Abstract:In order to understand the changes in morphology and metabolites in leaves of grafted tea seedlings, Camellia sinensis ‘Shuchazao’ as scions and C. oleifera (wild oil tea in Dabieshan) as stocks were grafted, and the morphology and secondary metabolite contents in their leaves were studied. The results showed that the morphology of grafted seedling leaves was more close to C. sinensis, and its morphological indexes of leaves were influenced by C. oleifera. The contents of amino acids, purine alkaloids and polyphenols in grafted seedling leaves greatly increased compared with those of C. oleifera. The content of theanine in grafted seedling leaves was significantly higher than that of C. oleifera. Moreover, phenolic acids were detected in grafted seedling leaves but not in leaves of C. oleifera. Caffeine content in grafted seedling leaves decreased obviously compared with that of C. sinensis. These results would produce positive impact on the cultivation of C. sinensis and C. oleifera, and play positive roles in the biosynthesis and transportation mechanisms of secondary metabolites in tea plants.
