Quantifying resistance and lifestyle assessments of Colletotrichum in lupin

Summary

Currently Europe imports large amounts of unsustainably produced soy to meet the plant-based protein demand of the feed and food industry. The high protein content and low nutrient requirements of white lupins make them a sustainable local alternative. However, lupin cultivation is severely impaired by anthracnose disease, caused by the seed- and air-borne fungus Colletotrichum lupini. Low levels of seed infestation can already lead to complete yield loss. Understanding the pathogen’s lifestyle and identifying sources of resistance are therefore of major importance to make the re-introduction of white lupin a success. Resistance screening was performed under controlled conditions. Disease severity was scored visually and qPCR was performed on inoculated and freshly unfolding leaves. Lifestyle was monitored by performing qPCR on drop-inoculated leaves and plants grown from naturally-infected seeds.