Magnesium plays a crucial role in the growth and quality of tea plants, affecting important processes such as photosynthesis and the synthesis of key metabolites. However, tea plants often suffer from magnesium deficiency, which is due to factors such as poor soil conditions and unbalanced fertilization. This deficiency can lead to reduced tea quality and affect taste and market value. Given these problems, it is important to research how magnesium affects tea plants at the molecular level to pave the way for more effective nutrient management strategies in tea cultivation.

A team from the National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops at Huazhong Agricultural University published a study in Horticultural research on June 3, 2024. The research focuses on understanding the effects of magnesium deficiency on tea plants, particularly through the role of the CsMGT5 gene. This study used metabolomics and transcriptomics to find out how magnesium deficiency affects tea quality.

The study found that magnesium deficiency in tea plants significantly affects their physiological and metabolic functions. The key findings showed a decline in photosynthetic efficiency with lower chlorophyll content in the tea shoots, which directly affects the overall health and quality of the plant. The CsMGT5 gene was identified as a crucial regulator of magnesium homeostasis and plays a central role in maintaining magnesium levels under stress conditions.

In addition, the research has highlighted changes in metabolite profiles, particularly a reduction in catechins and certain amino acids that are essential for tea flavor and quality. The study also suggested that CsMGT5 may act synergistically with ammonium transporters to help stabilize amino acid levels, offering a potential avenue to improve tea quality through better nutrient management. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the role of magnesium in tea plants and have practical implications for increasing tea production.

Dr. Mingle Wang, the lead researcher of the study, commented: “Our results shed light on the critical role of magnesium in the health and quality of tea plants. Understanding how CsMGT5 regulates magnesium homeostasis opens new opportunities to improve tea quality through better nutrient management. This study lays the foundation for future research to optimize tea cultivation practices.”

The findings from this study have significant implications for the tea industry. By understanding the role of magnesium and CsMGT5, tea farmers can improve their nutrient management practices, potentially leading to higher tea quality. This research also lays the foundation for further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying nutrient deficiencies in other crops and offers broader agricultural applications.