Relative distribution of tea catechins as influenced by blister blight pathogen

Blister blight pathogen is not only affect the crop productivity,but also impart quality deterioration of processed teas. Among the biochemical constituents, polyphenols and catechins declined considerably due to blister blight infection. This study deals with impact of blister blight infection in relation to relative distribution of catechins of popular, quality tea clones. Results obtained in the present study revealed that irrespective of the cultivars, processed green tea obtained from healthy crop shoots contained significantly higher amount of total polyphenols and catechins. Though, the tea clones selected in the present study were characterized as quality clones, they exhibit variations in terms of total polyphenols and catechins. Irrespective of the clones, blister infected teas registered significantly lesser quantum of total polyphenols and catechins. As it was evident from colorimetric analysis of total catechins, HPLC analysis confirms the reduction in contents of catechin fractions. Generated results on catechin fractions in relation to blister blight pathogen infection are presented and discussed.