Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 202-214 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 202 Review and Progress Open Access Research Progress on the Collection, Identification, and Genetic Diversity of Tea Germplasm Resources Lian Chen, Chuchu Liu Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: chuchu.liu@jicat.org Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0019 Received: 05 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 16 Jul., 2024 Published: 28 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen and Liu, 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: Chen L., and Liu C.C. 2024, Research progress on the collection, identification, and genetic diversity of tea germplasm resources, Journal of Tea Science Research, 14(4): 202-214 (doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0019) Abstract The collection, identification, and genetic diversity research of tea germplasm resources are crucial for the conservation and utilization of tea plants. This study elucidates the classification, distribution, and genetic diversity of tea germplasm resources, analyzes the current progress in identification methods and the application of molecular marker technologies, and explores the conservation strategies and utilization status of tea germplasm resources in different regions. The study demonstrates that molecular marker technologies, such as SNP and SSR, can effectively reveal the genetic background and phylogenetic relationships of tea germplasm resources, providing an important basis for tea breeding. The study also highlights issues such as insufficient genetic diversity and poor management of germplasm resources in certain areas. Furthermore, it proposes key directions for future research, including strengthening the collection and preservation of genetic resources, developing new breeding materials, and exploring tea varieties that adapt to climate change. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the conservation, breeding, and industrial development of tea germplasm resources. Keywords Tea germplasm resources; Genetic diversity; Molecular markers; Germplasm identification; Resource conservation; Tea breeding 1 Introduction Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, cherished for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. The genetic diversity of tea plants is vast, owing to their prolonged cross-pollination nature, which has resulted in significant heritable variation (Kottawa-Arachchi et al., 2018). This diversity is crucial for breeding programs aimed at improving tea quality, yield, and stress tolerance. The high-quality genome sequence of the tea plant reveals that two rounds of whole-genome duplication events have influenced the expansion of gene families related to secondary metabolites and the production of quality compounds in tea, such as catechins, theanine, and caffeine. These gene expansions and transcriptional diversifications contribute to the unique flavor and health benefits of tea (Wei et al., 2018). The collection and identification of tea germplasm resources are fundamental for the conservation and utilization of genetic diversity. These resources provide the raw material for breeding programs that aim to enhance tea's productivity, quality, and adaptability to various environmental conditions (Kottawa-Arachchi et al., 2018). Understanding the genetic relationships and diversity among tea cultivars can aid in the selection of parent plants for breeding, ensuring the development of superior tea varieties (Clarke et al., 2023). Moreover, the identification of specific gene families involved in the biosynthesis of key metabolites like catechins, theanine, and caffeine is essential for improving tea quality (Tai et al., 2018; Wei et al., 2018). Recent studies have made significant strides in understanding the genetic and biochemical diversity of tea plants. For instance, high-quality genome assemblies of different tea varieties have provided insights into the evolutionary history and genetic basis of tea quality traits (Wei et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2021). Population genomic analyses have revealed independent domestication events and extensive genetic introgressions, contributing to the genetic diversity of modern tea cultivars (Meegahakumbura et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2021).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==