Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 285-292 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 290 cold and insect resistance, further elucidating the complex gene interactions that underpin stress responses in tea plants. The identification and analysis of these gene networks are crucial for developing new tea varieties with improved stress resistance (Liu et al., 2016). 6.2 Exploration and utilization of stress-resistant genes from wild tea plants The exploration of wild tea species has opened new avenues for identifying stress-resistant genes that can be utilized in breeding programs. Wild relatives of tea plants often possess unique genetic traits that confer resilience to various environmental stresses (Zhang et al., 2018). For example, the CsIPT gene family has been studied for its role in abiotic stress resistance, with specific genes like CsIPT5.2 and CsIPT6.2 being implicated in cold and drought stress responses. These findings underscore the potential of wild tea species as a genetic reservoir for enhancing stress resistance in cultivated varieties. 6.3 Breeding strategies integrating stress resistance and tea quality improvement Integrating stress resistance with tea quality improvement is a key focus in current breeding strategies. Advances in genome-based approaches have facilitated the development of climate-resilient tea crops that do not compromise on quality. Techniques such as genomics-assisted breeding and the use of molecular markers have been instrumental in selecting elite genotypes that exhibit both stress tolerance and desirable quality traits. Moreover, biotechnological tools, including genetic transformation and the use of molecular markers, have enabled the precise manipulation of stress resistance traits while maintaining or enhancing tea quality. These strategies are essential for producing high-quality tea that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change and other environmental stresses (Takahashi et al., 2019). 7 Concluding Remarks Wild tea species, such as Camellia taliensis, play a crucial role in the breeding of stress-resistant tea cultivars. Their natural tolerance allows them to withstand various abiotic and biotic stresses. These wild resources contain a wealth of stress-resistant genes, providing essential support for improving the resilience of cultivated tea plants. For example, studies have shown that C. taliensis possesses a greater number of LEA genes compared to cultivated tea (C. sinensis), which contributes to its enhanced survival ability in extreme environments. Furthermore, incorporating wild relatives into breeding programs can effectively enhance key traits such as cold and drought resistance, thereby improving tea plants’ adaptability to climate change and ensuring the sustainable development of the tea industry in the future. Despite the potential of wild tea species in breeding programs, several challenges remain. One significant gap is the limited genetic information available for many wild species, which hinders their effective utilization in breeding. Moreover, the complexity of tea plant genomes, such as the large and structurally complex genome of C. taliensis, poses challenges for genetic studies and breeding efforts. Another challenge is the low cross-compatibility between wild and cultivated species, which can lead to genetic drag and the introduction of undesirable traits. Addressing these challenges requires advanced genomic tools and techniques to facilitate the identification and incorporation of beneficial genes from wild species into cultivated varieties. Future research should focus on expanding the genetic resources available for tea breeding by conducting comprehensive genomic studies on wild tea species. This includes sequencing and annotating the genomes of wild relatives to identify stress-resistance genes and pathways. Additionally, integrating biotechnological approaches such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics can enhance the understanding of stress response mechanisms and aid in the development of stress-resistant cultivars. Emphasizing the use of naturally stress-resistant plants (NSRPs) and minor crops can also diversify tea breeding programs and contribute to sustainable agriculture. By leveraging these strategies, researchers can develop tea varieties that are better equipped to withstand environmental stresses, ensuring yield stability and quality in the face of climate change.
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