Tea (Camellia sinensis) Cultivation and Breeding in Turkey: Past and Present Status

Authors : Fatih Seyis, Emine Yurteri, Aysel Ozcan

Pages : 111-119

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Publication Date : 2019-08-01

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Tea was introduced into Turkey with the efforts of Zihni Derin and Ali Rıza Erten at the end of the 1930s. ÇAYKUR (Çay İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü/ General Directorate of Tea Enterprises), a governmental company, is responsible for tea production and breeding in Turkey. The company developed tea clones and distributed to local farmers. But, after the 1950s multiplication of tea with seeds arised in Turkey. Assumedly, nearly the whole plantations in Turkey are multiplicated with seeds, which tradition is ongoing. ÇAYKUR selected nearly 40 clones which are preserved in the gene pool of ÇAYKUR. During the last 40 years, the establishment, pruning, harvest and transfer of harvested tea leaves etc. emerged to a insensible situation. These problems have to be solved for an better tea cultivation in Turkey. On the other hand, the understanding of the development of the genetic collection of a strategically important crop such as tea ( Camellia simensis  O. Kuntze) is very important for its breeding and improvement of advanced research facilities. This review summarises the available information on tea cultivation and tea breeding in Turkey. Tea cultivation in Turkey contributes significantly to the economic income of local farmers in the North-East Black Sea region. The major breeding achievement was the selection of clones, which were selected from present tea gardens. After adaptation of superior tea clones in classical and organic tea cultivation, tea cultivation and breeding will make an important progress in Turkey.
Keywords : Camellia sinensis, tea, tea production, tea breeding