We performed RNA-Seq analysis of green and purple shoot teas in a F1 population.
We identified 2193 DEGs, including 1143 up- and 1050 down-regulated in purple tea.
MBW complex might play a critical role in controlling anthocyanin accumulation.
Purple tea was mainly associated with late biosynthetic and transportation genes.
The identified genes associated with bud and leaf color will facilitate tea breeding.