Browsing by Author "Mohotti, K.M."

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    Comparison of Dry Matter Partitioning of Organically and Conventionally Grown Tea for Carbon Sequestration Potential
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Premarathna, E.N.M.; Mohotti, K.M.; Gunathilaka, R.P.D.; Amarasena, D.
    Climate change is evident in almost all the regions in the world. In agriculture, it poses a significant impact in relation to productivity, quality and sustainability. Carbon sequestration is an adaptation strategy to climate change. Organic agriculture has a greater potential to sequester carbon in biomass and soil than most forms of conventional agriculture (Fan et al, 2005). Information on Carbon storage by tea plantations can fill the gap for comparison with native forests and changes in agricultural land use (Kamau et ed., 2008). However, the scientific validations to carbon storage in tea either in conventional and organic systems are scares. Therefore, it was identified important to generate information on dry matter partitioning of the tea bush and to compare the organic carbon content as dry matter partitioning of each part of the tea bush grown conventionally and organically to establish carbon sequestration potentials of organically grown tea as compared to conventionally grown tea
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    Comparison of Integrated Pest Management Strategies in Different Tea Growing Countries with Special Reference to Pesticide Residue Monitoring
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Hewanainbikanda, C.S.; Mohotti, K.M.; Gunathilaka, R. P. D.
    Tea (Camellia sinensis(L)0.Kuiitze) is an intensively managed perennial monoculture crop cultivated on large and small scale plantations situated between altitudes 4l'N and 16'S. Tea plants are attacked by several pests and diseases and also invaded by numerous species of weeds, which compete with tea plants for moisture and nutrients. Hence to augment the productivity of tea and to protect the plaiits froi i pests and diseases, it is necessary to adopt plant protection measure using synthetic chemicals. Tea is the secondly most consumed beverage in the world. Tea is considered as a ‘health beverage’ due to its antioxidant properties and resultant beneficial effects on human health. Such beverage should be free from toxic elements such as pesticide residues and heavy metals. To obtain a clear idea about pesticide residues in tea, it is imponant to understand the situation about pests, pesticide usage and Integrated Pest management (IPM) strategies in leading tea growing countries. Also it has been recognized as important for all the stakeholders in the tea industry by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) /IntergovernmentaI Group on Tea (IGG).
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    Effect of Organic and Conventional Management of Tea [Camellia Sinensis (L.)0. Kuntze] Cultivation on Soil Productivity and Crop Response of Tea on the Fifth Pruning Cycle
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Vijayangani, M.P.N.N.; Mohotti, K.M.; Jayasingha, H.A.S.L.; Herath, H.M.S.K.
    In organic tea cultivation, poor productivity is a major problem despite its all other benefits. This study attempted to assess long term impacts of field grown tea at the fifth pruning cycle under organic and conventional management in the long term TRIORCON trial established at Tea Research Institute, Talawakelle. Organic management treatments included tea waste, neem oil cake and compost and the conventional system was under TRI recommendations on agro inputs. Selected crop and soil indicators were studied. In parallel, beans grown on relevant soils under glass house conditions were used as indicator plants to elucidate short term effects.Data analysis was undertaken using SAS statistical package by analysis of covariance. Results revealed that chemical parameters of organically treated soils differed significantly (P < 0.05) from those of the conventionally treated soil. Soil pH was within the suitable range in the four treatments. Soil organic carbon contents in organic (Compost) and conventional systems were 3.69 and 2.60%, respectively. Total N content (%) was 0.40 and 0.26 under organic (Compost) and conventional systems, respectively. Soil exchangeable K shown in organically treated soil (Tea waste) was 116.25 ppm. The highest soil available P was determined in the conventionally treated soil, 53.75 ppm. The highest biological richness was exhibited as 66.42 CFU mg-1 in the organically treated soils (Tea waste) whereas the lowest richness (30.25 CFU mg-') was observed in the conventionally treated soil. The overall yield drop in this organically treated cultivation system was 25% lesser than that of the conventionally treated tea. Shoot length and shoot: root ratio of beans was not significantly (P > 0.05) different. Proper crop and soil fertility management with organic systems is expected to maintain the organic system to be healthy and also to ensure premium price for the product while demonstrating environment and social benefits.