GENOTYPIC VARIATION IN POSTHARVEST FLOWER LONGEVITY OF ASIATIC HYBRIDLILIES

Genotypic variation in postharvest flower longevity was determined for 63 Asiatic lily hybrids (Lilium L.). The reliability of standardized test conditions for longevity screening was also examined. Improvement of lily flower longevity by breeding appears feasible. Considerable g enotypic variation in individual flower longevity was obtained and est imates of the degree of genotypic determination were high. The rank or der of the genotypes with respect to individual flower longevity was s imilar between years using standardized test conditions. Screening res ults for flowers forced in a growth chamber were similar to those obta ined in a greenhouse. No plant traits suitable for indirect selection on flower longevity were detected.