Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 277-285 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 280 improving tea quality through breeding (Yamashita et al., 2020). Moreover, GWAS has been used to study traits like the timing of spring bud flush, providing markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs (Wang et al., 2019). These studies leverage large-scale SNP data to uncover genetic markers that can be used to enhance tea plant traits. 4.3 Molecular breeding techniques Molecular breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection (MAS), have been instrumental in accelerating tea breeding programs. The development of molecular markers, such as unigene-derived microsatellite markers, has facilitated genetic analysis and gene mapping in tea (Sharma et al., 2009). These markers allow for the efficient selection of desirable traits, such as yield, quality, and resistance, by providing a genetic basis for breeding decisions (Li et al., 2023). The integration of genomic data with MAS enables breeders to make informed selections, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of breeding programs. 4.4 Emerging technologies Emerging technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and epigenetic studies hold great promise for the future of tea breeding. CRISPR-Cas9 offers precise genome editing capabilities, allowing for the targeted modification of genes associated with important traits, potentially overcoming limitations of traditional breeding methods (Mukhopadhyay et al., 2015). Additionally, understanding epigenetic modifications in tea plants can provide insights into gene expression regulation and stress responses, offering new avenues for enhancing tea plant resilience and quality (Wang et al., 2019). These technologies represent the frontier of genetic improvement in tea, providing innovative tools for developing superior tea cultivars. 5 Case Study: Resistance of Wild Tea Species to Blister Blight 5.1 Background on tea blight and its impact on cultivation Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages, made from the tender leaves of the tea plant. Various biotic and abiotic factors are directly related to tea yield. Among the biotic factors, the most destructive is blister blight, caused by the obligate parasitic fungus Exobasidium vexans Massee. The pathogen invades the tender leaves of tea plants, directly impacting the economic growth of tea-producing countries due to the significant export value of tea. Numerous studies have identified the symptoms, epidemiology, and control strategies of this pathogen. Traditionally, control measures have relied on copper-based fungicides, but these approaches are not long-term sustainable solutions due to environmental concerns and the potential development of resistance in pathogens (Figure 2) (Sen et al., 2020). Therefore, identifying genetic resistance in tea species is crucial for sustainable disease management. Figure 2 Symptoms of blister blight in tea (Adopted from Sen et al., 2020) Image caption: A: Infected leaves in tea bush; B: Various degree of infection; C: Typical symptoms of infection (Adopted from Sen et al., 2020)
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