Tolerance to herbivory in lupin genotypes with different alkaloid concentration: Interspecific differences between Lupinus albus L. and L. angustifolius L.

The aim of this work was to compare tolerance to herbivory in Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius genotypes with contrasting alkaloid concentration. Tolerance was evaluated by comparing growth and grain yield of field-grown cut and uncut plants. Cutting treatments were performed at flowering by cutting 50% of the upper shoot biomass (including the main apex, stems, flowers and leaves). Differences between species were found in their tolerance to herbivory. While L. angustifolius showed full compensation in growth or grain yield that allowed cut plants to equal controls biomass or yield after damage, simulated herbivory reduced growth and grain yield in L. albus.