Reduced Phytic Acid Content Does Not Have an Adverse Effect on Germination of Soybean Seeds

Altering the level of phytic acid phosphorus by nutritional means had no effect on the ability of soybean (Glycine max L. [Merr.], cv ;Williams 79') seeds to germinate under laboratory or greenhouse conditions. Dry matter moved out of the cotyledons at similar rates whether the germinating seeds initially contained low (0.19), medium (0.59), or high (1.00 milligram per seed) phytic acid phosphorus. Growth of roots and shoots from 3 to 9 days after planting was similar for seeds containing low and medium levels of phytic acid phosphorus. The medium level of phytic acid resembles that found in field-grown seed, so it is clear that soybean seeds normally contain a phosphorus reserve far above that needed for germination and early seedling growth.