Agronomic Estimation of Lupin (<i>Lupinus pilosus</i> L.) as a Prospective Crop
The global dependence on a narrow range of crops poses significant risks to food security, and exploring alternative crops that enhance agrobiodiversity is crucial. <i>Lupinus pilosus</i> L., a wild lupin species native to Israel, represents a promising candidate for domestication due to...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Agronomy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/12/2804 |
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| Summary: | The global dependence on a narrow range of crops poses significant risks to food security, and exploring alternative crops that enhance agrobiodiversity is crucial. <i>Lupinus pilosus</i> L., a wild lupin species native to Israel, represents a promising candidate for domestication due to its large seeds and high protein content. This study is the first to evaluate the agronomic potential of <i>L. pilosus</i>, focusing on populations from basalt and limestone soils. We hypothesized that <i>L. pilosus</i> has significant potential as a novel high-protein crop and that its agronomic characteristics vary among geographically distinct populations. We performed a net-house experiment to test these hypotheses, exploring dozens of agronomic traits for each of the 10 accessions originating in wild populations. We found that basalt-origin accessions exhibited 34.2% higher seed weight, while limestone accessions doubled their seed yield when exposed to honeybee pollination. Notably, high-density cultivation did not reduce seed yield, suggesting that <i>L. pilosus</i> could be successfully cultivated under crop-like conditions. Our findings highlight the species’ adaptability to different soil types and its responsiveness to pollination, traits that align with the need for climate-resilient crops. This study presents a significant step forward in the domestication of wild lupins, particularly in regions prone to environmental stressors. Compared to other studies on wild lupin domestication, this research provides new insights into the role of ecology in shaping agronomic traits, emphasizing the unique combination of seed yield and plant traits under diverse growing conditions. |
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| ISSN: | 2073-4395 |