Journal of Tea Science

Identification and Expression Regulation Analysis of the CsWCOR413 Gene Family in Camellia sinensis

LIU Enbei, WU Yedie, XU Miaomiao, LING Mingxing, PENG Jing, WANG Jie, WANG Xinchao, WANG Lu

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 1-19.

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Low temperature stress significantly impairs the growth and development of tea plants (Camellia sinensis), as well as the yield and quality of tea. The WCOR413 gene family plays an important role in plant cold resistance. However, it has not yet been systematically identified in tea plants. This study employed pan-genome and cold acclimation transcriptome data of tea plants, combined with bioinformatics and RT-qPCR analysis, to identify members of the CsWCOR413 gene family. The results show that the CsWCOR413 family consists of six members (CsWCOR413-1 to CsWCOR413-6), which can be divided into two subclasses based on the conserved domains of the proteins: plasma membrane-localized and internal/thylakoid membrane-localized. Promoter cis-element analysis finds that the CsWCOR413 genes may be regulated by various transcription factors, enabling them to respond to cold, dehydration and ABA signals. RT-qPCR analysis reveals the expression patterns of the CsWCOR413 genes. CsWCOR413-1 was predominantly expressed in leaves, responded to JA and ABA signaling, and was significantly induced by low temperature stress. CsWCOR413-5 responded to short-term cold stress and calcium ion signaling. The transcriptome and Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) indicate that CsWCOR413-1 was significantly upregulated during natural cold acclimation and was strongly co-expressed with CsCBF3, a core transcription factor in cold signaling. Subcellular localization reveals that CsWCOR413-1 was localized in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. Dual-luciferase reporter assay confirms that CsCBF1 and CsCBF3 directly bound to the CsWCOR413-1 promoter and activated its expression. This study systematically elucidated the characteristics and expression profiles of the CsWCOR413 gene family and revealed that CsWCOR413-1 is transcriptionally regulated by CsCBF1 and CsCBF3, suggesting the crucial role of CsWCOR413-1 in tea plant under low temperature stress.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis by the Transcription Factor CsMYB75-like-2 in Tea Plants (Camellia sinensis)

ZHOU Hui, CUI You, CHEN Wenjian, DU Yueyang, ZHANG Huan, SU Hongfeng, ZHANG Kaikai, ZHANG Lingyun

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 20-34.

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Anthocyanins, as vital plant secondary metabolites, contribute to pigmentation, pollinator attraction and stress resistance, significantly impacting plant development. This study elucidated the regulatory role of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor CsMYB75-like-2 in anthocyanin biosynthesis in tea plants (Camellia sinensis), utilizing the anthocyanin-rich cultivar ‘Zijuan’ as the material. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that CsMYB75-like-2 belongs to the SG6 subfamily of anthocyanin-related transcription factors. CsMYB75-like-2 is expressed at higher levels in purple tea cultivars than in green ones and is specifically enriched in young tissues. Its coding sequence remains highly conserved across cultivars. Subcellular localization confirmed its residence in the nuclear membrane, and yeast assays demonstrated its function as a transcriptional activator. Shade treatment experiments showed a positive correlation between CsMYB75-like-2 expression, its downstream genes (CsDFR and CsFLS) as well as anthocyanin accumulation. However, unlike CsMYB75-like-1, CsMYB75-like-2 does not directly bind to or activate the key anthocyanin biosynthesis gene CsANS. Instead, it forms an interactive regulatory network with other MYB family members, including CsMYB308 and CsMYB114. These findings provided crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in tea plants and offer valuable targets for breeding enhanced purple tea cultivars.

Genetic Diversity Analysis and Core Germplasm Construction of Hunan Jietan Tea Based on Agronomic Traits and Whole Genome Sequencing

ZHONG Lifan, HU Yunqing, ZHOU Qinyu, YANG Wang, WANG Li, LIU Zhen

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 35-49.

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To elucidate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of tea germplasm resources in the Huaihua region and enhance the efficiency of local tea resource development and utilization, this study focused on 72 tea germplasm resources collected and preliminarily screened from the Huaihua area. Through systematic agronomic trait observation and screening, combined with whole-genome sequencing for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection, an in-depth analysis was conducted on their population genetic structure, identity-by-descent (IBD), and genetic relationships. The results show that the 72 tea resources primarily consisted of large-leaf varieties (39 accessions) and medium-leaf varieties (31 accessions). Among them, 41 accessions had an amino acid content exceeding 5%, three exhibited a phenol-ammonia ratio above 10, and 61 had a ratio below 8. Correlation analysis reveals that bud length was significantly correlated with caffeine content (γ=0.862 8) and water extract (γ=0.871 8). Genomic analysis indicates that the 72 resources could be classified into two pure lineages and one admixed group. Specifically, the Zhongfang and Hongjiang groups clustered together, while the Jingzhou and Yuanling groups formed separate clusters. Using CoreHunter, 56 core germplasm resources were selected. This study provided an important theoretical foundation and material basis for the breeding of specialty Jietan tea cultivars and the innovative utilization of unique tea resources.

Effects of Different Paternal Parents on Xenia in the Seed-Leaf Dual-Purpose Tea Cultivar ‘Jincha 18’

LI Duojiao, HU Xinrong, SHEN Yingzi, JIANG Li, YUAN Ming'an, WANG Liyuan, ZHENG Zhaisheng

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 50-60.

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Camellia sinensis is a cross-pollinated plant. To explore the effect of xenia on tea seeds, this study conducted artificial pollination experiments using ‘Jincha 18’ as the maternal parent and cultivars including ‘Taicha’, ‘Lizaoxiang’‘Qianmei 1’‘Jiukengdaye’ and ‘Qianmei 809’ as the paternal parents. The differences in fruit set rate, economic traits and quality traits of tea seeds among different pollination combinations were compared, and principal component analysis (PCA) was employed for comprehensive evaluation. The results demonstrate xenia effects on multiple tea seed indicators under different paternal pollination treatments, including dry seed weight, dry kernel weight, oil content and fatty acid composition. Among the five pollination combinations, those with the paternal parents ‘Taicha’‘Qianmei 1’ and ‘Jiukengdaye’ exhibited significantly higher fruit set rates compared to the naturally pollinated control group. Seeds with ‘Qianmei 1’ as the paternal parent had comparable seed diameter, dry seed weight, and dry kernel weight to those of the naturally pollinated group, but significantly higher values than other pollination combinations. Seeds with ‘Taicha’ or ‘Lizaoxiang’ as the paternal parent had significantly higher oil content, total fatty acid content, and unsaturated fatty acid content than other pollination combinations. A comprehensive evaluation of six pollination combinations via principal component analysis reveals that combinations with ‘Taicha’ and ‘Lizaoxiang’ as the paternal parents, together with the naturally pollinated group, ranked among the top three in overall performance scores. Further analysis demonstrates that when used as a pollinizer for ‘Jincha 18’‘Taicha’ significantly increased both tea seed yield and quality parameters, concurrently enhancing fruit set rate , oil content and unsaturated fatty acid proportion.

Plasma-Activated Sodium Lactate Enhances Secondary Metabolites and Physiological Resistance of Young Tea Plants

ZHANG Yunfan, ZHOU Fengjue, HU Junming, SONG Chuankui, ZHENG Fuhai, ZHANG Junhui, LI Tingting, LI Yuxiang

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 61-72.

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Plant stress resistance refers to the adaptive capacity of plants to cope with environmental stress through physiological and biochemical regulation. Young tea plants have relatively weak physiological resistance. This study aimed to clarify the regulatory mechanism of plasma-activated substances on secondary metabolites and free amino acids in young tea plants under oxidative stress. Plasma-activated sodium lactate (PAL) was used to treat young tea plants under stress conditions. Two dilution gradients were set: a high concentration of 25 times and a low concentration of 100 times. Through control experiments and targeted metabolomics in a greenhouse, the study investigated the effects of plasma-activated sodium lactate on biomass, antioxidant capacity, secondary metabolites, and free amino acid accumulation in tea plants. The results show that: (1) Both concentrations of PAL significantly increased the accumulation of secondary metabolites in young tea plants. Epicatechingallate (ECG) increased by 4.68% at the low concentration and 6.93% at the high concentration, while epigallocatechin (EGC) increased by 4.84% at the low concentration. (2) Plasma sodium lactate altered the accumulation of free amino acids in young tea plants, significantly increasing the contents of citrulline (Cit), asparagine (Asn), histidine (His), phenylalanine (Phe), arginine (Arg), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and theanine (Theanine) in young tea plants, promoting tea plant growth and participating in the synthesis of proteins related to toxicity alleviation and substance transports. (3) Plasma-treated sodium lactate significantly increased the biomass of young tea plants, enabling them to access more resources and energy to cope with external environmental stresses. Exogenous application of plasma-treated sodium lactate influences the stress resistance physiology of young tea plants and enhances their vitality, representing an important method for regulating the stress resistance of secondary metabolites in tea plants.

Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi on the Physicochemical Components of Fresh Tea Leaves and Quality of Tea End Products

ZHANG Qian, LIU Panpan, HE Biyun, WANG Zhihui, WU Weiwei, GAO Chenxi, ZENG Wen, SUN Weijiang

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 73-88.

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To investigate the effects of Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) on tea quality, ‘Fuding Dahaocha’ (Camellia sinensis cv. ‘Fuding Dahaocha’) were used as the research subject. Through the detection of biochemical components, sensory evaluation, and quantitative description combined with headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), the differences physicochemical indicators of tea garden soil and in the basic physicochemical components, volatile compounds of fresh leaves processed tea between AMF-inoculated and non-inoculated tea plants were comparatively analyzed. The results show that AMF significantly increased the contents of soil organic matter, alkaline-hydrolysable nitrogen, and available potassium. Inoculation with AMF promoted the synthesis and accumulation of characteristic components in fresh tea leaves. Compared with CK, the contents of free amino acids, soluble sugars and flavonoids in AMF tea fresh leaves increased by 7.62%, 16.13% and 20.86%, respectively. Whereas the contents of tea polyphenols, caffeine, EGCG, ECG, and the phenol-to-amino ratio decreased by 6.61%, 2.13%, 13.01%, 15.71% and 13.11%, respectively. The trend of changes in the contents of compounds in tea end products and fresh leaves was basically consistent. At the same time, AMF significantly increased the contents of aroma precursors such as nerolidol, linalool, (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, and geranyl acetate in fresh leaves, providing a solid material basis for the formation and accumulation of characteristic aroma compounds in tea, such as phenylacetaldehyde, linalool, hexanal and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol. Overall, AMF inoculation improved the soil environment of the tea garden and promoted the synthesis and accumulation of key components in tea leaves, contributing to a fresh and mellow taste and a rich, refreshing aroma, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the tea.

Isolation and Identification of the Pathogen Causing Anthracnose on Yunnan Large-Leaf Tea Plants and Screening of Antagonistic Bacteria

MA Siyu, LONG Lixue, LI Zilong, ZHAO Xianwang, HE Pengfei, HE Pengbo, CHEN Linbo, QU Hao, LONG Yaqin, TANG Ping

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 89-100.

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Tea anthracnose is a major disease that affects large-leaf tea plants. Severe infections can significantly reduce yield and compromise quality. Leaves showing symptoms of anthracnose were collected from tea plantations in Shahe Township, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. The pathogen was isolated and purified using conventional tissue separation methods. It was identified as the causal agent by fulfilling Koch's postulates, and further confirmed through morphological characterization and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. The results show that the isolated strain MTTJ-Ⅴ could infect tea plants and cause identical anthracnose symptoms. Based on morphological characteristics and a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, TUB2, ACT and GAPDH gene sequences, the pathogen was identified as Colletotrichum karstii. This is the first report of C. karstii as a pathogen of tea anthracnose on Yunnan large-leaf tea plants. A total of 161 endophytic bacterial strains were isolated from the stems and leaves of 11 tea cultivars. Among these, 59 strains exhibited significant antagonistic activity against C. karstii. Strain CGJ-02 showed the highest inhibition rate (73.73%±6.25%). Based on morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular biological characteristics, strain CGJ-02 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. Strain CGJ-02 exhibited a broad antifungal spectrum, showing antagonistic effects against 11 pathogenic fungi, including Colletotrichum camelliae and Pestalotiopsis camelliae, in addition to C. karstii. In conclusion, the screened strain B. velezensis CGJ-02 demonstrated significant biocontrol activity against the tea anthracnose pathogen MTTJ-Ⅴ. This strain represents a high-quality microbial resource for the biological control of tea anthracnose.

Clarification of the Identities of the Cicadellid and Fulgoroid Pests in Shaanxi Tea Area and Correction of the Scientific Name of Tea Green Leafhopper in China

QIN Daozheng, ZHANG Tingyu, XIE Kangwen, BI Jianyu, ZHANG Huan, FANG Wei, XU Ye

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 101-110.

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The goal of this study is to clarify the identities of the cicadellid and fulgoroid pests damaging tea shrub in Shaanxi tea area, and to provide scientific data for the integrated pest management (IPM) of sucking mouthpart pests in Shaanxi tea area and other related studies. Meanwhile, the scientific name of tea green leafhopper that harms Chinese tea bushes was corrected. Net was used for capturing cicadellid and fulgoroid adults in Shaanxi tea area, photos of adults and male genitalia of these species were taken by a CCD (Charge-coupled device) stereozoom microscope. This investigation indicates that there were 7 species of cicadellid and fulgoroid pests in Shaanxi tea area. The scientific names of the dominant pest, Empoasca (Matsumurasca) onukii Matsuda, 1952 should be changed to Matsumurasca (Matsumurasca) onukii (Matsuda, 1952), the scientific names of the remaining six species are Bothrogonia ferruginea (Fabricius, 1787), Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu, 1977), Ricania speculum (Walker, 1851), Ricanula fujianensis Ren, Stroiński & Qin, 2016, Salurnis marginella (Guérin-Méneville, 1829) and Raivuna sinica (Walker, 1851), respectively. The scientific name of the dominant pest, the tea green leafhopper which is distributed throughout all major tea plantations in China, should be corrected to Matsumurasca (Matsumurasca) onukii (Matsuda, 1952).

Design and Experimentation of a Pure Electric Cantilever Tea Plant Pruner

REN Ning, XUE Xianglei, ZHENG Hang, SHEN Shuai, YU Guohong

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 111-121.

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To address issues of high labor intensity, few applicable machines and poor working conditionsin tea plant management in hilly and mountainous areas, a self-propelled lightweight cantilever tea pruning machine was designed. Based on the agronomic requirements for tea garden management, the overall structure and working principle of the machine were analyzed. An innovative “folding + rotation” arm structure was designed and dynamic simulation analysis was carried out. The key components of the walking device were theoretically analyzed and selected. After creating the prototype, field slope climbing performance test and tea plant pruning test were carried out. The results show that the maximum climbing ability of the pruning machine was 25°, the working performance of the pruning machine was stable, the missed detection rate was 0.55%, the tear rate of tea plants after pruning was 1.36%, and all performance indicators met the requirements of DG/T 110—2024. This study provided a new solution for tea plant pruning in hilly and mountainous areas.

Comparative Study on Functional Components of Two Types of Black Tea Powder and Their Ameliorative Effects on Colitis in Mice

LÜ Mengqi, CHEN Wei, GU Dajiang, XIE Wei, YUAN Yiwei, XU Qianqian, WEN Zhengyang, ZHAO Jin

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 122-138.

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This study aimed to analyze variations in the major functional components and characteristic aroma profiles of black tea powders prepared through two distinct processing techniques, and further investigate their protective effects against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Fifty 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups: normal control (NC), DSS-induced colitis model (DSS), EGCG positive intervention (EGCG, 20 mg·kg^-1), instant black tea powder intervention (SU, 300 mg·kg^-1) and trans-solubilized black tea powder intervention (ZHUAN, 300 mg·kg^-1). The results demonstrate that: (1) The contents of free amino acids, soluble proteins, tea polyphenols and caffeine underwent significant alterations during processing due to methodological differences. (2) Characteristic volatile compounds (including linalool, leaf alcohol, α-terpineol, methyl salicylate, and geraniol) were commonly detected in both tea powders. (3) Both tea powders significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis symptoms, as evidenced by reduced body weight loss and colon shortening, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) levels in serum and colon tissue, mitigated oxidative stress injury (decreased MDA content and elevated SOD activity), and improved intestinal barrier permeability (up regulated expressions of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, and decreased serum LPS levels). These findings indicate that instant and trans-solubilized black tea powders exhibit protective effects against DSS-induced murine colitis.

Preparation of Guangyuan Yellow Tea Self-Assembled Zinc Nanocomposite and Their Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

AN Lujing, QIAN Yiyue, CHANG Ke, TIAN Baoming, MU Dan, ZHANG Mingzhu, CHEN Hongping, ZHANG Xiangchun

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 139-150.

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Currently, few studies have reported on the direct use of tea extracts as raw materials for creating novel functional composites. This study successfully synthesized Guangyuan Yellow Tea-Zinc Nanocomposites (Y-Zn) using Guangyuan Yellow Tea infusion and zinc sulfate as raw materials through a green, simple one-step self-assembly method. Characterization via UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals that the synthesized nanocomposite exhibits uniform particle size and excellent dispersion. Antibacterial experiments demonstrated that Y-Zn exhibits dose-dependent antibacterial effects against multiple Gram-positive bacteria, including drug-resistant strains, and effectively inhibits bacterial biofilm formation. Antioxidant experiments revealed its excellent free radical scavenging ability, achieving over 80% scavenging efficiency at a concentration of 20 μg·mL^-1. Cellular experiments confirmed that Y-Zn suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage inflammatory responses by downregulating inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Furthermore, zebrafish models demonstrated its favorable biosafety profile. In summary, this study directly utilized tea infusion as the subject to develop a self-assembled composite that possesses multiple biological activities and safety, providing insights into the application of China's abundant tea resources in the field of life sciences and health.

The Establishment and Application of Congou Black Tea Brewing Control Chart Based on Survival Analysis and Ideal Profile Method

ZHANG Ziqi, QIU Tong, ZHAO Xiaoyi, WANG Shuo, XU Jin, XU Qidi, ZHANG Ru, Sharipova Alina, DAI Qianying

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 151-161.

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As three representative Congou black teas in China, Keemun Congou, Chuanhong Congou, and Dianhong Congou black tea still rely on personal experience in their brewing process, and there is no scientific guidance for brewing. This study focused on Keemun Congou black tea as the experimental subject, with extraction yield (EY) and total dissolved solids (TDS) as indicators of tea infusion quality, survival analysis was used to determine consumers’ acceptance of the optimal flavor balance and concentration of tea infusion. A brewing control chart of Keemun Congou black tea was established and the ideal profile method (IPM) was selected to test its application on Chuanhong Congou and Dianhong Congou black teas. The survival analysis identifies the optimal EY as 3.46% to 5.68%, the optimal TDS as 0.14% to 0.29%, and the optimal tea-to-water ratio (g∶mL) as 1∶20 to 1∶30, based on which a nine-grid Keemun Congou brewing control chart was established. Through evaluator validation via the IPM, it was found that for Chuanhong Congou, most of three infusions fell within the 50% core ideal zone, indicating good overall applicability. In contrast, first brew of Dianhong Congou black tea infusion was outside the 20% acceptability threshold, reflecting lower evaluator acceptance and poorer applicability. This study indicated that the brewing control chart established based on small-leaf Congou black tea can effectively guide the brewing of ideal tea soup for medium and small-leaf Congou black tea, but its applicability to large-leaf Congou black tea still needs to be improved.

Study on the Cultural Gene Extraction of Ecological-Production-Living Landscape Features in Tea Agricultural Cultural Heritage: A Case Study of the Anhua Dark Tea Cultural System

XIANG Jing, ZENG Can, CAO Yangyi, ZHU Haiyan, ZHANG Man

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 162-174.

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As a representative manifestation of agricultural civilization, tea agricultural cultural heritage integrates ecological wisdom, production techniques and cultural symbolism, serving as a model for harmonious human-environment interaction. This study, grounded in the theory of cultural landscape genes, developed an index system to identify the landscape features of tea agricultural heritage sites within the “ecology-production-living” (EPL) landscape framework. It identified the core cultural expression elements and explored the intrinsic connections between landscape structure and cultural genes. Anhua dark tea culture, significant as a key node of the Wanli Tea Road and in frontier tea trade, exemplifies ecological and cultural complexity within China’s tea agricultural heritage. Through field surveys and historical analysis, the primary landscape features of Anhua dark tea culture were systematically identified and four core cultural genes were decoded. The findings are as follows: (1) The EPL landscape framework was effective for the systematic identification of tea agricultural cultural heritage, with the deep integration of ecological foundations, production technologies and life rituals, which provides the structural basis for maintaining the stability of cultural genes. The four-dimensional criteria (historical rootedness, functional necessity, spatial identity and dynamic evolution) offer a methodological tool for extracting genes from similar tea culture heritage. (2)The Meishan cultural gene of “Tea-Forest Symbiosis and Faith Transmission”, the fishing-hunting cultural gene of “Fire Roasting Customs and Bamboo Basket Craftsmanship”, the Jin merchant cultural gene of “Wanli Tea Road and Integrity as the Highest Virtue”, and the border-sale cultural gene of “Frontier Integration and the Bond of Unity” reveal the transition of tea from a mountain crop to a frontier link and, ultimately, a medium for civilization, offering a dynamic model for the study of “human-environment relations”. (3) The study highlighted the role of cultural genes in preserving landscape features and continuity, facilitating the transformation of tea culture from “heritage preservation” to “civilizational exchange resources”, thus contributing the Chinese paradigm to the sustainable development of global agricultural cultural heritage.

The Strategy of Market Linkage Method and Its Income Effect for Smallholder Farmers Empowered by Digital Literacy: Evidence from Tea Farmers

WANG Weixin, XU Jianghong, QIAO Yingjun, CHEN Fuqiao, LIU Zhonghua

Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(1): 175-190.

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Digital literacy serves as both a foundational capacity enabling tea farmers to adapt to the digital transformation of the tea industry and a new driver of household income growth. The realization of such income gains is closely tied to farmers’ choices of market linkage methods. Using on micro-survey data from 1107 tea farmers collected by the National Tea Industry Technical System, this study constructed a digital literacy index and employed Poisson regression, ordinary least squares, instrumental variable regression and interaction term regressions to examine the impact of digital literacy on farmers’ choices of market linkage methods. Then it analyzed the income effect associated with tea farmers’ choices of these different methods. The study further explored the heterogeneity of these effects and the moderating role of participation depth in the processing stage. The findings reveal that: (1) digital literacy significantly influenced tea farmers’ market linkage method strategies. (2) The income effects of digital literacy varied across different types of market linkage methods, indicating heterogeneous returns to channel selection. (3) The effects of digital literacy on tea farmers’ market linkage strategies and income generation exhibit heterogeneity across dimensions such as vocational training, degree of marketization, and level of digital economy development. (4) Deeper engagement in the processing stage positively moderated the income-enhancing impact of digital literacy, particularly when farmers connect to markets through cooperatives or self-operated retail. The findings suggest that, in the context of the digital economy driving the development of new productive forces in agriculture, regionally differentiated and tiered digital literacy cultivation initiatives should be implemented. Efforts should also be made to guide tea farmers in optimizing their market linkage strategies, and foster a diversified and collaborative market ecosystem, thereby unlocking the multiplier potential of digital literacy in enhancing farmers’ incomes.

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