Abstract:
Using Huangdan as reference (CK), six new germplasms generated by crossing Tieguanyin varieties were compared according to the chemical composition, characteristics, phenological phases, growth potential and fresh leaf yield of the new breeds as well as the quality of the oolong tea made. The bushes were shrubs or small trees that had an erect or semi-open posture with elliptical or long elliptic leaves, which were soft in texture, yellowish green or purple in color and medium to small in size with few or medium amount of hair. As compared to CK, the hybrids, TGY-2 and TGY-3, were earlier on phenological development, while others, later; the one-bud-3-leaves of TGY-2, TGY-4 and TGY-6, longer, and the weight, heavier; the shoot densities of TGY-2, TGY-3 and TGY-4, greater; the fresh leaf yields of TGY-2, TGY-3 and TGY-4, higher; the oolong teas made from the leaves of TGY-2, TGY-4 and TGY-5, superior in quality; but, not significantly different in contents of moisture, water extracts, amino acids, caffeine, tea polyphenols, or phenol/ammonia ratio.