Vol. 2, Issue 5, Part B (2016)

Abstract
Climatic variation of Phenolics (mainly EGCG and ECG) Flavouring index (TF: TR and HPS, TC), PPO activities and anti-oxidative properties in fresh tea shoots to handmade orthodox tea, consisting of one apical bud and two adjoining leaves sampled from TV-1, TV20, TV26, TV29, TV30 (Tocklai Vegetative) clone and Tingamara, Dangri Manipuri and Sundaram B/5/63(Seed jat), Tinali 17, Takda7,8 grown in Terai, Hill and Dooarsregion in North Bengal, were investigated during three harvest season (March, June and December) in 2007, 2008,2009 and 2010. The EGCG, ECG of all clones was lower in cool months of December in four years (average 4.90 - 2.15, 2.93-0.63). Thereafter, the levels of total Phenolics in terms of EGCG, ECG increased throughout the warmer months from March to September. Antioxidant activity showed similar trends which increased from 1st harvest (March) to 3rd harvest (December). All clones showed nearly 100% antioxidant activity at 2nd and 3rd harvest season which higher than standard synthetic antioxidant BHA (Butylated hydroxyl anisole). However, seasonal diurnal variation of phenolics showed different results according to clones used. TF: TR (0.138 to 0.036%), HPS (22.235-10.14%) and TLC (5.73-3.49) also seasonally vary. PPO activity plays a crucial role and depends on the clone. These results seem to suggest that the harvest time is crucial to determining the antioxidant potential of fresh tea shoots and end product