Effect of Artificial Light on Winter Dormancy and Budding Time of First Flush of Japanese Tea Cultivars

Abstract

During the cultivation of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) in temperate zones, breaking dormancy affects the earliness and synchronization of bud break, and this determines both the profitability of cultivation and the areas that are suitable for cultivation. Therefore, dormancy is an important trait for tea breeding. Previous research revealed a correlation between day length and tea dormancy from late autumn to spring for Japanese cultivars. However, artificial light from streetlamps has not been reported to affect tea growth and development. To clarify the effect of artificial illumination on the budding time of first flush and dormancy of tea, we performed field investigations and examinations using the tea cultivars ‘Harumidori’, ‘Harunonagori’, and ‘Minamisayaka’. Artificial illumination for the examination was provided by fluorescent lights or high-pressure sodium lights. These artificial illuminations did not affect the budding time of first flush or dormancy in the three cultivars. The results indicated that dormancy of tea was not affected by artificial illumination.