Western Australian plant breeders have developed a new narrow leaf lupin variety, providing a better resistance to the fungal disease anthracnose.

The new variety Mandelup was released today by the Department of Agriculture at a field day in Geraldton.

Department senior plant breeder Bevan Buirchell said the new variety, developed with former Department breeders John Gladstones and Wallace Cowling was higher yielding than most other varieties currently being grown in Western Australia.

“It has a higher resistance to anthracnose than Kalya and Belara, and a better tolerance of the herbicide metribuzin,” Dr Buirchell said.

“Mandelup is an excellent replacement for all varieties in the medium and low rainfall zones.

‘It will enhance the viability of our lupin industry in Western Australia by lowering the risk of lost production because of anthracnose, and its better tolerance to metribuzin will allow lupins to be retained in the rotation, providing more sustainable agriculture.”

Dr Buirchell said the new variety was also good news for the environment, as its better aphid resistance would reduce the need for pesticide use.

The Department expects the new variety will eventually account for 40 per cent of production in Western Australia, and 20 per cent in the Eastern States. Its potential for the international market is still being investigated.

Dr Buirchell said the release of the new variety was particularly significant for long term lupin breeder John Gladstones.

“Dr Gladstones has worked in the development of lupins since 1954, and this is his ultimate variety from his 50 years of research and breeding efforts,” Dr Buirchell said.