CaCl2 improves post-drought recovery potential in Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze.

Drought stress affects the growth and productivity of the tea plant. However, the damage caused is not permanent. The present investigation studies the effect of CaCl(2) on antioxidative responses of tea during post-drought recovery. Increase in dry mass, proline and phenolic content of leaf with decrease in H(2)O(2) and lipid peroxidation and increased activities of enzymes such as SOD, CAT, POX and GR in response to increased foliar CaCl(2) concentration are indications for the recovery of stress-induced oxidative damage and thus improving post-stress recovery potential of Camellia sinensis genotypes.