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Please wait a minute... For Selected: Download Citations EndNote Reference Manager ProCite BibTeX RefWorks Toggle Thumbnails Select Research Progress on Foam Generation Mechanism and Control Technology of Tea Beverages HUANG Shanyoumei, LIN Dongyi, MA Chengying, RONG Jiefeng, SUN Weijiang, HUANG Yan Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 181-190.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.20250311.001 Abstract （265）      PDF（pc） （420KB）（267）       Knowledge map    Save During the processing of tea beverages, a considerable amount of foam is generated, which adversely affects the quality, stability, and appearance of the products and is a major challenge for the industry. Proper understanding and management of the causes of foam generation and control technologies are critical to optimizing the production process. This article systematically examined the fundamental theory of foam generation and analyzed the impact of various factors such as tea components, temperature and pH levels on this process. Additionally, it outlined different methods for foam elimination, discussed defoaming principles, and categorized commonly used anti-foaming agents in the food industry, intending to provide valuable references for optimizing tea beverage processing technology. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Identification of CsPATL Gene Family and Analysis of Upstream Transcriptional Regulation of CsPATL1 WANG Jinbo, XIE Siyi, DOU Xiangya, SHEN Xiaohua, TIAN Na, LIU Shuoqian Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 191-200.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.005 Abstract （140）      PDF（pc） （1962KB）（53）       Knowledge map    Save The Patellin (PATL) gene family is essential for plant growth, development and environmental adaptation. This study systematically identified and analyzed the CsPATL gene family in tea plants (Camellia sinensis). Five members of the CsPATL family were identified using a variety of bioinformatics techniques, and the physicochemical characteristics of their protein sequences were analyzed. The results show that the five CsPATL genes encode 232~585 amino acids, their molecular weights are 26.31~64.69 kDa, and their theoretical isoelectric points are 4.65~9.35. The chromosomal localization of these genes and the cis-elements in their promoter sequences were also analyzed in detail, and it was found that these genes were unevenly distributed on four chromosomes, and were mainly involved in phytohormone response, abiotic stress response, and light response, with light-responsive elements occupying a significant proportion in particular. Y1H, EMSA, and dual-luciferase assays confirm that Cshdz7 can directly bind to the CsPATL1 promoter and promote CsPATL1 gene expression. These findings provided a new perspective on the role of the CsPATL family genes in plant developmental regulation of tea plant development. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Analysis of Codon Usage Bias in Chloroplast and Mitochondrial Genomes of Camellia sinensis cv.‘Zhuyeqi’ ZENG Wenjuan, ZHU Youpeng, CHEN Jiaxin, LI Hongyu, WANG Shuanghui, GONG Yihui, CHEN Zhiyin Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 201-218.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.008 Abstract （125）      PDF（pc） （2717KB）（100）       Knowledge map    Save Codon usage bias serves as an important driving force for gene expression regulation and molecular evolution, and is of particular importance in the study of plant organellar genomes. Camellia sinensis cv. ‘Zhuyeqi’, an important tea cultivar in China, has not yet received a systematic report on the codon usage patterns of its organellar genomes. This study was systematic bioinformatic analysis of the 52 chloroplast-encoded genes and 29 mitochondrial-encoded genes of ‘Zhuyeqi’. The results reveal that: (1) both the chloroplast genome (ENC=44.64±3.25) and the mitochondrial genome (ENC=51.98±3.47) exhibit weak codon usage bias, with the chloroplast bias primarily driven by natural selection (GC3s and ENC correlation R2=0.482). While the mitochondrial bias is jointly influenced by natural selection and mutational pressure (R2=0.312). (2) Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis demonstrates that both organellar genomes significantly prefer synonymous codons ending in A/U, and the highly expressed chloroplast genes (rpoC2, psbA) exhibit stronger codon preferences. (3) a multi-parameter screening approach identified 20 optimal chloroplast codons (GCA, GCU) and 23 optimal mitochondrial codons (GCC, AGG). This study provided elucidation of the codon usage characteristics and evolutionary driving forces in the organellar genomes of Camellia sinensis cv. ‘Zhuyeqi’, offering crucial theoretical guidance for the optimization of the tea molecular breeding system and the efficient expression of exogenous genes. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Study on the Genetic Diversity of 78 Tea Germplasm Resources in Hunan Based on Agronomic Traits and SNP Molecular Markers GUO Jialu, QU Furong, CAI Tianchen, ZHAO Yang, YANG Peidi, LIU Yong, ZHOU Yuebin, LIU Zhen Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 219-233.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.002 Abstract （138）      PDF（pc） （1898KB）（60）       Knowledge map    Save To clarify the genetic diversity of tea germplasm resources in Hunan Province, explore the genetic structure of germplasm resources for accurate identification and evaluation, genotyping by targeted sequencing (GBTS) was used to genotype and analyze the genetic diversity of 76 252 SNP loci in 78 tea germplasm resources in Hunan Province. A total of 30 agronomic traits and 15 biochemical components of this batch of resources were accurately identified. The results show that there was abundant genetic variation among 78 tea germplasm resources in Hunan Province, with a genetic diversity index of 0.07-2.08 for phenotypic traits and a coefficient of variation of 2.26%-47.50%. The smallest was the number of calyxs and the largest was the depth of leaf serration. The genetic diversity index of the biochemical components was 1.36-2.09, and the coefficient of variation was 5.90%-118.49%, with the smallest being water extract and the largest being gallic acid. When the Euclidean distance was 20, the 78 tea germplasm resources could be divided into five groups, and there were significant differences in leaf length, leaf size, leaf base shape, ratio of polyphenols/amino acids, GA, THEO, GC, EGC, EC, EGCG, GCG and ECG in groups Ⅰ and Ⅲ. Based on the genotype detection results of 78 resources, a phylogenetic tree was constructed, and 78 resources could be divided into three groups. At the same time, this study identified 23 tea resources with specific phenotypic traits, high levels of functional components such as amino acids, theobromine and caffeine. The results of this study could provide a basis for the protection and utilization of tea germplasm resources in Hunan. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select The Impacts and Regulatory Mechanisms of Forest Conversion to Tea Plantations and Their Management on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Pools HUANG Fuyin, ZHANG Shaobo, HU Qiang, LUO Ying, DONG Yajie, ZHANG Jie, LI Xin, FU Jianyu, WANG Huasen, YAN Peng Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 234-252.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.004 Abstract （140）      PDF（pc） （3259KB）（51）       Knowledge map    Save This study investigated how the conversion of forests to tea plantations and associated management practices affect the dynamics of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions across soil profiles in tea agroecosystems, with a focus on fungal community-mediated regulatory mechanisms. We compared forest soils with tea plantation soils under low-, medium-, and high-intensity fertilization regimes. Soil cores were systematically collected from four depth intervals (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm) to analyze vertical stratification of C/N fractions, nutrient stoichiometry, and fungal community composition. The results reveal that tea plantations management significantly enhanced soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents in the 0-10 cm soil layer compared to forest soil. Under high-input conditions, total carbon and nitrogen reached 46.57 g·kg-1 and 5.13 g·kg-1, respectively, increasing by 68.12% and 88.60% compared to low-input tea plantations. Land-use conversion and fertilization intensity gradients in tea plantations significantly modified fungal community structure and composition, with these changes being mainly driven by soil nutrient availability, including available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and total nitrogen (TN). In addition, fungal richness demonstrates a progressive decline across soil depth gradients (0-60 cm). Further analyses reveals that Dothideomycetes and Umbelopsidiomycetes exhibited significant positive correlations with soil C and N fractions, whereas Mortierellomycetes, Geminibasidiomycetes and Mucoromycotina_cls_Incertae_sedis showed pronounced negative correlations. Variations in the relative abundance of these taxa may strongly influence carbon and nitrogen cycling in tea plantation soils. Therefore, the conversion of forests to tea plantations and different fertilization management practices regulate soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation by influencing the structure of soil fungal communities and the abundance of dominant taxa. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Identification of the L-type Lectin Receptor Kinase Gene Family in Camellia sinensis and Its Response to Tea Brown Blight and Tea Anthracnose LI Yuexin, YAN Donghai, ZHANG Jinfeng, PU Yundan, LI Shuai, MENG Zehong Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 253-265.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.001 Abstract （111）      PDF（pc） （4483KB）（99）       Knowledge map    Save L-type lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRKs) constitute a significant subfamily of plant receptor-like kinases, playing pivotal roles in plant development and immune responses. In this study, the CsLecRK gene family was systematically identified and analyzed in Camellia sinensis to explore their functions in growth, development and disease resistance. A total of 59 L-type CsLecRKs containing PF00069 and PF00139 domains were identified through HMMsearch analysis. Phylogenetic analysis shows these genes could be classified into 5 subgroups, revealing notable differences in exon-intron structures among the subgroups. Promoter region analysis shows enrichment of cis-acting elements associated with hormone responses and stress signaling pathways. Transcriptome data reveals that L-type CsLecRKs exhibited differential expressions in different tea plant tissues. qRT-PCR validation demonstrates that CsLecRK IV.1.2 and CsLecRK S.5 were significantly upregulated during the early stage of Colletotrichum camelliae infection and the later stages of Pestalotiopsis spp. infection. Notably, their expression levels were substantially higher in the resistant cultivar ‘Qianmei 419’ compared to the susceptible cultivar ‘Qianmei 818’, indicating their critical involvement in the immune response to pathogen infection. This study highlighted the critical mechanisms of L-type CsLecRKs in tea plant defenses against brown blight and anthracnose, elucidated the expression profiles of CsLecRK IV.1.2 and CsLecRK S.5 during pathogen infection, and demonstrated their potential to enhance disease resistance by activating the tea plant immune system. These findings provided valuable genetic resources and theoretical support for molecular breeding as well as green disease control strategies in tea plants. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Isolation and Identification of the Pathogen Causing Leaf Spot in Tea Plants YANG Fang, JIANG Bingbing, LEI Jinmei, GUO Cunwu, LI Limei, XU Jiayi, WANG Xinghua, YUAN Wenxia, WANG Baijuan Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 266-272.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.006 Abstract （126）      PDF（pc） （909KB）（56）       Knowledge map    Save Tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] is an important agricultural economic crop in China. Tea leaf spot disease is one of the most important leaf diseases of tea plants. It seriously affects the yield and quality of tea. In 2023, a tea leaf spot disease was found in a tea garden in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture Yunnan Province. In order to clarify the pathogen, the tissue isolation method and wound inoculation method were used to isolate and determine the pathogenicity of the pathogen. The morphological characteristics were observed and combined with molecular biology techniques to determine the type of pathogen. The results show that the three strains could infect tea leaves and were the causal agents of tea leaf spot. The pathogen causing tea leaf spot was identified as Nigrospora musae by observing its morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of multiple genes (ITS, TUB2 and TEF-1α). The results of this study provided a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of tea leaf spot caused by the pathogen. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Design and Testing of Tea Garden Crawler Plowing Machine SHEN Shuai, REN Ning, ZHENG Hang, YU Guohong, CHEN Zhidong Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 273-283.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.003 Abstract （134）      PDF（pc） （1587KB）（83）       Knowledge map    Save In response to the problems of inadequate agricultural equipment and poor slope performance in tea gardens of hilly areas, a tracked ploughing machine suitable for hilly tea plantations was designed and developed, with a focus on slope performance. The main structural parameters of the chassis were designed, and the dynamic simulation was used to analyze the machine's ability to traverse across and along slopes. The simulation results show that the maximum slope for the machine to traverse across was 22°, and the maximum slope for the machine to traverse along was 31°. To explore the quality of excavator tillage, based on the theoretical analysis of the tillage movement trajectory, the tillage advance speed was optimized by dynamics, and the optimal tillage advance speed of 400-450 mm·s-1 was obtained for excavators. To further verify the rationality of the parameters and the reliability of the simulation results, field tests were conducted on uphill slopes. The results show that the maximum climbing ability of the machine on uphill slopes was 32°, with an error of 3.22% compared to the theoretical climbing angle. The results validate the accuracy and reliability of the theoretical calculations and simulations, demonstrating that the designed ploughing machine has good maneuverability and can fully meet the uphill climbing needs of hilly areas, providing an effective solution to the problem of tea plantation cultivation. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Optimization and Testing of Tea Garden Biomimetic Tillage Machine Based on DEM-MBD Coupling Algorithm JIA Zhijun, JIANG Jiayin, XU Jiajun, LI Yang, DONG Chunwang, SONG Wentao, LI Kai, WEI Chizhang, YAO Yuchen, YAO Lijian, YANG Zidong, LIU Haoyang, MA Rong Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 284-302.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.010 Abstract （106）      PDF（pc） （3657KB）（42）       Knowledge map    Save To solve the problems of high resistance and poor operation efficiency caused by soil compaction and stickiness in tea plantation cultivation, this study designed a tea plantation composite biomimetic tillage shovel based on the mole claw toe as a biomimetic prototype, and integrated it with a four-bar mechanism to develop a tea garden tillage machine. Firstly, a simulation analysis of the tillage process of a tea garden bionic tillage shovel was carried out based on the coupling algorithm of Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Multi Body Dynamics (MBD). At the same time, Design Expert 13 experimental design software was used to design and carry out a three-factor three-level simulation orthogonal combination experiment. It was found that when the tillage depth was 100 mm, the optimal working parameters of the tea garden biomimetic tillage machine with a composite biomimetic tillage shovel were the plowing shovel insertion angle of 33.506°, the driving arm speed of 289.923 r·min-1, and the tillage machine forward speed of 0.2 m·s-1. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of soil disturbance simulation based on soil particle velocity distribution was conducted under these working parameters. Finally, a comparative experiment was conducted in tea gardens using a composite biomimetic tillage shovel and a prototype shovel under the same working parameters. The results show that compared with the prototype shovel, the average resistance of the tea garden biomimetic tillage machine equipped with a composite biomimetic shovel was reduced by 5.70%, and the performance evaluation indicators such as soil fragmentation rate were improved. Its working performance can meet the requirements of tea garden cultivation. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Spatiotemporal Changes of Amino Acids and Polyphenols in Leaves and Stems during Tea Withering CHENG Haiyan, TU Linyue, CHEN Lin, XU An'an, XIE Hengtong, XU Ping Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 303-317.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.009 Abstract （164）      PDF（pc） （3576KB）（87）       Knowledge map    Save Changes in amino acids and polyphenols in leaves and stems during withering are critical for the formation of the material basis of tea flavor. This study systematically analyzed the differential accumulation patterns of amino acids and polyphenols in tea leaves and stems , as well as their changes during withering. The results show that the phenol-ammonia ratio in the leaves (4.66-6.36) was higher than that in the stems (1.97-2.59) during withering. The free amino acid content in tender stems (7.44%) was significantly higher than that in fresh leaves (2.22%). A total of 44 amino acids and their derivatives show differential accumulation between the two tissues, of which three (theanine, aminobutyric acid, and pipecolic acid) were found to be highly accumulated in the stems. No significant difference in total tea polyphenol content was observed between fresh leaves and tender stems. However, 97 polyphenolic compounds show differential accumulation between the two tissues. Gallate-type catechins and most flavonols and flavonol glycosides were more highly accumulated in the leaves, whereas non-gallate-type catechins were more abundant in the stems. During the withering process, the total content of free amino acids increased in the leaves but it continued to decrease in the stems. A total of 21 and 15 amino acids and derivatives underwent significant changes during the withering process in leaves and stems, respectively. The changing trends of tea polyphenol content in leaves and stems were relatively consistent, with 49 and 35 polyphenolic compounds showing significant changes during withering, respectively. The results of this study indicate that the leaf-stem ratio in tea raw materials plays a critical role in the formation of tea quality during subsequent processing, providing a theoretical basis for the development of withering regulation technologies based on leaf-to-stem ratio considerations. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select The Study of Volatile Components in Three Scented Types of Black Tea Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and Molecular Docking Technology ZHANG Peng, HUANG Yan, WEI Chengjiang, ZHENG Zhiqiang, WU Weiwei, ZHENG Changkun, SHEN Weiwei, YU Yingjie, LIN Fuming, SUN Weijiang Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 318-332.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.007 Abstract （134）      PDF（pc） （3521KB）（116）       Knowledge map    Save In recent years, honey-like, fruity, and herbal mint-scented black teas have attracted considerable consumer attention and preference. However, the underlying mechanisms of their aroma characteristics require further in-depth investigation and analysis. This study employed headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), combined with variable importance in projection (VIP) and relative odor activity value (ROAV) of orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to identify key volatile compounds in three scented types of black tea. Molecular docking was then used to explore the binding sites and interactions between the key volatile compounds and olfactory receptors. The results show significant differences in the volatile component contents among the three scented types of black tea, with 13 volatile compounds identified as the critical contributors to these differences. In honey-like black tea, damascenone, benzaldehyde, and linalool oxide I were identified as the major volatile contributors. In fruity-scented black tea, heptanal, 3,6-nonadien-1-ol, 2-heptanone, (E)-citral, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one played pivotal roles. While the cooling sensation in herbal mint-scented black tea was closely associated with methyl salicylate. Molecular docking analysis demonstrates that the key volatile compounds spontaneously bind to olfactory receptors OR1A1, OR1G1, OR2W1, OR5M3, OR7D4, and OR8D1, with OR1A1 identified as the primary receptor for perceiving these aroma characteristics. The binding was facilitated by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with three amino acid residues (TYR258, PHE206, and VAL254) of OR1A1, promoting the presentation of the aroma profiles. This study elucidates the mechanisms for the characteristic aroma formations of these three scented types of black tea, providing a theoretical foundation for enhancing black tea flavor quality and achieving targeted processing. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Effects of Storage Time on Chemical Components and Taste Characteristics of ‘Rucheng Baimaocha’ White Tea XIE Mingwei, DING Shuqia, NIE Qing, ZHOU Linghong, WEN Haitao, CAI Shuxian Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 333-345.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.20250319.001 Abstract （116）      PDF（pc） （2796KB）（61）       Knowledge map    Save ‘Rucheng Baimaocha’ (Camellia pubescens) exhibits excellent suitability for white tea processing, yet research on its change during storage remains unexplored. The chemical composition and taste characteristics of Baihaoyinzhen and Shoumei produced from ‘Rucheng Baimaocha’ were analyzed by metabolomics, sensory evaluation and quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) for different storage durations. The results demonstrate that storage duration exerted a more pronounced impact on the chemical composition of Shoumei compared to Baihaoyinzhen. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identified 349 and 805 differential metabolites in Baihaoyinzhen and Shoumei samples, respectively. Compared to tea samples stored for 1 year, Baihaoyinzhen stored for 7 years exhibited increased levels of alkaloids, amino acids and their derivatives, lipids, nucleotides and their derivatives, organic acids and terpenes. While its flavonoids and other compounds showed decreased levels. In contrast, Shoumei stored for 7 years displayed significant reductions in alkaloids, amino acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, lignans and coumarins, lipids, phenolic acids, tannins and quinones, and other compounds. The contents of eight compounds, including 4-methylphenol and 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, showed a positive correlation with storage duration. Changes in the levels of taste -related compounds such as theanine and arginine led to alterations in the tea's taste characteristics. Additionally, bioactive components like kaempferol, cyclo(proline-leucine), and agmatine increased after storage, enhancing the health-promoting effects of ‘Rucheng Baimaocha’ white tea. The research findings provided references and a theoretical basis for the scientific storage and quality improvement of ‘Rucheng Baimaocha’ white tea. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Visualisation Research of Anhua Dark Tea Cultural Gene Map ZHANG Lichun, XIAO Lizheng, NIU Li, WU Bo, ZHU Haiyan, LIU Zhonghua Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (2): 346-360.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.02.011 Abstract （164）      PDF（pc） （1409KB）（270）       Knowledge map    Save Anhua dark tea embodies a profound culture that holds immense historical and practical value. This study applies the “cultural gene theory” and adheres to four identification principles: intrinsic uniqueness, extrinsic uniqueness, local distinctiveness, and overall superiority. It explores ecology, production, product, as well as storage and transport “genes” at the material cultural levels. In addition, it explores life-related, art, history humanities and spiritual core “genes” at the spiritual cultural level. This study extracted cultural elements, collected instances of these elements, and constructed an ontology model with the Protégé software. It presented the relational and hierarchical relationships of Anhua dark tea culture through visualization techniques, achieving the visualization of the cultural gene map of Anhua dark tea, and analyzed its application value in cultural inheritance, artistic aesthetics and brand building. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Research Progress on the Impact of Environmental Stresses on Tea Quality during the Withering Process YAN Duo, YU Penghui, GONG Yushun Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (1): 1-14.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.01.003 Abstract （374）      PDF（pc） （530KB）（490）       Knowledge map    Save Withering is an important process for tea quality formation. Fresh tea leaves are subjected to a variety of environmental stresses such as water loss, temperature, light and mechanical damage during withering. Under these stresses, complex physiological and biochemical changes in leaves, which ultimately contribute to the formation of tea quality. This paper reviewed the effects of different environmental stresses on the formation of tea taste and aroma during the withering process. It mainly analyzed how different environmental stresses regulate the synthesis and metabolism of compounds in fresh tea leaves, and further explored their effects on the changes in cellular physical structure, enzymatic, and non-enzymatic chemical reactions in fresh tea leaves. This review provided theoretical supports for improving tea quality. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Cloning of BZR1 Gene Family in Tea Plants and Molecular Mechanism Study of CsBZR1-5 Response to Drought Stress DONG Yuan, ZHANG Yongheng, XIAO Yezi, YU Youben Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (1): 15-28.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.01.004 Abstract （195）      PDF（pc） （1374KB）（100）       Knowledge map    Save The BZR1 transcription factor is a key transcription factor in the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway, playing an important regulatory role in plant growth, development, and stress response. This study identified and cloned six members of the BZR1 family in tea plants based on genomic data. Their gene structures, subcellular localization of encoded proteins, and transcriptional activation activities were analyzed, and their expression patterns under different tissues and drought stress were explored. The results show that the number of introns in the 6 BZR1 members of tea plants was 2 or 3, and their encoded proteins all contained typical bHLH characteristic structural domains. Subcellular localization analysis shows that except for CsBZR1-1, which was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus, all other CsBZR1s were localized in the nucleus. Transcriptional activation activity analysis shows that CsBZR1s exhibited transcriptional activation activity in yeast. The analysis of expression patterns in different tissues shows that CsBZR1s had specificity in expression in different tissues of tea plants, among which the expression patterns of CsBZR1-1 and CsBZR1-6 were relatively similar. The expression pattern analysis under drought stress shows that all six CsBZR1 genes were responsive to drought stress. The expression of CsBZR1-5 was continuously induced by drought stress simulated by PEG. In addition, the expression pattern of the key enzyme gene CsNCED1 in ABA synthesis pathway was highly similar to that of CsBZR1-5 under drought stress. The analysis of Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) found that CsBZR1-5 can bind to the E-box element on the CsNCED1 promoter, indicating that CsBZR1-5 may be involved in regulating the response of CsNCED1 to drought stress. This study systematically analyzed the basic characteristics and functions of six CsBZR1 members, laying the foundation for further elucidating the regulatory roles of CsBZR1 members in tea plant growth and development and drought stress response. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Bioinformatic Analysis of DREB Genes and Regulation of CsPOD3 on Drought Tolerance Mechanisms in Camellia sinensis XU Rong, DENG Zhiying, SHAO Chenyu, LUO Yuqi, QIU Shuqi, WANG Cong, ZHOU Linghong, LIU Zhonghua, SHEN Chengwen Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (1): 29-42.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.01.002 Abstract （247）      PDF（pc） （1570KB）（137）       Knowledge map    Save Based on the previous transcriptome data of the research group, three genes, CsDREB11, CsDREB15, and CsDREB25, were screened. Verified by RT-qPCR, their expressions were induced by drought. The phylogenetic tree, physical and chemical properties, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, secondary and tertiary structures, and subcellular localization were predicted and analyzed. The results show that CsDREB11, CsDREB15, and CsDREB25 are most closely related to their homolog genes in Camellia lanceoleosa. They are all unstable hydrophilic proteins. Random coils and α-helices dominate the secondary/tertiary structures. Their subcellular localizations are located in the nucleus. The preliminary study of the subject found that both CsDREB25 and CsPOD3 were highly expressed and significantly correlated under drought conditions, suggesting that there was an interaction between them. Through Y1H, DLA, and LCI experiments, it was verified that CsDREB25 can positively regulate the expression of CsPOD3, increase the activity of POD, remove excessive reactive oxygen species, and improve the drought tolerance of tea plants. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Identification of Tea ICE Gene Family and Cloning and Expression Analysis of CsICE43 under Low-temperature ZHU Qian, SHAO Chenyu, ZHOU Biao, LIU Shuoqian, LIU Zhonghua, TIAN Na Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (1): 43-60.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.01.007 Abstract （200）      PDF（pc） （2782KB）（105）       Knowledge map    Save In recent years, extreme low-temperature weather has frequently occurred worldwide, significantly affecting the yield and quality of tea plants. The ICE (Inducer of CBF expression) gene family plays a crucial role in the low-temperature stress response of plants. However, research specifically focused on tea plants is still limited. This study identified 51 ICE genes from the tea genome and performed a bioinformatics analysis to examine their physical and chemical properties, gene structure, and promoter cis-acting elements. The promoter regions of the CsICE genes are rich in cis-acting elements related to light response, plant hormones, growth and development, and abiotic stress, suggesting their involvement in various stress responses. Transcriptome analysis and RT-qPCR verification indicate that the expression of the CsICE43 increased 4.24 folds under low-temperature conditions, highlighting its potential role in the low-temperature response of tea plants. To further investigate this, the cDNA of tea cultivar‘Baojing Golden Tea No. 1’ was used as a template to clone the CsICE43 gene. Its expression varied across tissues, with exceptionally high levels observed in terminal buds and young leaves. Further amino acid sequence and phylogenetic tree analysis indicate that the CsICE43 gene contains conserved domains such as S-rich, bHLH, and ACT, which are consistent with other members of the ICE family. It is closely related to Actinidia eriantha. The STRING online database utilized Arabidopsis thaliana AtICEs to hypothesize potential interactions between CsICE proteins and HOS1, MYB15, and DREB1/2. Subcellular localization experiments demonstrate that CsICE43 is located in the nucleus, which is consistent with the findings from the transmembrane structure analysis. In summary, this study suggests that the CsICE43 gene may be associated with the low-temperature response in tea plants, providing a theoretical foundation for further exploration of its gene function and the molecular mechanisms underlying cold resistance. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Analysis of the Structural Characteristics and Codon Usage Biase of the Mitochondrial Genome in Tea Cultivar ‘Damianbai’ YIN Minghua, ZHANG Mutong, XU Zilin, OUYANG Qian, WANG Meixuan, LI Wenting Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (1): 61-78.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.01.006 Abstract （145）      PDF（pc） （10684KB）（118）       Knowledge map    Save Camellia sinensis cv. ‘Damianbai’ is a national cultivar in Guangxin District, Shangrao. Its mitochondrial genome structure and codon preference are still unclear. Using ‘Damianbai’ as the experimental material, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to sequence, assemble, and annotate the entire mitochondrial genome of ‘Damianbai’. Bioinformatics software was used to analyze the structural characteristics and codon preferences of its mitochondrial genome. The results show that the mitochondrial genome of ‘Damianbai’ was 886 354 bp in length, with a complete single circular molecule structure and a GC content of 45.76%. A total of 78 functional genes were annotated in the mitochondrial genome of ‘Damianbai’, including 41 protein-coding genes, 33 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes. A total of 59 SSRs (mainly A/T single nucleotide repeats) and 100 Long repeats (mainly positive and palindromic repeats) were detected in the mitochondrial genome of ‘Damianbai’. The codon bias of the mitochondrial genome in ‘Damianbai’ is relatively weak, with a preference for codons ending in A or U. The codon usage bias of the mitochondrial genome of ‘Damianbai’ is mainly influenced by natural selection, and is less affected by internal mutation pressure. The optimal codons for the mitochondrial genome of ‘Damianbai’ are 14 (AAU, GAU, CAU, UUU, AUU, GCU, GGA, ACU, GUU, CGA, UUA, UUG, UCA, UCU). The mitochondrial genomes of 11 closely related species exhibit high homology with the mitochondrial genome of ‘Damianbai’ in the gene region. The mitochondrial genomes of ‘Damianbai’ and ‘Lingyunbaihao’ (ON782577) have the highest collinearity, and their gene arrangement orders are basically the same. There are 62 highly homologous gene fragments between the mitochondrial genome and chloroplast genome of ‘Damianbai’. ‘Damianbai’ and ‘Lingyunbaihao’ belong to a small branch separately, indicating they are closely related. This study analyzed the mitochondrial genome sequence characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of ‘Damianbai’, providing a reference for strengthening the identification of ‘Damianbai’ germplasm and the development and utilization of its resource diversity. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Determination of the Larval Instar Numbers of the Ectropis grisescens at Different Temperatures TANG Meijun, LI Hong, ZHANG Xinxin, JIANG Hongxin, WANG Zhibo, GUO Huawei, XIAO Qiang Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (1): 79-86.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.01.008 Abstract （183）      PDF（pc） （626KB）（79）       Knowledge map    Save Ectropis grisescens is one of the most harmful pests in tea plantations, characterized by its frequent annual occurrences and considerable damage. The understanding of the larval instar number remains still elusive. To clarify the relationship between the larval instars of Ectropis grisescens and temperature, the differences in larval instar and the fertility indexes including developmental duration, pupal weight and sex ratio of different larval instar populations were measured at five different temperatures ( 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 ℃) in the climate incubators. The results show that the E. grisescens were 4 (molting 3 times, referred to as the 4th instar) or 5 (molting 4 times, referred to as the 5th instar) larval instars at each temperature from 21 ℃ to 29 ℃. At 21 ℃ and 23 ℃, there was no significant differences between the proportion of 5th instar and 4th instar. When the temperature exceeded 25 ℃, the proportion of 5th instar was significantly higher than that of 4th instar, reaching 67.4%-78.6%. Temperature had a significant effect on the developmental duration, pupal weight of the 5th and 4th instars, but had no significant effect on the sex ratio of male and female. At the same temperature, the larval period of the 5th instar was longer than the 4th instar, the pupal weight increased, and the sex ratio increased significantly. This study indicates that the larval instars of E. grisescens were 4 or 5, and the proportion of 5th instar larvae increased with the increase of temperature. This may be a survival strategy of E. grisescens to deal with adverse environment. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics Select Predation and Predilection of Eocanthecona furcellata to Larvae of Scopula subpunctaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) CHEN Junhua, WEN Xinru, WANG Chenxu, ZHANG Qiaoqiao, LIU Hongmin, NING Wanguang, GUO Shibao Journal of Tea Science    2025, 45 (1): 87-98.   DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.01.009 Abstract （131）      PDF（pc） （441KB）（134）       Knowledge map    Save The present study aimed to evaluate the biological control potential of Eocanthecona furcellata against the 2nd to 4th instar Scopula subpunctaria larvae. Indoor experiments were conducted to determine the predatory functional responses and searching efficiency of male and female adults of E. furcellata on 2nd-4th instar S. subpunctaria larvae. Additionally, the intraspecific interference effects of male and female adults of E. furcellata on the 3rd-4th instar S. subpunctaria larvae were investigated, as well as the predatory preferences of male and female adults of E. furcellata and 5th instar nymphs towards larvae of Ectropis grisescens and S. subpunctaria . The results show that both male and female adults of the E. furcellata were able to prey on the 2nd-4th instar S. subpunctaria larvae, and the predation response was consistent with the Holling Ⅱ and Holling Ⅲ models. The control efficiency of male and female adults of the E. furcellat against the S. subpunctaria is shown as female adults>male adults, with the female adult of the E. furcellat having the highest control efficiency against the 2nd instar S. subpunctaria (37.044). In the fitted Holling Ⅲ model, the daily maximum predation rates for the 2nd instar S. subpunctaria larvae were 15.823 and 12.547, respectively, and the optimal searching densities were 4.971 and 6.836 per box, respectively. The searching effect of the E. furcellat on S. subpunctaria larvae indicates that the searching efficiency gradually increased with the decrease of prey density. In addition, in the presence of both the E. grisesens and the S. subpunctaria, both male and female adults and 5th instar nymphs of E. furcellata preferred to feed on the S. subpunctaria larvae. At the same time, the predation of S. subpunctaria larvae by male and female adults of the E. furcella was affected by their own density, and the interference coefficient when preying on the 3rd instar S. subpunctaria larvae was greater than that preying on the 4th instar S. subpunctaria larvae. This result provided a research basis for the biological control application of the E. furcellat in tea gardens. 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