Nitrogen fertilization and yield losses of tea to red crevice mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis geijskes) in the Eastern Highlands of Kenya

A field trial using a mite-susceptible clone 11/4 of tea whose yield potential is over 3 t ha^-1 year^-1 was conducted to determine how yield losses due to infestation by red crevice mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes) relate to nitrogen nutrition. This was done over a 3 year period in plots either receiving 0, 100, or 200 kg N ha^-1 year^-1. For determining the losses due to mites, an acaricide check method of yield loss assessment was used. Mites were controlled in the plots by spraying flucythrinate. The yield varied considerably between seasons with mean yields in the 3 year period ranging from 2.0 to 2.4 t ha ^-1 without fertilizer and 2.4 to 2.6 t ha^-1 year^-1 at 100 kg N and 2.5 to 2.7 t ha^-1 year^-1 at 200 kg N. Application of the acaricide decreased the mite population by 60-74%. Yield loss between sprayed and unsprayed treatments was 12-22% without fertilizer but this was reduced to 5-6% when fertilizer was supplied at 100-200 kg N ha^-1. The reduction in yield losses in fertilized plots indicate the beneficial effects of nitrogen in inducing tolerance to mites and possibly increasing plant vigour. Protecting the tea from mite attack resulted in yield advantage and a net benefit of $US 0.3, 0.2 and 0.2 per kg made tea at 0, 100 and 200 kg N ha^-1 respectively. Application of 100 kg N ha^-1 had higher net cost benefit than the 200 kg N application rate. The strategy for control of mites would be to integrate spraying with use of fertilizer.