Effects of Light on the Production and Degradation of Caffeine in Camellia sinensis L. Seedlings

Light enhanced the growth of tea seedlings but the amount of caffeine produced in light was almost identical to that in the shade, indicating that more synthesis and/or less degradation of caffeine Occur(s) in shaded seedlings. Administering [N1-methyl-14C]-caffeine caffeine to tea shoot tips showed that light promotes the degradation of caffeine only slightly.