Micropropagation of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) has been widely
attempted but commercial exploitation of this method is limited by heavy lo
sses during the hardening procedures. In the present study, optimization of
time of harvesting (spring and early summer) of microshoots, shoot size, s
oil pH (4.0-6.4), plant growth regulator treatment (IBA; 500 mg l(-1), 30 m
in) CO2 (9.09/10x10(-5) mol l(-1) to 10.22/10x10(-5) mol l(-1) and 20/11x10
(-5) mol l(-1) to 80/13x10(-7) mol l(-1)) enrichment and light (15 mu mol m
(-2) s(-1)) conditions in specially designed hardening chambers, made a sig
nificant impact on the percent of success for hardening. Following the stan
dardized procedure, up to 71.6% root induction and 73% survival could be ac
hieved. Successful field transfer was also accomplished.