Abstract

The P³roLucas project addressed key challenges in the sustainable production and utilization of lupins as a protein-rich crop for the bioeconomy, focusing on Lupinus angustifolius (narrow-leafed or blue lupin) and Lupinus mutabilis (Andean lupin). By integrating plant breeding resources, microbial biostimulants, genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolite profiling, the project generated new knowledge and practical approaches to improve lupin performance under stress while maintaining seed quality. A major achievement was the development of a highly reproducible seed-treatment assay (coating/priming) for biostimulants, which proved robust, agriculturally relevant, and compatible with downstream molecular analyses. Surprisingly, seed priming alone induced growth and resistance responses in large-grained legumes, highlighting new avenues for research. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments showed that selected bacterial biostimulants consistently enhanced growth and resistance against lupin anthracnose (Colletotrichum lupini), with stronger effects under mild drought and heat stress. Field trials confirmed technical feasibility and safety, while revealing practical limitations of seed priming under dry conditions, leading to the recommendation of coating-based treatments without prior soaking. The project also explored the potential to valorize quinolizidine alkaloids (QA) from bitter lupin lines as a co-product. A robust GC-MS platform enabled detailed quantitative profiling across tissues and stages, showing that biostimulants did not increase QA levels in seeds. Bitter L. mutabilis and L. angustifolius lines displayed stable, characteristic alkaloid profiles suitable for extraction. Gram-scale sparteine synthesis and eco-friendly extraction protocols demonstrated technical feasibility, while integration with transcriptomic data provided mechanistic insights into biosynthesis, regulation, and transport. A high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly of L. mutabilis, enriched with RNA-seq data, allowed identification of genes involved in stress tolerance and QA biosynthesis, showing that alkaloids are mainly synthesized in pods and transported to seeds. Finally, the project examined the adoption of lupins and biostimulants in German arable farming. Economilupinistitutional, and perceptual factors jointly shape adoption: Lupins are valued for rotation and fodder benefits, but yield risks, market conditions, and crop competition limit uptake. Adoption is more likely among innovative farmers, whereas very large farms face additional challenges. For biostimulants, uncertainty about efficacy and handling persists, though policy conditions are supportive. Market perceptions, trust, and knowledge drive adoption, which is also responsive to economic changes such as fertilizer price increases. Overall, P³roLucas combined fundamental and applied research to deliver new genomic resources, validated biostimulant strategies, and a realistic assessment of the potential to utilize alkaloids alongside protein production, providing a strong foundation for breeding, innovation, and integrated lupin-based bioeconomic value chains.

BOOST FUND 2.0 Coordinator

Dr. Marco Löhrer
Bio3 - Institute of Plant Physiology, RWTH Aachen
email: loehrer@bio3.rwth-aachen.de

Partners

Prof. Dr. Schaffrath & Dr. Löhrer, Bio3 - Institute of Plant Physiology, RWTH Aachen
Prof. Dr. Usadel & Dr. Wiese-Klinkenberg, IBG-4: Bioinformatics, Forschungszentrum Jülich
Prof. Dr. Pietruszka & Dr. Classen, IBOC - Bioorganic Chemistry, HHU Düsseldorf
Prof. Dr. Hartmann & Dipl.-Oecotroph. Klink-Lehmann, ILR - Agricultural and Food Market Research, University of Bonn

Funding period

01.07.2022 - 31.12.2025

Funding

P3roLucas is part of the NRW-Strategieprojekt BioSC and thus funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia.