Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 277-285 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 277 Feature Review Open Access Wild Tea Species as a Genetic Resource for Future Breeding Programs Jie Huang, Xiazhen Huang, Meifang Li Tropical Medicinal Plant Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: meifang.li@hitar.org Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0027 Received: 11 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 18 Nov., 2024 Published: 25 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Huang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Huang J., Huang X.Z., and Li M.F., 2024, Wild tea species as a genetic resource for future breeding programs, Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 14(6): 277-285 (doi: 10.5376/tgmb.2024.14.0027) Abstract This study reviews the significance and potential utilization of wild tea species in tea breeding programs. Wild tea species provide rich genetic diversity that supports the genetic improvement of cultivated tea. These wild relatives possess critical traits such as resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and quality enhancement, which are key to improving tea yield, quality, and adaptability to environmental changes. The study also explores the application of modern breeding technologies, including genome sequencing, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and marker-assisted selection (MAS), as well as strategies for balancing the development and conservation of wild tea species. Future research and international collaboration will enhance the efficient utilization of wild tea resources, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the tea industry. Keywords Wild tea species; Genetic diversity; Tea breeding; Pest and disease resistance; Abiotic stress tolerance 1 Introduction Tea cultivation holds significant economic importance globally, as it is one of the most widely consumed beverages, produced from the leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. This evergreen crop is cultivated in over 50 countries, with China and India being the largest producers (Meegahakumbura et al., 2018; Xia et al., 2020). The economic value of tea is not only due to its widespread consumption but also its cultural significance and health benefits, which have driven the demand for high-quality tea products (Xia et al., 2020). The tea industry relies heavily on the genetic diversity of tea plants to improve yield, quality, and resistance to environmental stresses (Li et al., 2023). However, tea breeding faces several challenges, primarily due to the limited genetic base resulting from conventional breeding methods, which are slow and often constrained by low cross-compatibility and genetic drag (Mukhopadhyay et al., 2015). The genetic improvement of tea is further complicated by its large and complex genome, which poses difficulties in genetic studies and breeding programs (Zhang et al., 2015). To overcome these challenges, there is a pressing need for greater genetic diversity to enhance breeding efforts and develop tea varieties that can withstand biotic and abiotic stresses while maintaining high quality (Chen et al., 2019; Niu et al., 2019). Wild tea species represent an untapped reservoir of genetic diversity that could be crucial for future breeding programs. These wild relatives of cultivated tea, such as Camellia taliensis, possess valuable traits like abiotic tolerance and biotic resistance, which are not present in cultivated varieties. The genetic resources found in wild tea species can provide insights into the domestication and evolutionary history of tea plants, offering potential for the discovery of genes associated with important traits such as stress resistance and flavor. By leveraging the genetic diversity of wild tea species, breeders can develop new tea cultivars with improved characteristics, ensuring the sustainability and economic viability of the tea industry in the face of changing environmental conditions. 2 Diversity and Distribution of Wild Tea Species 2.1 Taxonomy and classification of wild tea species Wild tea species, primarily belonging to the genus Camellia, are classified under the section Thea. This section includes Camellia sinensis, the most widely cultivated tea plant, and its wild relatives. The classification within
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