Lupinus x hispanicoluteus - An interspecific hybrid of Old World lupins

Abstract

Lupinus species are distributed in two centers of origin: in the Old and New World. In the Old World, 13 lupin species have been recognized hitherto in the Mediterranean basin (mostly with different chromosome numbers and not out-crossing in situ), including three lupin crops, i.e. L. albus, L. angustifolius and L. luteus. Interspecific crossing within this group is interesting from the theoretical as well as practical point of view - for breeding improvement. Results of crossing of two Old World Lupinus species are presented: L. hispanicus subsp. hispanicus x L. luteus. Description and a diagnosis of the synthetic, stable hybrid is presented. The standard and wings from bud to open flower are yellow-violet to violet. The inflorescence is yellow-violet at the top, changing gradually to violet bottom when older. Plant habitus and smooth seed surface as in L. luteus. Dark green colour of leaves, not scented flowers and angular edge of compressed seeds as in L. hispanicus. The name L. x hispanicoluteus is proposed.