Significant genetic improvements have been made in Western Australia narrow leafed lupins since the 1970s, but challenges still lay ahead, according to Department of Agriculture and Food lupin breeder Dr Bevan Buirchell.

He told the recent GRDC supported Australian Agronomy Conference in Perth that herbicide resistant weeds and competition from increased global soybean production were major challenges confronting Western Australia's lupin industry.

Dr Buirchell said research on more herbicide tolerant varieties would continue, as would a focus on thinning lupin hulls, which made up 25 per cent of the lupin and had to be removed for aquaculture.

The unique dietary fibre and antioxidant components of lupins could also be exploited.

"Improvements in grain quality are achievable within limits, but how much this can benefit the industry depends on how well we interpret market signals from sectors likely to pay premiums," he said.