Responses of tea to environment in Kenya. 1. Genotype x environment interactions for total dry matter production and yield

Dry matter production and yield of tea were recorded in a genotype x enviro nment interaction experiment with four tea clones planted at four sites at a range of altitudes in Kericho, Kenya. Large responses to environment in d ry matter production and yield were found. After 34 months from planting, t he total plant dry matter production ranged from 18 to 22 t ha(-1) across t he sites. One clone, TN 14-3, produced the most dry matter, reaching 29 t h a(-1) at the lowest altitude, while clone S 15/10 produced the least (15 t ha(-1)), Analysis of genotype x environment interactions showed that clone TN14-3 was above average stability in dry matter production across the four sites, but below average in yield. Clone S15/10 showed above average stabi lity for tea yield, but was below average in dry matter production.