State and Progress of Andean Lupin Cultivation in Europe: A Review

Abstract

Lupinus mutabilis is an important source of protein in different Andean countries, and its use in diets, particularly those of less wealthy individuals, has been observed for thousands of years. There is an increasing demand for protein crops suitable for Europe and this species is a potential candidate. Assessment of Lupinus mutabilis genetic material in European conditions started more than 40 years ago, with the characterization of a vast number of accessions from the Andean region. In this review, abiotic and biotic constraints to L. mutabilis cultivation in European soil and climatic conditions are discussed, and cultivation management practices are suggested. The beneficial interaction of L. mutabilis with Bradyrhizobium strains in the soil and various pollinator species is also discussed, and the effect of abiotic stresses on these interactions is highlighted. Prospects of alternative uses of L. mutabilis biomass in Northern Europe and opportunities for breeding strategies are discussed. In conclusion, the different approach to crop modeling for Southern and Northern European climatic conditions is highlighted.

Andean Lupin Phenology and Agronomic Performance under Different Planting Dates in a Mediterranean Climate

“…More specifically, in the Andes direct sowing takes place in a warm and rainy season favorable for Andean lupin [16] while a spring direct sowing and short cultivation period that lasts till autumn is usually applied in Northern European countries. On the other hand, an autumn direct sowing takes place in Southern Europe followed by a cold, rainy winter as well as terminal drought stress and high air temperature early in the summer that often leads to increased percentages of flower abortion and non-uniform pod filling [14,21,22]. The necessity of evaluation of L. mutabilis and other lupin species for several traits has been emphasized by Sawicka-Sienkiewicz et al [23] and Clements et al [24], as they can be affected significantly by environmental factors.…”

Available Strategies for the Management of Andean Lupin Anthracnose

“…Grain lupin protein compares favorably with other legumes, such as soybeans ( Table 1 ). Lupin is sometimes referred to as “Andean soya” due to it has the potential for improving human nutritional standards in the Andean Highlands [ 17 ], and currently is also of high interest in European countries [ 20 , 21 ]. Oils and crude fiber contents are similar to that of soybean ( Table 1 ).…”

Lupin Root Weevils (Charagmus spp., Curculionidae: Sitonini), a Lupin Pest: A Review of Their Distribution, Biology, and Challenges in Integrated Pest Management

“…The cultivation of grain legumes plays an important role in organic farming, especially on farms without livestock, because nitrogen availability is low. In comparison with other grain legumes, lupins fix high amounts of nitrogen; some species fix up to 527 kg N · ha −1 [ 5 ]. However, this largely depends on bioclimatic and soil conditions [ 45 , 46 , 47 ].…”

“…Moreover, the new-world species L. mutabilis (subgenus Platycarpos (S. Watson) Kurl.) is receiving increasing attention as a biomass source for bioenergy proposes [ 5 ].…”