Good Grains International, Inc.
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| Technical Information - Growing and Harvesting
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 | Soil Factors |
| Climatology |
| Agronomics |
| Planting and Harvesting Cultural Practices |
pH
Optimum range is 5.0-7.0 pH. Strains are being developed for growth on higher pH soils.
Soil Type
Lupins perform best on coarse-medium soils (sandy and loam type soils). Finer soils which have greater water holding capability may increase root disease potential.
Organic Matter
Low-medium levels of organic matter are preferred for Lupin production. High organic matter increases disease potential.
Soluble Salts
Lupins are sensitive to soluble salts and should not be planted where levels are excessive. Tap roots can reach 3 feet deep.
Permeability (internal drainage)
A medium to high drainage type soil is required.
Fertility
Fertility requirements are moderate and not well established. To date, research trials in Minnesota have shown no response from the Lupin to any fertilizer nutrient.
Nitrogen Fixation
Like most legumes, Lupins have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can use. This process is called nitrogen fixation and it occurs on the plant roots in the form of nodules. The fixed nitrogen is immediately available for the host plant.
The Lupin seed must be properly inoculated by a specific bacteria, Rhizoblum Lupin, for it to obtain its optimum fixation ability. Inoculum for other legumes cannot be substituted. Lupins are one of the highest nitrogen fixing legumes when properly inoculated.
Moisture Requirements
Moisture must be adequate at planting for good germination and also at flowering for optimum pod setting. When determining moisture requirements, three factors will play an important role: soil types, evapotranspiration and climate zone.
Temperature
Lupins are considered to be a cool season crop. Early planting is ideal due to the plants' cold tolerance. Lupins can tolerate temperatures of 16°F (-9°C). Minimum soil temperatures at planting should be 45-50°F (7-10°C).
Flowering is a critical stage in Lupin production. Continuous temperatures of 85°F or higher for long periods may cause the plant to abort its flowers, thereby decreasing yields. Early planting is a method to avoid these higher temperatures at flowering.
Growing season
The Lupin plant has approximately 110 days in its growing season. Flowering of primary pod setting is 60-70 days from planting. The secondary flower set will be 12-16 days after primary flower setting. Tertiary flowers are set 12-16 days after the secondary flower set.
Diseases
Well-drained soils are essential in minimizing root disease problems, which are common to most legumes and are best controlled by crop rotation.
Insects
To date, insects have not posed an economic concern in major Lupin production areas.
Weed Science
Full season weed control is necessary for optimum yields. Methods of herbicide application and climatic conditions may effect control.
Herbicides Labeled in the U.S.
Metolachlor (Dual) Rates 1.5-3 pts./A PE or PPI Pendimethalin (Prowl) Rates 1-3 pts./A PE or PPI Sethoxydin (Poast)(Dry Beans) Rates 1-1.5 pts./A Post Other herbicides are being secured for use but are not currently labeled.
Cultural or Mechanical Control
Avoid fields with heavy weed population Use of rotary hoe (pre-emergence through third leaf stages)
Soil Preparation
A well tilled, smooth seed bed is essential to insure consistent planting depth and germination. A trash-free seed bed will eliminate delay of seed germination and tie up of pre-emergence herbicides. The grower should also consider using Roundup in the fall prior to Lupin production if there is heavy quack grass pressure.
Rotation is important in agriculture to control certain insect and disease problems. A continual legume rotation may cause a grower problems. Break the rotation with a small grain crop. Research is taking place to determine ideal rotations in specific areas.
Inoculation
The procedure for inoculating Lupin seed varies depending on quantities.
Small Acreage of Field Plots Fill seed box 1/4 full. Use a hand sprayer and lightly spray water over the seed. Sprinkle inoculant over this layer and stir with a stick. Add another layer and repeat misting, inoculating and stirring. Repeat until seed box is full.
Large or Commercial Scale
A tractor grinder-mixer works well (bypassing the grinder). Precautions must be taken to avoid damaging seed coat. Meter slurry of inoculant and water into the seed as it goes into the mixer. A slow-moving auger misting the seed with water and sprinkling inoculant on the flow also mixes well. Allow the seed 1/2 to 1 hour to dry to prevent bridging. Always empty planter each day.
Important - The inoculant is a live bacteria. Light, heat and time can destroy the Rhizobia. The inoculated Lupin seed can be stored for five days in a dry, dark storage area with temperatures under 50°F (11°C).
Seed Treatment
Experience has shown that use of a pre-plant seed treatment is beneficial in establishing a good stand. Seed treatments that are labeled for dry beans qualify for use on Lupins and reduce or eliminate damage to the inoculant bacteria. Add seed treatment just prior to planting in the seed box at recommended rates. Downy mildew, seed rot and damping off can be controlled by Aprin.
Planting
Lupins have been commercially planted in rows and solid seeded.
The number of lbs./A should be based on the seed count/lb. and germination test. To reach high yields, approximately 180,000 plants/A is needed for a final stand. Seeding rate of 170-180 lbs./A is recommended. Planting depth should be in the range of 1/2" to 1-1/2" depending on soil type and moisture. Depth bands and press wheels on planter will insure even depth and good soil contact around seed to insure quick germination. Open feed gates on feed drills to prevent seeds from being crushed. Set drills in comparison with a crop of like size.
Harvesting
Lupins can be combined by direct cut or swathed. Swathing may benefit fields for dry down.
| Harvest at 13-15% moisture. |
| Slow cylinder speed to avoid cracking (300-600 rpm). |
| Cylinder clearance and air flow set at maximum value. |
| Choose harvesting conditions to avoid field loss caused by shattering. |
- Early morning or late evening when there is some dew on the plant.
- Semi-cloudy days.
- Use mechanical options to reduce field loss.
Example: Quick-cut sickle on combine or swather.
Lupins should be dried down to 13% moisture for long term storage. Drying is accomplished by natural or mechanical means.
Primary Pod set only Seeding rate of 170 lbs./A x 90%, Germination x 80% Emergence - Harvest survival x 5 pod/plant x 5 seed/pod = 3,060 lbs./A or 51 bu./A
| Approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm) square |
| Color: Beige |
| Crop Grouping: Dry and succulent bean category |
| Bushel Weight: 60 lbs. |
| Hull Color: Off White |
| 83% Dietary Fiber |
Color-Yellow 10% Fat 35% Protein 38% Carbohydrates
Sweet White Lupin is a crop with high yield potential, but often has exhibited considerable variance on farmers' fields and in experimental station trials. Some of the best yield studies conducted over an extended period were done at the University of Minnesota Agriculture Station in Staples, Minnesota. In their long-range studies, yields are listed as "good" and "bad." According to UMAS, good yields are those that reach 3500 kilograms per hectare (60 bushels per acre), and bad yields are those in the 2000 kilograms per hectare (40 bushels per acre) range.
Table 1 surveys the yields of a single location and its production output over several years:
| Yields | Average | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Yield | 1985 | 1987 | 1988 | 1990 | kg/ha | bu/A |
| 3770 | 3263 | 3268 | 3628 | 3485 | 66 | |
| Bad Yield | 1984 | 1986 | 1989 | kg/ha | bu/A | |
| 2065 | 2144 | 1969 | 2059 | 39 | ||
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Botanical Description