Lupinus albus L. is usually cultivated for its edible seeds. In Egypt it is frequent an
escape from cultivation in Nile Delta and Oases of the Libyan Desert. Lupin has a tap root system, the main root reaches depth of 1-2 m which bears nodules formed by Bradyrhizobium for nitrogen fixation. Lupinus albus adapts to phosphorus (P) deficiency with a highly coordinated modification of root development and biochemistry resulting in short, densely clustered secondary roots called proteoid or cluster that release vast amounts of phosphatemobilizing carboxylates capable of making poorly available nutrients more available.. It has the ability of accessing sparingly available P, as well as being able to symbiotically fixation of N2, thus it would provide Lupinus species possess ideal combination of traits to act as ecosystem engineers. This plant was important to many Mediterranean civilizations and was domesticated in the old world and new world. It is known to have been cultivated since ancient times in Greece, Italy, Egypt and Cyprus. It has unique traits of protein, low starch, and contains alkaloids that provide the plant a chemical defense against herbivores. It adapts best in well-drained, mildly acid or neutral soils of light to medium texture. |
