Lupinus Albus Research Articles

A Bitter-Sweet Story: Unraveling the Genes Involved in Quinolizidine Alkaloid Synthesis in Lupinus albus.

Alkaloids are part of a structurally diverse group of over 21,000 cyclic nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites that are found in over 20% of plant species. Lupinus albus are naturally containing quinolizidine alkaloid (QA) legumes, with wild accessions containing up to 11% of QA in seeds. Notwithstanding their clear advantages as a natural protecting system, lupin-breeding programs have selected against QA content without proper understanding of quinolizidine alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. This review summarizes the current status in this field, with focus on the utilization of natural mutations such as the one contained in pauper locus, and more recently the development of molecular markers, which along with the advent of sequencing technology, have facilitated the identification of candidate genes located in the pauper region. New insights for future research are provided, including the utilization of differentially expressed genes located on the pauper locus, as candidates for genome editing. Identification of the main genes involved in the biosynthesis of QA will enable precision breeding of low-alkaloid, high nutrition white lupin. This is important as plant based high quality protein for food and feed is an essential for sustainable agricultural productivity.

Genome-wide association study reveals white lupin candidate gene involved in anthracnose resistance

Key messageGWAS identifies candidate gene controlling resistance to anthracnose disease in white lupin.White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a promising grain legume to meet the growing demand for plant-based protein. Its cultivation, however, is severely threatened by anthracnose disease caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lupini. To dissect the genetic architecture for anthracnose resistance, genotyping by sequencing was performed on white lupin accessions collected from the center of domestication and traditional cultivation regions. GBS resulted in 4611 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 181 accessions, which were combined with resistance data observed under controlled conditions to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Obtained disease phenotypes were shown to highly correlate with overall three-year disease assessments under Swiss field conditions (r > 0.8). GWAS results identified two significant SNPs associated with anthracnose resistance on gene Lalb_Chr05_g0216161 encoding a RING zinc-finger E3 ubiquitin ligase which is potentially involved in plant immunity. Population analysis showed a remarkably fast linkage disequilibrium decay, weak population structure and grouping of commercial varieties with landraces, corresponding to the slow domestication history and scarcity of modern breeding efforts in white lupin. Together with 15 highly resistant accessions identified in the resistance assay, our findings show promise for further crop improvement. This study provides the basis for marker-assisted selection, genomic prediction and studies aimed at understanding anthracnose resistance mechanisms in white lupin and contributes to improving breeding programs worldwide.

Adaptive Mechanisms Make Lupin a Choice Crop for Acidic Soils Affected by Aluminum Toxicity.

Almost half of the world’s agricultural soils are acidic, and most of them present significant levels of aluminum (Al) contamination, with Al3+ as the prevailing phytotoxic species. Lupin is a protein crop that is considered as an optimal alternative to soybean cultivation in cold climates. Lupins establish symbiosis with certain soil bacteria, collectively known as rhizobia, which are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Moreover, some lupin species, especially white lupin, form cluster roots, bottlebrush-like structures specialized in the mobilization and uptake of nutrients in poor soils. Cluster roots are also induced by Al toxicity. They exude phenolic compounds and organic acids that chelate Al to form non-phytotoxic complexes in the rhizosphere and inside the root cells, where Al complexes are accumulated in the vacuole. Lupins flourish in highly acidic soils where most crops, including other legumes, are unable to grow. Some lupin response mechanisms to Al toxicity are common to other plants, but lupin presents specific tolerance mechanisms, partly as a result of the formation of cluster roots. Al-induced lupin organic acid secretion differs from P-induced secretion, and organic acid transporters functions differ from those in other legumes. Additionally, symbiotic rhizobia can contribute to Al detoxification. After revising the existing knowledge on lupin distinct Al tolerance mechanisms, we conclude that further research is required to elucidate the specific organic acid secretion and Al accumulation mechanisms in this unique legume, but definitely, white lupin arises as a choice crop for cultivation in Al-rich acidic soils in temperate climate regions.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Lupinus albus (L.) from the Amhara region of Ethiopia using seed storage protein markers

The genetic diversity in 48 lupin (Lupinus albus (L.) accessions collected from the Amhara region, Ethiopia, was assessed using seed storage protein markers (SDS-PAGE). A total of 30 different protein bands with sizes ranging from 11 to 100 kDa were detected. The average number of protein bands, the percentage of polymorphism, and gene diversity in the accessions were 16.96, 20.35, and 0.072, respectively. Genetic diversity estimates showed that West Gojam and Bahir Dar areas could be the most important sources for lupin genetic resources. The pair-wise comparison of genetic distances (GDs) among the accessions ranged from 0.011 to 0.378. The most distantly related accessions were accession 6, collected from the West Gojam zone, and accession 28 from the Bahir Dar area. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed the absence of a distinct group, and most of the accessions were intermixed. Population structure analysis revealed that the 48 lupin accessions could be assigned to three clusters. Similar to PCoA, no defined grouping based on geographic origin was observed. Accessions from different geographic origins being grouped together could be attributed to a common origin for the various accessions in the different zones, or it could be the result of seed-mediated gene flow among different lupin growing areas of the country.

СЕМЕННАЯ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ И АДАПТИВНОСТЬ СОРТОВ ЛЮПИНА БЕЛОГО В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНО-ЧЕРНОЗЕМНОГО РЕГИОНА

In field experiments for four years (2019–2022) in the conditions of the northern part of the Central Chernozem region, the productivity components of different varieties of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) were determined and presented in the article Dega, Delta, Start, Manovitsky, Timiryazevsky and Gana, the varieties of breeding of Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, were studied. Cultivation of high-yielding and high-protein varieties of white lupin increases the production of vegetable protein up to 15 c/ha (with a similar yield in grain crops, the protein harvest is four times lower). Thanks to nitrogen fixation, its production is possible without the cost of expensive nitrogen fertilizers, which is also beneficial in energy and environmental aspects. In addition, white lupin is able to assimilate phosphates that are difficult to dissolve. The influence of stress factors related to weather changes at different stages of vegetation on the variability of plant seed productivity parameters has been determined. The varieties of white lupine with determinant type of growth bred in Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy were characterized by a high level of adaptive potential to moisture deficiency (drought) and heat stress. The biological yield of the varieties was high, averaging 529, 573, 483, 564 g/m2 in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. The share of the main stem in seed yield by year was 85, 74, 78, 88%. The coefficient of variation on the main shoot (V%) averaged 4.9% in varieties, 11.8% in years. On lateral shoots it was three times higher.

Yield and quality of Dega white lupine grain (Lupinus Albus) and yubileynaya 80 spring wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) depending on the application method of sodium selenite.

In 2017-2019, we conducted the field and vegetation experiments at the field station of Russian State Agrarian University, Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy to study the effect of sodium selenite on the yield and grain quality indicators of white lupine, Dega variety, and spring wheat, Yubileynaya-80 variety. The best way found to use selenium is to spray vegetative plants with 0.01% aqueous sodium selenite solution. The studies have shown an increase in grain yield by 15-17%, crude protein content by 9-15% and crude fat content by 5-7% when treated with sodium selenite. The obtained grain yield of white lupine has a higher feed and nutritional value and is suitable for feeding animals and preparing various types of feed and feed additives. The optimal way to use selenium is spraying vegetative plants before shooting. Treatment with sodium selenite contributes to an increase in wheat yield by 1.5 times. We have established the positive effect of sodium selenite on the quality indicators of wheat grain. An increase in the content of raw gluten and glassiness of grain has been noted, which determines high bread-making qualities.

Nodulating white lupins take advantage of the reciprocal interplay between N and P nutritional responses

The low bioavailability of nutrients, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), is one of the most limiting factors for crop production. In this study, under N‐ and P‐free nutrient solution (−N−P), nodulating white lupin plants developed some nodules and analogous cluster root structures characterized by different morphological, physiological, and molecular responses than those observed upon single nutrient deficiency (strong acidification of external media, a better nutritional status than −N+P and +N−P plants). The multi‐elemental analysis highlighted that the concentrations of nutrients in white lupin plants were mainly affected by P availability. Gene‐expression analyses provided evidence of interconnections between N and P nutritional pathways that are active to promote N and P balance in plants. The root exudome was mainly characterized by N availability in nutrient solution, and, in particular, the absence of N and P in the nutrient solution triggered a high release of phenolic compounds, nucleosides monophosphate and saponines by roots. These morphological, physiological, and molecular responses result from a close interplay between N and P nutritional pathways. They contribute to the good development of nodulating white lupin plants when grown on N‐ and P‐free media. This study provides evidence that limited N and P availability in the nutrient solution can promote white lupin‐Bradyrhizobium symbiosis, which is favourable for the sustainability of legume production.

New sweet blue lupin, Lupinus angustifolius L. varieties (Sanabor and Vitabor) for Ethiopia

Though bitter white lupin is an ancient pulse crop to Ethiopia, sweet lupins are new to the country. Sanabor and Vitabor are recently introduced sweet blue lupin varieties to be used as multipurpose crop in the traditional lupin growing agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. These varieties were introduced from Germany and evaluated along with fourteen other varieties which have been tested in different locations of the country from 2009 to 2013. The varieties are registered at national level in 2014. The merits of the varieties are their low alkaloid content, high seed yield, resistance to anthracnose and fusarium, most importantly are palatable for livestock and can be used for human food. Thus, the varieties are recommended as multipurpose pulse crop for the traditional and new lupin growing areas.

The Search for Commercial Sweet White Lupin (Lupinus Albus L.) Adaptive to Ethiopian Growing Condition Seems Not Successful: What Should Be Done?

The Search for Commercial Sweet White Lupin (Lupinus Albus L.) Adaptive to Ethiopian Growing Condition Seems Not Successful: What Should Be Done?

GENOTYPE - ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION IN QUANTITATIVE TRAITS FORMATION IN WHITE LUPINE (Lupinus albus L.) ACCESSIONS

The search for genotypes with high productivity and stability is a key aspect in modern breeding programs that aim to develop genotypes with high manifestations in different ecological regions. The purpose of this study was to estimate the phenotypic stability of 15 white lupine accessions regarding productivity and stability of main quantitative traits. A field trial was conducted during the period 2016-2018, at the Institute of Forage Crops (Pleven, Bulgaria). It was used a randomized block method. The genotype influence was strongest regarding 1<sup<st</sup< pod height (55.16%), pod length (45.21%) and 1000 seeds weight (34.43%). The stability parameters for plant height determined Lp 27 and Lp 27 as stable and high-growing. Lp 4 was of interest regarding pod length, pod width, and seed weight, and Lp 1 was in a favorable position concerning 1000 seeds mass. Lp 6 was the closest to the ideal type, combining high productivity with stability in terms of main quantitative traits. Suitable parental components in combinative breeding for the development of high yielding cultivars were Lp 1, Lp 4 and, Lp 6, which exhibited stability and productivity in main traits.

The first detection of Botryosphaeria sinensis on white lupine

Fungal strain MF KP-12.1, which is similar in morphological and cultural characteristics to Botryosphaeria fungi, was isolated from the seeds of white lupine variety Dega grown in Oryol region in 2018. Phylogenetic analysis of the large rRNA subunit (LSU), elongation factor-1α (TEF) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragments was used to accurately identify the isolated strain as B. sinensis. When 2-week-old white lupine plants were treated under laboratory conditions with mycelial suspension of B. sinensis MF KP-12.1, plant damage reached 67 % on day 3, and 100 % plant death was observed on day 10. Pathogenicity of B. sinensis MF KP-12.1 was confirmed by re-isolation of the strain from damaged plant tissue. This is the first detection of B. sinensis on white lupine, which has not been previously reported as a host for this fungus. It is also the first detection of B. sinensis in Russia.

Yield and Yield Components of White Lupine Under Different Ecological Conditions

White lupine (Lupinus albus L.), with its favorable agrotechnical specifications, is a very important legume. Its water demand is relatively low, yet fluctuations in water amount and/or distribution during its life cycle might influence its performance. An experiment was carried out at 3 locations in Hungary; “Debrecen”, “Jobbágyi” and “Nyalka” in 2020 to investigate certain yield components performance; namely pod number plant-1, seed number plant-1, seed weight plant-1 and 1000-seed weight, as well as the final seed yield of white lupine (cv. Nelly). In addition, the average seed size (calculated as a percentage from the final seed yield) was also calculated. Soil was slightly alkaline in “Nyalka”, whereas it was acidic in the other 2 locations. Precipitation was higher in “Debrecen” from April to July. Results showed that “Debrecen” location had significantly higher pod number plant-1, seed number plant-1 and seed weight plant-1, leading to significantly higher seed yield compared to “Jobbágyi” and “Nyalka” locations. Seed yield was strongly-positively correlated with most of the seed component traits. In addition, “Debrecen” location had the highest average of bigger seeds (over 9 mm) and the lowest average of smaller seeds (between 3.5 – 9 mm). It could be concluded that white lupine performance in the study areas is highly associated with both the precipitation amount and distribution throughout the plant’s vegetative period, as well as with the soil pH. More thorough studies concerning potential enhancements in white lupine’s growth and yield with the availability of specific nourishers might be an additional database enrichment, especially with the lack of such data in the studied areas

Lupinus albus Protein Components Inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 Gelatinolytic Activity In Vitro and In Vivo.

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are regarded as important clinical targets due to their nodal-point role in inflammatory and oncological diseases. Here, we aimed at isolating and characterizing am MMP-2 and-9 inhibitor (MMPI) from Lupinus albus and at assessing its efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The protein was isolated using chromatographic and 2-D electrophoretic procedures and sequenced by using MALDI-TOF TOF and MS/MS analysis. In vitro MMP-2 and 9 inhibitions were determined on colon adenocarcinoma (HT29) cells, as well as by measuring the expression levels of genes related to these enzymes. Inhibitory activities were also confirmed in vivo using a model of experimental TNBS-induced colitis in mice, with oral administrations of 15 mg·kg−1. After chromatographic and electrophoretic isolation, the L. albus MMP-9 inhibitor was found to comprise a large fragment from δ-conglutin and, to a lower extent, small fragments of β-conglutin. In vitro studies showed that the MMPI successfully inhibited MMP-9 activity in a dose-dependent manner in colon cancer cells, with an IC50 of 10 µg·mL−1 without impairing gene expression nor cell growth. In vivo studies showed that the MMPI maintained its bioactivities when administered orally and significantly reduced colitis symptoms, along with a very significant inhibition of MMP-2 and -9 activities. Overall, results reveal a novel type of MMPI in lupine that is edible, proteinaceous in nature and soluble in water, and effective in vivo, suggesting a high potential application as a nutraceutical or a functional food in pathologies related to abnormally high MMP-9 activity in the digestive system.

Development and evaluation of potential functional food biscuits made from White Lupin

Abstract Potential functional food bakery products were developed and characterized based on White Lupin (Lupinus albus cv. Nelly) flour. Analytical properties of the seeds resemble to previously described Lupinus species, with significantly high protein content (45%). The high protein and dietetic fiber content of the seeds makes Lupin flour suitable to develop potential functional food products with high nutritional values. Results of the development of sweet biscuits and salty crackers enriched with Lupin flour are presented. Sensory evaluation of the bakery products was carried out by 15 panelists using the nine points hedonic scale. Heat stability of White Lupin proteins were investigated by gel-electrophoretic analysis, White Lupin proteins are quite stable at 140°C, after 35 min heating the biscuits still contain 69% of the original amount of proteins. Baking conditions were optimized also based on gel-electrophoretic experiments, the optimal baking time was 30 min at 140°C. Gluten-free Lupin-based biscuits and crackers were produced by completely omitting wheat flour from the recipes.

Metabolite Content of Local Bitter White Lupin Seeds (Lupinus albus L.) and Acaricidal and Insecticidal Effects of its Seed Extract

This study investigated the acaricidal and insecticidal effect of local lupin (Lupinus albus L. Fabaceae) seed extract against Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and metabolite content of seeds. In tests for T. urticae leaf-disk bioassay was employed. Contrarily, two μL of the L. albus extract were topically applied using a micro-applicator on C. maculatus and P. interpunctella. In the assays of T. urticae and P. interpunctella, the concentrations of 0.78, 1.56, 3.12, 6.25, 12.5, 25% (w/w) of the plant extracts were used. Furthermore, the concentrations of 0.625, 1.25, 2.50, 5, 10% (w/w) were applied to C. maculatus. Mortality data was collected 24, 48 and 72 hours after application. In the results, L. albus extract was found to be quite effective to C. maculatus adults with LD50 of 7.26, 1.21 and 0.55% after 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. Moreover, lupin extract was effective to T. urticae adults with LC50 values of 4.03, 3.15 and 2.73% for the same durations. L. albus extract was showed low insecticidal effect against the larvae of P. interpunctella. In seeds metabolite content were detected, which contained 686.99 mg GAE / 100 mg total phenol, 22.06 mg QE / 100 mg total flavonoid, DPPH 26.04 mg TE / 100 g having antioxidant activity. The bitter taste of stem and seeds of the plant is due to their metabolite content which has a toxic effect. In conclusion, results indicated that lupin seed has a high secondary metabolites content and also its extract had the high toxic effect against T. urticae and C. maculatus.

Белый люпин в полнорационных комбикормах

The article is devoted to the current problem of providing rations with a source of protein with a high biological value. Such a source is suggested to be white lupine and products of its processing. Since, white lupine exceeds the protein content of peas, vetch and other legumes by more than 10%. And the significant content of fat in its composition allows, when using it, to reduce or completely abandon the use of sunflower oil in the diet. This favorably distinguishes white lupine from soybean and sunflower meal and cake, as well as partially animal feed, which are currently used as the main sources of fodder protein. This statement is confirmed in our experiments. As a result, it was found that the use of white lupine in the structures of complete feeds can improve the nutritional value of rations. It has a positive effect on the increase in live weight in animals with the inclusion of native white lupine in the structure of the diet in an amount of 10% to 33%, respectively, with a content of lupine in the diet of 20%, the increase in live weight is 95% higher. Provides a decrease in the cost of the resulting complete feed, when lupine is included in its structure in an amount of 10% by 4.35% and with a lupine content of 20%, the cost of 1 kg of compound feed is reduced by 14.49%. The use of white lupine allowed the experimental animals to use the food efficiently. The lowest costs were observed in the 3 test group. Energy costs were lower by 48.80%, crude protein by 47.22% and digestible protein by 51.3%. In the 2 experimental groups, the costs of metabolic energy, crude protein and digestible protein were lower by 25.00%, 26.38% and 39.20, respectively. Thus, the inclusion of white lupine in the structure of the diet helps to improve the nutritional value of rations, to reduce the cost of nutrients and feed, improving the economic indicators of the maintenance of animals.

Identification and characterization of unique 5-hydroxyisoflavonoid biosynthetic key enzyme genes in Lupinus albus.

5-Hydroxyisoflavonoids, no 5-deoxyisoflavonoids, in Lupinus species, are due to lack of CHRs and Type II CHIs, and the key enzymes of isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway in white lupin were identified. White lupin (Lupinus albus) is used as food ingredients owing to rich protein, low starch, and rich bioactive compounds such as isoflavonoids. The isoflavonoids biosynthetic pathway in white lupin still remains unclear. In this study, only 5-hydroxyisoflavonoids, but no 5-deoxyisoflavonoids, were detected in white lupin and other Lupinus species. No 5-deoxyisoflavonoids in Lupinus species are due to lack of CHRs and TypeII CHIs. We further found that the CHI gene cluster containing both TypeI and TypeII CHIs possibly arose after the divergence of Lupinus with other legume clade. LaCHI1 and LaCHI2 identified from white lupin metabolized naringenin chalcone to naringenin in yeast and tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana), and were bona fide Type ICHIs. We further identified two isoflavone synthases (LaIFS1 and LaIFS2), catalyzing flavanone naringenin into isoflavone genistein and also catalyzing liquiritigenin into daidzein in yeast and tobacco. In addition, LaG6DT1 and LaG6DT2 prenylated genistein at the C-6 position into wighteone. Two glucosyltransferases LaUGT1 and LaUGT2 metabolized genistein and wighteone into its 7-O-glucosides. Taken together, our study not only revealed that exclusive 5-hydroxyisoflavonoids do exist in Lupinus species, but also identified key enzymes in the isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathway in white lupin.

Complete Genome Sequence of the Plant-Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum lupini.

Colletotrichum is a fungal genus (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Glomerellaceae) that includes many economically important plant pathogens that cause devastating diseases of a wide range of plants. In this work, using a combination of long- and short-read sequencing technologies, we sequenced the genome of Colletotrichum lupini RB221, isolated from white lupin (Lupinus albus) in France during a survey in 2014. The genome was assembled into 11 nuclear chromosomes and a mitochondrial genome with a total assembly size of 63.41 Mb and 36.55 kb, respectively. In total, 18,324 protein-encoding genes have been predicted, of which only 39 are specific to C. lupini. This resource will provide insight into pathogenicity factors and will help provide a better understanding of the evolution and genome structure of this important plant pathogen.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Yield and nutrient concentrations of organic cherry tomatoes and legumes grown in intercropping systems in rotation with maize

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the productivity and nutrient concentrations of organic cherry tomatoes and leguminous green manures grown in intercropping systems in rotation with maize. The experimental design was a complete randomised block design with five replications and eight treatments, as follows: monocrop of cherry tomato adding residual maize crop residue (straw) as a mulch (control), monocrop of cherry tomato without the addition of maize crop residue (control), cherry tomatoes intercropped with jack bean, sun hemp, dwarf velvet bean, mung bean, white lupin or cowpea bean grown as green manures. In this production system, which was evaluated between 2011 and 2013, maize was cultivated from January to April, and the cherry tomatoes, with or without leguminous green manures, were grown from May/July to November/December. The number and weight of total and marketable fruits of tomatoes were 70% – 88% higher in 2011 than in 2012 and the number of damaged fruits was 12% lower in 2011 than in 2012. In 2011, the weights of total and marketable fruits in the intercropping treatment with white lupin were lower than that in the controls and in the intercropping treatments with dwarf velvet and cowpea bean. The white lupin and sun hemp green manures produced the highest biomass dry weight, followed by the jack bean, cowpea bean, mung bean and dwarf velvet bean. The different treatments had no effect on the yield of the maize.

Allelopathic Properties of Hemp

Summary Allelopathic effects of different plant allelochemicals have become the focus of studies that aim to determine new pesticidal compounds. Plant extracts with different chemical compositions can be obtained using different methods of extraction, whereas studies dealing with allelopathic properties use biotests to obtain fast and precise results. Such studies were undertaken after noticing the allelopathic effects of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) on the surrounding crops. Trials that involve the application of hemp extracts obtained by different methods resulted in determining the hemp allelopathic effects on Stellaria media (L.)Scop., Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris var. vulgaris, Lupinus albus L., corn (Zea mays L.), Cyperus rotundus L., Matricaria recutita L., Lepidium sativum L., lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereal M. Bieb.), Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Chenopodium album L., and Sorghum halepense L..