Evaluation of white lupin (LUPINUS ALBUS L.) for production characteristics and symbiotic nitrogen-fixation potential

The adaptive properties of seven white lupin (Lupinus albus) varieties for the leaf number, plant fresh weight, root length, fresh root weight and number of nodules per plant were studied in a field trial at the Institute of Forage Crops, Pleven, Bulgaria. Varieties with high general and specific adaptive ability, relative stability and selection value were identified. The combination of stability and adaptability parameters and number of leaves per plant determined the KALI and Lucky801 varieties as promising, characterized by a high selection value of the genotype (SVG = 12.83, 11.48). In terms of fresh aboveground mass productivity PI533704 and KALI were of interest showing high stability and high biological potential. PI457938 was highly productive and responsive to improving growing conditions. PI457923 and PI457938 are characterized by a high selection value in respect to the fresh root weight (SVG = 1.11, 0.95) and nodule number (SVG = 5.58, 5.37). The PI457923, PI457938, KALI and Lucky801 varieties can be used in future selection programs to create varieties with higher leaf weight, higher aboveground and root mass and nodule number per plant. (author)