Research Highlights
Tea Science
TEA BIOTECHNOLOGY
The institute has developed an efficient cost and labour effective liquid culture system for tea micropropagation paving the way for automation. Protocols for production of transgenic tea both through Agrobacterium and biolistics using somatic embryos and leaf explants were evolved. The parameters standardized for biolistic mediated transformation has universal application and been successfully applied in a number of other crops.
A morphological, physiological and biochemical calendar was designed for seed development.
Further, scientists have successfully
isolated and cloned some novel genes related to winter dormancy in
tea. It has far reaching implication in overcoming the severe
problem of tea dormancy faced by the industry.
Under a CSIR NMITLI Programme, IHBT has for the first time successfully
cloned 6 full length cDNA from tea
Chalcone synthase (CHS)
Dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR)
Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL)
Cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H)
Anthocyanin reductase (ANR)
Flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H)
These genes have implications in modulating catechin content in tea and in plantation of the pathway in other species
The Institute developed DNA based species specific primers for the identification of adulterants in tea.
In collaboration with TERI, New Delhi and Delhi University, AFPL finger printing of 150 tea clones by three primer pairs (4N) was successfully done and also Complied a tea molecular database generated with 7 AFLP+4N primers.
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Tea Breeding
Scientists of the are making efforts for developing superior tea clones through conventional breeding and inducing polyploidy. In collaboration with UPASI, and TRA Toklai, the Institute is developing a tea descriptor database taking into consideration the morphological, biochemical and molecular characters.
PLANT HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Institute has developed a comprehensive pest management strategy and
recommended the same to the planters of the region. It has developed a
novel protocol for multiresidue analysis using GC and HPLC for 27
pesticides commonly used in India. Crtical were provided the Institute
in Codex Alimentarius meeting held at New Delhi as it persuaded the
commission to review the MRLs for five pesticides commonly used in
India.
Extensive work has been carried out to screen tea clones resistant to
blister blight. Recommendations have been developed for fungicidal
application in tea plantations. Work is under way to develop bioformulations for tea.
Agrotechnology
Institute is working for development of economically viable organic tea
farming package. Extensive field agronomical trials have been laid for
rationalization of rate of NPK application in china hybrid tea.
IHBT has developed machine and package of practices for farm mechanization.
TEA CHEMISTRY
IHBT has developed
technology for improving the quality parameter of made tea. Work is
underway to standardize green tea manufacture .Research done by the
Institute has made possible to reduce the withering time of tea leaves
for quality tea manufacture. Technology has also been developed for
conversion of 90% tea catechin into theaflavins at an affordable cost.
Tea concentrates from black and green teas have been developed with
shelf life of six months These concentrates are further converted into
ready to drink teas (RTDs) with sugar/ sweeteners, purified water and
carbonation.
IHBT has developed technology for production wines from tea.
EXTENSION AND ADVISORY
IHBT is
constantly striving to improve the status of Kangra tea. The germplasm
established at the tea garden of the Institute has over 200 accessions
collected from Assam, Darjeeling, Tamil Nadu, Uttranchal and Himachal.
Regular training programmes and demonstrations organized by the
Institute have helped in improving the quality of made tea and greatly
revived the interest of tea planters of the region. Also, as a part
of ongoing extension activity
abandoned gardens have been To popularize tea further, demonstration
plots were established in non-traditional areas in Chamba dist. of
Himachal Pradesh.
Further, Institute played a key role in establishing tea industry in
Uttarnchal by extending expertise and supplying planting materials to
establish nursery. As a result, Uttaranchal now has about 200 ha
prospering
tea garden and a well developed tea policy.
Institute of
Himalayan Bioresource Technology,Post Box No. 6 Palampur (H.P.) 176061 INDIA Tel:
+91-1894-230742-43 Fax: +91-1894-230433
E-mail:director@ihbt.res.in