Ever since 1976, the Tea Board started funding the time bound projects like “Chemistry of tea clones”. A Lion’s share of funds contributed by the Tea Board/Commerce Ministry as grant-in-aid besides UPASI TRF receives grant from various government agencies for time bound research projects. Government agencies which fund for research projects are the Tea Board, National Tea Research Foundation (NTRF), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Sulphate of Potash Information Board (SOPIB), Washington, Green Tea Research Association, Japan and O-Cha (Tea) Pioneer Academic Research Grant Programme, Japan. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research had also granted adhoc research projects. The status of the projects conducted by various divisions of UPASI is presented here under.
Research projects funded by the agencies
| Project | Sponsored agency | Period | Principal Investigator |
| Identification and characterization of sequence based markers for genetic improvement of tea | DBT, New Delhi | Nov 2011- | Dr. R. Raj Kumar |
| Analysis of Gene expression during phytopathogenic stress in tea using transcriptomic approach | XI Five Year Plan Project, Tea Board, Kolkata | Jul 2009-Mar 2012 | Dr. R. Raj Kumar |
| Lectin: an alternative biotic stress management system in tea | National Tea Research Foundation (NTRF), Kolkata | Nov 2010-Oct 2013 | Dr. S.Arvinth
Dr. R. Raj Kumar |
| Molecular markers and descriptor development in tea (Phase II) | DBT, New Delhi | Apr 2007-Jun 2010 | Dr. N.Muraleedharan
Dr. R. Raj Kumar |
| Developments of production system for tea polyphenols and their condensed products | CSIR, New Delhi | Jan 2008-Mar 2010 | Dr. Abul Kalam Azad Mandal |
| Characterization and improvement of tea through biotechnological tools(Phase I) | DBT, New Delhi and Tea Board, Kolkata | Apr 2002-Mar 2007 | Dr. R. Raj Kumar |
| Functional genomics in plants niche pathway engineering in tea | CSIR, New Delhi | Apr 2001- Sep 2005 | Dr. N.Muraleedharan |
| Physiological and biochemical basis of clonal selection in tea for high yield, quality and drought tolerance | IX Five Year Plan Project, Tea Board, Kolkata | Jan 1999-Mar 2004 | Dr. R. Raj Kumar |
| Development of a protocol for efficient somaclonal plants using drought tolerant UPASI clones as source of explants | National Tea Research Foundation (NTRF), Kolkata | May 1997-Mar 2001 | Dr. R. Raj Kumar |
| Field performance of tissue culture raised plants in south Indian tea plantations | DBT, New Delhi | Jun 1997-Oct 2001 | Dr. S.Marimuthu Dr. R. Raj Kumar |
| The role of enzymes in tea processing | National Tea Research Foundation (NTRF | Jan 1993-Mar 1996 | Dr. S.Marimuthu |
| Evolution of drought tolerant elite clones in tea through tissue culture: Micropropagation of UPASI tea clones | UPASI TRF, TRI | Apr 1992-Mar 1996 | Dr. L.Manivel |
| Physico-chemical studies on nutrition of tea | VII Five Year Plan Project,Tea Board, Kolkata | Apr 1990-Mar 1996 | Dr. L.Manivel |
| Micropropagation of Tea & shade trees through tissue culture | DST, New Delhi | 1985 – 1988 | Dr.K. Raman |
| Photosynthesis, partitioning of assimilates in relation to productivity in tea | First O-Cha (Tea) Pioneer Academic Research Grant, Japan | 2000- 2001 | Dr. R. Raj Kumar |
| Biotechnological and Biocontrol studies on tea blister blight pathogen | X Five Year Plan Project, Tea Board, Kolkata | 2003 – 2008 | Dr. A.K. A. Mandal & Dr. R. Premkumar |
| Miniature manufacturing unit for processing teas | VIII Five Year Plan Project, Tea Board, Kolkata | 1996 – 2001 | Dr.N. Muraleedharan |
| Studies on improving quality of south Indian black teas | IX Five Year Plan Project, Tea Board, Kolkata | 1999 -2004 | Dr.N. Muraleedharan & Dr. R.S. Senthil Kumar |
| Optimization of processing parameters to maximize the quality of south Indian black teas | X Five Year Plan Project, Tea Board, Kolkata | 2003 – 2008 | Dr.N. Muraleedharan, Mr. G. Ramamoorthy, Dr. R.S. Senthil Kumar, & Mr.M.G. Sathish |
| Establishment of a chain of tea quality control laboratories at the regional centres of UPASI & strengthening of existing analytical facilities at TRI | X Five Year Plan Project, Tea Board, Kolkata | 2003 – 2008 | Dr.N. Muraleedharan & Dr. R.S. Senthil Kumar |
| Use of neem kernel aqueous extracts (NKAE) for integrated pest management in tea | Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, Govt of India. | ||
| Development of mass rearing technique for two major predators of red spider mite | NTRF, Kolkata | ||
| Studies on the volatile profile components of cut stems of Montanoa bifinnatifida an attractant for trapping shot hole borer infesting tea | NTRF, Kolkata | ||
| Studies on entomopathogens affecting the major pest of tea in south India | NTRF, Kolkata | ||
| Studies on the sex pheromones of Helopeltis theivora infesting tea | O-CHA (Tea) Pioneer Academic Research Grant Programme, Japan | ||
| Pesticide residues in tea | NTRF, Kolkata | 1994-99 | Dr. N. Muraleedharan |
| Studies on pesticide residues in tea for setting MRL‟s-Phase II and Phase III | NTRF, Kolkata | 2004-08 | Dr. N. Muraleedharan |
| Studies on the residues of insecticides, fungicides, weedicides and heavy metals in south Indian tea | X Five year plan project, Tea Board, Kolkata | 2003-08 | Dr. N. Muraleedharan |
| Studies on the residues of pesticides & heavy metals in tea | XI Five year plan project, Tea Board, Kolkata | 2009-2012 | DR.V. A. Shanmugaselvan |
| Investigations on the biochemical basis of rooting and clonal compatibility in nursery grafting of fresh cuttings in tea (Camellia L. spp.). | National Tea Research Foundation, Kolkata | 1993-1996 | Dr.N. Sathyanarayana |
| Collection, evaluation, documentation and conservation of tea germplasm for the development of genotypes and cultivars with high yield and quality aspects | IX five year plan. Tea Board, Govt. of India. | 1999 – 2004 | Dr.Ch. Sreedhar & Dr.R.Victor J. Elango |
| Exploration of Biofertilizers in tea for increased productivity and soil health | IX five year plan, Tea Board | 1999 – 2004 | Dr.R.Premkumar |
| Studies on vermiculture & vermicomposting in tea growing areas | NTRF, Kolkata | 2006-2009 | Dr. N. Muraleedharan & Dr. B.Radhakrishnan |
| Integrated nutrient management (INM) in tea using bioinoculants | DBT, New Delhi | 2008 – 2011 | Dr.R.Premkumar |
| XI five year plan, Tea Board | XI five year plan, Tea Board | 2009 – 2012 | Dr.R.Premkumar |
| Studies on different irrigation system and critical evaluation of secondary and micro nutrient status in tea soils of south India | X five year plan project, Tea Board, Kolkata | 2003 – 2008 | Dr. N. Muraleedharan
Dr. V.K. Senthurpandian Dr. S. Venkatesan |
| Application of Geographic Information System (GIS) to acidity and fertility management of tea soils of south India | DST, New Delhi | 2006 -2008 | Dr. V. K. Senthurpandian Dr. S. Srinivas |
| Influence of soil organic matter on productivity and measures to improve the soil health in tea soils of south India | NTRF, Kolkata | 2009-2012 | Dr. P. Mohan Kumar
Mr. N. Palani |
| Production, Development and Trade of Organic tea (CFC organic tea project) | The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) & CFC | 2008 – 2011 | Dr. N. Muraleedharan
Dr. P. Mohan Kumar Dr. B. Radhakrishnan Mr. J. Durairaj |
Ongoing Research Projects
| Discipline/ S.No | Project Title |
| Botany | |
| 1 | Nursery grafting of Darjeeling clones |
| 2 | Approach grafting technique for rapid multiplication of mother bushes |
| 3 | Evaluation of BSS-1 as root stock |
| 4 | Evaluation of carfentrazone ethyl for controlling mixed population of weeds in tea fields |
| 5 | Evaluation of ammonium salt of glyphosate (Excel Mera 71) for weed control in tea field |
| 6 | Establishment of a DUS Test Centre for PPV & FRA |
| 7 | Evaluation of alternate shade trees |
| 8 | Effect of advancing shear harvesting after pruning on productivity and bush health |
| 9 | New planting style to suit the blade length of the two men operated harvesters |
| 10 | Development of package of practices for the fields under shear/machine harvesting |
| 11 | Clonal selection in the old seedling populations |
| 12 | Clonal selection in the F1 progenies |
| 13 | Controlled hybridization |
| 14 | Back cross and test cross |
| 15 | Micro test seed bari establishment |
| 16 | Selection of Frost resistant clones from the Nilgiris |
| 17 | Evaluation of TRF-1, 2, 3 and BSA-13 under the Nilgiri conditions |
| 18 | Clonal selection from Kilkotagiri estate |
| 19 | Evaluation of ammonium salt of glyphosate for the control of Basella alba |
| 20 | Experiment on addition of maintenance foliage through extended rounds of shear harvesting: Koppa Estate |
| 21 | Evaluation of new scions and root stock clones for graft compatibility |
| 22 | Introduction of north Indian tea clones |
Completed to be checked and removed if any
| Discipline/ S.No | Project Title |
| Chemistry | |
| 1 | Field experiment on drip irrigation supplemented by fertigation in mature tea |
| 2 | Optimisation of nitrogen fertilizer |
| 3 | Experiment on influence of dicyandiamide (DCD) and neem coated urea on urease activity |
| 4 | Experiment on optimization of nitrogen input to the clone, TRF-1 |
| 5 | Buffuring capacity of tea soils |
| 6 | Different farming systems on different soil microbes |
| 7 | Experiment on rationalisation of N application on yield |
| 8 | Experiment on comparative study of phosphorus application on soil characteristics and yield attributes |
| 9 | Survey of tea soils of the Nilgiris |
| 10 | Survey data of tea soils of Wayanad |
| 11 | Isolation of humic and fulvic acids from tea soils of different regions in south India optimisation of nitrogen fertilizer |
| 12 | Tea Board/CFC organic tea project |
| 13 | Experiment on buffering capacity of tea soils: Glenrock Estate |
| 14 | Correlation among organic matter, urease activity and nitrate reductase activity in tea soils of Wayanad |
| 15 | Experiment on improving efficiency of applied manure using neem coated urea and sprinkler irrigation during dry weather: Q. Hitlow Estate |
| 16 | Field experiment on drip irrigation in differet clones: Q.Hitlow Estate |
| 17 | Experiment on effect of combination of organic manures with inorganic fertiliers on certain chemical properties of tea soils |
| 18 | Experiment on evaluation of different farming system in tea: Madupatty Estate |
| 19 | Evaluation of Bio-Phos for crop productivity: Madupatty Estate |
| 20 | Experiment on comparative efficacy of different buffering capacity in Munnar soil conditions: Nullatanni Estate |
| 21 | Experiment on buffering capacity of tea soils: Chidambaram Estate |
| 22 | Experiment on Bio-Efficacy of Bio-Phos: Periyar Connemara Estate |
| 23 | Correlation among organic matter, urease and nitrate reductase activity of tea soils of the Nilgiris |
Completed to be checked and removed if any
| Discipline/ S.No | Project Title |
| Entomology | |
| 1 | Sex pheromones of Helopeltis theivora |
| 2 | Evaluation of insecticide/acaricide resistance in RSM |
| 3 | Efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens against red spider mite |
| 4 | Mass rearing of predators of tea pests |
| 5 | Screening of botanical extracts against RSM |
| 6 | Studies on predatory mites |
| 7 | Field evaluation of certain new molecules against shot hole borer |
| 8 | Evaluation of Alanto against tea mosquito |
| 9 | Evaluation of Alika 247 ZC against tea mosquito |
| 10 | Field evaluation of Etoxazole 10 SC against red spider mite |
| 11 | Field evaluation of hexythiazox 5.45% EC against RSM infesting tea |
| 12 | Laboratory studies on insecticide resistance of tea mosquito |
| 13 | Experiment on eelworm control in mature tea |
| 14 | Evaluation of certain new nozzles for high volume sprayers |
| 15 | Field trial with bifenazate 50 WP residue in black tea |
| 16 | Quantification of residues of Excelmera (Glyphosate 71 SG) in black tea |
Pathology content list to be redone as per the list given
| Discipline/ S.No | Project Title |
| Plant Pathology | |
| 1 | Evaluation of Nativo 75 WG ( Trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% ) against blister blight disease |
| 2 | Evaluation of high volume sprayer with modified nozzle in blister blight control |
| 3 | Evaluation of premier wet – wetting agent on bioefficacy on blister blight control |
| 4 | Evaluation of COC 435 against blister blight disease in tea |
| 5 | Evaluation of certain botanical biofungicides onBio efficacy of chitanase enzyme formulation on controlling blister blight and grey blight disease |
| 6 | Bio efficacy of chitanase enzyme formulation on controlling blister blight and grey blight disease |
| 7 | Influence of VAM formulation on soil nutrients |
| 8 | Influence of VAM formulation on soil nutrients |
| 9 | Evaluation of VAM formulation (Novozymes product Mycoplex) on productivity of clone UPASI-9 |
| 10 | Enumeration of microflora in made tea |
| 11 | INM in tea using bioinoculants under clonal nursery (UPASI-9) |
| 12 | Impact of INM with bioinoculants on bioprimed BSS seedlings under field condition |
| 13 | Effect of INM on existing tea plantation |
| 14 | INM with Pelrich and upasi bioformulations in Karumtharuvi, Vandiperiyar |
| 15 | Disease survey on wood rot and branch canker |
| 16 | In vitro studies on the antagonistic potential of biocontrol agents (Trichoderma, Bacillus and Pseudomonas)against wood rot and branch canker pathogens in tea |
| 17 | Study of clonal resistant / susceptibility to wood rot and branch canker in glass house |
| 18 | Field evaluation of biocontrol agents and fungicides against wood rot and branch canker disease in tea |
| 19 | Experiment on integrated nutrient management in tea using bioinoculants |
| 20 | Field experiment on the efficacy of certain plant extracts against blister blight |
Completed to be checked and removed if any
| Discipline/ S.No | Project Title |
| Plant Physiology | |
| 1 | In vitro culture of tea |
| 2 | Development of trait specific (drought) molecular marker (microsatellite marker or SSR marker) |
| 3 | In vitro plant regeneration through callus culture |
| 4 | Biometric parameters of somaclonal plants |
| 5 | Agrobacterium mediated transformation |
| 6 | Morphological characterization of tea accessions |
| 7 | Bioefficacy of promissing commercial plant growth regulators for crop promotion in mature seedling teas |
| 8 | Root growth dynamics in tea |
| 9 | Evaluation of tea accessions for quality traits |
| 10 | Plant regenreation protocol through tissue culture |
| 11 | Physiological characteristics of clonal teas as key for identification of useful traits: Field Experiment |
| 12 | Molecular biology |
| 13 | Characterization of enzymes involved in metabolism of tea plant |
| 14 | Analysis of gene expression during phytopathogenic stress in tea using transcriptomic approach |
| 15 | SSH library for differential gene experiment study in BB infected clone |
| 16 | Bioefficacy of Ecogreen for crop promotion in mature clonal teas |
| 17 | Bioefficacy of Cash+ for crop promotion in mature clonal teas |
| 18 | Bioefficacy of Crop Booster for crop promotion in mature clonal teas |
| 19 | Impact of continuous mechanization on physical and physiological attributes vis-à-vis plant health |
| 20 | Impact of foliar applied ascorbic acid on the bioconstituents in young clonal teas |
| 21 | Foliar application of ascorbic acid in young tea to impart stress tolerance during dry months |
| 22 | Foliar application of ascorbic acid in young tea to impart stress tolerance during dry months |
| 23 | Biochemical profiling of somaclones planted at Central Travancore |
| 24 | Gene expression during pathogenic stress in relation to grey blight |
| 25 | Biochemical characterization and analysis of PR proteins |
| 26 | Biochemical and molecular characterization of chitinase and various PR proteins |
| 27 | Lectins – an alternative biotic stress management system in tea |
| 28 | Evaluation of promising commercial PGRs for crop promotion in mature seedling tea |
| 29 | Evaluation of promising commercial PGRs for crop promotion in mature seedling tea: Gundumallay Estate |
| 30 | Evaluation of promising commercial plant biostimulants for crop promotion in mature seedling tea: Carady Goody Estate |
Completed to be checked and removed if any
| Discipline/ S.No | Project Title |
| Tea Technology | |
| 1 | Chemistry of tea clones |
| 2 | Product diversification |
| 3 | Interlaboratory ring test |
| 4 | Studies on clonal variation in flavour profile |
| 5 | Effect of polyphenol addition on quality parameters of black tea |
| 6 | Impact of withering on biochemical constituents |
| 7 | Data generation on green tea and black tea |
| 8 | Evaluation Electronic nose and vision system |
| 9 | Survey of iron filings in tea |
| 10 | Comparison of methodologies for the estimation of iron filings in tea |
| 11 | Studies on biochemical and antioxidant potential of white teas from different cultivars |
| 12 | Evaluation of flavour profile of various tea growing regions of south India |
| 13 | Distribution of various enzymes and substrates in tea shoot components |
| 14 | Changes in the amino acids and theanine content during processing |
| 15 | Construction of Hi-Tech tea factory at UPASI TRF, Coonoor |
| 16 | Quality evaluation of BSA-13 for orthodox manufacture |
| 17 | Studies on the effect of hot air application on the flavour index in orthodox tea processing |
News & Events
11News Letter June 2021
Newsletter-June 2021 Newsletter December 2021 Latest Annual report
Read MoreMRL 31 JANUARY 2023
MRL 31 January 2023
Read MoreVACANCY 2022
18.10.2022
Wanted a post graduate in Botany for the post of Assistant Botanist at UPASI Tea Research Institute, Valparai. Upper age limit – 30 Pay scale: 14650-700-18150-900-22650-1100-28150-1425-35275-1800-44275 Suitable candidates with relevant qualification can apply within 15 days to The Director I/C UPASI TRF Valparai through email…
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Read MoreDr. C.S. Venkata Ram Memorial Annual Tea Colloquium
Dr. C.S. Venkata Ram Memorial Annual Tea Colloquium will be announced later.
Read MoreResidue analysis in other crops
31-05-2013
The Pesticide Residue Division is equipped with state-of-art instruments viz., Gas Chromatograph, High Performance Liquid Chromatograph, GCMS, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, etc., Our lab is GLP certified by National GLP Compliance Monitoring Authority, Govt. of India for the execution of Pesticide Residue Studies. We are accredited…
Read MoreMonthly circular – April 2014
07/04/2014
Monthly Circular April -2014 WEATHER Weather data recorded in March 2014 at the TRF observatory are given below, along with the corresponding figures for March 2013. Year Total Rainfall mm Mean Sunshine hr/day Mean Temperature ° C Mean Relative Humidity % at Mean Evaporation…
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Articles
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Publications
Radhakrishnan,B., K. K. Srikumar, Smitha, K. B. Suresh. 2018. Evaluation of Sulfoxaflor 50%WG against Tea mosquito bug, Helopeltistheivora Waterhouse (Hemiptera: Miridae). Pestology. 42 (3), 31-36. Radhakrishnan, B. 2018. Recent issues on pesticide residues and other contaminants in Tea. Planters chronicle. 114(1): 4-11. Radhakrishnan B. and…
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12/12/12
The principal landmark in the history of tea research in south India, was the establishment of a Tea Experimental Station in Gudalur in 1926. During the last seven and half decades, this research organisation. Now known as the UPASI Tea Research Foundation (UPASI TRF), had…
Read MorePublications and Library
01/02/05
Annual Report is the one among the major publications of UPASI TRF. Annual report of each year is released by September of the following year. Other publications include Research Highlights and half yearly Newsletters. The Bulletin of UPASI TRF is an occasional publication. The Handbook…
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Conferences Seminars
13INTERACTIVE SESSION
DATE: March 25th 2023
PLACE: Coimbatore
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PLACE: Valparai
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Research Activities
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Pesticide Residue
Of late, considering the constant usage of pesticides and to monitor the residues in the final produce, a well equipped test facility was established at UPASI TRI in 1994. The pesticide residue laboratory is accredited by National Accreditation Board for testing and calibration Laboratories (NABL)…
Read MoreBotany
The Tea Research Institute at Valparai has seven divisions namely Botany, Soil Chemistry, Entomology, Pesticide Residue, Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Plant Physiology & Biotechnology and Tea Technology. Botany Research activities of Botany Division include plant improvement, cultivation practices and weed research. Plant improvement programme was…
Read MoreSoil Chemistry
Chemistry Division is involved in research pertaining to soil-plant nutrients of tea besides extending analytical service to the industry. The research activities include investigations on physico-chemical properties of soil, soil-plant interactions, response of tea to major, secondary and micronutrients and their interactions. The research work…
Read MoreEntomology
Entomology Division involve in basic and applied aspects of insect pests, particularly, biology, ecology and evolving control measures. The division evolved and recommended physical, chemical and biological method of tea pests control. In the past, extensive studies on bioecology, crop loss due to major pests…
Read MorePathology & Microbiology
In the division of Plant Pathology & Microbiology, research is carried out on diseases of tea and biofertilizers. Among the tea diseases, blister blight is the most important leaf disease caused by the pathogen, Exobasidium vexans affecting the tender harvestable shoots of tea resulting in…
Read MorePhysiology & Biotechnology
Plant Physiology Division was established in 1980 which has been primarily concentrated on crop productivity. The division strives for excellence in applied research in tea productivity and bush health besides biotechnological studies. The research undertaken extends over a wide range of research programmes having collaborative…
Read MoreTea Technology
Besides offering the analytical services and involving in inter laboratory ring test to validate the test methods, Tea Technology Division is concerned about quality of final produce in accordance with PFA Act requirements, storage studies, value added products and manufacturing aspects. The laboratory has been…
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