Identification of lily hybrids using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Lily is a stunning monocot perennial herb that is used economically worldwide as an ornamental plant, but it takes time from hybridization to seed bulbs and to eventual flowering. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be used to identify the authenticity of hybrids, which is of great significance in breeding new cultivars. In this study, an allotriploid LAA hybrid cultivar, 'Royal Lace', an autotetraploid AAAA hybrid cultivar, 'Brunello', and one of their progeny were analyzed using FISH with 45S rDNA as a probe. It was shown that there were a total of 11 hybridization signals on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 in 'Royal Lace'. In 'Brunello', there were 16 hybridization signals on chromosomes 1, 2, 6 and 8. The progeny was aneuploid, and had 19 hybridization signals on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8. It was also shown that the typical 45S rDNA locus was observed in the progeny, which was located near the secondary constriction on chromosome 2 from 'Brunello'. FISH detection of 45S rDNA clearly showed that all 45S rDNA signals in the progeny were from 'Royal Lace' and 'Brunello'.