Morpho-physiological and phenological attributes of reproductive biology of tea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia sinensis</Emphasis> (L.) O. Kuntze) in Sri Lanka |
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Authors: | H A C K Ariyarathna M T K Gunasekare J D Kottawa-Arachchige R Paskarathevan K K Ranaweera M Ratnayake J B D A P Kumara |
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Institution: | (1) Plant Breeding Division, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Talawakelle, Sri Lanka;(2) Department of Export Agriculture, Sabaragamwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka |
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Abstract: | A comprehensive knowledge on reproductive traits is a prerequisite in utilizing the existing tea germplasm effectively for
crop improvement to develop superior planting material for grower acceptance and market profitability. The Sri Lankan tea
germplasm was characterized based on reproductive traits viz. floral morphology, pollen biology, stigma receptivity and phenology of flowering and fruit set. The variability in floral
morphology, especially the style morphological features, formed phenotypic clines rather than distinct groups. Studies on
pollen biology and stigma receptivity revealed significant variability and asynchrony that could result unequal reproductive
success among the genotypes. Four distinct patterns were predictable among the genotypes based on flower and fruit abundance
and the time of flowering and fruit set. Three well marked flowering periods occurred in February to April, July and in November.
Nonetheless, major flowering period coincided February and March in all the genotypes allowing free crossing between the different
genotypes. Profuse mature fruit crop was obtained in February to May. Approximately 26% success was achieved in tea controlled
hybridization programmes. Fruits carry two seeds on average and became mature in 8–9 months after pollination. Zygotic development
in tea takes more than 1 month after pollination and early embryonic development continued for 4 months after pollination.
The indexing of the morpho-physiological diversity and the phenological calendars of flowering and fruit set made available
in the study are of significant importance in effective utilization of the tea germplasm for crop improvement. |
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