Comparative analysis of agronomical and quality traits of ancient trees and their clonal progenies in Camellia tachangensis

【Objective】To compare and analyzeagronomical traits and quality traits of ancient trees and their clone progenies in Camellia tachangensis so asto provide a theoretical basis for evaluating the social and economic value of ancient trees and clonal tea gardens, guide the government and tea farmers to effectively protect and utilize ancient trees.【Method】The phenological phase of spring shoots, yield components and tenderness-keeping ability of 22 excellent ancient trees and their 4-year-old clonal progenies in C. tachangensis were investigated in the field. The content of the main quality biochemical components of one bud and two leaves was determined to conduct comparative analysis,principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation of agronomical traits and quality traits of ancient trees and its clone progenies.【Result】Except for ancient trees L12 and L15,the germination phase,one bud and one leaf phase and one bud and two leaves phase of 20 ancient trees were later than that of their clonal progenies. Except for ancient trees L01, L14, L15 and L22,the one bud and three leavesphase of 18 ancient trees were later than that of their clonal progenies. Except for ancient trees L01, L05, L07, L10, L12, L14, L15 and L22,the bud-standing phase of 14 ancient trees were later than that of their clonal progenies. Except for ancient trees L10, L14, L15, L18, L19, L20 and L22,theyield components and tenderness-keeping ability of 15 ancient trees were worse than or consistent with that of their clonal progenies. Except for the ancient tree L03, L12, L14, L15 and L16,the water extracts content,tea polyphenol content,total sugar content and glucose content of 17 ancient trees were significantly higher than that of their clonal progenies(P<0.05,the same below). Except for the ancient tree L21,the amino acids content of 21 ancient trees was significantly lower than that of their clonal progenies. The results of principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation based on 17 quantitative traits, including phenological phase of spring shoots, yield components, tenderness keeping ability and main quality traits showed thatthe factor score of the 22 ancient trees were lower than that of their clonal progenies. The results of principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation based on 8 main quality traits showed that the factor scores of the 22 ancient trees were higher than that of their clonalprogenies.【Conclusion】Ancient trees in C. tachangensis has more flavor substances than their clonal progenies,but most ancient trees in C. tachangensis show lower yield, late phenological phase and shorter growth cycle than that of their clonal progenies.