5. Mr. B. Malekela - Technical OfficerCert. Agric. (Uyole)

6. Mr. P. Msewa - Technical OfficerDip. Crop Prodn. (Uyole)

7. Mr. Richard Mlelwa - Technical OfficerDip. Crop Prodn. (Uyole)

8. Mr. Anthony Omari - Technical OfficerBSc. Agric Extension (SUA)

9. Mr. Matokeo Wihanzi - Technical OfficerDip. Crop Prodn. (Uyole)

10. Ms. Nyesiga Bubelwa6 - Technical OfficerBSc. Agric (SUA)

11. Mr. Mapenzi Shagama†† - Technical OfficerDip. Crop Production (Uyole)

12. Mr. Magnus Chaula†† - Technical OfficerBSc. Agric (SUA)

TRIT EXTENSION UNIT AT NEW MPONDE TEA COMPANY (MTECO)

1. Mr. Amos Makweta - Extension Services CoordinatorBSc. Agric. (SUA)

2. Mr. Respius Andrew - Technical OfficerDip. Crop Prodn. (Uyole)

3. Ms. Aneth Molela7 - Technical OfficerDip. Crop prodn. (Uyole)

4. Mr. Benjamin Mtaki‡‡ - Technical OfficerDip. Crop prodn. (Uyole)

5. Mr. Vilumba Kyando†† - Technical OfficerDip. Crop Prodn. (Uyole)

6. Mr. James Mengo†† - Technical OfficerDip. Crop Prodn. (Uyole)

TRIT EXTENSION UNIT AT KIFANYA WARD (KTL)

6 Joined during the year7 Left during the year

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1. VACANT - Technical Officer

TRIT FARM MANAGEMENT UNIT AT KILOCHA SEMINARY TEA FARM

1. VACANT - Farm Manager

COLLABORATORSKifyulilo Agriculture Research Institute – Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Cooperatives1. Mr. M. S. C. Mhosole - Principal Agricultural Research Officer I and

B.Sc., MSc. (SUA) Officer In-Charge

2. Mr. Emmanuel Kadogolo - Agric. Research Officer IIBSc. General, Msc. Soil Science (SUA)

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Tea Research Institute of Tanzania (TRIT) was established in 1996 as an autonomous organisation representing the Government of Tanzania and the tea industry. Its duty is to support the continued development of the tea industry, both large and small-scale producers, with appropriate high quality, cost effective research and technology transfer. TRIT was funded by a statutory cess, levied on all producers of tea, and by grant aid from willing donors until 2006 when the government of Tanzanian started to provide financial contribution in lieu of the abolished cess. In order to formalise the government’s contribution to TRIT, a draft MoU between the government and the private research insitutes has been prepared and is in the process of being formalised. Once signed the MoU will provide a framework for the financing and ownership of research facilities and results hence guaranteering smooth flow of resources for the Tea Reseaerch activities in Tanzania. Furthermore stakeholders have already agreed to contribute voluntarly towards TRIT operations.

In the eleventh Annual Report the results of the research are again described by subject area or programme as last year (2007/2008). The research programmes are Crop Improvement (CIP), Soil Fertility Managemnt (SFMP) and Crop Water Management (CWMP). Technology Transfer activities, which are funded in large part by the European Union through Stabex funds, are reported under the Technology Transfer Programme (TTP).

CROP IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME

During 2008/09, the Crop Improvement Programme (CIP) continued to assess the responses of six clones to drought and irrigation, monitored the clonal adaptability trial (CAT) at various sites in Tanzanian and compared field performance of single scion PC 80 grafted onto two different proven or semiproven rootstocks PC 87 and MSF 87 with complete clonal PC 80 and 31/8. The performance of conventionally raised single node cuttings and pluckable shoots directly planted from plastic speedlying trays techniques was evaluated. An evaluation of clonal field trial (CFT) at MTRS and Kifyulilo Research Stations continued. A field experiment to evaluate improved eight clones and five rootsotcks material from the Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa (TRFCA) located at both NTRS and MTRS continues to be monitored.

Clonal adaptability trial in Kenya and Tanzania (pages: 10-16): Experiment N17, M8, RU1 and LU1: The clonal adapatability of thirty-one clones; nineteen from Kenya and ten from Tanzania and two standard clones were evaluated at all four sites in Tanzania. Four seasons after field establishment, The yields ranged from 2,320 kg mt ha-1 for a quality local check clone TRFK 6/8 to 3,480 kg mt ha-1 for clone TRFK 371/3. The two best performing clones TRFK 303/178 and TRFK 301/5 out-yielded the control clone TRFCA SFS150 by 21.5 % and 25.3%, respectively. At Marikitanda, the annual yields ranged from 740 kg mt ha-1 for clone TRFK 303/1199 to 1,640 kg mt ha-1 for clone TRFK 301/5. At Rungwe, the treatment yields though not significantly different ranged from 1,110 kg mt ha-1 to 3,910 kg mt ha-1 for clone TRFK 303/1199 and TRFK 301/5, respectively, whereas at Luponde site, the annual yields ranged from 470 kg mt ha-1 for clone 201/50 to 1,270 kg mt ha-1 for clone TRFK 303/178.

Composite plants (pages 17-19): Experiment M6 is based at MTRS and was established in the field in March 2003 to compare the field performance of a single scion PC 80 grafted

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onto two different rootstocks PC 87 and MSF 87 with plain clones PC 80 and 31/8. The season following the first pruning cycle, yields of made tea ranged from 1,650 for control clone TRFK 31/8 to 2,320 (kg mt ha-1) for grafted clone PC80 on MSF87. Compared to the period prior to first pruning cycle (2007/08), there was yield reduction of 40.5% each from the rootstocks, 41.7% from scion PC 80 and 44.6 from clone 31/8 during this season.

Field evaluation of tea planted from convetional single node cuttings with plants directly planted from plastic speeedling trays (pages: 20 – 22) Experiment M9: We evaluated the field performance of five clones rised in the nursery from convetional (Sleeved plants) and speedling trays at Marikitanda Tea Research Station (MTRS). The clones were; 201/16, 201/44, 31/8, PK 99 and 6/10 (control). As a general observation, yields from the previous season was relatively higher than in the season under review; with conventionally raised plants still demonstrating superiority over speedling tray technique.

Evaluation of improved clonal and rootstocks from the TRFCA under rain-fed and supplementary irrigation conditions in Tanzania (Pages 23-25) Experiment M10 & N19: In 2006, six and eight improved plain clonal tea and rootstocks respectively were imported from the Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa (TRFCA). The materials were established to determine their potential under Tanzanian conditions, in particular under drought stress tea growing ecologies in Tanzania. The experiment is set up at Marikitanda and Ngwazi Tea Research Stations. It consists 5-roostocks; RC4 (14-22), RC6 (PC 141), RC7 (PC 153), RC13 (PC 233) and RC15 (PC 152) and 8- improved plain tea clones; PC 117, PC 168, PC 184, PC 185, PC 198, PC 23 (From TRFCA) and PK 7 and PK 99 (Tanzania). Clones 6/10 and S 15/10 were included for yield comparisons at MTRS and NTRS, respectively, and Clone 6/8 for quality comparison. During 2008/09 there were significant (P≥ 0.05) yield differences among treatments. The yield ranged from 1,070 kg mt ha-1 to 1,960 kg mt ha-1 for quality comparison clone TRFK 6/8 and rootstock (RC 6) 114, respectively. The rootstocks (RC 4) PC 14-22 (1,930 kg mt ha-1), (RC 15) PC 152 (1,880 kg mt ha-1) and clone PC 185 (1,730 kg mt ha-1) performed very close to best rootstock (RC 6) 114; but significantly higher than the control clone 6/10 (1,270 kg mt ha-1).

Plant Improvement and clonal selection (KIF/CFT/2002/1) (page: 26 – 27). Experiment K 4: This experiment is being evaluated in collaboration with Kifyulilo Agricultural Research Station to select high yielding from polyclonal and seedling tea material. The experiment is the fourth season since it was first pruned. During 2008/09, clones PK99, PK7, KFS48 and PK 74 maintained higher yielding record over the best control clone TFCA SFS150. The same ranking trend was noted during the seventh season of cumulated yields.

Response of clone TRFK 6/8 to Nitrogen fertilizer rates and harvesting intervals in Tanzania; (Pages 28 - 30): Experiment 21A. Most of the clones and agronomic practices applied by tea growers in Tanzania were developed in Kenya before the collapse of the East African Community (EAC) and adopted without re-testing prior to commercial adoption. The main objective of the second trial in this study is to evaluate the response of clone TRFK 6/8 to nitrogen fertilizer rates and harvesting intervals in Tanzania and optimize the agronomic practices for economic returns and conservation of environment. This is part of a collaboration activity undertaken in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. For the period of eight months the lowest and highest mean tea yields due to location and rates of nitrogenous fertilizer on clone TRFK 6/8 were obtained at Maruku and Katoke sites, respectively. The higher yields were recorded from nitrogenous rate of 300 kg N ha-1 year-1 followed by 225 kg N ha-1year-1.

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SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

During 2008/09, the Soil fertility Management Programme continued with field experimentation N16 at Ngwazi, M4 in the Usambaras and two fertilizer trials on clone PC81 under estate conditions and clone 6/8 in smallholder production system in Rungwe. The main focus of the Programme included, the callibration and operationalising of the TRIT Laboratory for soil, plant and water analysis at Ngwazi. The Soils/Plant Analytical Laboratory was innaugurated by the Prime Minister, Hon Mizengo Kayanza Pinda in March 2009.

Responses of clones to nitrogen fertilizer (page: 33 - 40): The objectives of this experiment (N16) were to determine the yield response curves to nitrogen and also to determine the optimum nitrogen rates for four contrasting, commercially grown clones under well-managed conditions. In the fourth year after pruning, clones 282 and K35 had similar and the highest yields, while clone K7 had the lowest yields under well watered and fertilized conditions. Significant responses of the clones to nitrogen fertilizer were observed: Clone K35 and K7 ranged from 160-240, clone 282 from 240-320 and 207 from 160-320 kg N ha-1 indicating an optimum range of 180-280 kg N/ha for this season. However, individual clones differed in their responses. Clones 282 and K35 responses to N peaked at the rate of 400 and 560 kg ha-1, while clones K7 and 207 responses peaked at 240 kg and 480 kg N ha-1 respectively. Cumulative and mean yields over eight years showed clones 282 and 207 to be the most productive under the prevailing conditions. In the nil nitrogen treatments (N0) yield decline ranged from a mean of 5820 kg ha-1 to 2800 kg ha-1 across the clones in an 8 year period, which constituted a loss of a staggering 48% of dried tea. The highest loss was observed for clone K 7 >282>207=K35.

Responses of seedling tea to types and amounts of nitrogen fertilizers (page 41 - 44): The objectives of this experiment (M4) were to determine the yield responses of seedling tea to nitrogen from different sources and to compare response curves for two sources of nitrogen fertilizers. The overall mean yield this season for the compound fertilizer (2460 kg ha-1) was again similar to the mean for single nutrient fertilizer (2330 kg ha-1). There were some significant yield differences between treatment means in both types fertilizer across nitrogen rates. This trial has demonstrated irrevocably that yield levels obtained from a seedling tea field under rain fed conditions do not depend on the type of fertilizer nitrogen applied so long as all recommended cultural practices are followed (rates, timing, placement of fertilizers, weeding, pruning and timely plucking etc.). Low inputs resulted in low cumulative yields for both types of fertilizers. With increasing rates of N application so did cumulative yields and productivity per unit area.

Responses of clonal and seedling tea to a foliar application of Nitrogen fixing bio fertilizer (Twin N) Experiment N20 and M11: TwinN is a mix of free-living, nitrogen-fixing endophytes that are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen both within the plant and around the root zone. This is a new product in the market and TRIT was requested to test its effectiveness in tea production. Established in March and April 2008, the experiments were located in a mature clonal tea 6/8 and 31/8 at Ngwazi and Marikitanda respectively. The results from Ngwazi with fully irrigated tea and at Marikitanda under rain fed conditions do not show any significant responses so far from the use of TwinN foliar bio fertilizer application.

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The programme was also involved in a specific advisory services on request from our esteemed stakeholders. On pages 47 – 50 we report the highlights of the findings from the field assessment for Bombay Burmah Trading Company and Unilever Tea (T) Ltd. The findings and the given recommendations may as well be applicable to other stakeholders facing similar problems.

The information about the newly constructed and equipped TRIT Soil, Plant and Water Analysis Laboratory are reported (Pages 51 – 53): Basic information regarding a range of capabilities that our laboratory possess, the Mission statement and a report of number and type of samples that have been analysed are reported. During a short period since becoming fully operational, the Laboratory has managed to handle over 600 samples that included soils, plants, water, fertiliser, compost and food (tea leaves etc.). The samples were bought in by diverse clients including stakeholders in the tea industry, other agricultural producers, forestry based companies and in-house samples from TRIT research programmes. We further encourage our stakeholders to make fully use of this valuable facility.

CROP WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

In 2008/09, the Crop Water Management Programme continued to implement research activities with the following specific objectives: (i) To demonstrate good soil and water conservation in young tea and to quantify the losses of soil, nutrients and water under different management practices in ways that allow the results to be applied with confidence elsewhere on sloping or relatively flat land for sustainable tea production and environmental conservation; and (ii)To undertake irrigation water management studies for large estate and smallholder tea growers in order to maximize crop water productivity for increased and well distributed tea production throughout the year.

The main findings in 2007/08 are presented below:

Soil and water conservation in young tea (page 55 - 57): Experiment M5: In 2007/08, As in the previous year, at the end of May 2009 in the fourth and eigth year from pruning and from planting, respectively yields obtained from the plots that were mulched with air dry Guatemala grass (T3;(1996 kg made tea ha-1; 2.6% higher than that of the control, T1) was relatively higher than those from other treatments followed by high density tea rows (T2) which produced 1903 kg made tea ha-1, corresponding to 2.2% lower than that of the control (T1). Overall, on avarege the yields obtained this year (1,882 kg made tea ha-1) were lower than the corresponding values last year (5351 kg made tea ha-1). The control (T1) and vetiver grass live barrier (T4) plots gave 1947 and 1681 kg made tea ha-1, respectively compared with corresponding values of 5400 and 4490 kg made tea ha-1 in the previous year.Drip irrigation of tea (page 49 - 63): Experiment NJ1: In 2007/08, In the second year after pruning, there were significant yield differences (P

for further testing in on-farm trials followed by wide adoption by tea estates and smallholder tea farmers.Without and with interrupted irrigation application for a long time, still relatively high yields were obtained in 2008/09. These findings pose important implications for adoption of less but frequent water applications through drip irrigation or overhead sprinkler irrigation as reported in the next experiment.

Responses of clones to drip and overhead sprinkler irrigation (page 64 - 67): Experiment N18: In 2008/09 research continued on this experiment that was established at Ngwazi Estate, Unilever Tea Tanzania Limited (UTTL) in 2005/06 to test and compare the yield and responses of other parameters of two clones (BBK35 and TRIEA 6/8) to drip and overhead impact sprinkler (OHS) irrigation, and effects of fertigation using drip irrigation.In 2008/09 clone TRIEA 6/8 gave similar yield (2,470 kg made tea ha-1) to clone BBK35 (2,780 kg made tea ha-1). Clone TRIEA 6/8 gave relatively higher yields in response to irrigation treatments. As in the previous year the differences of the effects of irrigation treatments (drip versus overhead sprinkler irrigation) on yield were again not statistically significant.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMME

The Objective of TTP is to develop and promote technologies that lead to increases in the productivity and profitability of tea particularly from smallholders and hence to improve the livelihood of rural people especially women and also to increase Tanzania’s foreign exchange earnings. During the year the programme continued to implement a set of activities that are geared to achieve the stated objective as reported below;

Smallholder tea extension service (page 70 -88): The Wakulima Tea Company (WATCO) is a company formed as a joint venture between the Tanzania Tea Packers (TATEPA) owning 75% of the shares and the Rungwe Smallholder Tea Growers Association (RSTGA) with 25% shares. TRIT continued to provide extension services to WATCO on contract that was extended staring from January 2007 and will run until December 2009. during the year 2008/9 produced a total amount of 16,431,465 kg green leaf. This was 92% of the budgeted crop and was 7.7% less than the amount of green leaf produced by smallholders during the year 2007/8. Failure to achieve the production target during the year under review was attributed to severe and prolonged drought that affected three sub-schemes namely Segela, Masebe and Kapugi, which accounts for about 43% of the total area of tea under smallholders in Rungwe and low amount of fertilizer used by smallholder tea grower into their tea fields.Tea Research Institute of Tanzania (TRIT) continued to provide extension services to smallholder tea farmers in Lushoto district, Tanga through a contract with Mponde Tea Estates. During the reporting period the amount of green leaf produced by smallholder tea growers from Mponde and Balangai was 3,043,584 kilograms. This was 74.3 % of the target. This production was above 2008/09 production by 13.6 % showing an increasing production trend. However, the crop production target could not be achieved was mainly due to (i) Drought which hit the area severely during 2007/08 and 2008/09 season.. Similarly TRIT continued to provide specific extension services to Kifanya ward of Njombe and Mkonge Tea Block farm in Mufindi. Progress on these contracts are also reported under TTP.

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Farmer training programme(page 89 - 100):As in the previous years apart from on station training of farmers and field staff at NTRS and MTRS training centres, outreach sites, exchange visits and cinema shows were used to cover a wider audience in the tea growing areas of Tanzania which are separated by vast distances. During 2008/2009 the Farmer Training Programme succeeded in conducting several training sessions on different topics of tea production including exchange visits and cinema shows. FFS extension approach in Mufindi and Rungwe continues to show some improvements in technology dissemination with FFS members continuing to advise their fellow farmers on tea management practices in collaboration with DALDO office and TRIT staff. Production of two new documentary films on fertilizer application and weed control in tea fields has added to TRIT’s video library for farmers’ education, despite that many training requests through cinema show visits could not be fulfilled because of the bad weather, bad roads and occasionally van equipment breakdown. Although great efforts are made by TRIT to mobilise and train farmers on good tea management practices especially the use of fertilizer to increase yield, the escalating fertilizer price may still affect productivity of Tanzania tea smallholders because of the inability of smallholders to purchase the high priced fertilizers. However, farmer training on fertilizer application and yield of tea is constrained by the currently high prices of inorganic fertilizer. It is recommended that Government and /or other parties subsidize the fertilizer substantially so that farmers find it easy to use it on their tea field.

Smallholder tea nursery scheme (page 101 - 106):The overall goal of the village based tea nursery scheme is to ensure that tea productivity is increased through successful development of nurseries for producing plants to be used for infilling and for establishing new fields. During the reporting period 7,847,300 plants were propagated at 166 nursery sites out of 334 existing nurseries. This was 247,300 plants (3.2%) higher than the projected number of plants. About 5,080,944 plants were planted in the field in all tea growing area during the reporting period. This is equivalent to 366ha (13,888 pp/ha) of newly established smallholder tea farms. Prior to planting season, TRIT conducted training sessions on the basic techniques for the establishment and management of new tea fields for collaborating extension officers and farmers.

Tea field inventory in Muheza and Korogwe district (page 107 - 108):During the reporting period TRIT conducted a field inventory for all tea growing villages in the two districts. The results show that smallholders and medium scale tea growers have approximately 707.7 ha of tea farms. These are owned by 1,919 farmers of which 246 and 1,673 farmers are in Muheza and Korogwe respectively. Mpale village (Korogwe) has the largest area with approximately 93.0 ha followed by Zege and Vuje villages (Korogwe) with 77.7 and 70ha respectively. Whereas Maramba village (Muheza) has the smallest area of 0.2 ha. The survey results also indicated that the mean farm size for villages range from 0.20 ha at Maramba to 1.09 ha at Kwevihombo (Muheza). According to the current situation Antakae, Zilai villages (Muheza) and Mali, Tewe and Mpale Villages (Korogwe) have the highest planting rates. The high planting rates in these villages is attributed by the ongoing village based nurseries supported by TRIT.

On-farm trials and demonstration plots (page 109 - 110):TRIT continued to facilitate on farm trials and demonstration plots at village sites. These plots have been useful as learning sites and have enabled farmers to closely observe clonal performance. The trial of fertilizer use located in villages continued to give evidence on the importance of fertilizer use to tea.

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Workshops, meetings, seminars and symposia (page111 - 112):During the reporting period, TRIT was represented in a number of meetings and forums organized by various stakeholders and collaborators within the country and outside. TRIT staff participated in a number workshops, symposiam and meetings including The first coordination meeting of country project coordinators (PCs) for the Technical Cooperation (TC) Project RAF/5/058: hosted by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Nairobi Kenya, 30th March to 3rd April 2009. TRIT staff also attended the 9th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Agricultural Economics Society of Tanzania (AGREST) held at Visitors Inn in Zanzibar from 5th -7th October 2008.

CONCLUSIONS

As we move ahead past a one decade since we started, we look forward with confidence for the challenges facing us as they are many and varied. After a period of uncertenity from the time when cess was abolished we are slowly finding a footing although the drafted MoU between Government of Tanzania and Private Research Institutes which was meant to provide the necessary framework for financing and ownership of research facilities and results under the auspices of the Public/Private Parternership is yet to be signed. Our income generating projects which are at formative stages, the Igoda farm and the state of the art labaratory constructed and equiped with financial support from the EU are slowly taking shape, but it will take hard work, relentiless committment and significant investment for TRIT to start reapping the benefits of those projects as our sustainability initiative. It is our considered opinion that TRIT will face these challenges seriously with dedication, commitment and building on what has been achieved to date.Finally we thank all who have supported TRIT at various levels, the Government, The Board,TAP, farmers, and the neighbouring institutions (TRFK and TRFCA). TRIT staff are committed to serve the industry and I thank them all. The generous financial support provided by the EU through Stabex Funds is greatly appreciated.

Professor Bruno J. NdunguruExecutive Director

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OVERVIEW

By Bruno J. Ndunguru

The Tea Research Institute of Tanzania (TRIT) was established in 1996 as an autonomous organisation representing the Government of Tanzania and the tea industry. TRIT aims to support the development of both small and large scale tea producers through appropriate, cost-effective, high quality research and technology transfer, to ensure the sustainability of the Tanzanian tea industry.

Within this overall aim the objectives of TRIT are to:

• provide answers to practical problems of immediate concern to the industry;• identify the financial benefits of research recommendations;• communicate the results of this work to the industry in appropriate, unambiguous ways;• explain, where possible, the mechanisms responsible for the observed responses, so that

the results can be applied with confidence to other locations; and• subject this work to peer group review through scientific publications when justified.

TRIT publishes an Annual Report and a Newsletter describing these activities. These reports and other publications are also available online within TRIT’s own website at http://www.trit.or.tz. It also organises an annual conference and open day, and regional workshops. This report, therefore, covers the eleventh full year of TRIT operations.

The Institute operates in partnership with producers in all the major tea growing areas, and manages two research stations, Ngwazi and Marikitanda representing the two major agro-climatic zones where tea is produced. Research activities are centred on Crop Improvement, Soil Fertility Management and Crop Water Management Programmes.The Technology Transfer Programme, which is responsible for farming systems research and extension throughout the country, particularly