Abstract
Spring frost poses a challenge for all major crops and, in the case of Lupinus mutabilis (Andean lupin) can cause severe damage or even total loss of the crop. Within the LIBBIO project consortium, we conducted a series of experiments in order to develop a suitable protocol for screening lupin germplasm under frost-simulation conditions. Four lupin accessions, one Lupinus albus and three Andean lupins were used in the experiments (L. albus Mihai, L. mutabilis LIB 220, LIB 221, LIB 222). Seedlings at four developmental stages were challenged with five different levels of ‘frost’ stress from low (−2 °C) to high (−10 °C). Notably, young seedling (cotyledons just breaking through the soil surface) showed little evidence of frost damage for temperatures down to −6 °C. At −8 °C, however, damage was evident, suggesting a cold tolerance threshold occurs at this temperature. Interestingly, for later developmental stages, when the first and second leaves were visible, notable differences were observed starting at −6 °C. The results indicate that the plant growth stage is an important parameter when screening for frost tolerance in germplasm. Overall, by identifying Andean lupin genotypes adapted to high abiotic stress factors, farmers will be able to use it as a reference crop with potentially a commercial interest from the food sector, or cosmetics, and biofuel industries.
Highlights
In recent years, the agricultural sector has faced a series of major challenges like the need for safe and clean food products, environmentally sustainable production and constant changes in consumer preferences
This study describes a new protocol for frost-simulated tolerance tests of L. mutabilis accessions
Lupinus mutabilis (Andean lupin) seedlings are susceptible to this stress and the identification of genotypes with increased frost tolerance might be a viable solution for the widespread cultivation of this crop in the EU
Summary
The agricultural sector has faced a series of major challenges like the need for safe and clean food products, environmentally sustainable production and constant changes in consumer preferences. Lucas et al [4] described L. mutabilis as a very promising alternative crop with increased dietary benefits compared to soya bean, a high grain quality, and improved adaptation to poor soils, high altitudes, and low input farming systems. Its suitability for cultivation in temperate climates, and high protein and oil grain content are among the characteristics that make Andean lupin a promising alternative to current protein crops [5]. Future breeding efforts should be focused on the identification of genotypes with early maturation periods and high tolerance to frost and drought, while conserving the high protein and oil content in seeds and increased yields. A limited number of studies are published on Andean lupin performance in European countries and especially on how frost tolerance impacts the different plant development phases. Contrasting genotypes were analyzed and the effects of frost on the vigor of the phenotypes were observed
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