Low phytic acid mutants and selection thereof
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
InventorVictor Raboy
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Abstract
Single-gene, non-lethal mutations responsible for low phytic acid-containing seeds are selectable by means of a method for assaying seeds which are otherwise phenotypically, or nearly phenotypically, normal. Maize mutants having from 20% to 95% reductions in kernel phytic acid phosphorus compared to the wild-type, without any noticeable reduction in total phosphorus, were isolated by this method. Mutants obtained in accordance with the invention are useful for developing commercial, low phytic acid seed, plant lines.
Claims19
A non-lethal, mutant seed of a cereal plant species characterized by low phytic acid expression relative to wild-type seed of said species.
A method for selecting for a mutation in a plant species, said mutation being responsible for low phytic acid expression in the seed of said plant comprising the steps of:
- a. obtaining plants which have been self-pollinated through at least one generation subsequent to mutanization of seed in the parentage of said plants and assaying phenotypically normal seeds from the self-pollination for an indicator of phytic acid level;
- b. comparing the phytic acid level determined in (a) with a standard value for the level of phytic acid in wild-type seed of said plant;
- and
- c. selecting a seed which is characterized by low phytic acid expression relative to said standard value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.