Domestication and breeding improvement of narrow-leaved lupin [L.angustifolius L.]

A great progress had been made in narrow-leafed lupin in a comparatively short period. Despite elimination of basic disadvantages (hard seeds, high content of alkaloids, pod shattering) disease-resistant, unbranched and thermoneutral cultivars have been bred. Investigations on the variation range and inheritance mode of commercially important characters were followed by breeding achievements. The paper contains a review of references for 35 genes controlling alkaloid content, growth rhythm, branching, vegetation length, shape and color of leaves, color of flowers and seeds, seed hardiness, pod characters and disease resistance. Authors of characters and gene symbols from different research centres and from different years are given on the basis of priority. The importance of these genes for breeding improvement is discussed. Type lines for characters/genes and genotype of more important cultivars collected in the Polish narrow-leafed lupin genebank are presented.