The potential of alternative seed treatments to control anthracnose disease in white lupin

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a promising crop to meet the rising global demand for plant-based protein. The seed-borne pathogen Colletotrichum lupini, however, threatens cultivation worldwide. Seed dressings using synthetic fungicides were shown effective reduce infection levels, but their negative environmental impact and exclusion from organic production calls more sustainable solutions. In this study, total of eleven different alternative seed treatments tested in field trials Switzerland between 2018 2021. Treatment types consisted of: hot water, steam, electron, long-term storage, elevated partial pressure oxygen (EPPO), vinegar, plant extracts biological control agents (BCAs). BCAs potential antagonistic activity against C. lupini during white under controlled conditions prior trials. Long-term storage vinegar successfully reduced disease incidence increased yield levels similar those observed certified seeds, without significantly affecting germination rate. Although promising, effectiveness these needs further validation. Four showed significant reductions conditions. Besides lowering severity, two also DNA stem tissue. These reductions, not field, highlighting importance validations. identified study provide solid basis development protection strategies successfully.