Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 64-78 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 75 Additionally, the discovery of genes associated with stress resistance and secondary metabolism has facilitated the development of Camellia varieties with enhanced tolerance to environmental stresses (Wu et al., 2020). The use of haplotype-resolved genome assemblies and population genomic analyses has also revealed the genetic basis of flavor characteristics and other important traits in tea plants, enabling breeders to select for these traits more effectively (Zhang et al., 2021). These genomic insights are instrumental in developing improved Camellia cultivars with superior agronomic and quality traits. 6.3 Practical applications Several practical applications of genomic research in Camellia breeding have been documented. For instance, the construction of a pan-transcriptome for Camellia plants has facilitated the identification of gene expression patterns associated with tea quality and stress resistance, providing valuable information for breeding programs (Wu et al., 2020). Additionally, the development of a comprehensive tea plant information archive (TPIA2) has integrated large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic data, offering a valuable resource for functional genomics and population genetic studies in Camellia (Gao et al., 2023). To effectively conserve the genetic resources of Camellia species, specific measures should be followed. First, comprehensive genetic surveys are necessary to assess the genetic diversity of wild and cultivated Camellia populations and to identify key conservation targets. Second, habitat protection measures should be implemented, including the establishment of protected areas and land use management to reduce habitat destruction. Ex-situ conservation is equally important, involving the creation and maintenance of seed banks, living collections, and cryopreservation facilities to safeguard genetic material. Additionally, community involvement is crucial; local communities should be engaged in conservation efforts through education and the promotion of sustainable harvesting practices. Policy support is essential; policies that support conservation efforts should be developed and enforced, including land use regulations and incentives for preserving genetic diversity. By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure the long-term preservation and sustainable use of Camellia genetic resources for future generations (Supple and Shapiro, 2018). 7 Challenges and Future Directions 7.1 Emerging technologies The potential of new genomic technologies in further research on the genus Camellia is immense. High-throughput sequencing technologies, such as Illumina and PacBio, have already provided significant insights into the genomic structure and evolutionary history of various Camellia species (Wei et al., 2018; Li et al., 2019; Shen et al., 2022). The application of haplotype-resolved genome assembly has revealed allele-specific expressions and genetic diversity, which are crucial for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms and domestication processes in Camellia (Zhang et al., 2021). Additionally, the development of a web-accessible database for Camellia transcriptomes facilitates efficient data retrieval and utilization, promoting further research and breeding programs (Wu et al., 2022). 7.2 Research gaps and opportunities Despite the advancements, several research gaps remain. One major gap is the limited understanding of the functional roles of rRNA pseudogenes and their evolutionary patterns within the Camellia genus (Zhang et al., 2020). Another gap is the need for more comprehensive studies on the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes, which are essential for phylogenetic analyses and species identification (Li et al., 2019; Lin et al., 2022; Lu et al., 2022). Furthermore, the genetic basis of key economic traits, such as oil biosynthesis and stress tolerance, requires further investigation to enhance breeding programs (Yan et al., 2018; Shen et al., 2022). Opportunities for future research include the integration of multi-omics approaches, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, to identify candidate genes associated with desirable traits (Yan et al., 2018; Wei et al., 2018). Additionally, exploring the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of less-studied Camellia species can provide valuable insights into the genus's adaptation mechanisms and potential for crop improvement (Zhang et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2021).
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