Molecular markers as tools for characterization and improvement of tea germplasm

Abstract

Tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] 0. Kuntze) is one of the most common non-alcoholic beverages of the world used since ancient times. lndia is the largest producer and exporter of processed tea with over 30% share in global tea production. Thus, tea holds a key position in Indian economy generating over 660 million US dollars of foreign exchange annually.