Harbans Bhardwaj1, Anwar Hamama1, Steven Noffsinger2, and Edzard van Santen3. (1) PO Box 9061, Virginia State University, Virginia State University, Agricultural Research Station, Petersburg, VA 23806, (2) Auburn University, Agronomy & Soils Dept., 202 Funchess Hall Auburn Univ., Auburn, AL 36849-5412, (3) 202 Funchess Hall, Auburn University, Auburn University, Dept. of Agronomy & Soils, Auburn, AL 36849-5412
We are conducting research with white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) to develop it as a food/feed grain crop in addition to its use a green manure crop. White lupin may also have potential to provide immature seeds for human consumption. However, there is a lack of information about traits of green pods and immature seeds. We evaluated 20 lines in replicated experiments at two locations in Virginia (Petersburg and Suffolk) during 2005-06 crop season. Green pods were harvested from 1 m row length in each of four replications before maturity. Significant variation existed among lines and locations for all traits except between locations for number of pods/ha. The results indicated that mean pod yield varied from 13.1 to 39.2 with a mean of 28.9 Mg/ha, number of pods/ha varied from 2.4 to 6.4 with a mean of 4.7 million, number of seeds/pod varied from 3.4 to 4.7 with a mean of 4.3, shelling percentage varied from 18.7 to 26.9 with a mean of 23.3, protein concentration varied from 30.4 to 34.9 with a mean of 33.2 percent (Dry weight basis), Fe concentration varied from 55.3 to 67.5 with a mean of 62.8 mg/kg, and Zn concentration varied from 60.7 to 84.0 with a mean of 72 mg/kg. The protein, Fe, and Zn concentrations in lima beans have been reported to be 7 percent, 31.4 mg/kg, and 7.8 mg/kg, respectively and those in immature soybean seeds have been reported to be 13 percent, 35.5 mg/kg, and 9.9 mg/kg, respectively. Details of these and other results will be presented and discussed..