Evaluation of tulip (Tulipa L.) decorative capacities and resistance to Tulip breaking potyvirus in the tulip collection of the Botanical Garden of Vilnius University

Abstract

The tulip collection of the Department of Plant Systematics and Geography of the Botanical Garden of Vilnius University comprises 240 tulip species and cultivars belonging to 15 classification groups [1]. In this study, 206 tulip cultivars, classified into 1–11 groups, were analysed estimating their decorative capacities and resistance to the most prevalent and damaging Tulip breaking potyvirus (TBV). The investigation was carried out in 1997–2005. Decorative capacities have been evaluated in a 5-point scale. TBV was identified by the test-plant, electron microscopy and serological methods. Initial detection of TBV-infected plants was carried out according to symptom expression on tulip leaves and flowers. By their decorative capacities, 117 tulip cultivars (57% to all investigated) were scored the highest point (4–5); 25% of the cultivars were selected as resistant to TBV, 35% as average resistant, and 40% as not virusresistant. Darwin hybrid tulips were most resistant to TBV. Keywords: tulip, tulip classification, decorative capacities, resistant, tulip breaking potyvirus