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A one-day workshop was held at UWA on 28 June 2010 to examine whether Australian native herbaceous legumes have potential to be developed as grain legumes crops. Australian native legumes are likely to include species well adapted to low and variable rainfall and poorly fertile soils.

These adaptations may be especially important in the face of a drying climate and the running down of world phosphorus reserves.  The workshop was run by CLIMA and sponsored by RIRDC and the School of Plant Biology, UWA.  George Weston Foods was an industry partner for the RIRDC project.

The workshop began with a keynote presentation by Shahal Abbo, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who gave an overview of the domestication process of Near Eastern legumes and crops. Existing knowledge on Australian natives was covered by a range of speakers.  Dai Suter from George Weston Foods then provided a broader context by covering the main qualities required by commercial processors and the day concluded with an overview by Jon Clements of the process of lupin domestication here in Western Australia.

A number of key points emerged from the day.

First, there are a large range of native legumes, both native and exotic, which possess a number of favorable traits.  Although no standout species was identified, species from a number of genera including Cullen, Swainsona and Kennedia merit further research.

While there is little published evidence of use by Australian aboriginals, it would be useful to search for more information. There is some evidence of good drought tolerance and, in particular, interesting traits to overcome phosphorus limitations among the natives.  Further research may well identify outstanding species in this regard. Many useful traits lacking in some natives, such as non-shattering seed, can be expected to be easily selected for.

However, selection and breeding activities should be undertaken only after a clear idea of the final use and market has been developed.  The story of lupin domestication in Western Australian emphasised the substantial investment required to domesticate a new species and the critical role of publically funded research in this process.

Media references

Assoc/Prof Megan Ryan (UWA School of Plant Biology) (+61 8) 6488 2208