Phytate and total phosphorus content of field beans (Vicia faba L.)

Abstract

Considerable variation was found in the phytate and total phosphorus contents of varieties, selections and genotypes of field beans (Vicia faba L.) The phytate phosphorus content of seeds taken from single plants of the variety Dacre indicated that large variations (1.93‐4.03 g kg⁻¹), not significantly correlated with protein content, existed within an established variety. Although some variation in the ratio of phytate to total phosphorus was observed (0.40‐0.60), highly significant correlation coefficients were obtained for total and phytate phosphorus contents. The significance of the results obtained is discussed in relation to the potential for improving the nutritive value of field beans by breeding for lower phytate content.