Scientists from the Subtropical Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Anhui Agricultural University (China), have for the first time created a genetic map of the frost resistance of Russian tea varieties.
In it, scientists indicated key DNA regions responsible for the cold resistance of tea plants. The project became a significant result of large-scale international cooperation, supported by the Russian Science Foundation and the Chinese NSFC foundation.
The scientists conducted research based on a special tea population created from offspring obtained from crossing a frost-resistant Adyghe genotype and a cold-sensitive variety, "Kolkhida." Using whole-genome analysis and genetic mapping, they were able to accurately determine the location of specific DNA regions on chromosomes associated with frost resistance.
To identify the most active genes responsible for protective functions, the plants underwent comprehensive stress tests. From a multitude of candidates, two studied genes with high activity were selected and then introduced into a model organism—tobacco—as changing the tea genome is currently technically challenging.
The created map allows for the precise determination of the location of cold resistance loci and identifies markers that can significantly influence tea selection—this opens new horizons for the global cultivation of the plant.
Scientists also created molecular markers, which are unique genetic labels. For example, for the CsLUX gene, they discovered its natural modification—the HapA haplotype, associated with amino acid replacement. The research results showed that the presence of HapA is associated with increased cold resistance in both Chinese and Russian genotypes. Geographical studies have demonstrated that this beneficial variant is found in populations growing in harsh climatic conditions.
The use of such markers in breeding allows for a significant acceleration in the selection of promising seedlings, which in turn reduces the time it takes to create new varieties. The project not only leads to scientific discoveries but also provides breeders with new tea genotypes and tools for the rapid creation of improved varieties.
