Tea Research Institute Annual Technical Report 2022–2023

Abstract

Tea Research Institute (TRI) is one of the sixteen research institutes created under KALRO. The institute mandate is "to promote research and investigate problems related to tea and such other crops and systems of husbandry as are associated with tea throughout Kenya including the productivity (yield), quality and suitability of land in relation to tea planting; and matters ancillary thereto". The research mission focuses on the development of appropriate practices for sustainable tea production, value addition and utilization while conserving the environment. Research focuses therefore on development of improved clones, appropriate technologies for improvement of yield (quantity of green tea leaf/made tea per hectare) and quality. This is done through development of appropriate practices for tea production including breeding, clonal selection, correct plant nutrition, optimal crop husbandry methods, crop physiological studies, control of major pests and diseases, manufacture, value addition, marketing and utilization of finished product.