Breeding of New Tea Clones

    Six national clones (Longjing 43, Longjing Changye, Biyun, Juhuachun, Zhongcha 102 and Hanlü) and three provincial clones (Pingyun, Bifeng and Taixiangzi) were successfully bred by the TRI and released to the vast areas located on  the South and North of the low reaches of the Yangtze River. The clones Longjing 43 and Longjing Changye are particularly suitable for production of flat-shaped premium teas (e.g. Dragon Well tea or Longjing tea). The clone Zhongcha 102 is suitable for the manufacture of steam-processed green tea. The TRI received the National Science Conference Award and the Third-grade Prize for the Advancement in Science and Technology by the Ministry of Agriculture for breeding these clones.

    Forecasting models were constructed to quantitatively predict future quality as black or green teas of young tea seedlings in the breeding program. The appropriate appraisal period for such early evaluation was accordingly determined. Biotechnology was used to rescue premature embryos and to culture them to healthy plants. A technique on industrially propagate tea cuttings in greenhouses was developed. The mutagenic effects of multiple chemical mutagens on tea plant were thoroughly investigated and technological index of mutagen treatments were established for various tea cultivars.