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.

Spring frost poses a challenge for all major crops and, in the case of Lupinus mutabilis (Andean lupin) can cause severe damage or even total loss of the crop. Within the LIBBIO project consortium, we conducted a series of experiments in order to develop a suitable protocol for screening lupin germplasm under frost-simulation conditions. Four lupin accessions, one Lupinus albus and three Andean lupins were used in the experiments (L. albus Mihai, L. mutabilis LIB 220, LIB 221, LIB 222). Seedlings at four developmental stages were challenged with five different levels of ‘frost’ stress from low (−2 °C) to high (−10 °C). Notably, young seedling (cotyledons just breaking through the soil surface) showed little evidence of frost damage for temperatures down to −6 °C. At −8 °C, however, damage was evident, suggesting a cold tolerance threshold occurs at this temperature. Interestingly, for later developmental stages, when the first and second leaves were visible, notable differences were observed starting at −6 °C. The results indicate that the plant growth stage is an important parameter when screening for frost tolerance in germplasm. Overall, by identifying Andean lupin genotypes adapted to high abiotic stress factors, farmers will be able to use it as a reference crop with potentially a commercial interest from the food sector, or cosmetics, and biofuel industries.

Wheat is one of the most cultivated agricultural species alongside corn and rice. In this study, we tested the influence of cultivars and seed biological class on yield in winter wheat. As a comparison, we used two Romanian varieties, Dropia and Faur, and two foreign varieties, Apache and Bercy in field-testing under normal agronomical practices. Data obtained in field trails was statistically processed by Duncan test for multiple comparisons between tested variants. Results indicate that yield decreases according to the seed biological class. Furthermore, the analysis of the distribution of significance differences in production, it resulted that both the cultivar and the biological category of the seeds act individually and combined on the average yields of winter wheat. Since the assortment of varieties in winter wheat is one that is renewed every year, and as a result of the fact that farmers have the option of multiplying the seed of autogamous varieties for their own use, we believe that the obtained results can be useful in evaluating the productive potential of winter wheat crops sown with seed from certified generations C1 and C2 or from subsequent generations of multiplication, which are not subject to the official certification process.