Screening for low phytic acid content in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) germplasm accessions

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) cultivars with genetic reduction in seed phytate concentration will be a valuable resource to livestock producers both nutritionally and economically, as well as in the preservation of the environment. However, due to association with reduced seed germination and field emergence potential, low phytate (LP) soybean cultivars are not being advanced to commercialization. Phytic acid, the heat stable anti-nutritional factor forms 75% of the total Phosphorous (P) in soybean seeds. It acts as strong chelating agent binding to metal ions reducing the bioavailability of Fe, Zn, Mg and Ca in human and non-ruminant livestock. In the present study, 50 soybean germplasm lines were screened to estimate the seed phytate. The mean value for phytic acid content ranged from 0.17 to 5.41(mg/100g).