Ecophysiological traits differentially modulate secondary metabolite accumulation and antioxidant properties of tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]

Abstract

Owing to the diverse growing habitats, ecophysiology might have a regulatory impact on characteristic chemical components of tea plant. This study aimed to explore natural variations in the ecophysiological traits within seasons and the corresponding multifaceted biochemical responses given by the gene pool of 22 tea cultivars. Leaf temperature and intercellular carbon concentration (Ci), which varies as a function of transpiration and net photosynthesis respectively, have significant impact on the biochemical traits of the leaf. Occurrence of H2O2, in leaves, was associated to Ci that in turn influenced the lipid peroxidation. With the increment of Ci, total phenolics, epicatechin gallate (ECG), reducing power, and radical scavenging activity is lowered but total catechin and non-gallylated catechin derivatives (e.g. epicatechin or EC, epigallocatechin or EGC) are elevated. Leaf temperature is concomitantly associated (p ≤ 0.01) with phenolics, flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, tannin content, reducing power, iron chelation and free radical scavenging activities. Increased phenolic concentration in leaf cells, conceivably inhibit photosynthesis and moreover, gallic acid, thereafter conjugated to catechin derivatives. This study shed light on the fundamental information regarding ecophysiological impact on the quality determining biochemical characteristics of tea, which on further validation, might ascertain the genotype selection paradigm toward climate smart cultivation.

Flavonoid compound of Cucurbita moschata at three different altitudes

“…In addition, the cultivation method of plants and the environmental factor were noted to influence the presence of secondary metabolism besides the environmental condition. As Yuan (2020) reported in Dendrodium officinale Kimura & Migo, further factors such as temperature and intra-cellular CO2 concentration were also recorded to be crucial factors in forming the biochemical trait of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze leaves (Hazra et al 2021). A further finding was reported by Zhang et al (2021) in which improvement in CO2 concentration could develop the plant protection system, which grows on the surface of cadmium-contaminated soil by synthesizing the flavonoids.…”

The Origin and Evolution of Orphan Genes: A Case Study in Tea Plant Family

“…Bioactive constituents like catechin, theanine, and caffeine are crucial in defining the unique properties and commercial value of tea plants 89, 90 . Gene duplication events significantly influence the emergence of LSGs, with about 34.29% of LSGs in Theaceae attributed to gene duplications (Figure 6D and Supplementary Table 25).…”

Influence of Different Precursors on Content of Polyphenols in Camellia sinensis In Vitro Callus Culture

“…Tea plants ( Camellia sinensis L.) are a unique crop of widespread industrial use and are characterized by a high accumulation of phenolic BAS in their young leaves [ 49 , 50 ]. The main components of their phenolic complex are flavans—substances with P-vitamin capillary-strengthening and antimicrobial activity [ 51 , 52 ].…”