Alkaloid content variations in lupin (Lupinus L.) genotypes and vegetation periods

Abstract

Testing for alkaloids in lupine varieties was conducted at the Vokė Branch of Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture during a competitive trial of feeding lupine (Lupinus L.) in 2006–2007. Samples were taken from feeding yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus L.), ‘Trakiai’ and ‘Vilčiai’ varieties, the narrow-leaved lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.), ‘Vilniai’ variety and from cropper No. 1702. Alkaloid content was estimated in the periods of bud formation, full blossom, shining legumes and full maturity. The test material included exsiccates of leaves, stems, inflorescences, legumes, and seeds. According to the results, in the ‘Trakiai’ and ‘Vilčiai’ varieties of forage yellow lupins (Lupinus luteus L.) total alkaloids were lower than in the ‘Vilniai’ variety of narrow-leaved lupins (Lupinus angustifolius L.) and variety N1702. The highest content of alkaloids was identified in the periods of full blossom and legumes. A lower content was noted during bud formation, and the lowest in the full maturity period. High levels of alkaloids are present in legumes, while stems, inflorescences and leaves contain lesser amounts. The lowest content of alkaloids was identified in seeds. Keywords: forage lupins, alkaloids, vegetation periods, vegetative and generative organs