Changes in Antioxidative Responses to Low Temperature in Tea[Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze] Cultivars

Effect of low temperature stress treatment in five selected clones of Camellia sinensis (T-17, TV-19, TV-25, TV-29, TV-30) was found to be significant. Guaiacol Peroxidase (GPX) decreased with decreasing temperature. PPO decreased with decreasing temperature showing highest activities at 20℃ in all clones. CAT activities decreased in T-17, TV- 29, and TV-30 with decrease in temperature with exceptions in TV-19, and TV- 25 which showed increase catalase ( CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities. A decreasing trend of lipid peroxidation was observed in all the clones with decreasing temperature. Total phenolics content was highest in all clones at 20℃ with exception in TV- 30, which showed lowest at 20℃. Total sugar content was found to be highest in all clones treated at 20℃. The present study indicates that various clones of tea showed a range of physiological and biochemical sensitivities under a low temperature stress