Over the past generation, the rise of East Asia and especially China has brought about a sea change in the economic and political world order. At the same time, global warming, environmental degradation, food and water shortages, population explosion, and income inequities have created a perfect storm that threatens the very survival of humanity. It is clear now that the Westphalian model of individual sovereign states seeking their own self-interest will not be able to respond effectively...

Reviews the latest advances in understanding tea genetics and genetic diversity and how this has informed advances in conventional, marker-assisted and transgenic breeding techniquesSummarises current best practice in cultivation techniques and the control of pests and diseasesFocuses on assessing the environmental impact of tea cultivation