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

Anjan Hazra,Shrutakirti Saha,Nirjhar Dasgupta,Rakesh Kumar,Chandan Sengupta,Sauren Das

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-82454-3

Anjan Hazra, Shrutakirti Saha + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82454-3

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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.

Highlights

Tea, the globally most consumed non-alcoholic beverage, is the infusion prepared from processed apical buds and tender leaves of the woody perennial evergreen tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O
This study examined the natural diversity and interrelationships among the ecophysiological traits belonged to the 22 cultivars and the secondary metabolite composition they express simultaneously
In T-78, high C O2 assimilation rate leading to increased phenol, flavonoid and catechin content in spring season, all of which just down-regulated in a similar trend during monsoon

Summary

Introduction

The globally most consumed non-alcoholic beverage, is the infusion prepared from processed apical buds and tender leaves of the woody perennial evergreen tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Li et al.[3] reported that rising C O2, improves the primary metabolism of tea plant, as well as promotes secondary metabolites towards production of the superior quality green tea. Three major classes including polyphenols, amino acids and alkaloids collectively account for 35–50% of its dry weight which offer some unique health benefit trait on consumption[4,5]. These particular biochemical traits are sensitive to environmental variations and support the plant to confer certain stress tolerance a bility[6,7]. It is assumed that—in the scenario of global climate change people would having tea varieties, which in the course of adaptation might be more tastier and healthier than what at present[8]

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