Reducing the risk of lupinosis and the incidence of phomopsis

The two main species of lupins grown in Australia are Narrow-leaf lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) and Broad-leaf or White lupin (L. albus).

A potential issue with grazing lupin stubble or in some cases feeding lupin seed is the risk of lupinosis, a disease that primarily damages the liver and causes loss of appetite, poor production and sometimes death.

In years with late season rain or hail, the risk of lupinosis increases. Sowing lupins close to the previous year’s stubble also increases the risk.

Phomopsis infected lupin grain is unsuitable for sowing due to poor germination. Also, sowing affected seed may spread the pathogen.

This Primefact looks at managing the risk to livestock from lupinosis as well reducing the incidence of phomopsis infection on lupin crops.