Heterosis for Catechins and Caffeine in Kenyan Tea (Camellia sinensis) (L.)O. Kuntze).

  • Samson M. Kamunya Tea Research Institute of Kenya, P.O Box 820, 20200, Kericho, Kenya.
  • Nelson M. Lubang’a University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125, 30100, Eldoret, Kenya.
  • Oliver Kiplagat Tea Research Institute of Kenya, P.O Box 820, 20200, Kericho, Kenya.
  • John K. Wanyoko Tea Research Institute of Kenya, P.O Box 820, 20200, Kericho, Kenya.
  • Richard M. Chalo Tea Research Institute of Kenya, P.O Box 820, 20200, Kericho, Kenya.
DOI https://doi.org/10.20425/ijts.v13i01-02.11397

Abstract

Tea quality is manifested in its aroma, flavour and taste properties, which are generated by
volatile and non-volatile compounds, mainly catechins and caffeine. Several studies have revealed
positive significant relationships between (flavan-3-ols) catechins and caffeine in green leaf and
black tea quality. Additionally, the health benefits of tea in management of cancer, arthritis,
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity have been attributed to catechins and caffeine. Eight
biochemical traits of tea were used to investigate mid-parent heterosis (MPH), better parent
heterosis (BPH) and standard heterosis (SDH) in a 4x4 diallel mating design. Overall, genotype
x environment interaction influenced heterosis. For example, mean GA, EGC, C, EC and TC
contents were higher at Timbilil compared to Kangaita while mean Caffeine, EGCG and ECG
were higher at Kangaita compared to Timbilil. The results also showed that, inbreds (EPK TN14-
3, AHP S15/10 and TRFK 6/8) had improved catechins content and could be used in recurrent
selection to develop tea with high catechins content. Crosses, which showed high positive
heterosis over the mid-parent, better parent and the standard variety, could be utilized to generate
transgressive segregants in the later generations with high catechins and caffeine.
Keywords: Diallel, mid parent heterosis, better parent heterosis, standard heterosis

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How to Cite
Kamunya, S., N. Lubang’a, O. Kiplagat, J. Wanyoko, and R. Chalo. “Heterosis for Catechins and Caffeine in Kenyan Tea (Camellia Sinensis) (L.)O. Kuntze).”. International Journal of Tea Science, Vol. 13, no. 01 and 02, Dec. 2017, pp. 60-71, doi:10.20425/ijts.v13i01-02.11397.
Issue
Vol 13 No 01 and 02 (2017): International Journal of Tea Science
Section
Research Article