Fruit development and associated changes in the distribution of dry weight and nitrogen in Lupinus angustifolius cv. Uniharvest and L. consentinii selection CB₁₂

Abstract

Reproductive development, and the distribution of dry matter and nitrogen were followed in field plantings of Lupinus angustifolius cv. Uniharvest and L. cosentinii selection CB12 from the start of flowering until maturity. L. cosentinii (CBI 2) commenced flowering one week earlier, but developed one less order of inflorescences and fewer flowers than L. angustfiolius (Uniharvest) ; yet it set more pods and produced more seed. In both species seeds did not commence to fill until the leaves began to fall shortly after flowering ended. Seeds in pods on all orders of inflorescence filled concurrently. The increase in seed weight coincided with a rapid fall in the nitrogen content of other fractions of the tops.