High-efficiency callus induction from intact Camellia sinensis leaves via controlled incisions and its regulatory mechanisms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a globally important economic crop, but its in vitro tissue culture is severely limited by polyphenol-induced explant browning and low callus induction efficiency. Conventional methods relying on fragmented leaf explants exacerbate these issues, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying genotypic differences in callus induction remain poorly understood.

Results

We optimized a callus induction protocol using intact tea leaves with controlled transverse incisions, combining liquid-solid co-culture and staged dark/light cycles. The optimal protocol-5-8 transverse incisions on Huangjincha leaves, followed by 3-day liquid dark preculture, 12-day solid dark culture, and 15-day 16/8 h photoperiod-reduced the browning rate to 32.0 

SUBMITTER: Lili T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13640085 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature