Grass pea variety enhances nitrogen/potassium uptake in wheat crops

Australian researchers have discovered that an Australian bred and less toxic grass pea variety enhances nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) uptake in wheat crops. Grass pea is a hardy annual legume with a growth habit similar to field pea, characterised by resistance to both drought and water logging. Its low cost, low input nature makes it a prime feed crop.

cultivar Ceora (Lathyrus sativus)

It has been restricted in use, however, due to the presence of neurotoxin ODAP, which causes paralysis of the lower limbs (lathyrism). Ethiopia, for one, has been subject to several lathyrism epidemics, when hunger overruled the risks attendent upon grass pea consumption. Read more ...