An update on lupin crops and their potential

In this issue focus on efforts and white lupin Australia Europe and highlight the current genetic and genomic resources developed for these species. The genetic diversity of the Lupinus species is described and an overview of the INCREASE project to conserve and manage lupin genetic diversity is presented. Furthermore, the current knowledge status of flowering time and other phenology traits in lupins is discussed. The nutraceutical properties of lupin seed storage proteins and research efforts to promote lupins as a food or food ingredient are also Abstract: A synopsis of the species diversity in the genus Lupinus is presented, incorporating information about the geographical distribution of the genus, including a distribution map, data on relationships of species in the form of a phylogeny of the genus showing the major clades, plus an overview of chromosome groups, and variation in species climatic affinities, life history strategies and functional traits. Abstract: Lupins are a valuable part of the Australian farming system due to their roles in atmospheric nitrogen fixation, as a source of protein for animal feed, and as a disease break in crop rotations. Recent changes in production levels can be attributed to increased adoption of canola in farming rotations, increased canola prices, volatile lupin prices and increased prevalence of blue lupin weeds. Future breeding efforts should focus on improving rates of genetic gain for grain yield through technologies such as whole genome selection, creating value for lupins by introducing new herbicide tolerances to aid farming systems, and addressing new market opportunities such as human consumption. Abstract: Italian white lupin breeding requires adaptation to terminal drought stress and occasional low-temperature stress in winter exacerbated by climate change. Sufficiently low alkaloid content, adaptation to moderately calcareous soil, and tolerance to anthracnose are other important targets. We generated phylogenetic and adaptive information on global landrace genetic resources, identifying agronomically-outstanding parent material used to broaden the crop genetic base for inbred line selection or development of evolutionary populations. Dwarfness may have an interest for indeterminate material grown in favourable environments. Large phenotyping platforms ensuring the reliable assessment of drought or cold tolerance, and genome-enabled prediction of grain yield in specific environments and other traits, are key components of future selection strategies. treat type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardio-vascular diseases. Abstract: Livestock management in Europe mainly depends on imported soybean. In recent years, lupin species have gained importance as an alternative protein source for stock feed as well as for food production. Narrow-leafed lupin (NLL) is well adapted to poor soils and dry environments, can help to increase crop rotation and may contribute to adapting European agriculture to climate change. A precondition for this are sufficiently high and secure grain yields. We report on our breeding research efforts which resulted in pre-breeding lines of NLL exhibiting novel growth types with high genetic yield potential or high levels of anthracnose resistance, respectively. Genetic and molecular studies provided molecular markers for anthracnose resistance which may be used in breeding programs to combine high yield and resistance in novel varieties. Abstract: The sequencing of lupin genomes commenced in the 21st century, with two reference genomes published for narrow-leafed lupin and white lupin, and several others in progress. Furthermore, pan-genomes for white lupin and narrow-leafed lupin have been generated using different approaches. To rapidly introduce new genetic diversity, speed breeding can be utilised, and our team is developing speed breeding protocols for narrow-leafed lupin. Furthermore, our team is generating a reverse genetics population in the reference genetic background of cultivar Tanjil. Together, these genomic resources will be of great value for lupin crop improvement as the world demand for plant-based protein for human consumption is rapidly growing. Abstract: Characterization of genetic resources is essential for both their conservation and to promote their use for crop improvement. Legumes are of great importance for their high seed protein content and role in food security and climate change mitigation strategies. The aim of the INCREASE project in what refers to lupin is to develop and characterize the lupin ‘Intelligent Collections’, as a set of nested core collections of different sizes representing the entire diversity of the crop. The strategies used will embrace state-of-the-art approaches for genotyping (genome-wide association studies, population genomics, large-scale data processing) and phenotyping (high-resolution metabolic profiling). This study is carried out within a wide international collaboration as part of the European Union Horizon 2020 ‘INCREASE’ Project. Our studies will further develop lupin research in (pre)breeding programs and contribute to lupin evolution and domestication. Abstract: Development of narrow-leafed lupin ( Lupinus angustifolius L.) varieties with region-specific adaptation is limited by diminished levels of genetic diversity for flowering time and other phenology traits within domesticated relative to wild gene pools. Here, we briefly summarise current progress to address this issue through molecular characterisation of genes that regulate flowering time in response to vernalisation, and the potential for new genetic variation discovered as a result of this research to benefit global production. In addition, we highlight important prebreeding research objectives moving forward and outline areas of research that will be increasingly important for adaptation in the face of climate change. Abstract: Lupinus angustifolius or narrow ‐ leafed lupin (NLL) is a globally important pulse and an economically affordable alternative source of high-quality protein. NLL β ‐ conglutin proteins exhibit multifunctional properties through regulatory molecular mechanisms promoting health benefits as a result of their unique structure-functional features in comparison with most of the legume proteins from the vicilin family. Multiple disease amelioration properties include antioxidant activity and fighting inflammatory ‐ related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, and deleterious colorectal and mammary cancers, among others. This review outlines updated research about NLL β ‐ conglutin proteins drawing on information gained from biochemical, in vitro and ex vivo studies on molecular nutraceutics and protein structure insights. Abstract: As lupin crops form an integral part of sustainable farming systems, the end use of lupin seeds as food for human consumptions could increase and diversify revenue streams for growers and improve farm profitability. Due to the similarity of composition and nutritional values between lupin and soybean, several traditional foods have been attempted with lupins. Recently more extensive investigations have been conducted to effectively fractionate and use lupin protein and kernel fibre as ingredients for various foods.