The fungus produces mycotoxins called phomopsins, which cause liver damage.

[2] The discovery and naming of this fungus concludes over a century of investigation into the cause of lupinosis since the first major outbreak in Germany in 1872.

The infection process and life cycle in both resistant and susceptible lupins has been fully elucidated.

Following this research rapid molecular breeding techniques have been developed leading to the production of many resistant lupin varieties.

Lupinosis is no longer considered a disease of major importance to livestock producers in Western Australia.