Next generation crop improvement program: Progress and prospect in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)

The new arena of crop improvement program requires next generation genomic technology in combination with a high throughput precised phenotyping. The aim and efforts of the research through unified molecular-morphological approach will be fulfilled only if they can be effectively employed in the cultivation process which ultimately would be positive to the beneficiaries. Development of competent and time saving tools for assessing the varying expression of agronomic traits of a crop and understanding its genetic background is a prerequisite. Recently, the commercially important beverage crop, tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze), is of prime importance for its worthwhile health-benefit attributes. Although due to some inherited bottleneckness, several advanced genomics and phenomics technologies have already been utilized in tea for crop improvement program. Attempts have been made for its yield and quality trait associated marker development and next generation phenotyping considered to be the unique point of scientific interest. Moreover, definite selection of tea varieties with specific traits is being carried out for ensuring the premium tea products and brand by barcoding technology. This review summarises the concurrent advances of scientific research in tea improvement program as well as its prospects towards the production of superior cultivars and authenticity.