Differential Proteomic Analysis of Chilling Stress Responses in Tea Plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]

Low temperature is one of the serious environmental stresses affecting plant growth and agricultural production. It not only inhibits metabolic reactions but also causes osmotic, oxidative, and other damages [1]. Chilling temperatures that range from 0 to 12°C are common during the growing season and can substantially decrease plant productivity [2]. Plants respond and acclimate to chilling stress through various biochemical and physiological processes, thereby acquiring stress tolerance. Not surprisingly, these mechanisms are complex, and include changes in physiological and biochemical reactions, gene expression and protein synthesis [3,4].