Abstract
Germplasm collection and conservation requires many efforts and resources. Core collection construction could both conserve genetic diversity and improve conservation efficiency. This study investigated the genetic diversity of tea plants [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] collected from four regions of Rucheng using 14 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and constructed a core collection set. A phylogenetic tree and population structure were conducted. A core set of 28 tea plants, approximately 10% of 279 tea plant individuals, was constructed to capture the samples' maximum genetic diversity. Compared to the original collection, the retention rates of N(a), I, H(o), H(e), MAF, and PIC in the core collection were 106.4%, 118.8%, 103.1%, 112.2%, 68.1%, and 113.1%, respectively. The significance of core germplasm lies in identifying and conserving a set of representatives, diverse, and genetically advantageous genetic resources to support subsequent genetic improvement and breeding efforts. It could serve as a foundation for conserving valuable genetic materials and identifying loci associated with important horticultural traits, thereby empowering the development of new tea cultivars with enhanced efficiency. Furthermore, this approach contributes to optimizing breeding strategies, accelerating the selection process, and ensuring the sustainability of tea plant genetic resources for future generations.