Genetic variation in resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lilii in the genus Lilium

Genetic variation in Fusarium resistance in 82 Lilium genotypes was studied. A high level of resistance was found in the Asiatic hybrids (section Sinomartagon) and to a lesser extent in cultivars of L. longiflorum (section Leucolirion). The Oriental hybrids (section Archelirion) showed only moderate resistance. In the sections Sinomartagon, Leucolirion and Martagon species were detected with high levels of resistance. An accession of L. dauricum (section Sinomartagon) was the most resistant source. Possibilities for introgression of Fusarium resistance into cultivars by interspecific hybridisation, using the resistance found in Lilium genotypes, are discussed.