Investigating the potential of Andean lupin as a lignocellulosic feedstock for Europe: First genome?wide association study on <i>Lupinus mutabilis</i> biomass quality

The development of multipurpose crops will drive the transformation agricultural “waste” into added-value products, helping to meet biomass demands without competing with food production or increasing environmental pressure. Lupinus mutabilis, has been proposed not only as a valid source protein and oil for Europe but also possible lignocellulosic feedstock biorefinery industry. In this study, quality L. mutabilis its genetic architecture are investigated first time, using panel 223 accessions planted across three locations in two different European cropping conditions. Biomass was evaluated based on estimation neutral detergent fiber, cellulose, hemicellulose acid lignin fractions, basis monosaccharide composition cell wall polysaccharides. broad variation yield encountered confirms potential points out value breeding tool improvement quality. A genome-wide association study conducted identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated quality, both per specific location. Scanning 16,781 SNPs whole genome identified 46 unique quantitative trait loci 4 which were detected common either among traits GWAS models. For each analyzed, between 3 10 detected, explaining 2.7%–15.9% phenotypic variation. Underlying these loci, 28 genes candidate Important involved cellulose sucrose synthesis (CESA4, SPP1,WRKY33, GONST2), monolignol biosynthesis (SKIP31, WAT1, CCR-SNL6) pectin degradation (RAV1, PE) require validation confirm their application breeding.