Program 2: Enhancing the agronomic and nutritive value of narrow-leafed lupin by reducing seed coat thickness and increa

Australian narrow-leafed lupin (NLL) is a vital pulse crop in Australia, serving as an economical protein source for animal feed. Australia contributes 85% of global lupin production, with 70% of it being exported to regions such as Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. NLL are integral to crop rotations, breaking disease cycles, and enriching soil with nitrogen in Western Australia due to their adaptability to WA’s climate and acidic soils. With the global shift towards plant-based diets, valued at over $250 billion by 2035, NLL's high protein content, low starch, low fat, and low glycaemic index make them an ideal candidate for plant-based protein production. However, despite their potential, only 4% of NLLs in Australia are processed for human consumption. To seize these opportunities, addressing challenges like the thick seed coat, which hinders lupin's use in human food, is crucial. This four-year investment* seeks to develop lupin varieties with thinner seed coats and higher protein levels, independent of grain size and yield. The approach involves screening a diverse population of NLL and validating candidate genes to confirm their impact on seed coat thickness, seed size, protein levels, and yield. Ultimately, this investment aims to provide growers with higher-value lupin varieties by reducing seed coat thickness and increasing protein content, ensuring compliance with industry standards for human food. This will maximise lupin utilisation in Australian farming systems and capitalise on opportunities in the expanding food and protein markets.

*This is one of two related Programs currently being procured. See also RFT Ref: PROC-9176949 titled Program 1: Enhancing the nutritional quality of narrow-leafed lupin by reducing anti-nutritional seed alkaloid levels.