Lupinus Angustifolius Research Articles

Sourdough Wheat Bread Enriched with Grass Pea and Lupine Seed Flour: Physicochemical and Sensory Properties

Legume seeds, such as grass pea, yellow lupine, and narrow-leaf lupine, are highly nutritious and offer a wide range of health benefits. The objective of this research was to explore the possibility of partially replacing wheat flour (at levels of 10, 15, 20, and 25%) with flour derived from these legume seeds in sourdough wheat bread and examine its impact on the physicochemical and sensory properties of the bread. The physical properties of the dough were also assessed. The substitution of wheat flour with ground legume seeds resulted in increased water absorption (from 54.1 to 63.5%) and prolonged dough development time (from 2.0 to 13.5 min). Ground lupine seeds reduced the volume of the bread and increased its crumb density, consequently making the bread harder. The most significant increase in hardness was observed when narrow-leaf lupine flour was added to the wheat flour (from 8.4 to 22.5 N). Narrow-leaf lupine had the greatest impact on enhancing the protein content in the enriched bread (from 11.5 to 20%), while yellow lupine caused the highest increase in fiber content (from 1.9 to 6.9%). The proposed additives slightly but significantly (p < 0.05) increased the antioxidant activity and phenolic content in the bread samples. Importantly, for all legume seeds, replacing up to 15% of the wheat flour allowed the production of bread with high consumer acceptability.

Nutritional features of flour blends composed of durum wheat and lupin

SummaryThis study aims to improve the nutritional characteristics of durum wheat re‐milled semolina by adding 3%, 7%, 10% and 15% lupin flour (Lupinus albus L.) (L For lupin protein concentrate (LPC) (Lupinus angustifolius L.). Lupin flour showed a high protein content (40.05 g/100 g), which further increased to 55.00 g/100 g in the protein concentrate. Compared to re‐milled semolina, the protein content of the flour blends significantly increased for additions of LPC ≥ 3% and LF ≥ 7%. The lysine score significantly increased at levels of addition of LF or LPC ≥ 7%. The addition of LF at levels ≥ 3% determined an increase of manganese and iron, while copper and zinc increased at addition levels ≥ 10%. The macroelements significantly increased with the addition of LF (at levels ≥ 3% for magnesium; ≥10% for potassium and calcium; ≥15% for phosphorous) and LPC (at levels ≥ 3% for potassium and magnesium and ≥10% for calcium). The obtained flour mixes are potentially suitable for the formulation of biofortified and functional foods.

Upcycling post-harvest biomass residues from native European Lupinus species: from straws and pod shells production to nutritive value and alkaloids content for ruminant animals.

The production of Lupinus seeds for food and feed is increasing worldwide, which results in large amounts of post-harvest biomass residues, considered of low value and left in the field to be burned or incorporated in the soil. To valorize these agricultural wastes, this work aimed to assess their potential as an alternative feed for ruminants. Thus, the production yield, nutritive value, and alkaloid content of straws and pod shells from three native European Lupinus species, L. albus 'Estoril' (white), L. angustifolius 'Tango' (narrow-leafed), and L. luteus 'Cardiga' (yellow), cultivated in two locations, were evaluated. The dry matter (DM) yield of straws and pod shells were the highest for L. albus 'Estoril' (4.10 t ha-1) and the lowest for L. angustifolius 'Tango' (1.78 t ha-1), suggesting a poor adaptation of narrow-leafed lupin to the particularly dry and warm agronomic year. Despite species-specific differences, lupin biomass residues presented higher crude protein (53.0-68.9 g kg-1 DM) and lignin (103-111 g kg-1 DM) content than cereal straws usually used in ruminant feeding, thus resulting in higher metabolizable energy (6.43-6.58 MJ kg-1 DM) content. In vitro digestibility was similar among lupin species (47.7-50.6%) and higher in pod shells (53.7%) than in straws (44.6%). Lupinus albus 'Estoril' and L. luteus 'Cardiga' presented considerable amounts of alkaloids in straws (23.9 and 119 mg kg-1 DM) and pod shells (20.5 and 298 mg kg-1 DM), while no alkaloids were detected in L. angustifolius 'Tango' biomass residues. Considering the combined production of straw and pod shells per lupin species, it is anticipated that lupin biomass residues produced per ha can fulfill 85% of the energy and nearly 50% of protein requirements of a flock of 4 to 9 dry and mid-pregnancy sheep with 50 kg body weight for one year. No negative effects on small (ovine) and large (bovine) ruminant species due to alkaloids are expected, even if biomass residues are consumed at up to 85% DM intake. The large production yield along with its nutritive value unveils the potential of lupin biomass residues valorization as alternative fodder for ruminants, promoting sustainability under a circular economy approach.

Assessing the biomass yield and nitrogen fixation of Lupinus angustifolius varieties as green manure in Jalisco, Mexico

Limited information is available in Mexico regarding the use of Lupinus angustifolius L. as a green manure. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of six Lupinus angustifolius varieties as green manure in terms of above-ground biomass production, expressed as dry matter (DM), and total nitrogen (N) accumulation at successive harvest dates. Additionally, the study aimed to estimate N2 fixation 110 days after sowing (DAS). The varieties Haags Blaue, Boregine, Borlu, Probor, Sonate, and Boruta were sown during the winter season of 2018-2019 using a randomized block factorial design. The N difference method was employed to estimate N2 fixation, with wheat serving as the reference crop. Data on above-ground biomass production, N concentration, and total N accumulation were recorded at different harvest times: 80, 95, and 110 DAS. The biomass yield of all varieties significantly increased from the first to the last harvest, with the highest yield observed at the final harvest (ranging from 7,632 to 10,200 kg ha-1). The highest total N accumulation from biomass was recorded at the last harvest. On average, the Borlu, Boregine, Haags Blaue, and Boruta varieties accumulated 195.4 kg ha-1 of total N (ranging from 195.6 to 221.2 kg ha-1). The proportion of N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) through N2 fixation averaged 80.09% (ranging from 72% to 93%), resulting in an average N fixation of 160 kg ha-1 (ranging from 106 to 185 kg ha-1) in above-ground biomass. All six varieties demonstrated potential as green manure, considering their above-ground biomass production, total N accumulation, and ability to fix N2.

The effect of the genotype-environment interaction on the concentration of carotenoids, tocochromanol, and phenolic compounds in seeds of Lupinus angustifolius breeding lines

In order to determine the effect of genotype and environment on the concentration of carotenoids, tocopherols and phenolic compounds in narrow-leafed lupin a two-year study was conducted. The plant material comprised 55 breeding lines of Lupinus angustifolius. Quantitative concentration of carotenoids, tocopherols and phenolic compounds were determined using HPLC method. Mean carotenoid concentration amounted to 0.5 mg/100 g d.m. for violaxantin, 2.0 mg/100 g d.m. for lutein, 1.2 mg/100 g d.m. for zeaxantin and 0.5 mg/100 g d.m. for β-carotene, respectively. The share of the α-T homologue was 5 % (mean concentration 0.5 mg/100 g d.m.), while for the γ-T homologue it was 95 % (mean concentration 9.9 mg/100 g d.m.). The total concentration of phenolic acids in the tested lines of L. angustifolius ranged from 5.1 mg/100 g d.m. to 19.9 mg/100 g d.m. Among phenolic compounds a higher concentration of flavonoids was recorded, with their total level ranging from 100.7 mg/100 g d.m. to 152.8 mg/100 g d.m. Broad-sense heritability was 0.67–0.75 for carotenoids, 0.59–0.86 for tocopherols and 0.72–0.76 for phenolic compounds. Among all the analyzed genotypes, fifteen were selected as satisfactory and stable in terms of their concentration of biologically active compounds.

“Ca2+-dependent regulation of the proton permeability of the inner membrane of lupine cotyledon mitochondria”

change in volume, and proton permeability of the inner membrane of mitochondria isolated from cotyledons of etiolated seedlings of narrow-leaved lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) was studied. The mitochondria used in the work were characterized by a strong coupling of oxidation and phosphorylation processes. The high functional activity of mitochondria was confirmed by their ability to generate a transmembrane gradient of protons on the inner membrane (membrane potential or ∆Ψ) during the oxidation of succinate and also sustainably maintain it for a long time , both due to the operation of the electron transport chain and due to ATP hydrolysis under conditions of anaerobiosis. It was shown that the presence of 60–120 µM CaCl2 in the mitochondrial incubation medium had no significant effect on the rate of succinate oxidation and the parameters of oxidative phosphorylation; however, it induced ∆Ψ dissipation under conditions of oxygen depletion in the incubation medium. The most complete removal Ca2+ from the medium in the presence of chelators (EGTA, EDTA) prevented the membrane potential dissipation. Ca2+-dependent depolarization of the inner membrane was inhibited by dithiothreitol, suggesting involvement in this process of reactive oxygen species. The reset of the membrane potential was not accompanied by swelling of mitochondria and was not sensitive to cyclosporine A. Using metallochromic Ca2+-indicator arsenazo III, it was shown that the mitochondria of lupine cotyledons are able to actively absorb exogenous Ca2+ and store it in the matrix. Ca2+-induced dissipation of ∆Ψ under conditions of anaerobiosis was accompanied by the release of Ca2+ from mitochondria, the rate of which sharply increased in the presence of calcium ionophore A23 (A23187). It is assumed that the accumulation of Ca2+ and an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species in the matrix induces reversible permeabilization of the inner mitochondrial membrane of lupine cotyledons under conditions of anaerobiosis, which is due to the opening of a pore of nonspecific permeability in a state of low conductivity permeable to protons and, possibly, to other small cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+).

Host Resistance to Virus Diseases Provides a Key Enabler towards Fast Tracking Gains in Grain Lupin Breeding.

Four lupin species, Lupinus angustifolius, L. albus, L. luteus, and L. mutabilis, are grown as cool-season grain legume crops. Fifteen viruses infect them. Two of these, bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), cause diseases that threaten grain lupin production. Phytosanitary and cultural control measures are mainly used to manage them. However, breeding virus-resistant lupin cultivars provides an additional management approach. The need to develop this approach stimulated a search for virus resistance sources amongst cultivated lupin species and their wild relatives. This review focuses on the progress made in optimizing virus resistance screening procedures, identifying host resistances to BYMV, CMV, and additional viral pathogen alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), and the inclusion of BYMV and CMV resistance within lupin breeding programs. The resistance types found in different combinations of virus and grain lupin species include localized hypersensitivity, systemic hypersensitivity, extreme resistance, and partial resistance to aphid or seed transmission. These resistances provide a key enabler towards fast tracking gains in grain lupin breeding. Where studied, their inheritance depended upon single dominant genes or was polygenic. Although transgenic virus resistance was incorporated into L. angustifolius and L. luteus successfully, it proved unstable. Priorities for future research are discussed.

Evaluation of alkaloids in yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.): New insight to genetic resources diversity and future breeding perspectives

The agronomic potential of many species, including lupins, is underutilized due to poor characterization of the genetic resources conserved by genebanks. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the seed alkaloid content and alkaloid profiles of 292 yellow lupin (YL, Lupinus luteus L.) accessions from the Polish Lupinus Collection using gas chromatography, coupled to a flame ionization detector. The YL collection showed wide diversity, as indicated by a broad range of total alkaloid content (0.0004–1.8042%) and various qualitative alkaloids compositions in specific genotypes. A statistical approach allowed comparing classes at different domestication level and identifying divergent germplasm. Wild accessions had higher total alkaloid content, dominated by lupinine, whereas domesticated accessions had lower alkaloid content and alkaloid profiles mainly composed of sparteine and ammodendrine. The study identified accessions with promising breeding potential or for detailed research, such as wild, low-alkaloid germplasm or those with only one specific alkaloid detected. Furthermore, the study assessed the “breeding progress” toward reducing the total alkaloid content of YL cultivars in comparison with two other lupin crops (narrow-leafed and white lupin). This comparative study showed the significant progress in YL, which could be caused by lupinine synthesis inhibition. Overall, the study provides advanced knowledge on YL genetic resources and highlights the importance of their comprehensive characterization.

Effects of Variety and Seeding Rate on Performance of Sweet Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) at Holetta, in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

The study was executed to evaluate the agro-morphological and nutritional performance of four narrow-leafed blue sweet lupin varieties (Australian lupin, Probor, Sanabor, and Vitabor) sown with five seeding rates (60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 kg/ha) during the main cropping seasons of 2014 and 2015 at Holetta in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Randomized complete block design replicated three times in factorial arrangements was used for experimenting. The lupin varieties were sown in rows with an inter-row spacing of 30 cm. At sowing, diammonium phosphate fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg/ha was uniformly applied for all treatments in both years. Data were collected on plant height, dry matter yield, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed yield, and nutritive value. All measured data were subjected to analysis of variance using procedures of SAS general linear model. The result revealed that plant height, number of pods per plant, and number of seeds per pod of lupin varieties were significantly (P<0.001) affected by experimental years. The varietal difference was the major cause of variation (P<0.05) for dry matter yield, the number of pods per plant, and seed yield. The Sanabor, Probor and Vitabor varieties had 38, 23, and 20% dry matter yield advantage over the introduced Australian lupin variety, respectively. The Sanabor variety which produced the highest seed yield had 25, 17, and 14% seed yield advantages over Vitabor, Australian lupin, and Probor variety, respectively. The seed yield performance of lupin varieties was positively correlated with the number of pods per plant while it was negatively correlated with the number of seeds per pod. The dry matter yield and number of seeds per pod were also significantly (P<0.05) affected by seeding rates of lupin varieties. The dry matter yield of lupin varieties increased with increasing seeding rates indicating the tested lupin varieties had a low tillering performance. The number of seeds per pod of lupin varieties decreased with increasing seeding rates. On the other hand, the nutritive values did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the tested lupin varieties. However, Vitabor variety gave better CP and IVDMD followed by Australian lupin while Probor variety gave the lowest CP and IVDMD. Vitabor variety which exhibited better ash, CP, and IVDMD contents produced the lowest NDF, ADF, and ADL contents when compared with other varieties. Generally, Sanabor and Probor varieties had better forage dry matter yield and seed yield but Vitabor and Australian lupin had relatively better nutritive values. For forage production, lupin varieties should be sown with the highest seeding rate (100 kg/ha) while the lowest seeding rate (60 kg/ha) is recommended for seed production. However, this research should be done across locations and over years to prove the above-recommended seeding rates for forage and seed productions in the study area and similar agro-ecologies. Keywords: dry matter yield, herbage quality, plant height, pod number, seed yield, seeding rate.

Вплив генетично модифікованої сої на продуктивність і якість м’язової тканини свиней

Goal. To study the productive and slaughter qualities of young pigs and the chemical composition of muscle tissue and liver for the use of high-protein fodder — narrow-leaf lupine and genetically modified (GM) soybeans as a part of fodder grain mixes. Methods. In the experiment, two groups of experimental animals were formed: the first group (control) was fed with grain mixture № 1 with narrow-leaved lupine (alkaloid-free) and sunflower cake; the second group (experimental) received grain mixture № 2 with GM soy. The live weight of young pigs was determined by individual weighing before morning feeding, feed payment by live weight gain — by calculation method, slaughter quality — by the technology used at meat processing enterprises, and chemical composition — by generally accepted methods. Laboratory studies of soy, muscle tissue, and liver for the content of genetically modified organisms were carried out at the Ukrainian Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products. Results. Soybeans contained genetically modified desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), had a target promoter sequence 35S + FMV of Cauliflower mosaic virus, and the NOS-terminator (nopaline synthase) of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. According to the results of qualitative analysis of the longest back muscle and liver of young pigs, no genetically modified organisms and products containing them were found. Conclusions. Optimizing the protein nutrition of young pigs due to genetically modified soybeans compared to the use of lupine and sunflower cake harmed live weight and average daily gains of animals (–11.6%) with the higher expenditure of exchangeable energy (+20.5%) per unit of gain. A comparative analysis of the chemical composition of the longest back muscle of gilts showed that in the muscle tissue of animals of the II (experimental) group, the concentration of dry matter, protein, and ash was lower by 0.60%, 1.10 and 0.08% abs., respectively, and fat — by 0.58% abs. greater than in animals of the I (control) group.

A Commercial Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculum Alleviated the Effects of Acid Water on Lupinus angustifolius Grown in a Sterilized Mining Dump.

Lupinus species have been sporadically reported to be colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The interactions between AMF and lupine plants could also be non-symbiotic, from positive to negative, as controlled by the stress conditions of the plant. The goal of the study was to reveal the existence of such positive interactions and provide preliminary data for a myco-phytoremediation technology of mining dumps using L. angustifolius as a first crop. The objective was to test the hypothesis that the AMF inoculation of an acidified dump material contaminated with heavy metals would improve the growth of L. angustifolius and decrease oxidative stress. The design consisted of a one-month bivariate pot experiment with plants grown in a mining dump soil inoculated and not inoculated with a commercial AMF inoculum sequestered in expanded clay and watered with acidic and neutral water. There was no AMF root colonization under the experimental conditions, but under neutral and acidic water conditions, the phosphorus concentrations in roots and leaves increased, and the superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities significantly decreased due to AMF inoculation. The increase in leaf phosphorus concentration was correlated with the decrease in peroxidase activity. The fresh weight of shoots and leaves significantly increased due to the commercial inoculum (under acidic water conditions). At the end of the experiment, the ammonium concentration in the substrate was higher in the inoculated treatments than in the not inoculated ones, and the concentrations of many elements in the dump material decreased compared to the start of the experiment. A comprehensive discussion of the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of the commercial AMF inoculum on the non-host L. angustifolius is completed.

Antioxidant activities of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) protein hydrolysates and their potential for nutraceutical and functional foods

Bioactive peptides are the compounds used as medicines, nutraceuticals and food preservatives. In this study, lupin protein hydrolysates were produced by enzymatic hydrolysis using pepsin, pancreatin and flavourzyme and antioxidative activities of the hydrolysates were measured. Protein was isoelectrically isolated from the lupin seed flour and enzymatically hydrolysed. The hydrolysates were ultrafiltered using molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) membranes. Fractions with masses of <2 kDa, 2–3 kDa, 3–5 kDa and 5–10 kDa were separated from the hydrolysates obtained at different hydrolysis times and then subjected to further fractionation by Size Exclusion Chromatography. Radical scavenging activities against DPPH·, ABTS·+, OH· and Fe2+ chelating abilities of these peptide fractions were measured. The best iron chelating, OH•, DPPH• and ABTS•+scavenging activities (IC50) were 30 ± 5.3, 40 ± 3.9, 60 ± 3.9 and 90 ± 8.2 µg/mL respectively. Pancreatin and Flavourzyme have produced more fractions with best scavenging activities after 3–4 h of hydrolysis (IC50 values in the range of 40–110 µg/mL). Generally Size Exclusion purified fractions displayed superior activities than the parent fractions. Several lupin peptide fractions showed comparable antioxidant capacities to those derived from soybean protein and displayed superior activities when compared with chickpea derived peptide fractions. Therefore, lupin protein hydrolysates are a potential source for nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Characteristics of N-Glycosylation and Its Impact on the Molecular Behavior of Lupinus angustifolius γ-Conglutin.

γ-Conglutin, a lupin seed protein, is an intriguing protein both in terms of the complexity of its molecular structure and a broad spectrum of unique health-promoting properties manifested in animal and human trials. Moreover, this protein is an evolutionary cornerstone whose physiological significance for the plant has not been determined yet. Herein, a comprehensive characterization of γ-conglutin glycosylation is presented and includes (i) the identification of the N-glycan-bearing site, (ii) the qualitative and quantitative composition of glycan-building saccharides, as well as (iii) the effect of oligosaccharide removal on structural and thermal stability. The obtained results indicate the presence of glycans belonging to different classes attached to the Asn98 residue. In addition, the detachment of the oligosaccharide significantly affects secondary structure composition, which disturbs the oligomerization process. The structural changes were also reflected in biophysical parameters, i.e., at a pH value of 4.5, an increase in γ-conglutin thermal stability was observed for the deglycosylated monomeric form. Collectively, the presented results provide evidence of the high complexity of the post-translational maturation and suggest the possibility of a functional effect that glycosylation might have on γ-conglutin structure integrity.

β-Conglutins' Unique Mobile Arm Is a Key Structural Domain Involved in Molecular Nutraceutical Properties of Narrow-Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.).

Narrow-leafed lupin (NLL; Lupinus angustifolius L.) has multiple nutraceutical properties that may result from unique structural features of β-conglutin proteins, such as the mobile arm at the N-terminal, a structural domain rich in α-helices. A similar domain has not been found in other vicilin proteins of legume species. We used affinity chromatography to purify recombinant complete and truncated (without the mobile arm domain, tβ5 and tβ7) forms of NLL β5 and β7 conglutin proteins. We then used biochemical and molecular biology techniques in ex vivo and in vitro systems to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant capacity. The complete β5 and β7 conglutin proteins decreased pro-inflammatory mediator levels (e.g., nitric oxide), mRNA expression levels (iNOS, TNFα, IL-1β), and the protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-17, IL-27), and other mediators (INFγ, MOP, S-TNF-R1/-R2, and TWEAK), and exerted a regulatory oxidative balance effect in cells as demonstrated in glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase assays. The truncated tβ5 and tβ7 conglutin proteins did not have these molecular effects. These results suggest that β5 and β7 conglutins have potential as functional food components due to their anti-inflammatory and oxidative cell state regulatory properties, and that the mobile arm of NLL β-conglutin proteins is a key domain in the development of nutraceutical properties, making NLL β5 and β7 excellent innovative candidates as functional foods.

The assessment of blue lupine varieties according to productivity and adaptability in the conditions of Kirov region

The article provides the results of the comparative study of grain productivity of 7 blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) varieties bred by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Lupine in the conditions of Kirov region on sod-podzolic light loamy soil. It has been established that the yield of the seeds of blue lupine varied 1.5-2 times over the years of cultivation (2000-2022) depending on the weather conditions. Over 3 years on the average the varieties Bryansky kormovoy and Siderat were the most productive, 46-287 and 281 g/m2, respectively. Even in extremely unfavorable for blue lupine 2022 (by environment condition index of 62) these varieties significantly exceeded the control (Vitayz – 135.8 g/m2) in yield, by 72.9 and 61.1 %. The coefficient of adaptability of the varieties Siderat 46, Smena, Uzkolistny 53, Bryansky kormovoy was over 100 %. The productivity structure elements of blue lupine, namely: the number of beans per plant, the number of grains per bean and mass of 1000 seeds depended on hydrothermal conditions of the growing period. Under favorable conditions the number of beans per plant and the size of seeds increased. The number of grains per bean was the most stable indicator. The average duration of the growing period of lupine varieties was 84-91 days. In hot and dry weather of 2022 the ripening began 5-7 days earlier than long-time average annual periods. The varieties with highly developed side branching had a longer growing period – Bryansky kormovoy, Uzkolistny 53 and. Vitayz. During the year favorable by hydrothermal conditions the raw protein content in lupine seeds was 30.8-36.5 %. In unfavorable years it decreased by 20-45 % depending on the variety.

Influence of cover crops on soybean yield and partial returns as an alternative to double‐crop soybean in Arkansas

AbstractThe number of hectares dedicated to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the southern United States has been trending downward for almost a decade, presenting an opportunity for producers to utilize alternatives in their soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations, such as winter cover crops. A study was established to compare the cover crops to traditional cropping systems by determining the effect each had on a successive soybean crop and to examine partial economic returns. Cropping systems implemented were winter fallow, winter wheat, and seven cover crop treatments, including cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), black‐seeded oat (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L.), blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.), Blend 1 (cereal rye, crimson clover [Trifolium incarnatum L.], seven‐top turnip [Brassica rapa L.]). and Blend 2 (black‐seeded oats and Austrian winter pea). The winter cropping system did not affect the soybean plant population (p = 0.32). Soybean grain yield varied among the different winter cropping systems (p &lt; 0.01) with yields ranging from 3346 to 3906 kg ha−1. The soybean double‐crop system ($1383.02 ha−1) and soybean following winter cover crops ($1239–1380 ha−1) produced similar partial returns but both were greater than soybean following winter fallow ($1217.81 ha−1) (p &lt; 0.01). Soybean yields and partial returns were the highest when following Blend 2. Results of this study showed that winter cover crops can provide an adequate alternative to both winter fallow and traditional winter wheat soybean double‐crop systems in the mid‐southern United States.

Alkaloid content variability in the seeds of narrow-leafed lupine accessions from the VIR collection under the conditions of the Russian Northwest.

Alkaloid content was assessed in the seeds of 59 narrow-leafed lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) accessions from the VIR collection in the environments of Leningrad Province. The selected set included accessions of different statuses (wild forms, landraces, and advanced cultivars) and different years of introduction to the collection. Alkaloids were analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Concentrations of main alkaloids: lupanine, 13-hydroxylupanine, sparteine, angustifoline and isolupanine, and their total content were measured. The total alkaloid content variability identified in the seeds of the studied set of accessions was 0.0015 to 2.017 %. In most cases, the value of the character corresponded to the accession's status: modern improved cultivars, with the exception of green manure ones, entered the group with the range of 0.0015-0.052 %, while landraces and wild forms showed values from 0.057 to 2.17 %. It is meaningful that the second group mainly included accessions that came to the collection before the 1950s, i. e., before the times when low-alkaloid cultivars were intensively developed. Strong variability of the character across the years was observed in the accessions grown under the same soil and climate conditions in both years. In 2019, the average content of alkaloids in the sampled set was 1.9 times higher than in 2020. An analysis of weather conditions suggested that the decrease in alkaloid content occurred due to a significant increase in total rainfall in 2020. Searching for links between the content of alkaloids and the type of pod (spontaneously non-dehiscent, or cultivated, spontaneously dehiscent, or wild, and intermediate) showed a tendency towards higher (approximately twofold in both years of research) total alkaloid content in the accessions with the wild pod type and the nearest intermediate one compared to those with the pod non-dehiscent without threshing. The correlation between the average total alkaloid content and seed color, reduced to three categories (dark, or wild, light, or cultivated, and intermediate), was significantly stronger in the group with dark seeds (5.2 times in 2019, and 3.7 times in 2020). There were no significant differences in the percentage of individual alkaloids within the total amount either between the years of research or among the groups with different pod types or the groups with different seed coat colors.

Enhancing Legume Cultivars through Agronomy, Breeding, and Genetics

Legumes are a multipurpose crop species, with a great economic value, which, worldwide, are commonly cultivated for human food, livestock fodder, industrial raw materials, and soil health enhancement. Over the last few decades, numerous research projects have been conducted for the genetic improvements of legumes, in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of 2015–2030. Remarkable progress has been made in legume genetics, genomics, and breeding. The first references to the genome of legume plants were published in 2010, and these were the complete draft genome sequences of Glycine max. The chromosome scale high-quality genome assembly and annotations are available for many legume species today, including Glycine max; Lotus japonicus; Medicago ruthenica (L.); Medicago truncatula; Phaseolus lunatus; Mucuna pruriens; Vicia sativa; Trifolium pratense; Lupinus angustifolius; Cajanus cajan; Vigna radiata ssp.; and Cicer arietinum. Large-scale transcriptomic, genotyping, and phenotyping data have been generated from this diverse panel of legume cultivars for their varietal improvements. This Special Issue presents a collection of a variety of articles that cover the recent progress that has been made in legume genetics, genomics, and breeding. The authors have addressed the applications of phenotypic and genotypic diversity for the selection of the best cultivars; of morphological traits for the selection of the best local variety, the estimation of the agronomic performances of resistant and susceptible cultivars; the nutritional characteristics of the seed protein; genome-wide association studies on agronomic traits and isolation; and the characterization and function studies of many agronomically important genes.

Segmentation of Sandplain Lupin Weeds from Morphologically Similar Narrow-Leafed Lupins in the Field

Narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) is an important dryland crop, providing a protein source in global grain markets. While agronomic practices have successfully controlled many dicot weeds among narrow-leafed lupins, the closely related sandplain lupin (Lupinus cosentinii) has proven difficult to control, reducing yield and harvest quality. Here, we successfully trained a segmentation model to detect sandplain lupins and differentiate them from narrow-leafed lupins under field conditions. The deep learning model was trained using 9171 images collected from a field site in the Western Australian grain belt. Images were collected using an unoccupied aerial vehicle at heights of 4, 10, and 20 m. The dataset was supplemented with images sourced from the WeedAI database, which were collected at 1.5 m. The resultant model had an average precision of 0.86, intersection over union of 0.60, and F1 score of 0.70 for segmenting the narrow-leafed and sandplain lupins across the multiple datasets. Images collected at a closer range and showing plants at an early developmental stage had significantly higher precision and recall scores (p-value &lt; 0.05), indicating image collection methods and plant developmental stages play a substantial role in the model performance. Nonetheless, the model identified 80.3% of the sandplain lupins on average, with a low variation (±6.13%) in performance across the 5 datasets. The results presented in this study contribute to the development of precision weed management systems within morphologically similar crops, particularly for sandplain lupin detection, supporting future narrow-leafed lupin grain yield and quality.

Winter cover crops to reduce herbicide inputs into spring-planted maize pastoral systems in New Zealand

ABSTRACT The use of cover crops can improve the environmental sustainability of intensive cropping systems. A five-year field trial was undertaken to evaluate the effect of multi-season cover cropping on weed suppression within a no-till spring-planted maize system in the Waikato region in New Zealand. Five cover crop treatments were compared: gland clover (Trifolium glanduliferum Boiss.); faba bean (Vicia faba L); oats (Avena sativa L.); and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), and winter fallow. The results demonstrated that in this system, herbicide treatments can be reduced to one application to terminate the winter cover crop and a single maize post-emergence application, thus reducing selection pressure for herbicide-resistance, without any loss in silage or grain production. Furthermore, a legume-based cover crop gave higher yields than the grass cover-crops and reduced the damage by the maize and grass pest cosmopolitan armyworm (Mythimna separata Walker). The build-up of crop residue over time was detrimental to the establishment of the small-seeded clover and ryegrass cover crops but good weed suppression and grain yields were achieved in the final season by replacing them respectively with the larger seeded woolly pod vetch (Vicia eriocarpa (Hausskn.) Halácsy) and a blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)/ mustard (Sinapis alba L.) mix.