Genetic Diversity of Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) Germplasm Resources in Wuyi Mountain of China Based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Markers

A high level of genetic diversity was found among tea plant (Camellia sinensis) germplasm resources in Wuyi Mountain, China, a globally recognized origin of black and oolong teas. Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers, researchers analyzed 137 tea samples from the region, revealing that intrapopulation variation accounted for 66% of total genetic diversity. The study also identified distinct genetic backgrounds in landraces compared to wild types, suggesting population differentiation. These findings provide critical insights for the conservation and sustainable utilization of Wuyi Mountain's tea germplasm, while also offering potential for optimizing tea cultivation through targeted breeding programs.

Liu, C., Yu, W., Cai, C., Huang, S., Wu, H., Wang, Z., Wang, P., Zheng, Y., Wang, P., & Ye, N. (2022). Genetic Diversity of Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) Germplasm Resources in Wuyi Mountain of China Based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Markers. Horticulturae, 8(10), 932. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100932