Tsuyuhikari: A High-Quality, High-Yield Cultivar Resistant to Anthracnose

Tsuyuhikari is a relatively new cultivar that was selected at the Shizuoka Prefectural Tea Research Institute in 1972. A crossbreed between Shizu7132 and Asatsuyu, this early-maturity cultivar has a germination period and harvesting period about two days earlier than Yabukita. It became a recommended cultivar in Shizuoka Prefecture from April 2001.

The Tsuyuhikari tree is medium in shape, with a large horizontal planting and extremely strong vigor. It produces heavy and high-yielding shoots and buds. The adult leaves are green, long oval, with fewer waves at the edges, while the new leaves are bright pale green and the leaf shape is in between elliptical and elliptical shapes.

Tsuyuhikari has strong resistance to cold and red wilt, and its disease resistance is extremely strong against anthracnose and slightly strong against rice blast. However, red blight must be controlled as it may occur.

In terms of quality, the first flush of Tsuyuhikari tea has a light green color and luster, and the infusion is bright and pleasant. If deeply steamed, it will have a beautiful green shade. The flavor has a characteristic refreshing aroma and a mild flavor.

Tsuyuhikari is relatively easy to grow and manage, thanks to its excellent disease resistance and cold resistance. However, since its vigor is strong and tends to grow heavy buds, it is necessary to tailor, trim, and twig to increase the number of buds.

As for processing, it is necessary to pay attention to the degree of steaming and tea temperature during the process. In the future, it is desirable to produce a product that enhances the refreshing aroma and bright infusion color of Tsuyuhikari.

Due to its excellent disease and cold resistance, Tsuyuhikari has wide regional adaptability and is suitable for cultivation in all areas of Shizuoka Prefecture. It is also a cultivar suitable for environmentally friendly cultivation as it is extremely resistant to anthracnose, making it possible to reduce the use of pesticides. As a slightly early-maturity cultivar, it is suitable for cultivation in combination with Yabukita.