Studying temporal changes of leaf pigments of selected purple tea accessions in Astana-Ashrafieh

Document Type : Research

Authors

1 Dep. of Horticulture, University of Guilan

2 Dep of Horticulture, University of Guilan

3 Tea Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute, AREEO, Lahijan, Iran

4 Dep. of horticulture, University of Guilan

10.22092/rhsj.2025.366050.1098

Abstract

Diversifying tea products and increasing their added value is a strategic approach to enhancing the marketability of tea in both new local and international markets. Purple tea, characterized by its red to purple leaves, is rich in anthocyanins. This study aimed to identify and select tea plants with stable coloration and higher anthocyanin content during the harvesting period in Astana Ashrafieh. To achieve this, tea gardens in Bazan, Tajen, and Kisem villages were surveyed. Through field monitoring, bushes with distinct coloration were identified, and from 12 locations, four bushes with numbers 11, 2, 1, and 12 were selected in Bazan and Tajen villages. These bushes displayed leaves with red to purple hues, which were markedly different from the typical leaf color. For each selected plant, one bud and two leaves were hand-picked and taken to the laboratory, where the total anthocyanin, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content were measured. To assess the stability of the leaf color during the growing and harvesting season, multiple visits were made. If the purple color remained stable, the leaves were harvested, and the pigment content was measured again. The results showed that accession number 11 exhibited the highest anthocyanin activity during the fifth harvest with 4842.68 μg/g, and the lowest anthocyanin activity during the second harvest with 1168.92 μg/g, indicating the most temporal variation. In contrast, accession number 12 recorded the highest average anthocyanin content at 3179.72 μg/g and the least temporal variation. The highest levels of total chlorophyll and carotenoid were observed in the fifth harvest of accession 1. A correlation analysis between pigments revealed a negative but insignificant relationship between anthocyanin levels and the other two pigments. Based on these findings, accession number 12 is a promising candidate for further research and potential introduction as a genotype rich in anthocyanins.

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Research in Horticultural Sciences
Volume 3, Issue 2
February 2025
Pages 21-30

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