Abstract: Tea plants, as a significant economic crops in China, are characterized by their preference for moisture and vulnerability to waterlogging. Currently, there is few research concerning the damage caused by waterlogging to tea plants and the post-waterlogging recovery measures, so the analysis of agronomic measures such as pruning is of great significance to the restoration of tea growth. Here, the effects of waterlogging stress on the growth of ‘JinXuan’ tea plants were analyzed, and disclosed that it can result in disruption of the rhizosphere micro-ecological equilibrium in roots of tea plants. Harmful microorganisms, such as anaerobic bacteria (including Azospira, Citrifermentans, etc.) and pathogenic fungi (Phaeomoniellales, Gibberella, etc.), accumulate in the roots. Meanwhile, it also decreases the expressions of related element transporter genes and element levels (Ca, K, Zn, P) in the roots of tea plants, while increases the content of Fe. The pruning approach can significantly increase the hundred-buds weight, length, widthand leaf area of the third leaves of waterlogged tea plants, thereby increasing the tea yield. It could promote the recovery of tea plants by enhancing the absorption and transport of nitrogen by the root system.

Key words: Camellia sinensis, waterlogging, prune, root microorganisms, nitrogen