Tea Clones Research Articles

Metabolomic profiling of in vitro and in situ grown Nilgiris tea reveals unique signatures for breeding decaffeinated varieties

This study was begun by establishing an in vitro culture in UPASI 9, a Nilgiris tea clone (Camellia sinensis) by optimising various factors. Anatomical studies demonstrated that use of lower carbendazim concentration for sterilisation (0.2%) produced viable and healthy explants for callus initiation. To confirm the genetic consistency of the regenerated plants, gene-specific SSR markers were developed and utilised. GC-MS was employed to analyse volatile metabolites extracted from callus, stem, micro shoots, and leaves of the UPASI 9 tea genotype. The results revealed distinct compositions of metabolites in each sample. More interestingly, caffeine was exclusively detected in leaf samples but absent in all other investigated tissues, despite the presence of Tea Caffeine Synthase (TCS) gene-specific SSRs. Thus, this study provided unique information on the absence of caffeine in in vitro grown Nilgiris tea clone, UPASI 9, as decaffeinated tea has a unique niche in the global market.

Variation in leaf morphology and architecture, phytochemical content, and antioxidant capacity among 36 Camellia sinensis clones of the Indian sub-Himalayan region

Camellia sinensis, renowned as the second most widely consumed nonalcoholic beverage worldwide, bears substantial economic importance, prompting cultivators to breed various clones for enhanced flavor and quality. This study analyzed the variation in leaf phenotype, phytochemicals (total tannins and proanthocyanidins content) and antioxidant potential of 36 widely cultivated tea clones from India’s sub-Himalayan region using multivariate analysis. Results indicated that TV23 had the largest leaf and SS27 and RR had the smallest. TS520 was the richest in tannin, proanthocyanidins, and antioxidants, while S3A1 and Heeleakah were the least. Principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis unveiled four morphological clusters (representative clones - TV1, TV23, TV30, 124.48.8) and four phytochemical clusters (representative clones - TS520, TV9, TV27, P126). GC-MS analysis revealed that TV1 and TV30 had high caffeine content (82.0%), while TS520 exhibited abundant antioxidant compounds, including sycllo-inositol (23.84%) and epigallocatechin (4.23%). TS520’s exceptional antioxidant properties, confirmed by DPPH, ABTS, and total antioxidant capacity assays, may result from its cultivation through seed propagation. Correlation analysis showed antioxidant potential had moderate negative associations with leaf size, strong negative with inter-secondary vein number, and positive with petiole length. This study is pivotal for assessing tea clone diversity, with broader applications in tea improvement and breeding programs.

Adaptation and Growth Performance of Tea Plants (Camelia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) in Obudu Hills, Cross River State

Young seedlings of five tea clones under cultivation (318, 236, 68, BB35, and 143) and five from the germplasm), were collected from the Kakara Highland tea Plantations, Mambila Plateau, Taraba State. Seedlings were planted in fifty sample boxes to enable the seedlings to be established first before transplanting to the field. After the establishment, they were transported to Obudu Hills for investigation. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) with 3 replications. Data collected on morphological traits were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis and correlation analysis were used to estimate genetic diversity between the tea plant clones. The result showed that the tea clones survived the first two months after transplanting. However, subsequently, the percentage of survival was reduced. Results from the morphological studies revealed that the accessions differed significantly (p>0.001) in all evaluated traits except for leaf width and dry biomass. Three principal components were identified based on eigenvalues; the first principal component contributed 44.18% of the total variation with an eigenvalue of 3.977, the second principal component accounted for 24.36% with total eigenvalue of 2.193 while PC3 accounted for 15.345% of the total variation with eigenvalue of 1.381. Cluster analysis showed that the evaluated tea clones were grouped into two main clusters containing sub-clusters. The high genetic diversity identified in Camellia sinensis clone in the study will serve as a guide in breeding, genetic improvement, utilization and conservation of this important nutritional and medicinal plant species.

Crush Tear Curl (CTC) Green Tea Processing: A Modified form of Green Tea for the Tea Lovers

An experiment was conducted following three factor factorial CRD to compare CTC green tea with conventional green tea on the basis of processing dynamics and biochemical characters of processed green tea as per the leaf standard of one leaf and a bud, two leaf and a bud and three leaf and a bud obtained from two tea clones namely TV1 and S3A3. Highest amount of polyphenol (245.65 mg g-1) was recorded in case of steaming done for 4 minutes and processed by CTC method using one leaf and a bud of TV1. Lowest antioxidant activity, in terms of DPPH scavenging (%) was recorded (74.02%) in case of CTC green tea processed by steaming done for 6 minutes using three leaves and a bud of TV1. Highest amount of total flavonoid content (22.92 mg g-1 of QE) was found in case of Orthodox green tea using one leaf and a bud of S3A3 where roasting done for 4 minutes.

Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of Tea’s Embryo Axis Explant Cultured on Murashige and Skoog Medium Containing 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

Camellia sinensis L. is an important crop in Indonesia as healthy beverage that contains several secondary metabolism compounds, such as polyphenols and catechins. Tissue culture including somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis has been used for propagating plant for various needs. In this present short-communication, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis of tea was conducted and discussed. This study aimed to investigate surface ultrastructure of TRI2025 embryo axis tea clone cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The results revealed two different forms of explant’s development, i.e. somatic embryo and transitional form between somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis; or called by “Globular-like Structure” (GLS). Surface ultrastructure analysis of somatic embryo and GLS revealed respectively many stages of somatic embryo development i.e. globular, torpedo, and cotyledon stage, and leaf development form GLS regeneration.

Effects of tea catechin extracts from BB35 and purple (TRFK 306) tea clones on the gene expression of Egfr, App, Bcl2, Dnmt, Casp3, Hif1a, Gadd45b and Psmb5 genes involved in triple negative breast cancer diseases: In silico and in vitro study

Tea has been shown to contain metabolites that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer and anti-cardio vascular diseases properties. This study aimed to carry out an in silico assessment of catechins on the genes previously shown to be involved in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) disease and also to evaluate the effects of catechin extracts from purple (TRFK306) and BB35 tea clones on the expression patterns of genes in the 4T1 TNBC cell line as mentioned above. Identification and quantification of different catechin contents in these two tea clones were performed by using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In silico assessment including Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) study for drug-likeness evaluation, Drug target prediction, Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and construction, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment and analysis for targets and Molecular docking study was conducted. Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) of 4 different tea catechins showed a target on 111 genes in TNBC and have high binding affinity to the receptor-binding pocket of chain A of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Extracellular Domains. Catechin extracts promoted the downregulation of expression of 6 genes (Egfr, App, Bcl2, Dnmt, Hif1a and Psmb5) and the upregulation of 2 genes (Casp3 and Gadd45b) in the 4T1 TNBC cell line. Catechin extracts from purple tea clones showed higher activity on gene expression levels of Egfr, Bcl2 and Casp3 than catechin extracts from BB35 tea clone.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of different varieties of Bangladesh tea and Tocklai vegetative tea (Camellia sinensis) clones

Green tea's health-promoting properties are primarily attributed to its phytochemical content and antioxidant properties. The study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of green teas manufactured from three Bangladesh tea (BT) and three Tocklai vegetative (TV) teas. Antioxidant activity was estimated by the determination of DPPH free radical scavenging activity (DRSA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). BT2 exhibited the maximum DRSA of 89.17%, FRAP of 122.15 mg GAE/g, TPC of 95.75 mg GAE/g and TAC of 46.71 mg GAE/g among all clones. The antimicrobial activities of these teas were analyzed against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus spp. and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. The extracts of TV13 and BT2 showed a better zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 14.33 and 16.33 mm against Escherichia coli and Bacillus spp. The methanolic extracts of all samples exhibited potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity. These tea extracts can be used as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants and antimicrobial agents in therapeutics and the food industry.

Study of in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial potential of different tea clones

BackgroundCamellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (tea) belongs to the family of Theaceae and is one of the most popular beverages. According to traditional Chinese medicine, its phytochemicals have the ability to cure various diseases of the liver, heart, spleen, and lungs. This study was done to explore the phytochemical potentiality of leaf extracts from different tea clones with special emphasis on their antioxidant, total phenol, flavonoid, and antibacterial activity. MethodsThe leaves were extracted in methanol for various qualitative, and quantitative tests like antioxidant assay, total phenolic content, flavonoid content etc. ResultsThe result of this study delivers comparative data about the biochemical properties of various tea clones which will further help in future studies. Leaves extract of tea clones like TV-9, TV-26, CP-1 and Phoobsering-312 showed promising antioxidant activity. Leaves extract of TV-9, TV-23, TV-26 and CP-1 has shown an inhibitory effect on the growth of Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. Among the clones, Phoobsering-312 was found to be the most prominent tea clone as it exhibited total phenolic content, and antioxidant properties along with very significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. ConclusionThis study showed the Darjeeling Garden clone (Phobsering-312) could be selected as an ideal clone for cultivation in the study area. This is to sustain the phytochemical quality of tea and gain health benefits, as the quality of manufactured tea is reflected in all aspects of the green harvest.

Investigating the impact of tea mosquito bug on the phytochemical profile and quality of Indian tea cultivars using HPLC and LC-MS-based metabolic profiling

The impact of biotic and abiotic stress on tea not only reduces yield but also influences flavour, aroma, and phytochemical composition. The tea mosquito bug (TMB) is the major biotic stress that affects the growth, yield, and quality of tea. In this study, we have studied the impact of biotic stress induced by TMB on three Indian tea cultivars: UPASI-2, CR-6017, and ATK-1. The content of antioxidant enzymes and phytochemical composition were found to be increased upon TMB infestation in all tea clones compared to the control. The UPASI-2 tea cultivar showed an effectively increased level of antioxidant enzymes and phytochemicals. HPLC and LC-MS analysis showed a differential production of various secondary metabolites like catechin ("flavan-3-ols") and phenolics in control and infected tea clones. Altogether, the specific induction of various antioxidant enzymes, catechins, and phenolics contribute to the defense response of tea plants toward TMB infection. In addition, the analysis of transcriptional variation of key flavonoid genes (PAL, DFR, CHI, F3H, and 4CL) showed induction in infected plants compared to the control.

Comparative study on the performance of four test clones of tea

Comparative study on the performance of four test clones of tea

Effect of seasonal variation on yield and leaf quality of tea clone (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) in South West Ethiopia

The tea plant is widely cultivated in southwest Ethiopia. But the impact of seasonal variation on monthly yield, leaf quality, and the long-term yield response potential of clones has not been studied. The objective of the study is to determine the impact of seasonal change and climate variables on the yield and leaf quality of tea plants in southwest Ethiopia. The experiment consisted of five clones and four seasons under a split-plot design and was replicated three times. The results indicated that the yield and leaf quality showed significant variation in the different seasons at P < 0.05. The highest peak yields of 12.68, 12.59, and 11.3 kg plot−1 were recorded in May, June, and April, respectively, and the yield suddenly dropped by 5.1% in July. Then the soft banjhi increased by 5–10% in July. The yield response potential of clones is highly affected by monthly climate variation at P < 0.05. Clone BB-35 recorded the highest (18.8 kg plot−1) yield in June, followed by clones 11/4 (18.3) in May, 11/56 (14.7) in November, 6/8 (11.7) in December, and 12/38 (5.78 kg plot−1) in June. The lowest mean green leaf and a longer shoot replacement cycle were created due to a decrease in rainfall to 760 mm/month and rising temperatures above 26.35 °C in winter. The leaf phenological response of tea clones is strongly governed by the monthly temperature and suitable precipitation pattern of a season. The highlands have two harvesting seasons, i.e., a dry and a wet harvesting season. The dry harvesting season, which exists between the middle of December and March, accounts for 18.3–24.3% of the total annual yield. The wet harvesting season is subdivided further into two peak harvesting seasons. The first harvest is characterized by a short plucking round, and the highest peak yield occurs in April, May, and June, accounting for 40.22–42.2% of the total annual yield. The second wet harvesting season begins in September and ends in the middle of December, contributing to 35.5–40% of the annual yield. Seasonal variation has a direct impact on leaf quality and clone yielding potential. Clones show higher yield and shorter plucking rounds at maximum temperatures above 23.03 °C and below 26.35 °C, but temperatures above 28.34 °C and below 10.38 °C have a negative effect on leaf quality and yield. Over the last two decades, rainfall, maximum, and mean temperatures all increased by 16.09 mm y-1, 0.127 °C, and 0.0566 °C y−1, respectively, and the tea plant showed a strong correlation with maximum temperature (76%), whereas mean temperature (44.6%) and annual rainfall (32.8%) correlated weakly. Green leaf production is well explained by around 85.4% of the observed climate variance, with an increase of 1287.18 tonnes y−1, and highland tea production will exhibit a positive net benefit from expected climate change in the future.

Yield loss and physicochemical changes in fresh tea leaves caused by Polyphagotarsonemus latus (banks) attack in different tea clones

Yield loss and physicochemical changes in fresh tea leaves caused by Polyphagotarsonemus latus (banks) attack in different tea clones

Purple tea catechins exhibit high antiproliferative activity and synergism with cisplatin against the triple-negative breast cancer cell line 4T1

The objectives of this study were the selection of the best tea clones with high catechin content among the known tea clones in Rwanda and Kenya, the examination of their antiproliferative effects on the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line (4T1), and an evaluation of their combination index with cisplatin. The quantification of catechin contents in 14 different tea clones and 5 different processed teas was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A comparative study of antiproliferative activities of catechin extracts from purple, TRFK306, and BB35 tea clones on the TNBC cell line (4T1) was undertaken, and their combination index (CI) with cisplatin and the dose reduction index (DRI) were determined. The catechin extract from BB35 had the highest concentration of total catechins (817.81?24.2 mg/g DW). After 72 h, the catechin extracts from TRFK306 showed a high IC50 of 68.68?3.30 ?g/mL. The catechin extracts from TRFK306 showed the best synergism with cisplatin (CI=0.59), and they reduced the doses of cisplatin with the highest DRI=3.74493. Catechin extracts from purple tea showed higher antiproliferative activity and synergism with cisplatin against the TNBC cell line.

EFFECT OF THIDIAZURON AND 2,4-DICHLORO PHENOXY ACETIC ACID ON CALLUS DEVELOPMENT IN TEA CLONE UPASI 9 TDZ AND 2,4-D ON TEA CALLUS INITIATION

A commonly cultivated tea clone, UPASI 9, is currently propagated through cuttings, an endeavor that has been proved to be environmentally hazardous (due to the use of large quantities of excavated soil) and unprofitable. As an alternative, this study highlights tissue culture as a viable option for the robust and easy regeneration strategy for the tea clone UPASI 9. A study was initiated to establish an in vitro culture protocol for Nilgiris tea (Camellia sinensis) by standardizing explant sources, disinfestation methods, and the constitution of culture media. Segments were dissected from greenwood stem (current year growth) internodes of field-growntea plants. Disinfestation was achieved by successive treatments of fungicide (bavistin), 0.1% mercuric chloride, and 7.5% CaCl2 . MS medium supplemented with sucrose (30 g/l), citric acid (100 mg/l), and ascorbic acid (100 mg/l) was used with combinations of the auxins (2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; 2,4-D) and cytokinin (Thidiazuron; TDZ). It was found that 1.1 mg of 2,4-D and 1.1 mg of TDZ induced the most callus proliferation. Though equal proportions of TDZ (1.1, 2.2, 3.3 mg) and 2,4-D (1.1, 2.2, 3.3 mg) were effective in inducing callus formation, it was noticed that 1.1 mg each of TDZ and 2,4-D made a major impact by reducing the time required for the callus initiation and proliferation

Present Status and Future Prospects of Tea production and Research on Varietal Improvement in Bangladesh

Tea is one of the most important non-alcoholic beverage in the world and has been gaining further popularity as an important ‘health drink’ in view of its inferable medicinal value. In Bangladesh, commercially tea was cultivated since 1854 by establishing first tea garden Malnicherra Tea Estate in Sylhet. From 1947 to 2020, tea growing area, production and per hectare yield were increased 127.71%, 370.53% and 137.96% respectively. The major reasons behind the increasing tea productivity are extension of tea growing areas as well as cultivation of the tea clones (BT clones) released by Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI). Till now BTRI released 23 clones and 5 biclones, having average per hectare yield of 3461.67 kg. In the world, tea production, consumption and exportation have increased significantly. Unlike world condition, there is a negative relation between tea production and export in Bangladesh. From 1980 to 2020 the quantity of tea exports was decreased by 92.99%. This situation emphasizes the need for exploring alternative means by the tea industries of increasing profits from tea cultivation and tea export. As a result, researches on tea varietal improvement is needed for rapid economic growth and development of tea industry as well as to encourage tea plantation business to go ahead with more production to meet our own demand along with quality tea to flourish tea business in Bangladesh.

Physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of green teas manufactured from common tea clones of different gardens in Bangladesh

Green tea's health-promoting actions are mostly due to its phytochemical content and antioxidant property. Due to the toxicity and cancer-causing properties, synthetic antioxidants are injurious to human health. Therefore, natural products such as teas might be chosen as antioxidants and antibacterial agents instead of synthetic ones. This investigation was performed to analyze the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics of green teas produced from some commonly cultivated tea clones of different gardens in Bangladesh. pH, total soluble solids, vitamin B (B 1 , B 2 ) and C, caffeine and tannin of green teas were estimated for the quantification of phytochemicals. DPPH free radical scavenging, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were quantified to determine antioxidant activity. Gram-positive Bacillus spp. and Gram-negative Escherichia coli were used for antibacterial activity. BT 2 revealed the greatest level of caffeine and tannin content of 2.033 and 4.846 g/100g sample respectively. TV 9 showed the highest amount of vitamin B 1 , B 2 , and C which were 1450.02, 2707.12, and 2983.04 mg/100g sample respectively. TV 9 also exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity of 78.23%, the highest amount of phenolics (2.25 g GAE/100g sample), and the highest levels of flavonoids (918.27 mg QE/100g sample). In the case of antimicrobial activity, TV 9 exhibited the highest zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 15.61 mm against Escherichia coli which was moderately susceptible. BT 2 showed the highest ZOI of 17.35 mm against Bacillus spp. which was susceptible. These tea extracts can be employed in medicine and food sector as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants and antibacterial agents. • Green tea's health-promoting actions are due to its phytochemical content. • BT 2 exhibited the maximum level of caffeine and tannin content. • TV 9 showed highest vitamin B 1 , B 2 , C, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. • These can be used in medicine and food sector as an alternative to synthetic agent.

Characterization and selection of endophytic actinobacteria for growth and disease management of Tea (Camellia sinensis L.).

Endophytic microbes are vital for nutrient solubilization and uptake, growth, and survival of plants. Here, 88 endophytic actinobacteria (EnA) associated with five tea clones were isolated, assessed for their diversity, plant growth promoting (PGP), and biocontrol traits, and then used as an inoculant for PGP and disease control in host and non-host plants. Polyphasic methods, including phenotypic and genotypic characteristics led to their identification as Streptomyces, Microbacterium, Curtobacterium, Janibacter, Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Gordonia, Nocardiopsis, and Kribbella. Out of 88 isolates, 35 (39.77%) showed antagonistic activity in vitro against major fungal pathogens, viz. Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Exobasidium vexans, Poria hypobrunnea, Phellinus lamaensis, and Nigrospora sphaerica. Regarding PGP activities, the percentage of isolates that produced indole acetic acid, siderophore, and ammonia, as well as P-solubilisation and nitrogen fixation, were 67.05, 75, 80.68, 27.27, 57.95, respectively. A total of 51 and 42 isolates showed chitinase and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase activity, respectively. Further, two potent Streptomyces strains KA12 and MA34, selected based on the bonitur scale, were screened for biofilm formation ability and tested in vivo under nursery conditions. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and the crystal violet staining technique revealed that these Streptomyces strains can form biofilms, indicating the potential for plant colonization. In the nursery experiment, they significantly enhanced the shoot and root biomass, shoot and root length, and leaf number in host tea plants. Additionally, treatment of tomato seeds by KA12 suppressed the growth of fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, increased seed germination, and improved root architecture, demonstrating its ability to be used as a seed biopriming agent. Our results confirm the potential of tea endophytic actinobacterial strains with multifarious beneficial traits to enhance plant growth and suppress fungal pathogens, which may be used as bioinoculant for sustainable agriculture.

Tea (Camellia sinensis) Production, Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Prospects in Ethiopia

Tea is one of the most commonly consumed stimulants in the world. It is cultivated commercially at Wushwush, Gumero, and Chewaka tea estate plantations, in Ethiopia. Over 150,000 hectares of Ethiopian land are available for the production of high-quality tea, but only 3,099 hectares are currently under cultivation. In Ethiopia, tea clones Mlk-1, Mlk-2, 11/56, S-15/10, FNF, 11/4, 6/8, L6, B9, Chai, BB-35, and SR-18 are commercially grown. Ethiopia’s favorable environmental conditions for high-quality tea production increased the availability of tea throughout the year, and the availability of a sufficient labor force is a significant opportunity for tea companies. However, tea production is still infant because it needs huge capital to establish the tea plantations and production, the pest problems, limitations of improved technologies like cultivars, and lack of tea genetic resources. Besides, there is a limitation of comprehensive research to develop innovative technologies in the case of tea agronomic, breeding, and pest management for Ethiopian conditions. Thus, the government should invite investors and facilitate necessary things for the investors to increase the tea industry in the country. The tea research should be strengthened for the development and implementation of the appropriate technologies.

Improvement of Antioxidant Activity and Sensory Quality of Pagilaran’s Tea Clones Treated by Tannase

PT. Pagilaran developed five new clones named PGL 9, PGL 10, PGL 11, PGL 12, and PGL 15 for black tea. These clones can be potentially made into ready-to-drink (RTD) instant tea beverages with low antioxidant activity. Tannase is an industrial enzyme with great potential for application in the food industry used to hydrolyze gallated ester catechin in green tea. There were no findings on the effects of this enzyme treatment on the chemical composition of PT Pagilaran’s tea clones. Therefore, this study is aimed to observe the effects of tannase treatment on five clones of black tea extracts to the antioxidant activity, profile of phenolic compounds, the tea brew color, consumer acceptance, and volatile compounds. The leaves of the plucking medium were traditionally processed into black tea. Furthermore, the tea brew was added at a 100 mg/100 mL concentration and then incubated for 1 hour at 37 °C. Additional tannase increased their antioxidant activities, the gallic acid, EC, and EGC concentrations due to hydrolysis of ECG, EGCG, or their derivatives. The color of the tea brew was brighter and yellower than the untreated, but the level of consumer acceptance was still good. The profile aroma and volatile compounds showed no significant changes after enzymatic treatment.

Physicochemical analysis of Ugandan tea (Camellia sinensis) germplasm reveals potential commercial green and black tea varieties

ABSTRACT Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is an important beverage consumed worldwide. In Uganda, it is the second-largest and highly prioritized export crop after coffee and provides the much-needed jobs to more than 800,000 people. Despite its importance in the country, the crop has received very limited research attention for its improvement and optimal utilization. This study was aimed at characterizing existing tea germplasm in Uganda to inform future breeding initiatives for market-preferred tea varieties. Fifty-eight advanced tea clones were randomly selected from the tea germplasm conserved at Uganda’s Tea Research Center in Rwebitaba and analyzed in the laboratory for eight physicochemical descriptors. Hierarchical cluster analysis performed on the 58 clones using Cluster-R package revealed four main clusters, indicating the existence of variation for physicochemical parameters within tested germplasm. This variation can be exploited to select among and/or improve the studied germplasm genetically for quality. High fermentation rate, which is one of the key indicators for good-quality black teas, revealed 15 fast-fermenter tea clones. Clone “UTR12/12” was identified as the most rapid fermenter, fully fermenting within 30 min, which implies a good clone for black tea. The clone also had the highest polyphenol content (26.7%), higher than the high-quality clone “UTR6/8” (control). Other tea clones whose polyphenol content was within the range of the control black tea clone were: “UTR144/10” (20.9%) and ‘UTR144/17, (20.66%). The identified promising black tea clones can be advanced to multi-location trials for further evaluation and selection for eventual variety release as commercial black-tea clones.