Transcriptome Resources Paving the Way for Lupin Crop Improvement

A range of transcriptomic resources have been generated for lupins from expressed sequenced tag (EST) libraries to the more recent next generation RNA sequencing libraries. This chapter will describe these resources and how they have been utilized to (a) generate gene-based molecular markers, (b) assist with the annotation of the reference genome for narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), and (c) addressed specific research questions that assess global expression under different conditions and/or tissue types. For white lupins (L. albus) these include transcriptome studies using RNA sequencing libraries to investigate cluster root formation and the plants phosphate uptake status, for narrow-leafed lupins investigations into smallRNAs, seed storage protein and alkaloid content in the grain, and for yellow lupin (L. luteus) investigations into organ abscission. While transcriptomics in lupins is still in its infancies compared to larger pulse crops, lupin transcriptome resources will no doubt grow and lay strong foundations for lupin crop improvement.