Mitigating low-temperature frost damage in Taiwan high-altitude tea cultivation: physiological insight and protective strategies

Abstract

This review highlights the impact of low-temperature stress on the physiology of tea trees and offers strategies, including exogenous substances and physical protection, to mitigate frost damage in high-altitude tea plantations in Taiwan. Low-temperature frost damage represents a critical challenge in tea cultivation, particularly in high-latitude or high-altitude regions where young tea buds are especially vulnerable during early spring. In response to the growing demand for high-quality tea, Taiwan's tea plantations have gradually expanded to elevations above 1000 m, now comprising for more than 50% of the total plantation area. The move to higher elevations has raised the risk of frost damage. Over the past two decades, frost damage associated with low-temperature have emerged as the most severe abiotic stress affecting the Taiwan's tea industry, resulting in considerable economic losses. This review consolidates research on the physiological impacts of low temperatures on tea trees and evaluates strategies to enhance low-temperature resistance, including the application of exogenous substances and physical protection methods. By providing insights into effective frost mitigation techniques, this study aims to support the development of practical protection strategies for high-altitude tea plantations in Taiwan, ensuring the long-term stability of its tea industry.

Keywords: Camellia sinensis; Low-temperature frost; Physiological changes; Protection strategies of frost damage.