Abstract:
Characterization of germplasm is an important initial step towards proper utilization of genetic resources
in plant breeding. Compared to vegetative traits, reproductive morphology, especially pistil traits are
considered a reliable criteria in taxonomical studies of higher plants. The objective of the present study
was to characterize exotic tea (Camellia sinensis L.) germplasm accessions which are conserved ex-situ in
the field gene bank in Sri Lanka. Fifty four accessions selected from the exotic germplasm collection, were
characterized using 14 floral traits to discriminate them into three major taxa. Of the material studied, 39
accessions possess geniculate type styles, four with united styles while 11 accessions recorded ascending
styles represented by Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (China type), Camellia sinensis var. asamica (Assam
type) and Camellia sinensis sp. lasiocalyx (Cambod type), respectively. Results revealed that the exotic
collection was predominantly represented by China type (72%) followed by Cambod type (20%).
Significant variations of floral traits viz width of petals, length of column and length of style arms were
detected among three taxa. On the contrary, variation of other floral traits among three taxa was not
significant It has been observed from previous studies that local tea germplasm is predominantly
represented by accessions of Cambod types followed by Assam types. Hence, availability of more China
type accessions in the exotic germplasm will immensely useful as parental lines in future tea breeding
programmes.
