Optimization of the Somatic Embryogenesis Protocol for In-vitro Mutagenesis of Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O Kuntze]

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6239-646-3_4How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Leaf; Cotyledon; Somatic embryos; In-vitro mutagenesis; Tea

Abstract

Tea breeding programs in Sri Lanka have produced a diverse range of tea varieties. However, Sri Lanka has limited genetic diversity due to tea’s non-native origin. This study aimed to develop an efficient in vitro mutagenesis protocol for tea to enhance the genetic diversity of existing elite tea cultivars. This approach, combined with advanced mutation breeding and tissue culture techniques, aims to accelerate the tea breeding program. Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka (TRI SL) recommended cultivars were used to collect explants. Media were prepared with varying concentrations of BAP (13 µmol, 18 µmol, 22 µmol, and 27 µmol). Somatic embryos generated from leaf and cotyledon explants were evaluated for suitability. The optimal time for in vitro mutagenesis was determined by subjecting cultures to irradiation at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks after establishment. Significant differences were observed among BAP concentrations. A BAP level of 13 µmol was found to be optimal for inducing leaf somatic embryogenesis. This finding provides a foundation for establishing a robust somatic embryogenesis protocol using leaf explants. Cotyledon somatic embryos were more suitable for in-vitro mutagenesis than leaf somatic embryos. Cotyledon cultures exhibited higher somatic embryo formation compared to leaf cultures. It is hypothesized that somatic embryos from seedling tea may show significant differences from other cultivars. After irradiation, a significantly higher survival percentage was observed for cotyledon somatic embryos at 5 weeks and leaf somatic embryos at 4 weeks after inoculation.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - D. M. R. Dasanayaka
AU  - K. K. Ranaweera
AU  - M. A. B. Ranatunga
AU  - D. M. Gamage
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/04/15
TI  - Optimization of the Somatic Embryogenesis Protocol for In-vitro Mutagenesis of Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O Kuntze]
BT  - Proceedings of the International Tea Symposium (InTSym100 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 46
EP  - 56
SN  - 2468-5747
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-646-3_4
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-646-3_4
ID  - Dasanayaka2026
ER  -