The screening wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants for moderate phytate content using colorimetric values of semi-grain seeds

To select wheat cultivars with moderate phytate content, in this experiment the authors found out a new method quickly screening individual plant in huge offspring. Twenty-three wheat cultivars were twice planted at two places. For one part of the seeds harvested, they randomly cut them into two semi-grain seeds one by one, the semi-grain seeds without embryos were assayed by colorimetric values in some micro-test plates, and the semi-grain seeds with embryos were reserved temporarily; whereas for another part seeds, they determined their phytate content and inorganic phosphorus content, respectively. The results indicated that, there were significantly negative correlations (p = 0.01) not only between the phytate content and the inorganic phosphorus content but also between the phytate content and the colorimetric value, whereas there was a significantly positive correlation (p = 0.01) between the inorganic phosphorus content and the colorimetric value. In conclusion, using colorimetric value of one semi-grain seed without embryo, wheat breeders might appraise phytate content of another semi-grain seed with embryo; if the colorimetric value of the semi-grain seeds without embryo is fit for moderate phytate content, the corresponding semi-grain seed with embryo would be reserved for next generation planting.