White Lupin Genomic Selection for Adaptation to Drought or Moderately Calcareous Soil: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Genomic selection (GS) may improve the adaptation of white lupin to drought or moderately calcareous soil, enabling to realize its potential as a high-protein crop. This study aimed to (a) verify breeders’ ability to identify the top-, mid-, and bottom-performing genotypes of published GS models of breeding lines and landrace genotypes for adaptation to drought and moderately calcareous soil; and (b) compare the top-performing materials produced by GS and phenotypic selection. Twelve selected genotypes were evaluated in four managed environments obtained through combining two soils (non-calcareous; moderately calcareous) with two water treatments (moderate terminal drought; moisture-favorable). GS based on the genotyping-by-sequencing of independent material was challenged by validation conditions that were partly different from the training ones and an imposed similarity of genomically predicted genotype phenology (to exploit drought resistance rather than drought escape). Grain yield reduction relative to favorable conditions averaged 19% for drought and 23% for calcareous soil. GS correctly identified the top-performing material for drought-prone or moderately calcareous soil, except for one model based on a small training set. The best GS lines performed comparably to the best phenotypically selected material. A higher harvest index was associated with better adaptation to drought and calcareous soil. Crossover genotype × water treatment interaction underpinned the selection for adaptation to drought.