Grains Research and Development

Generation of genetically-modified herbicide tolerant narrow-leaf lupin

Researcher's Name:: Professor William Erskine
Organisation:: Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA), University of Western Australia
Email:: William.erskine@uwa.edu.au
Phone:: +61 (08) 6488 1903
Fax:: +61 (08) 6488 1197

Project Code:: UWA00129
Contract Start:: 31/5/2009
Contract End:: 30/12/2016

Summary

Narrow-leafed lupins have major advantages as a rotational crop in cereal cropping systems, contributing to nitrogen fixation and offering a quality feed product with existing high export markets. The Australian lupin industry has undergone a severe decline from nearly 2M tonnes in 1999 to 440,000 tonnes in 2008, largely due to difficulties with weed control aggravated by development of herbicide resistance in major weed species of lupin-wheat rotations. This project will generate genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (HT) lupins. The project involves assembly of an HT gene construct sourced from GRDC, rapid insertion to an elite lupin cultivar, thorough genetic characterization and initial agronomic evaluation of HT-lines. We will intercross with elite germplasm from the lupin breeding program to fast track HT availability following deregulation. We anticipate that HT lupins will contribute to revive the lupin industry and diversify grain growing systems particularly in WA.

Background

Implications

Logical progression of work:
Once heritability of the herbicide tolerance trait has been demonstrated in transformed (genetically-modified) lupin plants, germplasm will be delivered to the national lupin breeding program of PBA (Pulse Breeding Australia) after initial field trials. Further field trials will then be required to assess agronomic performance and gain regulatory approval for release of the genetically-modified lines. This tolerant germplasm will be incorporated into the breeding programs as the source of herbicide tolerance in lupin. From uptake of this material by breeders to variety delivery to growers it takes typically 5-10 years.

Objectives

The project will generate genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (HT) narrow-leafed lupins. There are direct economic and agro-environmental benefits to producers through reduced herbicide use, improved yields and weed management; as well as economic benefit to the commercialisation partners from product success. Tagging the HT line will allay anti-GM producer, market and consumer concerns, an opportune social benefit. Technology acceptance will lead to enhanced breeding program capacity.
Adoption of herbicide tolerant cultivars by farmers would ensure better weed control in lupin crops. Consequently, we anticipate that HT lupins will contribute to revive the lupin industry and diversify grain growing systems particularly in WA.
The project will benefit the Western Region in particular.

Outcomes

The project involves assembly of an HT gene construct sourced from GRDC, rapid insertion to an elite lupin cultivar, thorough genetic characterisation and initial agronomic evaluation of HT-lines. We will intercross with elite germplasm from the lupin breeding program to fast track HT availability following regulatory approval.

Research

To produce genetically modified herbicide (glyphosate) resistant narrow leafed lupins, two main elements had to be developed: (i) a gene construct capable of leading to the desired field-level herbicide resistance in lupins; and (ii) an efficient protocol to introduce the desired genes into the lupin genome and regenerate fertile, agronomically intact plants. The constructs were produced and tested in model plants for which efficient transformation and regeneration protocols exist. Secondly, an efficient protocol for the introduction of the gene constructs into lupins was developed, and transformed plants derived from seeds of the first-generation transformants are now going through herbicide-resistance selection, with field trials planned for 2012.